Structured electrode for steam pocket ignition

Abstract

An electrosurgical device can include a return electrode, an active electrode, and an electrically insulating material. The active electrode includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface configured to retain a portion of a gas from a vapor pocket on the hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface when the active electrode is in a conductive liquid solution and the active electrode has transitioned to an inactive state. The electrically insulating material is positioned between the active electrode and the return electrode.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 145,037, filed February 3, 2021, entitled “Structured Electrode for VaporPocket Ignition,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] These teachings relate to electrode configurations used to reduce the power required to generate, for example, a vapor pocket for tissue vaporization. Background Technology

[0004] Some electrosurgical devices vaporize tissue by generating a vapor bag in a fluid. This vapor bag can be generated between an active electrode and a return electrode. The active electrode can be part of the electrosurgical device. The return electrode can be part of the electrosurgical device or can include a pad placed on the patient as a grounding pad.

[0005] More specifically, some electrosurgical devices can be activated in a saline environment. These devices apply an electric current, which causes the fluid around the active electrode to boil. Boiling creates a vapor bag. This vapor bag is used to vaporize tissue. Any tissue in contact with the vapor bag is vaporized. As the electrodes become larger, the vapor bag becomes larger, and more tissue can be vaporized simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This teaching relates to improvements to electrosurgical devices. This teaching can reduce the amount of power required to establish a steam bag. This teaching can provide electrosurgical devices with electrodes larger than previously possible electrodes. This teaching can provide an electrosurgical device that consumes less electrical power compared to other electrosurgical devices without one or more of the aforementioned improvements.

[0007] The electrosurgical device may include a return electrode and an active electrode. The active electrode may include a first hydrophobic surface to retain some of the gas from the vapor bag when the active electrode is immersed in a liquid. The electrosurgical device may include an electrically insulating material located between the active electrode and the return electrode.

[0008] The first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface may be textured to inhibit liquid ingress into the space between the protrusions of the first hydrophobic surface and allow gas to remain in the space. The active electrode may include a hydrophobic coating. The first hydrophobic surface may be mechanically, optically, or chemically etched. The first hydrophobic surface includes trenches formed in the surface of the first hydrophobic surface.

[0009] The material may include a second superhydrophobic surface. The second hydrophobic surface may be textured to inhibit liquid entry into the space between the protrusions of the textured surface and allow gas to remain in the space. The material may include a superhydrophobic coating.

[0010] A method for operating a bipolar electrosurgical device in a liquid environment may include supplying an electric current to electrodes in the liquid to cause a vapor bag to form, and retaining some gas from the vapor bag at a superhydrophobic surface of the electrosurgical device after the vapor bag has partially dissipated. The superhydrophobic surface may include a texture comprising raised portions and recesses. Retaining the gas may include retaining the gas in one or more recesses within the recesses.

[0011] The method may also include reducing the amount of energy (e.g., electrical energy, ultrasonic energy, etc.), such as radio frequency (RF) energy, supplied to the electrodes after the steam bag has formed. The RF energy reduction can be sufficient to preserve the electrical path between the electrodes and the surgical target and the power of the steam bag.

[0012] Superhydrophobic surfaces can be formed on or integrally with the electrodes. Hydrophobic surfaces can also be formed on or integrally with the dielectric material located between the electrode and the return electrode.

[0013] An electrosurgical device may include: a return electrode; an active electrode including a superhydrophobic surface configured to retain gas on the superhydrophobic surface when the active electrode is in a conductive liquid solution (e.g., physiological saline) and the active electrode has transitioned to an inactive state; and an electrically insulating material located between the active electrode and the return electrode. The material may include a superhydrophobic surface configured to retain gas on the superhydrophobic surface. Both the active electrode and the material may include superhydrophobic surfaces configured to retain gas on the superhydrophobic surface.

[0014] Superhydrophobic surfaces can be integrally formed into active electrodes. These surfaces can be textured to inhibit liquid ingress into the spaces between the protrusions of the textured surface and allow gas to remain within those spaces. The hydrophobic surface can then be coated onto the active electrode. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an implementation of a system for ablating tissue is shown by way of example.

[0016] Figure 2 An example diagram of the electrosurgical device and an exploded view of the steam retention surface are shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an implementation of a system for changing surgical objectives is shown by way of example.

