Switch mechanisms for safe activation of energy on an electrosurgical instrument
US7837685B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2300/014
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Various safe switching mechanisms are provided for use with electrosurgical instruments which prevent arcing between the high-energy contacts as the high-energy source is activated. The switching mechanisms generally include a pair of high-energy contacts and a pair of activation contacts. An actuator is provided which initially engages the high-energy contacts in advance of engagement of the activation contacts to prevent arcing and subsequently disengages the activation contacts in advance of the high-energy contacts as the energy source is deactivated. A method of switching power to an electrosurgical instrument while avoiding damage to high-energy contacts is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.