Multielectrode electrosurgical instrument
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical instrument for conveying electrosurgical power to tissue to achieve a predetermined electrosurgical effect, comprising:
- an active electrode having a first section and a first tapered section terminating at a first conductor edge;
a first outermost insulation layer having a second tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the active electrode which tapers against a side of the first tapered section to expose the first conductor edge;
a return electrode electrically isolated from the active electrode, the return electrode having a third section and a third tapered section terminating at a second conductor edge; and
a second outermost insulation layer having a fourth tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the return electrode which tapers against a side of the third tapered section to expose the second conductor edge; and
a passive electrode electrically isolated from the active electrode and the return electrode.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved electrosurgical instrument includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from each other using electrically insulating materials such that electric current does not flow between at least two of the bipolar alternating current electrodes unless they contact at least one other electrically conductive medium, such as patient tissue. The conductor edge portion and insulation layer each have geometric shapes and composition to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The outer profile of the insulation layer and conductive element are configured to facilitate the flow of electrosurgical decomposition products away from the conductor edge where they are formed.
100 Citations
57 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical instrument for conveying electrosurgical power to tissue to achieve a predetermined electrosurgical effect, comprising:
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an active electrode having a first section and a first tapered section terminating at a first conductor edge; a first outermost insulation layer having a second tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the active electrode which tapers against a side of the first tapered section to expose the first conductor edge; a return electrode electrically isolated from the active electrode, the return electrode having a third section and a third tapered section terminating at a second conductor edge; and a second outermost insulation layer having a fourth tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the return electrode which tapers against a side of the third tapered section to expose the second conductor edge; and a passive electrode electrically isolated from the active electrode and the return 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, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. An electrosurgical instrument for conveying electrosurgical power to tissue to achieve a predetermined electrosurgical effect comprising:
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an electrosurgical blade, the electrosurgical blade comprising; an active electrode having a first section and a first tapered section terminating at a first conductor edge; a first outermost insulation layer having a second tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the active electrode which tapers against a side of the first tapered section to expose the first conductor edge; a return electrode electrically isolate from the active electrode, the return electrode having a third section and a third tapered section terminating at a second conductor edge; a second outermost insulation layer having a fourth tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the return electrode which tapers against a side of the third tapered section to expose the second conductor edge; and a passive electrode electrically isolated from the active electrode and the return electrode; and a handle coupled to the electrosurgical blade. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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50. A sterile package kit for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising:
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a sterile package; and an electrosurgical instrument sealed within the sterile package, the electrosurgical instrument comprising; an active electrode having a first section and a first tapered section terminating at a first conductor edge; a first outermost insulation layer having a second tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the active electrode which tapers against a side of the first tapered section to expose the first conductor edge; a return electrode electrically isolate from the active electrode, the return electrode having a third section and a third tapered section terminating at a second conductor edge; a second outermost insulation layer having a fourth tapered section generally following the contours of and overlaying the return electrode which tapers against a side of the third tapered section to expose the second conductor edge; a passive electrode electrically isolated from the active electrode and the return electrode; and a handle sealed within the sterile package and electrically coupled to the active, return and passive electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
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Specification