Device for converting a mechanical cutting device to an electrosurgical cutting device
US6193715A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/00296
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An adapter unit for a mechanical tissue cutting implement such as a shaver, morcellator or the like includes a mounting block from which an electrically insulating sheath extends. The sheath fits over the cannula or shaft of the cutting implement, and is secured in alignment and attached so that the cutting tip, for example, the tool and its window in the cannula tip, are exposed through the sheath. A conductor, which may be a conductive layer, extends along the length of the sheath and is exposed to form a distal electrode at the tip in close proximity to the opening, constituting one electrode of a bipolar electrode arrangement at the exposed tool. The other electrode is provided by electrical connection to the implement itself, so that a high current density path is formed through tissue in the cutting region. Preferably both output connections of an electrosurgical generator are coupled through a matching transformer to the mounting block by a plug, socket, cable or fixed cord arrangement, and the mounting block may, for example, be formed of plastic, preferably having an alignment feature such as a notch to fasten to the implement so that the sheath opening aligns with the cut…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.