BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE WITH FLOATING-POTENTIAL ELECTRODES
First Claim
1. A bipolar electrosurgical probe comprising:
- a. a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
b. at least one active electrode located at or near the distal end of said shaft, wherein said at least one active electrode is connected to a power supply;
c. a conductor connected to said at least one active electrode;
d. a return current electrode disposed on the shaft in moderate proximity to the at least one active electrode;
e. at least one conductive member disposed at the distal end, wherein said at least one conductive member comprises a floating electrode that is not connected to a power supply; and
f. a dielectric member disposed between the at least one active electrode and the at least one conductive member,wherein said at least one conductive member has a distal portion and a proximal portion with the distal portion being positioned in close proximity to an end of the at least one active electrode so as to concentrate the power in the vicinity of the active electrode and increase the energy density in the region surrounding the active electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgical instrument, system, and methods are provided for the vaporization, cutting, coagulation, or treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium. The electrosurgical probe comprises at least one active electrode, and at least one “floating” electrode having at least one end in close proximity to at least one active electrode. The floating electrode is not connected in any way to the electrosurgical power supply, but rather has a “floating” potential determined by the shape and position of the electrode. The floating electrode increases current density in the region of the probe distal end.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A bipolar electrosurgical probe comprising:
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a. a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; b. at least one active electrode located at or near the distal end of said shaft, wherein said at least one active electrode is connected to a power supply; c. a conductor connected to said at least one active electrode; d. a return current electrode disposed on the shaft in moderate proximity to the at least one active electrode; e. at least one conductive member disposed at the distal end, wherein said at least one conductive member comprises a floating electrode that is not connected to a power supply; and f. a dielectric member disposed between the at least one active electrode and the at least one conductive member, wherein said at least one conductive member has a distal portion and a proximal portion with the distal portion being positioned in close proximity to an end of the at least one active electrode so as to concentrate the power in the vicinity of the active electrode and increase the energy density in the region surrounding the active electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification