Importance

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Abstract

An electrosurgical electrode for performing an ELF procedure comprises an elongated thin, electrically-conductive tube shaped to substantially match the curvature of the skull extending from the brow upward to a position at or above the hairline. The electrically-conductive tube terminates at a distal end in a generally spade-shaped end with an opening whose tip is bare but of which the remainder of the spade-shaped end is covered with a thin coating of an electrically-insulating coating. The remainder of the electrically-conductive tube is also covered with an electrically-insulating coating. The proximal end of the electrically-conductive tube is connected to a handpiece whose interior is hollow and which can be connected to a flexible suction tube coupled to a source of suction. Connected to the handpiece is a connector which makes a good electrically-conductive contact to the electrically-conductive tube. The connector in turn is provided with a cable that can be plugged into conventional electrosurgical apparatus. During the part of the procedure when a muscle is severed by activating the electrosurgical apparatus, the suction source can also be activated to remove any smoke or plumes that can interfere with a surgeons view of the cutting action.

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First Claim