Bipolar electrosurgical end effectors
US5954720A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/146
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with one metal and one ceramic end effector. Current is passed through the metal end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the ceramic end effector. A connection at the distal tip of the ceramic end effector allows the current to return along exposed conductive strip which is spaced apart from the metal end effector in cutting action by a gap of approximately 0.020 inches when the ceramic and metal blade supports are brought into contact with tissue, a current flows from the exposed metal strip on the ceramic blade through to the metal blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.