Bipolar electrosurgical knife

US4228800A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Concept Group LLC · US

Inventors

• Howard E. Degler, Jr. · St. Petersburg, US
• David E. Clark · Gainesville, US
• John J. Hren · Gainesville, US
• David A. Jenkins · Warren, US
• Paul F. Johnson, III · Gainesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 4, 1978
• Grant date: Oct 21, 1980
• Expiry date: Apr 4, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1412
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electrosurgical instrument comprising a handle which holds a blade assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes and insulation members positioned between the electrodes. The blade assembly comprises a center electrode of specified thickness, insulation members secured to the center electrode and a plurality of side electrodes secured to the insulation members. The center electrode and insulation members are cut to form a cutting edge having a composite angle of less than 120.degree. thus allowing easier electrosurgical performance. The electrodes are connected inside the nonconductive handle to a circuit whose output consists of a high frequency electrical current which forms a circuit through tissue intervening between and in contact with the electrodes when the instrument is used.