Importance

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Abstract

A resistively heated thermally cutting and coagulating surgical instrument which may be employed with a conventional electrosurgical generator having bipolar output ports and a bipolar cable. The instrument utilizes a heating element which is heated to a predetermined upper temperature limit while in still air under a starting condition. Under this condition, heat dissipation by radiation, convection, and conduction through the instrument itself provides a high temperature end form of regulation. Under a subsequent working condition wherein the heated component or element is in contact with the tissue, heat dissipation is by thermal conduction both into the tissue and through the thermally conductive components of the instrument. A preferred heating element is formed with a ferromagnetic material which, when at the upper limit temperature is maintained at a value restricted to a temperature below curie temperature and which does not invoke surface oxidation or scaling within the time interval of heating experienced in the starting condition. However, the temperature is high enough to sustain a temperature effective for cutting and coagulation when in the working condition. A handle is employed which contains impedance matching circuit components. In one embodiment, the heating component of the instrument incorporates an integrally formed probe which is retained at lower temperatures through the use of a current restricting neck.

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First Claim