[0018] Figure 4 The example illustrates what happens after power is supplied to the electrosurgical device. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the implementation of the system.

[0019] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electrosurgical device is shown by way of example.

[0020] Figure 6 The example illustrates the process from... Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the electrosurgical device, seen from the angle of the arrow marked "6 / 7".

[0021] Figure 7 The example illustrates the process from... Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the electrosurgical device, seen from the angle of the arrow marked "6 / 7".

[0022] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The different operating states are illustrated through examples. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A decomposition diagram of a part of the system.

[0023] Figure 11 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for operating an electrosurgical device is shown by way of example, such as one of the electrosurgical devices discussed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Fluids such as saline solution can be introduced into a patient's body cavity, for example, to expand the cavity. This expansion increases the amount of space within the cavity, providing more room for surgical procedures. An electrosurgical device can be positioned within the fluid introduced into the patient's body cavity. The electrosurgical device can surgically alter tissue within the cavity using a steam bag. To alter (e.g., cauterize, ablate, remove, etc.) tissue, the electrosurgical device can form a steam bag within the fluid. The electrosurgical device can retain the steam bag while consuming less power than it would have to generate it. However, the steam bag can dissipate, and the space occupied by the steam bag can be consumed by the fluid. The steam bag can then be re-established for further tissue alterations.

[0025] The power or energy consumed when establishing a steam bag may be excessive. Surgical standards specify a limited number of watts that can be applied to a patient at a given time point and average level. Current limitations are approximately 300 watts, approximately 400 watts, etc. This power limits the size of the electrodes. Smaller electrodes can establish steam bags with lower energy (e.g., RF or ultrasound energy) compared to larger electrodes. Steam bags generated by smaller electrodes are smaller than those generated by larger electrodes. The power and size of the steam bag limit the control over the amount of tissue that can change per unit time.

[0026] To facilitate the establishment of a vapor bag in an electrosurgical device, a gas (e.g., air or steam from a boiling fluid) can be retained on the surface of the device. The retained gas forms the starting point for the vapor bag. This retention reduces the amount of power required to establish (or rebuild) the vapor bag in the fluid. This power reduction allows for larger electrodes (without violating the previously discussed surgical standards) while also enabling an increase in the amount of tissue that can be ablated or vaporized per unit time. This power reduction allows medical personnel to operate for longer, continuous durations without violating surgical standards.

[0027] Structured surfaces, such as hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces, can be used to trap gases. This structure can be configured to provide a Cassie state. In the Cassie state, fluid is prevented from entering the space between protrusions on the surface. Compared to the Wenzel state, a lower contact hysteresis is achieved in the Cassie state. Therefore, after the vapor bag is generated and dissipates ("knocked away from the active electrode"), the vapor bag becomes a bubble floating in the fluid; not all vapor bags are knocked away from the active electrode. Instead, some vapor bags are retained on the hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface of the active electrode, other surfaces of the electrosurgical device, or combinations thereof. The surface structure configured in the Cassie state can then help reduce the amount of power required to rebuild the vapor bag and continue altering the tissue.

[0028] Making steam bag setup easier can help reduce the power consumed in setting up a steam bag. When performing tissue alterations with an electrosurgical device, steam bags may be knocked out and frequently regenerated. Setting up a steam bag after it has been knocked out consumes a significant amount of energy compared to other operations of the electrosurgical device (such as retaining the steam bag after it has been generated). Using structured surfaces allows for larger electrodes and therefore allows for larger / faster tissue removal without consuming more energy than it would take to start the next steam bag using the current electrosurgical device.

[0029] There are various methods to make a surface hydrophobic or superhydrophobic. One method to make a surface superhydrophobic involves patterning the surface using optical, chemical, or mechanical etching tools. Alternatives to making a surface hydrophobic or superhydrophobic include molding electrodes to be hydrophobic or superhydrophobic. Etching tools can form trenches, ridges, pillars, holes, protrusions, etc., on the surface. Unetched material can form protrusions extending from the bottom of the trenches. Protrusions can form pillars. The sidewalls of the pillars can be defined by trenches. When the electrosurgical device is in a fluid, the space between the protrusions can retain gas. The geometry, spacing, or material of the protrusions can prevent fluid from entering the trenches.

[0030] Examples of numerous hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces exist. Example dimensions of a textured surface comprising spatially separated pillars are provided. The pillars can range in height from a few nanometers (e.g., about 2 nm) to about 20 nm. The pillars can be on the order of a few nanometers to tens or hundreds of nanometers wide (e.g., from about 50 nm to about 300 nm). The center-to-center distance of each pillar can be from about 120 nm to about 350 nm. The coating including the pillars and spaces can be from about 20 nm to about 200 nm thick. This is merely an example of dimensions; other dimensions are possible.

[0031] Another method for making a surface superhydrophobic involves coating the surface with a superhydrophobic material. Such materials are generally less conductive than electrodes and can interfere with conductivity. Furthermore, such materials are adversely affected by the magnitude of the current generated by electrosurgical devices. Therefore, surfaces etched to be superhydrophobic and surfaces with superhydrophobic coatings differ structurally and operate with different electrical properties.

[0032] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of a surgical tissue alteration system 100 is shown by way of example. The system 100 includes an electrosurgical device 102 and a power source 104. The electrosurgical device 102 may include or utilize an endoscope, laparoscope, arthroscopy, or specialized ablation or cauterization tool, or minimally invasive device, etc. The electrosurgical device 102 includes a monopolar electrode 106 for ablation, cauterization, vaporization, etc., of the surgical target 108. Figure 1 A monopolar arrangement is depicted, but a bipolar arrangement or other arrangements may also be used. The area surrounding the surgical target 108 may be at least partially filled with a conductive fluid 110, such as saline solution or glycine. The surgical target 108 may be inside the patient and may be accessed through natural or artificial openings (e.g., through openings in the patient's skin or other tissue 112). Tissue 112 may include tissue surrounding a pocket in the knee, elbow, leg, arm, torso, head, neck, or other parts of an animal, the tonsil region, or a saline-filled prostate region.

[0033] Electrosurgical device 102 can be used for dissection, resection, vaporization, drying, coagulation, or combinations thereof. Examples of urological procedures that can be performed using an electrosurgical device include urethroscopy, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, nephroscopy, and percutaneous surgery. Examples of gynecological procedures include cervical or hysteroscopic removal of fibroids. Urological procedures may include electrovaporation of the prostate (EVAP) (sometimes called transurethral evaporation of the prostate (TUVP)), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), interstitial ablation of the prostate via percutaneous or periurethral approach, transurethral or percutaneous urethral tumor resection, separation of strictures, ureteral, ureteral orifice, bladder neck or urethra, ureteral correction, bladder diverticulum contraction, cystoplasty, thermally induced pelvic floor contraction, resection of diseased tissue, hemostasis, or combinations thereof. Examples of arthroscopic surgeries include meniscectomy of the knee, lateral retinaculum release of the knee, removal of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament or its remnants, lip laceration resection, acromioplasty, follicular excision and subacromial decompression of the shoulder, anterior release of the temporomandibular joint, synovectomy, cartilage debridement, cartilage reshaping, separation of intra-articular adhesions, debridement of fractures and tendons, induction of thermal contraction of the joint capsule, subluxation of any joint in the body, discectomy for herniated discs or as part of spinal fusion, resection of diseased tissue, hemostasis, or a combination thereof.

[0034] An activated electrosurgical device 102 can vaporize a portion of fluid 110. This vaporization can form a vapor pocket 114 within the fluid 110. As the vapor pocket 114 extends between electrode 106 and surgical target 108, current can flow from electrode 106 to surgical target 108. The current incident on surgical target 108 can ablate, burn, or otherwise alter surgical target 108. The result can be, for example, removal, hardening, or closure of surgical target 108.

[0035] The steam bag 114 is generated using more power than is required to change the surgical target 108 and maintain the steam bag 114. A current spike from the power source 104 can contribute to the generation of the steam bag 114. The current from the power source 104 can then be reduced to a level sufficient to maintain the steam bag 114 and change the surgical target 108. This reduction in current allows the electrode 106 to be manufactured larger or allows the surgery to continue for a longer period without violating surgical standards.

[0036] However, at certain points, the steam bag 114 will collapse. Collapse of the steam bag 114 may be due to the current from the power source 104 being reduced below the threshold required to maintain the steam bag 114, the active electrode 106 moving too far from the surgical target 108, fluid intrusion into the steam bag 114, etc. To continue altering the surgical target 108, the electrical power from the power source 104 can be increased to rebuild the steam bag 114.

[0037] To reduce the electrical power required to establish and rebuild the steam bag 114, the active electrode 106 can be configured to capture a portion of the steam bag 114 on its surface. To capture this portion of the steam bag 114, the active electrode 106 may include a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface (referred to as a "steam retention surface"). The steam retention surface prevents fluid 110 from seeping into the space between the protrusions of the steam retention surface. This leaves a portion of the steam bag 114 in the space. By capturing this portion of the steam bag 114, the volume of the fluid 110 to be vaporized for altering the surgical target 108 can be reduced. This is because a large number of steam bags 114 are present on the surface of the electrode 106, other steam retention surfaces of the electrosurgical device 102, or combinations thereof.

[0038] Figure 2 An exploded view of the electrosurgical device 200 and the steam retention surface 230 is shown by way of example. This exploded view is obtained from the perspective view indicated by arrow 226. Figure 2 The electrosurgical device 200 is a bipolar device, but it can also be unipolar. The electrosurgical device 200 includes an active electrode 218 and a return electrode 220. The active electrode 218 may include a surface from a power source 104 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 The current is directed toward the surgical target 108 and exits from the surface of the electrosurgical device 200 (see [link]). Figure 1 Return electrode 220 completes the electrical path for current to return to power supply 104. Return electrode 220 can be electrically coupled to ground.

[0039] The steam retention surface 230 shown includes protrusions 224. The steam retention surface 230 also includes spaces 222 between the protrusions 224. The spaces 222 may be continuous, for example, forming one or more channels, grooves, recesses, etc., between the protrusions 224. Figure 2 In the example, space 222 is continuous and forms a channel between all protrusions 224.

[0040] The distance between the protrusions 224 can be controlled, for example, to reduce the fluid 110 (see...). Figure 1 The chance of fluid 110 entering space 222 can be reduced. Similarly, the shape of the protrusions 224 can be controlled to reduce the chance of fluid 110 entering space 222. The distance between the protrusions 224 and the shape of the protrusions help control the contact angle between surface 230 and fluid 110.

[0041] The vapor retention surface 230 may be integrally formed with the electrosurgical device 200 or may be a coating added to the electrosurgical device 200. Integrating the vapor retention surface 230 may include optically, chemically, or mechanically etching the electrosurgical device 200 to form protrusions 224 and spaces 222. Coating the vapor retention surface 230 onto the electrosurgical device 200 may include forming or otherwise retaining the vapor retention surface 230 and adhering the vapor retention surface 230 to the electrosurgical device 200.

[0042] Since the coating is likely formed of a different material than the etched portion of the electrosurgical device 200, the etched vapor retention surface can have different operating characteristics than the coated vapor retention surface. For example, the etched vapor retention surface can have a longer operating life (assuming the same electrical power) than the coated vapor retention surface. In this case, operating life is the amount of time before the ability to build up or maintain the vapor bag 114 degrades.

[0043] Although Figure 2 A vapor retention surface 230 is shown as part of the active electrode 218, but the vapor retention surface 230 may additionally or alternatively be part of a dielectric separating the active electrode 218 and the return electrode 220, other parts of the electrosurgical device 200 near the vapor bag 114, or a combination thereof.

[0044] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 300 for altering surgical target 108 is shown by way of example. System 300 includes an electrosurgical device 200 protruding toward surgical target 108. Typically, a physician or other medical personnel advances the electrosurgical device 200 toward surgical target 108. Personnel can push the electrosurgical device 200 toward surgical target 108 through a natural or artificial opening passing through tissue 112. Figure 3 The diagram provided is before current is supplied to the electrosurgical device 200. When the electrosurgical device 200 is sufficiently close to the surgical target 108, the operator can apply current (e.g., from power source 104, see diagram 200). Figure 1 The current is supplied to the electrosurgical device 200. In this context, "close enough" means close enough to allow current to flow from the electrosurgical device 200 to the surgical target 108 after the steam bag 114 is formed.

[0045] Figure 4 The following is illustrated by way of example after power is supplied to the electrosurgical device 200. Figure 3The diagram illustrates an implementation of system 300. When sufficient power is available, the current causes fluid 110 to boil and vaporize near active electrode 218. The current from active electrode 218 can then flow through vapor bag 114 to surgical target 108 (indicated by arrow 440). The current incident on surgical target 108 can ablate, cut, ablate, or otherwise alter surgical target 108. Current can flow from surgical target 108 through fluid 110 to return electrode 220.

[0046] Finally, the electrosurgical device 200 may provide insufficient current to retain the steam bag 114. This could be due to the operator stopping or reducing the current, fluid 110 interfering with the steam bag 114, degradation of the active electrode 218, or the steam retention surface 230 coated thereon. To restore the steam bag 114, the operator can restart the current flowing to the electrosurgical device 200, for example, by pressing a button, switch, or similar device on the electrosurgical device 200, which will close the circuit connected to the power source 104.

[0047] A portion of the steam bag 114 can be retained by the steam retention surface 230. Retaining this portion of the steam bag 114 reduces the volume of fluid 110 to be vaporized to facilitate the electrical path to surgical target 108. Reducing the volume of fluid 110 to be vaporized reduces the electrical power required to generate the next steam bag, reducing the amount of time required for ablation, cauterization, etc., or a combination thereof. Reducing the volume of fluid 110 to be vaporized or the amount of time required to change surgical target 108 reduces the amount of electrical power required to change surgical target 108 (on average). The reduction in the electrical power required to generate the steam bag 114 allows for power increases at different times during surgery without violating surgical standards for the power supplied to the tissue. The reduction in the electrical power required to generate the steam bag 114 allows for the operation of a larger active electrode under surgical standards. This larger active electrode allows personnel to remove more tissue in a shorter time compared to a smaller active electrode or an electrode that does not include the steam retention surface 230.

[0048] Figure 5A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the electrosurgical device 500 is shown by way of example. The electrosurgical device 500 includes an active electrode 218 having a first vapor retention surface 230. The vapor retention surface 230 faces the surgical target 108 during normal use. The electrosurgical device 500 also includes a dielectric material 550 having a second vapor retention surface 554. The dielectric material 550 may include an electrically insulating material. The dielectric material 550 prevents short circuits between the active electrode 218 and the return electrode 220. The dielectric material 550 may include any electrically insulating material (e.g., ceramic) that can be safely used within the body, or more specific representative embodiments include: alumina (Al2O3), zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA), silicon nitride, non-carbon-tracking high-temperature polymers (e.g., nylon, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), silicon, silicone rubber, etc.).

[0049] One or more of the first vapor retention surface 230 and the second vapor retention surface 554 may be etched onto or coated onto the electrosurgical device 500. The first vapor retention surface 230 may be etched and the second vapor retention surface 554 may be coated, or vice versa.

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the example, the return electrode 220 is not coated or etched to include a vapor retention surface. This allows the return electrode 220 to exhibit a larger surface area than the active electrode 218 when immersed in fluid 110 and during ignition (applying current to the active electrode 218). This can help indicate the vapor retention surface from power source 104 (see...). Figure 1 After power is applied, it determines which electrode becomes the active electrode and which becomes the passive electrode. Typically, the electrode with the smaller surface area becomes the active electrode, while the electrode with the larger surface area becomes the passive electrode. If the passive electrode 220 is etched or coated to include a vapor retention surface, the surface area in contact with the conductive fluid 110 can be reduced because the fluid 110 is replaced by vapor retained at that surface. Therefore, not coating or etching the passive electrode 220 to include a vapor retention surface can help indicate which electrode is active and which is passive before power is applied.

[0051] Figure 6 The example illustrates the process from... Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the electrosurgical device 500A is shown at the angle of the arrow marked "6 / 7". The electrosurgical device 500A includes a first vapor retention surface 230 and a second vapor retention surface 554, respectively etched into the active electrode 218 and the dielectric material 550. Figure 6In some embodiments, the return electrode 220 does not include a vapor retention surface, but it may also be etched or coated to include a third vapor retention surface. While the active electrode 218 is shown extending beyond the perimeter of the dielectric material 550, this is not always the case. In some embodiments, the active electrode 218 may be within the perimeter of the dielectric material 550 or otherwise not extend beyond that perimeter.

