Surgical Gas Plasma Ignition Apparatus and Method
First Claim
1. An ignition system for initiating a plasma arc in an electrosurgical system, the system comprising:
- a source of high frequency electrical energy having a terminal of active potential and a terminal of return potential;
a base having a distal end from which a plasma arc emanates;
an active electrode operatively coupled with the base and electrically in circuit with the terminal of active potential; and
a piezoelectric device electrically coupled to the active electrode to create at least one high voltage spike when the system is initially activated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an ignition system for initiating a plasma arc in an electrosurgical system. The system includes a source of high frequency electrical energy having a terminal of active potential and a terminal of return potential a base having a distal end from which a plasma arc emanates, an active electrode operatively coupled with the base and electrically in circuit with the terminal of active potential. The ignition system may have a piezoelectric device electrically coupled to the active electrode to create at least one high voltage spark when the system is initially activated. Alternately, the ignition system may include a heater or heating device of heating the active electrode and producing free electrons to assist in the initiation of the plasma arc.
111 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An ignition system for initiating a plasma arc in an electrosurgical system, the system comprising:
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a source of high frequency electrical energy having a terminal of active potential and a terminal of return potential; a base having a distal end from which a plasma arc emanates; an active electrode operatively coupled with the base and electrically in circuit with the terminal of active potential; and a piezoelectric device electrically coupled to the active electrode to create at least one high voltage spike when the system is initially activated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of using a plasma ignition system for initiating a plasma arc in an electrical system, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing an electrosurgical device comprising; a source of high frequency electrical energy having a terminal of active potential and a terminal of return potential; a base having a distal end from which the plasma arc emanates; an active electrode operatively coupled with the base and electrically in circuit with the terminal of active potential; and a piezoelectric device electrically coupled to the active electrode to create at least one initial high voltage spike when the system is initially activated; energizing the active electrode; and actuating the piezoelectric device to create an increased voltage near the distal end of the holder thereby initiating a plasma arc. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification