Bipolar electrode for resectoscope and resectoscope with bipolar electrode

Abstract

A bipolar electrode for a resectoscope is provided, where the bipolar electrode (20) comprises a proximal contact portion (25), an intermediate portion (26) adjoining the proximal contact portion, and a distal portion (27) adjoining the intermediate portion, where the bipolar electrode (20) comprises an active electrode (34) and a neutral electrode (38), wherein an intermediate portion (26) of the neutral electrode (38) is hollow cylindrical and coaxially surrounds the active electrode (34), and wherein the proximal contact portion (25) comprises a first contact (30) of the active electrode (34) and a second contact (36) of the neutral electrode (38). The neutral electrode (38) is surrounded by a first insulator (39) from the proximal contact portion (25) to the distal portion (27), and both a first end region of the active electrode (34) and a second end region of the neutral electrode (38) are exposed at the distal portion (27) such that a voltage applied via the contacts (30, 36) is applied directly between the two end regions.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of German patent application No. 10 2023 129 912.3, filed on October 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a bipolar electrode for an electric resectoscope and an electric resectoscope having the bipolar electrode. Background Art

[0003] Known resectoscopes with bipolar electrodes are designed in such a way that the neutral electrode of the bipolar electrode is connected via the resectoscope itself or via a separate contact on the patient. This can make it difficult to reliably ignite the required plasma at the distal end of the bipolar electrode for treatment. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, an object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved bipolar electrode for a resectoscope and a resectoscope having the bipolar electrode.

[0005] The invention is defined in the independent claims 1 and 16. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] The bipolar electrode for an electroresectoscope according to the present invention may include a proximal contact portion, an intermediate portion adjacent to the proximal contact portion, and a distal portion adjacent to the intermediate portion, wherein the bipolar electrode includes an active electrode and a neutral electrode. The neutral electrode may have a hollow cylindrical shape in the intermediate portion and coaxially surround the active electrode. The proximal contact portion may include a first contact piece of the active electrode and a second contact piece of the neutral electrode, wherein the neutral electrode is surrounded by a first insulating piece from the proximal contact portion to the distal portion. At the distal portion, a first end region of the active electrode and a second end region of the neutral electrode are exposed so that a voltage applied via the contact piece is directly applied between the first end region of the active electrode and the second end region of the neutral electrode.

[0007] This ensures that the desired plasma can be reliably ignited during treatment.

[0008] The active electrode may include a copper conductor in the middle portion. With such a copper conductor, the necessary high currents can be safely conducted during treatment without causing temperature problems.

[0009] The active electrode may include a hollow cylindrical conductor in the middle portion. The wire may be arranged inside the hollow cylindrical conductor. In particular, the hollow cylindrical conductor may be made of copper.

[0010] Furthermore, the active electrode may comprise a solid conductor in the middle portion. This means in particular that the conductor is not hollow.

[0011] Furthermore, the active electrode may comprise an element for mechanical reinforcement in the region of the proximal contact portion. In particular, the element for mechanical reinforcement may have a cylindrical shape and may be inserted into the hollow cylindrical conductor of the active electrode. The element for mechanical reinforcement may be made of tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, etc. Furthermore, a second insulating member may be provided between the active electrode and the neutral electrode.

[0012] Furthermore, the distal portion may be forked having a first prong and a second prong, wherein the exposed first end region of the active electrode is located between the first prong and the second prong.

[0013] Each prong may include a third insulating member disposed between the active electrode and the neutral electrode and overlapping the second insulating member.

[0014] The exposed first end region of the active electrode may be formed as a tungsten wire. However, the exposed first end region of the active electrode may also be made of stainless steel.

[0015] The neutral electrode may comprise a hollow cylindrical conductor in the middle portion. In particular, the conductor may be made of stainless steel.

[0016] The first contact of the active electrode and / or the second contact of the neutral electrode may include a metal sleeve, which may be made of a metal conductor such as stainless steel.

[0017] The first contact of the active electrode and / or the second contact of the neutral electrode may include a metal coating. The metal coating may be, for example, gold, silver, aluminum or zinc. The metal coating may provide better electrical contact and / or improved corrosion resistance.

[0018] The second contact of the neutral electrode may be designed such that the second contact can engage with the snap connection.

