Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in minimally invasive internal surgical procedures
US5484435A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/062
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in laparoscopic surgery or other minimally invasive internal surgical procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus (10) is provided which is suitable for laparoscopic applications. The apparatus (10) comprises an active electrode (18) and a current return electrode shoe (34). A spring (44) or other resilient member urges the shoe (34) into tissue contact when the active electrode (18) is positioned for surgery. In another embodiment, an axially retractable active electrode (90) is used to grip tissue and draw the tissue back to a passive electrode (92) The apparatus of the present invention is capable of functioning in cutting, coagulation and desiccation modes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.