Electrosurgical instrument with fluid diverter

US10751117B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David A. Witt · Maineville, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• David C. Yates · Morrow, US
• Chad P. Boudreaux · Cincinnati, US
• Eric M. Roberson · Lebanon, US
• Kevin L. Houser · Springboro, US
• Geoffrey S. Strobl · Williamsburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 25, 2020
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/0073
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include a discharge port in communication with a first fluid path, an aspiration port in communication with a second fluid path, a first and second electrode, and a diverter in mechanical communication with the two electrodes. The diverter may receive, on its surface, a fluid emitted by the discharge port, and maintain a contact of the fluid with the first and second electrodes. The diverter may be further configured to prevent an aspiration, by the aspiration port, of the fluid on its surface. An electrosurgical device may include a source port in communication with a first fluid path, an evacuation port in communication with a second fluid path, a first and second electrode, and a housing. The device may include a shaft extending distally from the housing and the end effector as described above.