Bipolar electrosurgical end effectors
US6312430A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/146
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with two end effectors. Current is passed through the second end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the first end effector. The first and second end effectors allow the current to travel along exposed conductive strips which are spaced apart cutting surfaces by a gap of preferably approximately 0.020-0.040 inches when the first and second blade supports are brought into contact with tissue. Current flows between the exposed metal strip on the first blade and the exposed metal strip on the second blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades. The first and second end effectors may be partially insulated to direct current between the conductive strips, and both may have gaps at their respective surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.