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, wherein the piezoelectric device includes a piezoelectric crystal, a striking member in the form of a cantilevered beam, and a catch lever.
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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.
135 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, wherein the piezoelectric device includes a piezoelectric crystal, a striking member in the form of a cantilevered beam, and a catch lever. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification