Electrosurgical instrument reducing current densities at an insulator conductor junction
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another, comprising:
- a pair of electrodes each including an electrically conductive surface, an insulating substrate having a first edge, and an insulating layer positioned in a channel formed by the electrically conductive surface within the first edge between the conductive surface and the first edge of the insulating substrate, the insulating layer having a portion proximal to the electrically conductive surface and a portion distal from the electrically conductive surface and a gradient such that the proximal portion has a lower dielectric strength than the distal portion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another, includes a pair of electrodes each including an electrically conductive surface (e.g., which can be dimensioned for sealing, clamping and/or cutting), an insulating substrate having a first edge, and an insulating layer positioned in a channel formed by the electrically conductive surface within the first edge between the conductive surface and the first edge of the insulating substrate. The insulating layer has a portion proximal to the electrically conductive surface and a portion distal from the electrically conductive surface and a gradient such that the proximal portion has a lower dielectric strength than the distal portion. A coating on one of the pair of electrodes may be disposed in at least partial non-vertical registration with a coating on the opposing one of the pair of electrodes.
1026 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another, comprising:
a pair of electrodes each including an electrically conductive surface, an insulating substrate having a first edge, and an insulating layer positioned in a channel formed by the electrically conductive surface within the first edge between the conductive surface and the first edge of the insulating substrate, the insulating layer having a portion proximal to the electrically conductive surface and a portion distal from the electrically conductive surface and a gradient such that the proximal portion has a lower dielectric strength than the distal portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
Specification