Electrosurgery apparatus with partially insulated electrode and exposed edge

• US 8,414,572 B2
• Filed: 03/30/2012
• Issued: 04/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Davison, Paul O., Palanker, Daniel V., Vankov, Alexander B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCOTT, AMANDA L
• Application Number:
  US13/436,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20120191084A1
• Time in Patent Office: 375 Days
• Field of Search: 606 32- 48
• US Class Current: 606/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1402 Probes for open surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00589 Coagulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00601 Cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00607 Coagulation and cutting with the same instrument

Abstract

Electrosurgery method and apparatus. In the method, tissue is cut or coagulated, with an electrically low conductive liquid providing cooling. In another method, skin is cut by electrosurgery in a dry field using a low duty cycle signal energizing the cutting electrode, minimizing tissue charring. A combination coagulation and cutting electrode performs both functions. The cutting is performed by a blade edge generating a local plasma adapted for cutting. Superimposed on the blade edge is an electrode of greater surface area electrically insulated from the cutting electrode, for coagulation. In another version, a single component cutting/coagulation blade (electrode) has a cutting and a flat partially insulated portion defining through holes in the insulation for coagulation. Also provided is an electrical circuit whereby each electrode is isolated by a filter from cross talk and feedback of the RF signal from the other electrode, minimizing arcing.

Claims

1. Apparatus for electrosurgery, adapted to be coupled to an electrical lead, comprising:

a monopolar electrode defining a first portion adapted to be coupled to the electrical lead;

a planar working portion of the electrode extending from the first portion and having an elongated shape terminating at its extremity in a curved portion;

an electrically insulating layer of glass covering the working portion and extending to be flush with an edge of the electrode, and at least partially exposing the edge;

wherein the electrically insulating layer defines a plurality of voids, each void exposing an underlying portion of the electrode, whereby a portion of the electrode having the voids is adapted for coagulation of tissue together with a remote return electrode and wherein there are at least ten voids disposed in two dimensions on the planar working portion each void having a diameter in the range of 1 to 100 μ

m;

wherein the exposed edge of the electrode is adapted for cutting tissue together with the remote return electrode, and a width of the exposed edge is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the electrode away from the edge is about 0.25 mm.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrode is substantially of titanium or stainless steel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the edge of the electrode is in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.20 mm.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the insulating layer is in the range of 0.005 to 0.5 mm.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the edge is tapered at an angle of about 10°

on one side only.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the voids each have a diameter in the range of 10 to 50 μ

m.