High-frequency electrodes, electrode instruments and resectoscopes for use in surgical hand instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-frequency electrode, an electrode instrument and a resectoscope for use in surgical hand instruments. High-frequency electrodes for hand instruments are used, in particular in urology, for electrosurgical work on the bladder, prostate and urethra. It is known that a large effective area of ​​the electrode is advantageous. However, the size of this area is limited by the available space. In addition, a higher energy is required to ignite the plasma of a large electrode. However, the higher energy has an adverse effect on the temperature input into the rinsing fluid, which can be detrimental to the surrounding tissue. The invention provides a high-frequency electrode (18), an electrode instrument (16) and a resectoscope (10), in which the plasma can be better locally concentrated on the electrode (18) while the energy required to ignite the plasma is reduced. This is achieved in that the high-frequency electrode (18) used in the surgical hand instrument has the shape of a ring body (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-frequency electrode used in a surgical handheld instrument, an electrode instrument used in a surgical handheld instrument, and a resectoscope. Background Art

[0002] High-frequency electrodes of the type described in the introduction for handheld instruments, in particular resectoscopes, are primarily used in urology for electrosurgical work on the bladder, prostate, and urethra. Similarly, the high-frequency electrodes can also be used in other surgical and orthopedic treatments or operations. Typically, the electrodes are used for the removal and vaporization of tissue, for example, in the lower urinary tract, as well as for electrode coagulation. For this purpose, the handheld instrument or resectoscope contains a high-frequency electrode or electrode instrument of this type that is longitudinally movable and rotatable mounted within the shaft of the handheld instrument or resectoscope. The surgical high-frequency electrode is placed at the distal working end of the electrode instrument, for example in the form of a ring or button.

[0003] Such electrodes can be designed as monopolar or bipolar. Depending on the application or embodiment, electrical energy or a high-frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes via electrical conductors. The high-frequency current is supplied by a high-frequency generator via a handheld instrument or a resectoscope. In the case of monopolar electrodes, a neutral electrode is placed on the person to be treated. Alternatively, the neutral electrode can also be an integral part of the resectoscope. In this case, the shaft, the transport frame, and the optical element serve as the potential-neutral electrode.

[0004] By applying a common high-frequency voltage to the electrode, a plasma of charged particles forms around the electrode or around several parts of the electrode. The plasma is concentrated directly and locally on the electrode and has a high temperature or energy density, making it well-suited for the aforementioned applications. For electrode coagulation, it is particularly important that the plasma is generated on a specific surface of the electrode so that the patient being treated can be precisely positioned with the electrode.

[0005] In known high-frequency electrodes, a portion of the plasma that forms is directed more towards the electrode's electrical conductor. This prevents targeted use of the electrode and reduces the plasma density on the electrode itself. Ideally, the plasma forms in the lower or central electrode section, where the electrode is in contact with the tissue. Plasma formation in the upper electrode section, where the electrical conductor is located, has proven disadvantageous for sheath applications.

[0006] For this treatment, electrodes with as large an effective area as possible are beneficial. However, the size of this area is limited by the size of the application area. Furthermore, larger electrodes require higher energies to ignite the plasma. However, this increased heat has adverse effects on the treated area within the body. Furthermore, larger electrodes result in a slower ignition rate. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing a high-frequency electrode, an electrode instrument and a resectoscope, with which the plasma can be better locally concentrated on the electrode, thereby maximizing the surface in contact with the tissue while reducing the plasma ignition energy.

[0008] Therefore, it is provided that the high-frequency electrode has the shape of a ring for use in surgical hand instruments, in particular resectoscopes. The ring-shaped or donut-shaped electrode has an outer circumference and an inner circumference. The electrode body here describes a closed ring-shaped structure. In order to use the electrode, for example for vaporization, resection or electrode coagulation, the ring is moved with its lower half through the patient's tissue to be treated. The ring shape gives the high-frequency electrode a large active surface, the area of ​​which is on the other hand reduced by the central opening. The reduced effective surface means that the plasma ignition requires less electrical energy than the known full-surface electrodes. As a result, the ignition speed can also be increased or the ignition time can be shortened. Another advantage of the ring-shaped electrode or donut-shaped electrode is that bubbles in the rinsing liquid generated by the plasma and obstructing the view can be guided out in a controlled manner through the holes in the electrode. By removing the bubbles, the view in front of the optical element can be improved.

[0009] Preferably, it can be provided that the ring-shaped electrode is connected to an electrical conductor for generating plasma, via which the electrode can be connected to a high-frequency generator. In the electrode, the electrical conductor is connected to the lower section or lower half of the ring. The lower section is conductive. The upper section or the upper half of the electrode, which is complementary in shape, can be designed to be conductive or electrically insulating. As a result, electrical energy is stored exactly where the plasma should be generated. The electrical conductor can then be guided to the high-frequency generator, for example, via the shaft of a handheld instrument, in particular a resectoscope. Here, the electrical conductor can be connected integrally to the high-frequency electrode and the handheld instrument, or it is recommended to be connected to the handheld instrument and / or the high-frequency electrode in the form of a plug. It is therefore conceivable that the high-frequency electrode has one or two conductors, via which the electrode can be connected to the handheld instrument in a plug-like manner. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for maintenance and cleaning purposes.

[0010] Alternatively, the present invention particularly provides that the ring-shaped electrode has two electrical conductors for plasma generation, each of which contacts one electrode end of the electrode and can be connected to a high-frequency generator. The electrode ends of the electrode are electrically isolated from each other by an insulating member. In the case of a bipolar electrode, the electrical conductors each extend to one electrode end of the electrode. In this case, the high-frequency electrode is divided into two electrode ends. Preferably, one electrode end is located on the bottom surface of the electrode, and the other electrode end is located on the top surface of the electrode. The insulating member is located between the electrode ends. However, it is also conceivable that the electrode ends on the electrode are divided in other ways. Thus, it is conceivable that one electrode end on the bottom surface of the electrode is designed to be significantly larger than the second electrode end, which extends only in a ring shape on the top surface of the electrode. This special design of the electrode allows for good localized concentration and thus targeted use of the plasma intended for surgical applications. It is also conceivable that the other electrode end, or the second electrode end, or the neutral electrode, is located on one of the two arms of the electrode instrument. It is therefore conceivable that both arms or fork tubes of the electrode can also serve as return electrodes and / or neutral electrodes.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention may further provide that the electrode is preferably detachably secured to a handheld instrument, in particular an electrode instrument, via at least one electrical conductor and / or at least one positioning element. Thus, in addition to the at least one electrical conductor, another element made of metal or an insulator can, for example, ensure the stability of the electrode on the handheld instrument or electrode instrument. In particular, during use, greater mechanical tension and pressure act on the electrode. The positioning element and at least one electrical conductor ensure that the electrode does not lose its position relative to the handheld instrument even under greater mechanical forces. The positioning element can also be designed in the form of a plug, thereby enabling a detachable or engaging connection to the handheld instrument.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention can provide that the at least one, preferably two, electrical conductors contact the ring body on the inside. By positioning the conductors on the inner circumference of the ring body, they do not interfere with the treatment process. Since the electrical conductors are assigned to the inner circumference, the outer circumference and bottom surface of the ring body can be used for cutting or vaporizing tissue.

[0013] It is also conceivable that the cross-section parallel to the radial axis of the ring body is designed to be elliptical, oval, circular, triangular, rectangular, and preferably square, trapezoidal, polygonal, etc. The various cross-sections allow for the generation of various plasma densities on the surface of the ring body. In particular, shapes with sharp corners allow for the generation of very high plasma densities, which are advantageous for certain applications, such as tissue cutting. Similarly, the large surface area can be utilized to effectively vaporize or coagulate tissue sites.

[0014] It is also conceivable that the outer periphery of the ring body is designed to be elliptical, oval or circular. The shape of the outer periphery can also be used to optimize the application for certain surgical procedures. Depending on the area to be treated and the type of treatment, it may be advantageous to use an elliptical, oval or circular ring body.

[0015] A special embodiment of the invention can provide for an annular projection, preferably an edge, to be formed around the outer circumference of the ring body surface. This projection facilitates the ignition of the plasma, or allows for rapid ignition with low energy consumption. Due to the higher electric field strength at the annular projection, the plasma ignites quickly, allowing for a very short period of electrode use. It is also conceivable for the annular projection to be designed as a semicircle only in certain areas or to be located at another position on the ring body surface.

[0016] It is also conceivable that the first electrical conductor is assigned to the lower section of the ring body, and this section forms the first electrode end, and the second electrical conductor is assigned to the upper section of the ring body, and this section forms the second electrode end, wherein the upper and lower sections are designed to be identical or different in terms of area. In particular, the lower section is designed to be larger or smaller in terms of area than the upper section.

[0017] It is also conceivable that the outer diameter of the ring body, in particular the average outer diameter, is 2 to 5 times, in particular 2.5 to 4 times, or 3 times, the inner diameter of the ring body, in particular the average inner diameter. Other diameter ratios are also conceivable. It can also be provided that the ring body is designed to be approximately annular or almost completely closed. Depending on the intended application, certain geometric shapes may be very advantageous.

[0018] The ring body is essentially made of stainless steel, titanium, platinum-iridium alloy or platinum-tungsten alloy. In addition, it is also conceivable that the ring body can also be made of other conductive materials. The electrical insulator can be made of plastic or ceramic material.

[0019] Therefore, it is provided that an electrode instrument to be used in a surgical handpiece, in particular a resectoscope, has an elongated shaft with two arms, through which at least one conductor extends and which is connected or connectable at the distal end of the instrument to a high-frequency electrode. The high-frequency electrode is arranged between the distal ends of the arms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical handheld instrument, in particular a resectoscope,

[0022] Figure 2 An embodiment of a high-frequency electrode is shown,

[0023] Figure 3Another embodiment of the high-frequency electrode is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the high-frequency electrode is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the high-frequency electrode is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 Another embodiment of a high frequency electrode is shown, and

[0027] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a high-frequency electrode is shown.

[0028] Reference Signs List

[0029] 10 resectoscope 21 ring body

[0030] 11 conveyor frame 22 lower section

[0031] 12 handle unit 23 upper section

[0032] 13 shafts and 24 rings

[0033] 14 shaft tube 25 ring body

[0034] 15 optical elements 26 ring body

[0035] 16 electrode instrument 27 ring body

[0036] 17 eyepieces 28 ring bodies

[0037] 18 high frequency electrode 29 support arm

[0038] 19 electrical conductor 30 support arm

[0039] 20 electrical conductors DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] exist Figure 1 , a resectoscope 10 is shown as an example of a surgical handheld instrument. Resectoscope 10 essentially consists of a transport frame 11, a handle unit 12, and a shaft 13, which extends into a corresponding body opening for treating a patient. In the embodiment shown here, shaft 13 comprises an outer shaft tube 14, an optical element 15, and an electrode instrument 16. Optical element 15 is formed by a long tube within which a lens or glass fiber can be positioned, allowing viewing of the treatment site at the distal end of shaft 13 through an eyepiece 17 located proximally of shaft 13. For a more detailed description of resectoscopes, reference is made to the known prior art.

[0041] The electrode instrument 16 is basically composed of a high-frequency electrode 18 and at least one electrical conductor 19. On the one hand, the at least one electrical conductor 19 supplies high-frequency voltage to the high-frequency electrode 18. On the other hand, the electrical conductor 19 and perhaps another element serve as a support for holding the electrode 18 on the electrode instrument 16. The electrical conductor 19 passes through the shaft 14 from the distal end of the resectoscope 10 and is connected to a high-frequency generator (not shown) for generating high-frequency electromagnetic energy through other wires. The two conductors 19, 29 can be guided through two brackets 29, 30 or the fork tube ( Figure 2 ).

[0042] For example, tissue can be treated with the aid of the high-frequency electrode 18. To this end, the high-frequency electrode 18 can be designed as a monopolar electrode or a bipolar electrode. In the case of a bipolar electrode, it is connected to two electrical conductors 19 and 20. In the embodiment of a monopolar electrode, the electrode 18 is connected to only one electrical conductor 19. Another neutral electrode is placed on the patient or integrated into the resectoscope (shaft, conveyor frame, optical element; when all components are at the same potential, this leads to low current density due to the large area). By supplying electrical energy to the high-frequency electrode 18, plasma is generated on the electrode 18, whereby tissue is treated by corresponding movement of the electrode instrument 16.

[0043] The high-frequency electrode 18 according to the present invention is designed as a ring body 21. Figure 2 , a ring body 21 with a circular cross section is shown by way of example. This ring body 21 is electrically connected to the power supply via two electrical conductors 19, 20 of the electrode instrument 16. Alternatively, it is conceivable that one of the conductors 19, 20 is designed as a positioning element.

[0044] The ring body 21 or high-frequency electrode 18 has a lower section 22 and an upper section 23. These sections 22 and 23 can be designed with different sizes. In the embodiment shown here, the electrical conductor 19 extends to the lower section 22 of the ring body 21, and the electrical conductor 20 extends to the upper section 23. It is also conceivable that the upper section 23 is fixed by other retaining members. In the case of a bipolar electrode, an insulator is provided between the conductive sections 22 and 23 to isolate the two electrodes from each other. This special embodiment of the high-frequency electrode 18 allows a large plasma surface to be generated on the lower section 22 of the electrode 18, allowing a large amount of tissue to be removed in a short time. The ring shape of the high-frequency electrode 18 keeps the effective surface area of ​​the electrode 18 small, so that the ignition of the plasma requires little heating energy or electrical energy. In addition, the shape is designed to be particularly advantageous for rapid plasma ignition.

[0045] The ratio between the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the "donut-shaped" high-frequency electrode 18 can be any value. Depending on the type of treatment or application, a ring body 21 with different set sizes can be used. Figures 3 to 7 Various ring structures are shown in Figure 3 An example of a high-frequency electrode 18 is shown in FIG. 1 , where the cross section of the ring body 24 is designed to be rectangular or square. Figure 4 In the case of the ring body 25 shown, the cross section is designed to be trapezoidal. Figure 5 The embodiment in FIG shows a ring body 26 having a triangular cross section. Figure 6 The embodiment of the ring body 26 also shows a triangular cross section. However, in this embodiment, the triangle is turned so that one point points downwards. Figure 7 Another embodiment of a ring body 28 is shown in FIG. Depending on the shape, different plasmas are formed on the high-frequency electrode 18 due to different electric field strengths. Therefore, depending on the requirements, a particularly advantageous electrode 18 can be selected. It should be noted that the selection of ring body shapes shown here is not exhaustive. On the contrary, nearly any shape is conceivable for the ring body.

[0046] An embodiment of the present invention, not shown, may provide for an edge or an annular frame to be provided on the outer side of the ring body 21. This edge facilitates the formation of the plasma, thereby reducing the ignition energy on the one hand and shortening the ignition time on the other.

[0047] The high-frequency electrode 18 according to the invention can be connected to the resectoscope 10 in the form of a plug together with the electrode instrument 16. It is also conceivable that the electrode 18 can be connected to the electrode instrument 16 in the form of a plug. This is particularly advantageous for maintenance and cleaning purposes.

[0048] It is expressly noted that the use of the high-frequency electrode 18 is not limited to urological applications. Rather, it is also conceivable that the electrode 18 may be used in orthopedic applications or other surgical or medical applications.

Claims

1. A high-frequency electrode for use in a surgical handheld instrument, wherein: The high-frequency electrode can be supplied with electrical energy via at least one electrical conductor, and is characterized in that the high-frequency electrode has the shape of a donut-shaped ring body, wherein the ring-shaped electrode has an electrical conductor for generating plasma, the electrode can be connected to a high-frequency generator via the electrical conductor, and wherein the at least one electrical conductor contacts the ring body on the inside, at least one of the electrical conductors is connected to a lower section of the ring body, the lower section is electrically conductive, and the upper section of the ring body, which has a complementary shape, is designed to be electrically conductive or electrically insulating, wherein the outer circumference of the donut-shaped ring body is designed to be elliptical, oval or circular, and wherein the ring-shaped electrode has two electrical conductors for generating plasma, each of which contacts one electrode end of the electrode and can be connected to a high-frequency generator, wherein the ring body has an upper section and a lower section, wherein the lower section forms a first electrode end and the upper section forms a second electrode end, and wherein the first electrode end and the second electrode end are electrically isolated from each other by an insulating member.

2. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one electrode end of the electrode is formed by a bracket arm or a fork tube of the electrode.

3. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrode is detachably fastened to the handpiece via the at least one electrical conductor and / or at least at the positioning element.

4. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that Two electrical conductors contact the ring on the inside.

5. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that An annular protrusion is formed around the outer circumference of the annular surface.

6. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that A first electrical conductor is assigned to the first electrode end, and a second electrical conductor is assigned to the second electrode end, wherein the lower section and the upper section are designed to be identical or different in terms of area, wherein the lower section is larger or smaller in area than the upper section.

7. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer diameter of the ring body is 2 to 5 times the inner diameter of the ring body.

8. The high-frequency electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that The ring body is made of stainless steel, titanium, platinum-iridium alloy or platinum-tungsten alloy, and the electrical insulator is made of plastic or ceramic material.

9. An electrode device for use in a surgical handheld instrument, wherein: The electrode instrument has an elongated shaft with two supporting arms, at least one conductor extends through the supporting arms, and the conductor forms a high-frequency electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 8 at the distal end of the electrode instrument that can withstand high-frequency current. The high-frequency electrode is arranged between the distal ends of the supporting arms.

10. A resectoscope comprising the electrode instrument (16) according to claim 9.

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