[0052] Figure 7 The example illustrates the process from... Figure 5 The image shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the electrosurgical device 500B, viewed from the angle of the arrow marked "6 / 7". The electrosurgical device 500B includes a first vapor retention surface coating 772 and a second vapor retention surface coating 770, respectively applied to an active electrode 218 and a dielectric material 550. The vapor retention surface coatings 772 and 770 may include structures that prevent liquid penetration into the space between the columns of the vapor retention surface coatings 772 and 770. The vapor retention surface coatings 772 and 770 can be configured in a Cassie state, in which liquid remains on the protrusions and does not penetrate into the space between the columns. The liquid includes representative compounds such as silanes, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, fluorosilanes, polydimethylsiloxanes (PMDS, PMDSO), hexamethyldisiloxane, tetramethyldisiloxane, etc. The dielectric material 550 may include plastics, polymers, ceramics, mica, glass, air, epoxy resins, combinations thereof, etc.

[0053] Although Figure 6 and 7 The active electrode 218 shown includes only a single vapor retention surface 230, 554, but other surfaces of the active electrode 218 (e.g., surface 660) may be etched or coated to become vapor retention surfaces. Similarly, the dielectric material 550 may include another surface 662, which may be etched or coated to become a vapor retention surface.

[0054] Figure 8 , 9 10 and 10 illustrate different operating states through examples. Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exploded view of part of system 300. Figure 8The state described is that during the insertion of the electrosurgical device 200 into the patient, for example, before the electrosurgical device 200 is energized. Electrode 218 is configured with a vapor retention surface 230. Therefore, when the electrosurgical device 200 is inserted into the fluid 110, the fluid 110 does not seep into the space 222 between the protrusions 224 of the surface 230. When air is immersed in the fluid 110, the surface 230 retains air 880 between the protrusions 224. The retained air 880 reduces the volume of fluid 110 that would be displaced (e.g., boiled, vaporized, converted into gas, etc.) during the generation of the electrical path including the surgical target 108.

[0055] Figure 9 The current state is the state after electrical power has been supplied to the electrosurgical device 200. The supplied electrical power causes a portion of the fluid 110 to shift and form a steam bag 114. The steam bag 114 can extend between the electrosurgical device 200 and the surgical target 108. In this activated state, current can flow from electrode 218 to the surgical target 108 and to the return electrode 220 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 (etc.). The current can ablate, burn, or otherwise alter the surgical target 108. Compared to electrosurgical devices that do not include the steam retention surface 230, the amount of electrical power consumed in generating the steam bag 114 can be reduced. The reduction in electrical power consumption can be at least in part due to the air 880 trapped at the surface 230 before the electrical power is applied to the active electrode 218 (see...). Figure 8 Retaining the steam bag 114 consumes less electrical power than generating the steam bag 114. Therefore, when the electrosurgical device is in Figure 9 When the device is activated and the steam bag is retained, the electrical power supplied to the electrosurgical device 200 can be reduced.

[0056] Figure 10 The current state is the state after the steam bag 114 has been knocked off. The knocking off of the steam bag 114 means that a portion of the steam bag 114 becomes a bubble 1010 floating in the fluid 110, while another portion of the steam bag 114 remains as a steam bubble 1012 on the steam retention surface 230. The knocking off of the steam bag 114 breaks the electrical path between the electrode 218 and the surgical target 108. The steam bag 114 can be reconstructed, and the electrical path between the electrosurgical device 200 and the surgical target 108 can be reformed, for example, by providing the electrosurgical device 200 with sufficient electrical power to establish the steam bag 114.

[0057] Figure 11A diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 1100 for operating an electrosurgical device, such as one discussed herein, is shown by way of example. The method 1100 for operating a bipolar electrosurgical device in a liquid environment may include: at operation 1102, supplying an electric current to electrodes in the liquid to cause a vapor bag to form; and at operation 1104, after the vapor bag has partially dissipated, retaining some of the gas from the vapor bag at the hydrophobic surface of the electrosurgical device.

[0058] Method 1100 may further include, wherein the hydrophobic surface comprises a texture including raised portions and recesses, wherein the retaining gas comprises a retaining gas in one or more of the recesses. Method 1100 may further include, after the vapor bag is formed, reducing the electrical force supplied to the electrode. Method 1100 may further include, wherein the reduction in power is sufficient to maintain the electrical path between the electrode and the surgical target and the power of the vapor bag.

[0059] Method 1100 may further include the hydrophobic surface being formed on or integrally with the electrode. Method 1100 may further include the hydrophobic surface being formed on or integrally with a dielectric material located between the electrode and the return electrode.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, the method steps disclosed herein may be performed in any order. Furthermore, one or more method steps may be combined with other steps; may be omitted or eliminated; may be repeated; and / or may be divided into separate or additional steps.

[0061] The explanations and descriptions provided herein are intended to familiarize others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical applications. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0062] Those skilled in the art may modify and apply this teaching in various forms, as it may be best suited to the requirements of a particular purpose.

[0063] Therefore, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Furthermore, components of specific embodiments may be combined with components of other embodiments of this teaching. Therefore, the scope of this teaching should not be determined by reference to this specification, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the appended claims is not an abandonment of such subject matter, nor should it be considered that the inventor does not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0064] Multiple elements or steps may be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step may be divided into multiple separate elements or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “an” describing an element or step is not intended to exclude other elements or steps. While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another region, layer, or portion. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical items herein does not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from this teaching, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0065] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. Spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. An electrosurgical device, comprising: Return electrode; An active electrode includes a first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface to retain some gas from a vapor bag when the active electrode is immersed in a liquid. The first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface includes protrusions extending from the surface of the active electrode and a space between the protrusions, the protrusions and the space trapping gas in the space between the protrusions. The protrusions are configured to prevent the liquid from seeping into the space and to keep the gas trapped in the space: (i) when the active electrode is immersed in the liquid; and (ii) after the active electrode transitions from an active state to a non-active state. as well as An electrically insulating material is located between the active electrode and the return electrode.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is textured to inhibit liquid from entering the space between the protrusions of the first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface and to allow the gas to remain in the space.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is configured in a Cassie or Cassie-Backster state to inhibit the liquid from entering the space between the protrusions.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The active electrode includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is mechanically etched.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical insulating material includes a second hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is textured to inhibit liquid from entering the space between the protrusions of the textured surface and to allow the gas to remain in the space.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface includes grooves formed in the surface of the first hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface.

10. An electrosurgical device, comprising: Return electrode; An active electrode includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface configured to retain gas on the surface when the active electrode is in a conductive liquid solution and has transitioned to an active state. The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface includes protrusions extending from the surface of the active electrode and a space between the protrusions, the protrusions and the space trapping the gas in the space between the protrusions. The protrusions are configured to prevent liquid from penetrating into the space and to retain the gas trapped in the space when: (i) when the active electrode is immersed in the liquid; and (ii) after the active electrode transitions from an active state to an active state. as well as An electrically insulating material is located between the active electrode and the return electrode.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The electrical insulating material includes a second hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface configured to retain the gas on the second hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The second hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface includes a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is integrally formed into the active electrode.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is textured to inhibit liquid from entering the space between the protrusions of the textured surface and to allow the gas to remain in the space.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is configured in a Cassie or Cassie-Backstab state to inhibit the liquid from entering the space between the protrusions.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is coated onto the active electrode.

17. A system for operating a bipolar electrosurgical device in a liquid environment, wherein: Energy is supplied to the electrodes in the liquid to cause the vapor bag to form; After the vapor bag partially dissipates, some gas from the vapor bag is retained at the hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface of the electrosurgical device. This surface includes protrusions extending from the surface of the electrode and a space between the protrusions, which trap the gas within the space. The protrusions are configured to prevent liquid from seeping into the space and to retain the gas trapped within the space when the electrode is immersed in the liquid. After the electrode transitions from an active state to an inactive state, the gas from the vapor bag is retained in the space.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface is configured in a Cassie or Cassie-Backster state.

19. The system of claim 17, further comprising, after the vapor bag is formed, reducing the amount of energy supplied to the electrode while maintaining the vapor bag.

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