[0019] The proximal contact portion of the bipolar electrode may comprise an outer diameter in the range of 0.8 mm - 1.2 mm, in particular an outer diameter of 1.0 mm.

[0020] The outer diameter of the middle portion of the bipolar electrode may be in the range of 1.6 mm to 2.0 mm, and may be particularly 1.8 mm.

[0021] The length of the bipolar electrode may be in the range of 200 mm-400 mm, particularly in the range of 250 mm-350 mm, and further particularly in the range of 280 mm-300 mm.

[0022] The first insulating member, the second insulating member and the third insulating member can all be designed as shrink sleeves. Specifically, a fluorine-containing polymer shrink tube can be used, such as a PTFE shrink tube (polytetrafluoroethylene shrink tube) or a PVDF shrink tube (polyvinylidene fluoride shrink tube).

[0023] Thus, due to the structure of the bipolar electrode of the present invention, it can be described as a coaxial bipolar electrode, since the neutral electrode extends coaxially with the active electrode in the middle portion. In addition, both electrodes (neutral electrode and active electrode) are led from the proximal contact portion to the distal portion so that current can flow between the two exposed end regions during operation. Thus, advantageously, when the bipolar electrode of the present invention is used as intended, no current needs to be conducted to or from the patient. The full potential difference (or voltage) applied to the proximal contact portion of the bipolar electrode is present at the two end regions and therefore also at the distal end of the bipolar electrode. This ensures good ignition behavior of the desired plasma (for example in NaCl solution).

[0024] The bipolar electrodes are particularly designed for use with voltages of 90 V to 4000 V (particularly 90 V to 1500 V or 200 V to 1500 V) and frequencies of 300 kHz to 4 MHz.

[0025] The first end region of the active electrode can be designed as a ring, a cone, a knife, a roller, etc. This makes it possible to cut and / or coagulate corresponding tissue in the distal end region of the bipolar electrode when a corresponding voltage is applied via the contact.

[0026] Furthermore, a resectoscope having a bipolar electrode according to the invention is provided.

[0027] The resectoscope may include a guide block. A latching element may be provided in the guide block, which latches in connection with a second contact of the neutral electrode in the inserted state of the bipolar electrode. Alternatively, the latching element may latch in connection with a first contact of the active electrode when the bipolar electrode is inserted. The first contact or the second contact is preferably designed in such a way that there is a desired latching connection (preferably by positive locking). The latching or snap connection may be designed in such a way that the bipolar electrode is mechanically fixed in the guide block and any displacement of the guide block also causes the bipolar electrode to move.

[0028] The guide block can be designed in such a way that the bipolar electrode can be detachably fixed.

[0029] The guide block is movable in the longitudinal direction of the resectoscope.

[0030] In addition, a first contact portion of a first contact piece for an active electrode and a second contact portion of a second contact piece for a neutral electrode may also be provided in the guide block, wherein a seal is arranged between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and when the bipolar electrode is inserted, the seal prevents liquid from reaching the second contact piece (and vice versa).

[0031] The first contact portion and / or the second contact portion may be made of metal (such as stainless steel). In addition, the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion may include a metal coating. The metal coating may be, for example, gold, silver, aluminum or zinc. The metal coating may provide better electrical contact and / or better corrosion resistance.

[0032] The resectoscope may include other elements known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated but also in other combinations or alone, without exceeding the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose essential features of the present invention. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting. For example, the description of an embodiment with multiple elements or components should not be interpreted as meaning that all of these elements or components are necessary for implementation. On the contrary, other embodiments may include alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Unless otherwise stated, the elements or components of different embodiments may be combined with each other. The modifications and variations described for one of the embodiments may also be applicable to other embodiments. In order to avoid repetition, the same or corresponding elements in different drawings are represented by the same reference numerals and are not explained again. The accompanying drawings show:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a resectoscope according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 is a side view of a bipolar electrode 20 according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a view of the distal portion 27 of the bipolar electrode 20;

[0038] Figure 4 is based on Figure 3 Section AA Figure 2 An enlarged view of detail B;

[0039] Figure 5 is along the basis Figure 3sectional view of the guide block 4 with the bipolar electrode 20 inserted, taken along the section line CC of FIG.

[0040] Figure 6 is along the basis Figure 3 sectional view of the guide block 4 with the bipolar electrode 20 inserted, taken along the section line AA.

[0041] Figure 7 is a top view of the distal portion 27 of the bipolar electrode 20;

[0042] Figure 8 is along the basis Figure 3 The section line CC is taken Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of region E of FIG.

[0043] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of detail F;

[0044] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of the detail G, and

[0045] Fig.11 is along the basis Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the fork tube 59 taken along the cutting line DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the resectoscope 1 according to the invention comprises an operating element 2 having an optical tube 3 on which a guide block 4 is mounted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction R. The guide block 4 is held in place by a spring element 5. Figure 1 The first position is shown. A thumb loop 6 is formed on the spring element 5. Furthermore, the working element 2 comprises a front part 7 which is spaced apart from the guide block 4 in the first position in the longitudinal direction R, the front part 7 comprising a stop 8 and a finger grip 9. The front part 7 is firmly connected to the optical tube 3 in such a way that a movement in the longitudinal direction R is not possible.

[0047] Furthermore, the resectoscope 1 comprises an irrigation shaft 10 which is detachably fastened to an end of the front part 7 remote from the guide block 4 and wherein the optical tube 3 extends to a distal end 11 of the irrigation shaft 10 and is thus surrounded by the irrigation shaft 10. The irrigation shaft 10 comprises an inflow connection 12 and an outflow connection 13, each of which can be closed by valves 14, 15.

[0048] At one end of the working element 2 away from the distal end 11 of the flushing shaft 10, a viewing optical element 16 is detachably connected, and the endoscope viewing optical element ( Figure 1 1 ) extends from the resectoscope through the optical tube 3 in a known manner to the distal end 11. Figure 1 A fiber optic connection 17 and an insight 18 are shown.

[0049] In addition, the resectoscope 1 includes a bipolar electrode 20 according to the present invention, which is detachably fixed in the guide block 4, as will be described in detail below. The bipolar electrode 20 extends through the irrigation shaft 10 to the distal end 11 and Figure 1 7 , the bipolar electrode 20 is not protruded beyond the distal end 11 in the position of the guide block 4 shown in FIG. 1 . Therefore, the distal end 21 of the electrode 20 is still located within the irrigation shaft 10. However, when the operator moves the guide block 4 in the direction of the stopper 8 toward the front part 7, the bipolar electrode 20 fixed in the guide block 4 is also moved in this direction and thus in the longitudinal direction R, so that the distal end 21 of the bipolar electrode 20 moves outside the distal end 11 of the irrigation shaft 10.

[0050] However, in Figure 1 In the position of the guide block 4 shown, the distal end 21 of the electrode 20 can also protrude beyond the distal end 11 of the irrigation shaft 10. If the operator then moves the guide block 4 in the direction of the stop 8 of the front part 7, the bipolar electrode 20 fixed in the guide block 4 is also moved in this direction and thus in the longitudinal direction R, so that the distal end 21 of the bipolar electrode 20 is further moved beyond the distal end 11 of the irrigation shaft 10.

[0051] The guide block 4 comprises a first electrical connection 22 for the active electrode 34 of the bipolar electrode 20 and a second electrical connection 23 for the neutral electrode 38 of the bipolar electrode 20 .

[0052] like Figure 2 As can be best seen in FIG. 1 , the bipolar electrode 20 includes a proximal contact portion 25, an intermediate portion 26 adjacent to the proximal contact portion 25, and a distal portion 27 adjacent to the intermediate portion 26. A guide 28 is formed on the intermediate portion 26, which abuts against the optical tube 3 and supports the movement of the bipolar electrode 20 in the longitudinal direction R. Figure 3 , a view of the distal end portion 27 of the bipolar electrode 20 is shown to explain the subsequent cross-sectional views. Figure 4 The proximal contact portion 25 ( Figure 2 Details in B).

[0053] At the proximal end of the contact portion 25, an end sleeve 30 with a rounded proximal end 31 is formed, wherein the end sleeve 30 is made of stainless steel here and is pressed together with an inner tube 32, which protrudes into the end sleeve 30 and is preferably hollow cylindrical. The end sleeve 30 forms a first contact 30 of an active electrode 34. For its part, the inner tube 32 is provided with a cylindrical reinforcement 33, which abuts against the inner wall of the inner tube 32 in the inner tube 32. This reinforcement 33 extends at least over the entire proximal contact portion 25. For example, tungsten, spring steel, wire, stainless steel, etc. can be used as the material of the reinforcement. The end sleeve 30 and the inner tube 32, which is preferably made of copper, are part of the active electrode 34 of the bipolar electrode 20. An insulating member 35 is formed on the inner tube 32 in the longitudinal direction R adjacent to the end sleeve 30. The insulating member 35 is preferably hollow cylindrical and can, for example, be formed as a shrink tube (e.g. PTFE).

[0054] The latch sleeve 36 is arranged on the insulating member 35 and is at a distance from the end sleeve 30 in the longitudinal direction R, and the latch sleeve 36 is connected to the main pipe 37 which is also arranged on the insulating member 35. The latch sleeve 36 forms the second contact member 36 of the neutral electrode 38. The latch sleeve 36 and the main pipe 37 can be made of, for example, stainless steel, respectively. The latch sleeve 36 can be welded to the main pipe 37. For example, laser welding can be used to achieve this purpose. The latch sleeve 36 and the main pipe 37 are part of the neutral electrode 38 of the bipolar electrode 20. An insulating member 39 is formed on the main pipe 37 adjacent to the latch sleeve 36 in the longitudinal direction R, which is also referred to as the first insulating member 39 hereinafter. In addition, the insulating member 35 between the inner pipe 32 and the latch sleeve 36 or between the inner pipe 32 and the main pipe 37 is also referred to as the second insulating member 35 hereinafter. The first insulating member 39 can be formed as a heat shrink tube, in particular a PTFE tube, in the same manner as the second insulating member 35. However, the first insulating member 39 may also be formed as a PVDF shrink tube.

[0055] A first insulator 39 and a second insulator 35 extend from the contact portion 25 to the distal portion 27 via the intermediate portion 26 , wherein the second insulator 35 serves as an insulator between the active electrode 34 and the neutral electrode 38 , and the first insulator 39 serves to isolate the neutral electrode 38 from the environment.

[0056] from Figure 4 It can be clearly seen that the reinforcement 33 serves to mechanically stabilize the contact portion 25, particularly in the area between the end sleeve 30 and the latch sleeve 36, because: otherwise only the hollow inner tube 32 would have to provide stability in this area, which would be difficult due to the small outer diameter of the end sleeve 30 in this area (about 1 mm).

[0057] In the embodiment described here, the end sleeve 30 extends over a distance of 4 mm in the longitudinal direction R. Furthermore, the distance between the end sleeve 30 and the stop sleeve 36 is 6 mm, and the latch sleeve 36 extends over a distance of 4.5 mm in the longitudinal direction R, so that the length of the entire contact portion 25 is 14.5 mm. The reinforcement 33 is approximately twice as long as the contact portion 25 and, here, extends over a distance of 30 mm in the longitudinal direction R.

[0058] In addition, Figure 4 As shown, the outer diameter of the first insulating member 39 is 1.8 mm.

[0059] Figure 5 The cross section CC through the guide block 4 with the electrode 20 inserted is shown ( Figure 3 ),and Figure 6 The section AA through the guide block 4 with the electrode 20 inserted therein is shown ( Figure 3 ).

[0060] In the guide block 4, there is a spring-biased latching element 40, which engages with the latching sleeve 36 and thus locks the electrode 20, whereby, in this state, the end sleeve 30 is in contact with the first contact portion 41, which ensures the desired electrical contact with the first electrical connection 22. The desired electrical contact between the latching sleeve 36 and the second electrical connection 23 is achieved via the second contact portion 42 in the guide block 4.

[0061] A seal 43 is arranged between the two contact portions 41 and 42, which seal bears against the second insulating element 35 between the end sleeve 30 and the latch sleeve 36. The seal 43 ensures that there is no electrical contact between the latch sleeve 36 and the end sleeve 30, despite the possible presence of moisture in this region. The seal 43 thus ensures the desired electrical isolation.

[0062] To be able to remove the electrode 20 from the guide block 4, it is only necessary to press the latching element 40 in the direction of the arrow P1 to overcome the spring force so that the lock is released and the electrode 20 can be removed. For insertion, the electrode 20 is only necessary to be inserted into the guide block 4 until the latching element 40 engages.

[0063] exist Figure 7 In the top view of the distal part 27 shown, the fork-like structure of the distal part 27 with the two fork arms 59 , 60 and the loop 58 of the loop line 45 are clearly shown. Figure 8 The region E along the end 27 is shown ( Figure 7 ) of the section line CC ( Figure 3 ), wherein the guide member 28 is not shown for simplicity of representation. Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 Details of F, and Fig.10 Shows Figure 8 Details of G.

[0064] The first proximal portion 46 of the loop wire 45 is crimped to the inner tube 32 in the region 47. The second proximal portion 48 ends in front of the region 47 in the axial direction, so that there is an axial distance between the second proximal portion 48 and the region 47. The second proximal portion 48 is crimped to the portion 49 of the loop wire 45 from the first proximal portion 46 by means of a connecting sleeve 50, which surrounds the second proximal portion 48 and the portion 49. In the embodiment described here, the axial length of the connecting sleeve 50 is 10 mm. The two parts of the loop wire 45, which are crimped by the connecting sleeve 50 and extend to the distal end portion 21 and thus to the ring 58, are hereinafter referred to as the first wire portion 52 and the second wire portion 53.

[0065] Furthermore, the main pipe 37 is formed in two parts, wherein a first part 371 of the main pipe 37 terminating in the region 47 and a second part 372 of the main pipe 37 are pressed together.

[0066] In the axial direction near the connecting sleeve 50 (as shown by the arrow P2), the third insulating member 51 is directly applied to the two wire portions 52, 53 of the loop wire 45, which in turn can be formed as a heat shrink tube (such as a PTFE tube or a PVDF tube). The third insulating member 51 surrounds each of the two loop wire portions 52, 53 from the bifurcation point 55, where the two wire portions 52, 53 bifurcate and are therefore spaced apart in the radial direction. Therefore, the second insulating member 35 overlaps with the third insulator 51 adjacent to the connecting sleeve 50 in the axial direction, thereby preventing a short circuit that may occur between the active electrode 34 and the neutral electrode 38 because liquid may penetrate into the area 59 around the bifurcation point 55 between the main tube 37 and the inner tube 32. After the bifurcation point 55, in the axial direction toward the distal end 21 of the electrode 20, (first and second) fork tubes 56 and 57 are formed around each wire portion 52, 53, the main tube 37 is welded to each fork tube 56 and 57 and then terminates at Figure 8 However, the first insulating member 39 continues to extend and then terminates, in particular, it can be seen from Fig.11 A cross-sectional view DD of the loop line portion 52 ( Figure 3 )and Figure 7, about 12.5 mm in front of the distal end 21 of the electrode 20. Thus, the first fork tube 56 and the second fork tube 57 are exposed for a length of 10 mm and form the distal end of the neutral electrode 38 or the exposed second end region of the neutral electrode 38. The loop wire 45 is then exposed in the U-shaped region connecting the two fork arms 59, 60 and thus forms the distal end of the active electrode 34 or the exposed first end region of the active electrode 34. The loop wire 45 is preferably formed here from tungsten.

[0067] The ring 58 is only one example of the distal working end 21 of the bipolar electrode 20. The distal end 21 may also include a cone, a knife, a drum, a roller, etc. Due to the larger radius, stainless steel may be used instead of tungsten, but it is not necessary. Stainless steel may also be used for the entire ring wire 45.

[0068] The electrode 20 can therefore be referred to as a coaxial bipolar electrode 20, since the neutral electrode 38 extends coaxially with the active electrode 34. Furthermore, both electrodes 34 and 38 are led from the proximal contact portion 25 to the distal end portion 21, so that in operation, the current flows from the exposed ring 58 to the exposed end portion of the corresponding fork tube 56 or 57. Thus, in an advantageous manner, no current needs to be conducted to or from the patient in this application, and the full potential difference is applied directly to the ring 58 and thus to the distal end portion 21 of the bipolar electrode 20. This ensures a good ignition behavior of the plasma desired, for example, in a NaCl solution. Furthermore, the working element 2 itself is advantageously potential-free. The design of the inner tube 32 made of copper is advantageous because the generated current can be well conducted without temperature problems occurring.

Claims

1. A bipolar electrode for a resectoscope, in, The bipolar electrode (20) comprises a proximal contact portion (25), a middle portion (26) adjacent to the proximal contact portion (25), and a distal portion (27) adjacent to the middle portion (26). The bipolar electrode (20) comprises an active electrode (34) and a neutral electrode (38). wherein the neutral electrode (38) has a hollow cylindrical shape in the middle portion (26), and the neutral electrode (38) coaxially surrounds the active electrode (34), The proximal contact portion (25) comprises a first contact piece (30) of the active electrode (34) and a second contact piece (36) of the neutral electrode (38). The neutral electrode (38) is surrounded by a first insulating member (39) from the proximal contact portion (25) to the distal portion (27). And wherein the first end region of the active electrode (34) and the second end region of the neutral electrode (38) are both exposed at the distal portion (27) so that the voltage applied via the first contact (30) and the second contact (36) is directly applied between the first end region and the second end region.

2. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The active electrode (34) comprises a copper conductor in the middle portion (26).

3. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The active electrode (34) comprises a hollow cylindrical conductor (32) in the middle portion (26).

4. The bipolar electrode according to claim 2, in, The active electrode (34) comprises a hollow cylindrical conductor (32) in the middle portion (26).

5. The bipolar electrode according to claim 3, in, A conductive wire is disposed within the hollow cylindrical conductor (32) in the middle portion (26) of the active electrode (34).

6. The bipolar electrode according to claim 4, in, A conductive wire is disposed within the hollow cylindrical conductor (32) in the middle portion (26) of the active electrode (34).

7. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The active electrode (34) comprises a solid material conductor in the middle portion (26).

8. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The active electrode (34) comprises an element (33) for mechanical reinforcement in the region of the proximal contact portion (25).

9. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, A second insulating member (35) is provided between the active electrode (34) and the neutral electrode (38).

10. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The distal portion (27) is in the shape of a fork having a first fork arm (59) and a second fork arm (60), wherein the exposed first end region of the active electrode (34) is located between the first fork arm (59) and the second fork arm (60).

11. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, A second insulating member (35) is provided between the active electrode (34) and the neutral electrode (38). wherein the distal portion (27) is in the shape of a fork having a first fork arm (59) and a second fork arm (60), wherein the exposed first end region of the active electrode (34) is located between the first fork arm (59) and the second fork arm (60), And wherein each fork arm comprises a third insulating member, the third insulating member is arranged between the active electrode (34) and the neutral electrode (38), and the third insulating member overlaps with the second insulating member.

12. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The exposed first end region of the active electrode (34) is formed as a tungsten wire (45).

13. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The first contact piece (30) of the active electrode (34) and / or the second contact piece (36) of the neutral electrode (38) comprises a metal sleeve.

14. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The first contact (30) of the active electrode (34) and / or the second contact (36) of the neutral electrode (38) comprises a metal coating.

15. The bipolar electrode according to claim 1, in, The second contact (36) of the neutral electrode (38) is formed such that the second contact (36) can engage with a latching connection.

16. A resectoscope having a bipolar electrode according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. The resectoscope according to claim 16, in, The resectoscope (1) comprises a guide block (4), wherein the guide block has a latching element (40), and the latching element realizes a latching connection with the first contact piece (30) of the active electrode (34) or the second contact piece (36) of the neutral electrode (38) when the bipolar electrode (20) is in an inserted state.

18. The resectoscope according to claim 16, in, The resectoscope (1) comprises a guide block (4), which has a first contact portion (41) of the first contact piece (30) for the active electrode (34) and a second contact portion (42) of the second contact piece (36) for the neutral electrode (38), wherein a seal (43) is arranged between the first contact portion (41) and the second contact portion (42), and wherein, in the inserted state of the bipolar electrode (20), the seal (43) prevents liquid from flowing from the second contact piece (36) along the proximal contact portion (25) to the first contact piece (30).

19. The resectoscope according to claim 17, in, The resectoscope (1) comprises a guide block (4) having a first contact portion (41) of the first contact piece (30) for the active electrode (34) and a second contact portion (42) of the second contact piece (36) for the neutral electrode (38), wherein a seal (43) is arranged between the first contact portion (41) and the second contact portion (42), and wherein, in the inserted state of the bipolar electrode (20), the seal (43) prevents liquid from flowing from the second contact piece (36) along the proximal contact portion (25) to the first contact piece (30).

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