Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A coaxial electrosurgical instrument has an elongate inner electrode insulated from and contained coaxially within a hollow tubular elongate outer electrode, each electrode having a distal uninsulated end portion contactable simultaneously to tissue. A controlled, high-frequency, potential difference is provided between the electrodes so that an electrical current flows substantially only through contacted tissue which lies between the contacting portions of the inner and outer electrodes. An undamped voltage enables incision of the tissue. Cauterization and coagulation are performed by applying a periodically damped voltage. The outer electrode has an end surface of an uninsulated distal end portion to form a leading edge. An axially oriented cutout extends inwardly from the leading edge and accommodates a distal end portion of the insulating sleeve, permitting selective location of the inner and outer electrode surfaces contacting tissue during use. The inner electrode has an inclined distal end with a smoothly rounded bulbous end which extends forwardly and radially outwardly of the outer electrode. A gentle hooking force can be applied thereby to hold tissue between the electrodes to enable precise surgical operations.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim