Electrosurgical electrode and electrosurgical tool for conveying electrical energy

Abstract

To relate to an electrosurgical electrode and electrosurgical tool for conveying electrical energy.SOLUTION: An electrosurgical tool for conveying electrical energy comprises an elongated electrode 800 extending in an axial direction from a proximal electrode end 810 to a distal electrode end 820. The distal electrode end defines a working end 825 configured for cutting or coagulation of tissue by way of electrical energy received by the electrosurgical tool. At least one layer of an insulation material covers an outer surface 870 of the working end so that a portion of the outer surface of the working end is not covered with the insulation material. When electrical energy is provided to the elongated electrode, current is only conducted through an exposed portion of the outer surface of the working end. At least one layer of the insulation material prevents current from straying from the outer surface of the working end covered with the insulation material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electrosurgical electrodes and electrosurgical tools for delivering electrical energy.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62,934,489, filed November 12, 2019. and benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 854,803, filed May 30, 2019. The benefit of each of these claims is claimed, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It is being read.

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for delivering electrical energy, and more particularly to For electrosurgical tools having an elongated electrode, the elongated electrode is It can be used to cut tissue or coagulate tissue using chi energy. can. [Background technology]

[0004] Electrosurgery involves cutting, coagulating, or denaturing biological tissue during the electrosurgical procedure. Radio frequency (RF) current (also called electrical energy) is delivered to biological tissue to induce In particular, the electrosurgical generator generates and supplies a current to the active electrode, The electrodes apply current (and therefore power) to the tissue. The current flows through the tissue, resulting in a monopolar system. In the case of a bipolar system, the power is returned to the generator via a return electrode (also called a "dispersive electrode"), In the case of a tissue, the current flows through the second active electrode and back to the generator. The impedance of the current converts part of the current into thermal energy (for example, by the principle of resistive heating). ), which increases the temperature of the tissue and causes tissue denaturation (e.g., cutting, coagulation, detachment, and and / or sealing). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when the temperature of tissue reaches approximately 55 degrees Celsius (C), nearby cells die. As the temperature increases, the dead cells dry out and the proteins coagulate. As more current is applied and the heat gets higher (over 100°C), the tissue remnants vaporize. This will be done. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the examples, electrosurgical electrodes for delivering electrical energy are described. a proximal electrode end configured to receive electrical energy from a surgical tool; and a distal electrode end and an operating end portion between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end (in other words, a working end portion or an active end portion) The working end portion cuts tissue using electrical energy received by the proximal electrode end. The electrosurgical electrode is configured to irritate or coagulate the first lateral surface (i.e. a first side surface) and a second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface (in other words a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface on the first side of the electrosurgical electrode; and a first lateral surface extending between the first and second sides of the electrosurgical electrode opposite the first side. It further includes a second face extending between the surface and the second lateral surface.

[0007] Additionally, the electrosurgical electrode may include a catheter through the entire thickness of the elongated electrode between the first and second surfaces ( The electrosurgical electrode includes one or more apertures extending through the electrode (through its thickness). Also comprising at least one layer of insulating material bonded to the surface, the at least one layer of insulating material The layer has a first portion of an exterior surface covered by at least one layer of insulating material and an outer the second portion of the surface of the working end is not covered by at least one layer of insulating material. At least one layer of insulating material is bonded to the exterior surface. The at least one layer of insulating material is configured to prevent application of electrical current to the patient's tissue. , coupled to the exterior surface at one or more openings.

[0008] In another example, an electrosurgical electrode for delivering electrical energy is described. a proximal electrode end configured to receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical tool; and a distal electrode end configured to receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical tool. The electrode includes a distal end and a working end portion between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end. The tip is configured to cut or coagulate tissue using the electrical energy received by the tip. The electrosurgical electrode has a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface. a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface on a first side of the electrosurgical electrode; a first surface extending between the first and second lateral surfaces on a second side of the electrosurgical electrode opposite the first side; The electrosurgical electrode further includes a second surface extending between the first surface and the second lateral surface. The blade also includes a plurality of teeth on at least one of the lateral surface and the second lateral surface, the plurality of teeth being Each may be tapered to a respective distal point.

[0009] The above-discussed features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments. In yet other examples, the above may be combined, as further detailed below. Please refer to the description and drawings.

[0010] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. While the illustrative examples and preferred modes of use, other objects and explanations thereof are given by way of example only, the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Reference is made to the following detailed description, which is best read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hopefully this will be understood. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrosurgical system for performing electrosurgery, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an electrosurgical pencil for use in an electrosurgical system such as the system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a side view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 4B] 4 is another cross-sectional view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 1 is a side view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 7] 7 is another perspective view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment having a seamless insulating layer added thereto. [Figure 9] 9 is another perspective view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 8 with seamless insulating material added. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 11] 11 is another perspective view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 13] 13 is another perspective view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates another electrosurgical system for performing electrosurgery, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15A] 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a plan view of the electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 15A. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15B is a first side view of the electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 15A. [Figure 15D] FIG. 15B is a second side view of the electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 15A. [Figure 16A] 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a plan view of the electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 16A. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16B is a side view of the electrosurgical electrode 1600 shown in FIG. 16A. [Figure 17A] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an electrosurgical electrode according to another example. [Figure 17B] 17B is a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. 17A, according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The disclosed examples are shown below in the accompanying drawings, some, but not all, of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. This will be explained more fully with reference to the above aspects. In fact, several different examples can be described. and should not be construed as being limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will be understood as a general guide to the present invention. These descriptions are provided so as to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0013] The terms "approximately" and "substantially" refer to amounts or measurements described herein. The term "absolutely non-exhaustive" does not necessarily mean that a stated property, parameter, or value must be exactly achieved, even if These may include, for example, tolerance limits, measurement error limits, measurement precision limits, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. Deviations or changes, such as deviations or changes in properties, may occur in amounts that do not eliminate the effect that the property was intended to provide. This means that...

[0014] During electrosurgery, the electrosurgical electrodes are used to provide the desired cutting or coagulation of tissue. may apply some stray current to the tissue that is not used. It may be advantageous to perform the surgery in a manner that allows blood to flow only through the desired cut site. It would also be advantageous to have a desired current and reduce stray currents, thereby allowing: Less smoke is produced, further reducing undesirable airborne pollutants. The disclosed electrosurgical electrodes can be utilized to collect and direct electrical current to a desired tissue target. while also helping to reduce stray or undesirable non-cutting currents. .

[0015] In examples, the electrosurgical electrodes of the present disclosure may be configured with one or more geometric features of the electrosurgical electrode, and and / or one or more layers of insulating material covering selected portions of the electrosurgical electrode. Several structural features can collect and direct electrical current in this manner. For example, electrosurgical electrodes Include geometric features at one or more edges to help increase current density at the edges. For example, the geometric features may include relatively fine edges (e.g., relatively sharp edges); and / or may include a plurality of teeth, each tapered to a relatively fine tip. Exemplary cutting edges are configured to focus electrical current toward a particular desired tissue target. Machined (e.g., milled) along at least a portion of the blade to exhibit a cutting or shaving edge. It can be fabricated or designed.

[0016] As used herein, the term "insulating material" refers to the insulating material of an electrosurgical electrode. covering a portion of the exterior surface and applying electrical energy from the portion of the exterior surface to tissue of the patient; Therefore, the first portion of the electrosurgical electrode is preferably made of an insulating material. and omitting the insulating material from the second portion of the electrosurgical electrode, The current applied to the tissue can be concentrated in a second portion of the electrosurgical electrode. The second portion of the electrosurgical electrode may be at least one edge of the electrosurgical electrode.

[0017] The geometric features and / or selectively added insulating materials provide the The electrosurgical electrodes used are electrodes that are not used for the desired cutting or coagulation of the target tissue. The electrosurgical electrode can reduce stray currents around the target tissue site. It reduces collateral damage to surrounding tissues, reduces stray currents, and Another advantage of having the desired current flow only through the desired cut site is that the smoke produced is also This results in less airborne contamination, further reducing undesirable airborne contaminants.

[0018] The electrosurgical electrodes disclosed herein also provide improved cutting efficiency. The cutting efficiency can be improved by increasing the insulation along the outer surface of the blade by one or more openings. Can be improved by using electrosurgical electrode blades to facilitate desired placement of edge material One or more openings, gaps, slots and / or Alternatively, holes may be used to promote adhesion of insulating material along the exterior surface of the blade. One purpose of such openings etc. is to allow the insulating material on one side to be bonded to the insulating material on the other side. of insulation that will not lift or delaminate (peeling off) The aim is to make it possible to generate a seamless ring.

[0019] The one or more openings may extend along a portion of the length of the blade. A plurality of openings etc. may be provided near the edge of the blade. The opening or openings etc. may also be provided at alternative locations away from the edge of the blade. By way of example, the opening may comprise a slot having a thickness of approximately 125 microns. .

[0020] As explained above, the electrosurgical electrode may include an insulating layer covering a selected portion of the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode. The insulating material may include at least one layer of insulating material. Covering the surgical instrument with a layer of insulating material during or after the electrosurgical procedure This presents a technical challenge in that the electrosurgical electrode may become disconnected. For example, in some instances, at least one layer of insulating material is disposed around the entire circumference of the electrosurgical electrode. When not stretched, at least one layer of insulating material is in contact with tissue during an electrosurgical procedure. When tissue comes into contact with the free edge of the at least one insulating layer, the tissue A force may be applied to the free edge which causes the free edge to become disconnected from the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode. do.

[0021] In examples, the electrosurgical electrodes described herein may be configured to selectively displace selected portions of the electrosurgical electrode. To address this technical problem, which is related to covering with at least one layer of insulating material In particular, in an example, the electrosurgical electrode can include one or more apertures, The one or more openings are capable of receiving at least one layer of insulating material; and / or Or at least one layer of insulating material may extend through the opening or openings. According to this method, one or more The opening allows at least one layer of insulating material to extend between the opposing sides of the electrosurgical electrode. At least one of the insulating materials must be A passageway may be provided through which the two layers may extend.

[0022] In this structure, when tissue exerts a force on at least one layer of insulating material, one or more At least one layer of insulating material is provided with a portion of the at least one layer of insulating material extending through the opening. At least one layer is forced (pressed) against the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode. The one or more openings are configured to allow at least one layer of insulating material to interface with the electrosurgical electrode. The electrosurgical electrode is prevented from being disconnected (separated from its You can help.

[0023] The exemplary electrosurgical electrodes described herein are suitable for use in monopolar electrosurgical systems. Polar electrosurgical system) and bipolar electrosurgical system (bipolar electrosurgical system) There are various different types of radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical systems, including It can be used together with

[0024] Referring now to Figure 1, an electrosurgical system 200 is shown according to an example. Electrosurgical system 200 is a monopolar electrosurgical system. However, with reference to FIG. As will be described in more detail below, the concepts of the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively be used in bipolar electrical stimulation. It may also be implemented within a surgical system.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, electrosurgical system 200 includes an electrosurgical electrode 210, a distributed The electrode 220, an RF generator 230, and an electrosurgical tool 240. The RF generator 230 is The device is configured to generate a current 250 suitable for performing electrosurgery on a patient. For example, the RF generator 230 converts grid power into electrical energy, such as RF output power. By way of example, the power converter circuit may include a power converter circuit that can One or more electrical components capable of controlling the voltage, current and / or frequency of the energy. The power supply may include a power component (eg, one or more transformers).

[0026] The electrosurgical tool 240 may include an electrosurgical electrode 210, and may also include an electrosurgical tool 240 is configured to supply current 250 from the RF generator 230 to the electrosurgical electrode 210. The device may include one or more electrical components that are configured to The electrosurgical electrode 210 then uses this current to deliver electrical energy to the patient's tissue. can be supplied.

[0027] The dispersive electrode 220 can be coupled to the patient's body and to an RF generator 230. In this embodiment, the RF generator 230 can supply current to the electrosurgical electrode 210. The electrode 210 can apply a current to the tissue, and the tissue can conduct the current to the dispersive electrode 220. and the dispersive electrode 220 can return current to the RF generator 230.

[0028] In the example, the electrosurgical system 200 is capable of performing modalities including cutting, coagulation, and radiofrequency therapy. For at least one treatment modality selected from the group In FIG. 1, an electrosurgical tool 240 (e.g., The surgeon 260, using an electrosurgical pencil (for example), cuts the tissue and also An electrosurgical electrode 210 is placed adjacent to the patient tissue to coagulate bleeding.

[0029] The current from the electrosurgical electrode 210 develops a high temperature region around the exposed end of the electrosurgical electrode 210. As described in detail herein, the disclosed The electrosurgical electrode 210 is adapted to reduce undesirable stray currents from the exposed end of the electrosurgical electrode 210. This also limits unwanted tissue damage / destruction. Also tends to reduce the buildup of eschar and smoke (e.g., unwanted smoke particles). .

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a catheter for carrying electrical energy for use in a monopolar electrosurgical system, according to an example. 1 shows a close-up view of an electrosurgical tool 300 for performing an electrosurgical procedure. 00 can be used with the monopolar electrosurgical system 200 shown in FIG. The electrosurgical tool 300 is a bipolar electrosurgical tool as shown in FIG. 14 and described herein. It may be used in a bipolar electrosurgical system, such as electrosurgical system 1000 .

[0031] In the configuration of FIG. 2 shown, the electrosurgical tool 300 is in the form of an electrosurgical pencil. Thus, in FIG. 2, electrosurgical pencil 310 is configured to be held by a user in the manner one would hold a writing implement. The electrosurgical tool 300 has an elongated shape that facilitates holding the electrosurgical tool 300. The tool 300 may have different shapes and / or different sizes in other examples. Generally, electrosurgical tool 300 is adapted to receive electrical current from a user while performing an electrosurgical procedure. The surgical tool 300 may be configured to facilitate gripping and handling. The electrosurgical tool 300, as described above, is manually manipulated by a surgeon and is energized by RF power. The tissue can be cut or coagulated by using a laser.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, electrosurgical pencil 310 generally extends from a first or distal end 315. , extending to a second or proximal end 320. Electrosurgical pencil 310 is An elongated housing structure 33 that can be used to house the surgical pencil components The distal end 315 of the elongated housing structure 330 receives an electrosurgical electrode 340. The electrosurgical electrode 340 is used to cut or coagulate tissue during surgery. In one example, the needle may have a metal tip 345 that is used to The metal tip 345 comprises a sharp metal tip. As described in more detail herein, one or more machined cutting edges The insulating sleeve or cover 371 may have a blade type structure having , may be provided near the proximal portion 380 of the electrosurgical electrode 340. 1 is electrically connected to the electrosurgical electrode 340 via a portion of the electrosurgical electrode 340 that is covered by an insulating cover 371. The electrical electrodes 340 may be made of a material that prevents the electrical energy from passing to tissue. In the example, electrosurgical electrode 340 is configured to be removably coupled to electrosurgical pencil 310. It is composed of.

[0033] The elongated housing structure 330 of the electrosurgical tool 300 includes a plurality of windows or cavities 350a, These windows or cavities 350a, 350b may also be defined. The human interface device 360a, 360b may be defined to receive multiple human interface devices 360a, 360b. In the example, the elongated housing structures 330 each include a first human interface. for receiving a first human interface device 360a and a second human interface device 360b. The cavity includes a first cavity 350a and a second cavity 350b. The source devices 360a, 360b may be utilized to perform certain electrosurgical procedures, such as cutting or coagulating tissue. In one example, the first human interface device 360a can while the second human interface device 360b can be used to Other human interface device configurations may also be used. Cut.

[0034] The electrosurgical tool 300 includes an insulated cable 370 that provides power to the electrosurgical electrode 340. The insulated cable 370 is also used in an RF generator such as that shown in FIG. Alternatively, the electrosurgical pencil 310 may receive power from a It is also possible to include a separate power source, such as an internal power supply.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates, by way of example, an electrosurgical tool that can be used with the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 4A illustrates an electrosurgical electrode 400 that can be used with the electrosurgical electrode shown in FIG. FIG. 4B illustrates a first cross-sectional view of the pole 400, and is an example of the cross-sectional view of the pole 400 shown in FIG. 4 illustrates a second cross-sectional view of electrosurgical electrode 400.

[0036] 3-4B, an electrosurgical electrode 400 includes a proximal electrode end 410 and a distal electrode end 420. 420. As shown in FIG. As such, the distance between the proximal electrode end 410 and the distal electrode end 420 is proportional to the length of the electrosurgical electrode 400. In the example, a length 413 between the proximal electrode end 410 and the distal electrode end 420 can be defined. The length 413 can be about 65 mm to about 75 mm. can also be used.

[0037] The electrosurgical electrode 400 includes a first electrode 410 extending between a proximal electrode end 410 and a distal electrode end 420. 4B, the first lateral surface 421 and the second lateral surface 422. Thus, the distance between the first lateral surface 421 and the second lateral surface 422 is equal to the distance between the electrosurgical electrodes. A width 417 of the pole 400 may be defined.

[0038] The electrosurgical electrode 400 has a first major surface 423 and a first major surface 42 The first major surface 423 and the second major surface 427 are disposed opposite each other. 7 each extend between (i) a proximal electrode end 410 and a distal electrode end 420; and (ii) extending between a first lateral surface 421 and a second lateral surface 422. As shown in FIG. 4B, the distance between the first major surface 423 and the second major surface 427 is The thickness 419 of the electrode 400 can be defined. As shown in FIG. 419 may vary across the width 417 of the electrosurgical electrode 400 .

[0039] In one example, the electrosurgical electrode 400 includes an operative electrode between a proximal electrode end 410 and a distal electrode end 420. The working end portion 425 includes an end portion 425, such as the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. which uses the electrical energy it receives to cut and / or coagulate tissue Further, the electrosurgical tool is configured to include an RF generator as shown in FIG. Such a power source may be provided by an RF power source such as RF generator 230 or RF generator 1100 shown in FIG. In one example, the working end portion of the electrosurgical electrode 400 is 425 provides a sharp or pointed tip at the distal electrode end 420 of the electrosurgical electrode 400. Alternatively, the working end portion 425 may have at least one beveled edge for cutting tissue. It is also possible to have a blade-type structure having an electrode working end. Other electrode working end configurations may also be used. This can be done.

[0040] In the example, at least one layer of insulating material 440 is disposed on the outer surface 430 of the working end portion 425. The at least one layer of insulating material 440 covers a portion of the first end portion 425 of the working end portion 425. In this configuration, the second portion 435 of the outer surface 430 of the working end portion 425 is not covered. 2 portion 435 remains uncovered by at least one layer of insulating material 440. In one example, the working end portion 425 of the electrosurgical electrode 400 is approximately 55 mm 2 Including the total surface area of The insulating material 440 may be about 70 percent to about 80 percent of the total surface area. Cent (for example, 42 mm 2 ) can be covered.

[0041] As used herein, the term “insulating material” refers to a material that is 4 to cover a portion of the exterior surface 430 and to allow application of electrical energy from that portion of the exterior surface 430 to the patient's tissue. According to this method, electrical energy is applied to the electrosurgical device. When supplied to the electrode 400, the electrical current flows substantially through the working end portion 425 of the electrosurgical electrode 400. The target tissue is directed only through the exposed selected portion 435 of the outer surface 430 of the catheter. Similarly, at least one layer of insulating material 440 is provided to prevent current from flowing through the moving body covered by insulating material 440. 425. Material 440 is caused by stray currents generated by electrosurgical electrode 400 during an electrosurgical procedure. Furthermore, even if crust builds up, it is not possible to For electrode performance, the accumulation of scabs occurs across the top of both insulated and non-insulated electrode surfaces. The effect is not as great as that of a normal uninsulated braid, which can occur at a relatively similar thickness over the entire length. In the former case, electricity flows through the solidified cask because it seeks the path of least resistance. In the latter case, the current that is inhibited by the scab is instead forced through Instead, the current will flow through another path of least resistance, resulting in stray current flowing through unintended tissue. It acts as a flow.

[0042] In one example, at least one layer of insulating material 440 includes a polymeric material. For example, at least one layer of insulating material 440 may have a thickness of at least approximately 100 microns. In the configuration shown in Figures 3-4B, the movement of the electrosurgical electrode 400 A single layer of 120 microns of insulating material 440 is provided to substantially cover the end portion 425. However, in an alternative electrosurgical electrode construction, at least one of the electrosurgical electrodes 400 is It is also possible to provide one or more such layers along a single section. By way of example, a first portion of electrosurgical electrode 400 may include a first layer of insulating material 440. while a second portion of electrosurgical electrode 400 can be formed from a first layer of insulating material 440 and a second layer of insulating material 440. The layer may comprise both a first and second layer.

[0043] In one example, the polymeric material includes a fluorocarbon material. As mentioned above, the insulating material 440 The layer may have a thickness of at least 100 microns. Thicknesses in this range are generally In addition, the polymeric material is suitable for ensuring that the application of electric current is prevented, as explained above. However, other insulating materials may be used in addition or as an alternative. The border material 440 is a silicone material having a thickness sufficient to prevent application of electrical energy to tissue. The alternatives may be corn, polyolefin and / or polyamide. The thickness of the material is suitable to prevent the application of electrical current, and in some embodiments the thickness is: The thickness ranges set forth above for the polymeric materials may vary.

[0044] In some examples, the insulating material 440 is provided by at least one layer of insulating material 440. The portion of the exterior surface 430 that is covered may have a constant thickness over the entire surface area. At least one layer of insulating material 440 having a certain thickness should be exposed, e.g. A mask is used to prevent bonding of the insulating material 440 to the selected portion 435. The electrode 400 may be subjected to an overmolding process, spray coating and / or dip coating. It can be formed by applying a coating. At least one layer of 40 may be provided to facilitate reduced manufacturing complexity and / or to reduce the amount of insulating material 440. This can help reduce or prevent dielectric breakdown of at least one layer of the insulating layer.

[0045] In another example, the insulating material 440 is covered by at least one layer of insulating material 440. The variable thickness insulating material may be formed such that the thickness of the insulating material varies across the surface area of ​​the portion of the exterior surface 430. At least one layer of insulating material 440 having a variable thickness can be, for example, For example, overmolding, dip coating, spray coating and / or gas In some embodiments, an insulating layer having a variable thickness may be formed by phase growth. At least one layer of material 440 is adapted to change shape of electrosurgical electrode 400 and to change a particular The conductor may be formed as a result of the manufacturing techniques described above.

[0046] In some examples, at least one layer of insulating material 440 is a single type of insulating material. In another example, at least one layer of insulating material 440 may include a single layer of: Combinations of multiple insulating materials and / or multiple insulating layers may be included. A first layer of a first type of insulating material can be provided (e.g., a first type of polymeric a first layer of material), and a second layer of a second type of insulating material may be provided ( For example, a second layer of a second type of polymeric material different from the first type of polymeric material.

[0047] In the example shown in FIGS. 3-4B, the insulating material 440 is covered by at least one layer. The uncut second portion 435 exposes the underlying conductive substrate of the electrosurgical electrode 400. However, in other examples, the conductive substrate of the electrosurgical electrode 400 may be Materials that do not prevent the application of electrical energy to the fabric (e.g. non-stick coatings) The second portion 435 may be covered by one or more layers of a coating. For example, The second portion 435 is formed of one or more layers of the materials described above for the insulating material 440. The electrical energy from the second portion 435 to the tissue can be transmitted through the first portion 435 of the material. The barrier layer may be coated with a relatively thinner thickness suitable to allow passage of one or more layers.

[0048] As described above, the electrosurgical electrode 400 includes an outer surface 430 of the electrosurgical electrode 400. The outer surface 43 may include at least one layer of insulating material 440 covering selected portions. Covering selected portions of the electrode 40 with at least one layer of insulating material 440 provides a method for protecting the electrode 40 from electrical shock during an electrosurgical procedure. Alternatively, after an electrosurgical procedure, the insulating material 440 may be disconnected from the electrosurgical electrode 400. This presents a technical challenge in that the insulation material may be damaged. If at least one layer of 440 does not extend around the entire circumference of electrosurgical electrode 400, At least one layer of insulating material 440 has a free edge that may come into contact with tissue during an electrosurgical procedure. When tissue comes into contact with the free edge of at least one layer of insulating material 440, the tissue may The free edge exerts a force that would cause it to break its bond with the exterior surface 430 of the electrosurgical electrode 400. This can be added to the reasons.

[0049] In an example, the electrosurgical electrodes described herein include a selection of electrosurgical electrodes 400. This technical problem is addressed by covering the part with at least one layer of insulating material. In particular, in examples, the electrosurgical electrode may include one or more apertures. the one or more openings are capable of receiving at least one layer of insulating material; and / or at least one layer of insulating material extends through the opening or openings. The proximal end of the proximal end of the electrode extends through the entire thickness of the electrosurgical electrode to allow for easy insertion of the proximal end of the electrode. The plurality of openings are adapted to allow at least one layer of insulating material to be positioned between opposing sides of the electrosurgical electrode. The insulation material should be small enough to extend between the Either one layer may be provided with a passageway through which it can extend.

[0050] In this structure, when tissue exerts a force on at least one layer of insulating material, one or more At least one layer of insulating material is provided with a portion of the at least one layer of insulating material extending through the opening. At least one layer is forced (pressed) against the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode. The one or more openings are configured to allow at least one layer of insulating material to interface with the electrosurgical electrode. The electrosurgical electrode is prevented from being disconnected (separated from its You can help.

[0051] Additionally, the one or more apertures in the electrosurgical electrode are provided with at least one layer of insulating material to prevent electrical leakage. Manufacturing techniques that may be unsuitable for pre-coating (e.g., non-stick coating) of dental electrodes For example, one or more openings may be formed in the exterior surface using does the insulating material play any role between the insulating material and the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode? The electrosurgical blade may be adapted to be a solid structure that is bonded around a portion of the electrosurgical blade in an acceptable manner. do.

[0052] The aperture or apertures in the electrosurgical electrode may additionally or alternatively simplify manufacturing. and / or reduce the manufacturing costs of electrosurgical electrodes. Some existing electrosurgical electrodes include coatings (e.g., non-stick coatings) that are Prior to applying a coating to the electrode, a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode is textured. It can be produced by a process that includes a texturing step. In one embodiment, the surface texturing process comprises applying a coating to the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode. The surface texturing process is carried out to promote adhesion of coatings. For example, forming microscale and / or nanoscale peaks and valleys on the exterior surface of an electrosurgical electrode. This may include an acid etching and / or sandblasting process to strengthen and / or harden the The one or more apertures can facilitate bonding of the insulating material to the electrosurgical electrode. The process for manufacturing electrosurgical electrodes can optionally include surface texturing to allow for the formation of This can eliminate the need for additional manufacturing processes.

[0053] However, in some instances, the electrosurgical electrodes described herein may be formed The manufacturing process for the electrosurgical It may be included to further enhance the engagement between the outer surface of the electrode and the insulating material. Alternatively, the process for manufacturing the electrosurgical electrodes may include a textured The step of forming a surface on an interior surface within the one or more openings may include forming a surface on the interior surface within the one or more openings. For example, the opening or openings may be used to improve the engagement between the insulating material and the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode. The one or more openings described herein may be and incorporated in any and all examples shown in the drawings and described herein. In some of the examples described above and in some of the examples described below, The opening or openings and / or insulating material may facilitate clearer illustration and description of other features. For this reason, some of the features may not be clearly shown in the figures. One or more openings and / or insulating materials as described and / or shown for the examples of At least one layer of may be incorporated into any other example described and shown in this disclosure. It is possible.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an electrosurgical tool, such as the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an electrosurgical electrode 600 for use with an electrosurgical tool for carrying As will be described, the electrosurgical electrode 600 may be used for both cutting and coagulation. It is possible.

[0055] Similar to the electrosurgical electrode 400 described above, the electrosurgical electrode 600 includes a proximal electrode end 610. The electrosurgical electrode 600 extends axially along a longitudinal axis from the distal electrode end 620 to a distal electrode end 620. The electrode includes a first lateral surface 621 extending from a proximal electrode end 610 to a distal electrode end 620. and a second lateral surface 622. Electrosurgical electrode 600 includes (i) a proximal electrode (ii) a first lateral surface 621 and a distal electrode end 620; A first major surface 623 and a second major surface (shown in FIG. 5 ) extending between the first major surface 623 and the second lateral surface 622. In this configuration, electrosurgical electrode 600 further includes a The length, width and thickness are defined as follows:

[0056] In FIG. 5, a first lateral surface 621 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 is a smooth surface or a generally The second lateral surface 622 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 has a straight surface. The edge 630 defines a sharp beveled or machined beveled surface. In this design, the cutting edge 630 is not sharp enough to mechanically cut tissue, but is electrically By way of example only, the fine edge may be approximately 70 The curved surface may have an edge thickness in the range of 100 microns to approximately 200 microns. Together with the first lateral surface 621, it further defines a fine tip 631 of the electrosurgical electrode 600. It is possible.

[0057] The second lateral surface 622 includes a cutting edge 630. The cutting edge 630 is shown in FIGS. As described herein with respect to the electrosurgical system shown, The active electrode 600 is configured to cut and coagulate tissue by the electrical energy it receives. Near the proximal electrode end 610, an insulating member 6 in the form of a sleeve or cover may be provided. For example, such an insulating member 640 may comprise an insulating heat shrink wrapping. The insulating member 640 may be disposed on the electrosurgical electrode 60 that is covered by the insulating member 640. The device may be made of an insulating material that prevents the transmission of electrical energy to tissue at the portion of the device. can.

[0058] In this example, the electrosurgical electrode 600 further defines an aperture 650. In one example, the opening 650 is through the thickness of the electrosurgical electrode 600. In one example, the thickness of electrosurgical electrode 600 is approximately 0. It may range from 45 mm to approximately 0.25 mm. However, alternative thicknesses may be used. In the configuration shown, the openings 650 are spaced apart along the length and at the bottom or The electrode also extends along the curvature defined by the cutting edge 630. In the pneumatic surgical electrode 600, the first opening 650 is generally aligned to receive the insulating material 660. However, in alternative constructions, the opening 650 may have a non-constant thickness. It is also possible.

[0059] This opening 650 is shown and described herein in connection with FIGS. The insulating material 660 is configured to receive an insulating material such as an insulating material. The material 660 is such that only the cutting edge 630 of the outer surface portion of the working end portion 625 is made of insulating material 660. along the exterior surface 670 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 to remain uncovered by For example, the outer cutting edge 630 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 may be A portion 665 of the surface 670 remains uncovered by the insulating material 660. do.

[0060] Although the electrosurgical electrode 600 includes only a single aperture 650 as shown in FIG. The electrosurgical electrode 600 may be utilized in alternative configurations. The electrode 600 can define a number of apertures 650. In the exemplary conductive electrodes, the openings 650 may be of similar geometric configuration or different geometric configurations. For example, a conductive electrode with a plurality of openings 650 may have a thickness of substantially There may be multiple openings 650 that are the same but may vary in length. 650 may include a plurality of slots that are substantially similar in length but may vary in thickness. Alternative geometric openings such as circular, triangular, oval, trapezoidal or semicircular slot configurations are possible. A port 650 configuration may also be used.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the cutting edge 630 has a beveled edge and is a conductive blade. In this example, the length of the conductive blade portion can be , which initially extends horizontally and then curves towards the distal most tip portion 631 of the blade, Thus providing an enhanced cutting edge. Alternative cutting edge configurations, such as, may also be utilized.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the electrosurgical electrode 600 has an outer surface 67 of the working end portion 625. 6. The axial length of the working end portion 625 is 665. The electrosurgical electrode 600 thus includes at least one layer of insulating material 660. When electrical energy is applied, electrical current flows through the exposed portion of the exterior surface 670 of the distal electrode tip 620. Therefore, at least one layer of insulating material 660 can flow through the The stray current flows through the outer surface 670 of the working end portion 625, which is covered with an insulating material 660. It prohibits, or prevents, the flow of

[0063] In FIG. 5, the portion 665 of the exterior surface 670 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 that is exposed is the major surface 623 of the second major surface and at least a portion of the outer surface 670 of the second major surface and the cutting edge 630 As shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the exterior surface 670 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 that is exposed Portion 665 may additionally or alternatively include tip 631 of electrosurgical electrode 600 .

[0064] In one example, the insulating material 660 shown in FIG. 5 includes a polymeric material. In one example, the fluorocarbon material is polytetrafluoroethylene. Alternative insulating / polymeric materials may also be used. In an example, the thickness of the insulating material 660 comprises at least approximately 100 microns. The cutting edge 630 of the portion 625 comprises a longitudinal cutting edge. The cutting edge can extend along the entire length of the working end portion 625 .

[0065] In some examples, at least one layer of insulating material 660 may be a coating. In another example, at least one layer of insulating material 660 may include at least one Allowing some space between one layer and the exterior surface 670 of the electrosurgical electrode 600 It may be a solid structure that is coupled around a portion of electrosurgical electrode 600 in a manner that For example, at least one layer of insulating material 660 may form a continuous loop that extends through opening 650. It is possible.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least one layer of insulating material 660 may be provided in the opening 650. The external surface 670 is protected from external interference only by the engagement between at least one layer of insulating material 660 and the external surface 670. The first surface 670 can be bonded to at least one layer of insulating material. 616 and / or a second surface attached and / or bonded to the exterior surface 670. can be contrasted.

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another example elongated electrosurgical electrode 700. The electrosurgical electrode 700 is a surgical instrument that receives electrical energy, such as the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows the same configuration as in FIG. 6. 7 illustrates another perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode 700.

[0068] Similar to the electrosurgical electrodes 400, 500, 600 described above, the electrosurgical electrode 700 is The electrode extends axially along a longitudinal axis from a proximal electrode end 710 to a distal electrode end 720. The surgical electrode 700 includes a first lateral electrode extending from a proximal electrode end 710 to a distal electrode end 720. The electrosurgical electrode 700 also includes a first lateral surface 721 and a second lateral surface 722. (i) extending between the proximal electrode end 710 and the distal electrode end 720; and (ii) a first lateral A first major surface 723 and a second major surface 724 extending between the first major surface 721 and the second lateral surface 722. In this construction, electrosurgical electrode 700 may be configured as described above. The length, width and thickness are determined.

[0069] The first major surface 723 of the electrosurgical electrode 700 (FIG. 6) may be a smooth or generally straight surface. The second major surface 727 of the electrosurgical electrode 700 (FIG. 7) also includes a smooth or generally true surface. In one configuration, the first major surface 723 and the second major surface 727 are They are configured parallel to each other and are tapered toward each other to match and have a slope Sharp outer electrode periphery (outer electrode edge) or beveled, machined outer electrode periphery The outer electrode perimeter 733 defines a perimeter 733 of the electrosurgical electrode 700. In one configuration, the cutting edge 730 defines a cutting edge 730 extending along the tissue. Fine edges that are not sharp enough to mechanically cut but do focus electricity73 2. By way of example only, the fine edge 732 may have a thickness of about 70 microns to about 200 microns. The fine edge 732 may have an edge thickness in the micron range. As described herein in connection with the electrosurgical system of the present invention, The electrode 700 is configured to cut and coagulate tissue in response to electrical energy received. It is possible.

[0070] In this example, electrosurgical electrode 700 further includes a first opening 750a and a second opening 750b. First opening 750a defines a first strip extending through the thickness of electrosurgical electrode 700. By way of example only, electrosurgical electrode 700 may have a thickness of approximately 0.45 mm to 1.5 mm. It may be in the range of approximately 0.25 mm, however alternative thicknesses may be used. In the configuration shown, the first opening 750a is located at the first portion 74 of the cutting edge 730. 6 and 7. In the electrode 700, the first opening 750a is adapted to receive an insulating material as described herein. However, in an alternative construction, the first opening 7 It is also possible for 50a to have a non-constant thickness.

[0071] Similarly, in the example shown, second opening 750b is spaced apart from the thickness of electrosurgical electrode 700. In the construction shown, the second opening 75 0b extends along a length defined by the second portion 740b of the cutting edge 730. In the electrosurgical electrode 700 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second opening 750b is It has a generally constant thickness to accommodate the insulating material described herein. However, in alternative constructions, the second opening 750b may have a non-constant thickness. do.

[0072] The first opening 750a and the second opening 750b are referred to herein in connection with FIGS. The insulating material may be configured to receive an insulating material such as that shown and described herein. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an electrosurgical electrode 700 having an insulating material 760. FIG. 9 illustrates another perspective view of the electrosurgical electrode 700 shown in FIG. In this example, the insulating material 760 is disposed at the cutting edge 730 of the outer portion of the working end portion 725. a first portion 740a of the cutting edge 730, a second portion 740b of the cutting edge 730 and a third portion 740c of the cutting edge 730. The electrosurgical device is configured such that only the portion 740c remains uncovered by the insulating material 760. It may be bonded to the exterior surface 770 of the electrode 700 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) or may be It may be wrapped along surface 770 .

[0073] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode 800 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates another perspective view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode 800 shown in FIG. That is why.

[0074] Similar to the electrosurgical electrodes 400, 500, 600, 700 described above, the electrosurgical electrode 80 0 extends axially along the longitudinal axis from the proximal electrode end 810 to the distal electrode end 820. Electrosurgical electrode 800 includes a first electrode extending from a proximal electrode end 810 to a distal electrode end 820. The electrosurgical electrode 800 also includes a first lateral surface 821 and a second lateral surface 822. , each of which (i) extends between a proximal electrode end 810 and a distal electrode end 820, and (ii) a first major surface 823 extending between the lateral surface 821 and the second lateral surface 822 of the and a second major surface 827. In this configuration, electrosurgical electrode 800 comprises the The length, width and thickness are defined as follows:

[0075] The first major surface 823 of the electrosurgical electrode 800 (FIG. 10) may be a smooth or generally straight surface. The second major surface 827 of the electrosurgical electrode 800 (FIG. 11) also has a smooth surface. In one configuration, the first major surface 823 and the second major surface 827 are configured parallel to each other and are tapered toward each other to match. 8. Sharp outer electrode periphery with bevel or machined outer electrode periphery with bevel The outer electrode perimeter 833 defines a perimeter 833 of the electrosurgical electrode 800. In one configuration, the cutting edge 830 mechanically cuts the tissue. The fine edges 832 are not sharp enough to effectively cut the wire, but they do focus electricity. By way of example only, the fine edge 832 may be between about 70 microns and about 200 microns. Preferably, this fine edge 832 has an edge thickness within the range of As described herein with reference to the electrosurgical system shown in FIG. Thus, the electrical energy received by the conductive electrode 800 cuts and coagulates tissue. It can be configured as follows.

[0076] In this example, electrosurgical electrode 800 includes a plurality of apertures extending through the thickness of electrosurgical electrode 800. It further defines an aperture 850. By way of example only, electrosurgical electrode 800 has a thickness of approximately 0.4 It may range from 5 mm to approximately 0.25 mm, however alternative thicknesses may be used. In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of openings 850 are spaced apart from each other by a length L8 of the cutting edge 830. 40 along an ordered series or arrangement (e.g., a circular opening arranged in multiple rows) However, the length L840 of the cutting edge 830 or less A plurality of openings arranged in a non-ordered sequence or arrangement extending along at least a portion of the Any alternative aperture arrangement can be used (see FIG. 10).

[0077] In the electrosurgical electrode 800 shown in FIG. 10, each of the plurality of apertures 850 is a circular aperture. each circular opening has a uniform or constant circumference or radius; While in an alternative circular aperture arrangement, one or more circular apertures have a non-uniform or non-constant circumference. Or it may have a radius.

[0078] The plurality of openings 850 are shown and described herein in connection with FIGS. and adapted to receive an insulating material, such as the insulating material generally described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9. In such an embodiment, the insulating material is configured as an elongated Similar to the electrode configuration, a first portion 840a of the cutting edge 830 of the outer portion of the working end portion 825, Only the second portion 840b of the cutting edge 830 and the third portion 840c of the cutting edge 830a are insulated. The exterior surface 870 of the electrosurgical electrode 800 is preferably kept free of material. The electrosurgical electrode 800 may be introduced along or wrapped around the The electrosurgical electrode 800 may be provided with one or more openings to expose the exterior surface 870 of the electrosurgical electrode 800. One purpose of the opening 850 is to allow the first major surface 810 to pass through the insulating material. The insulating material of 823 may be bonded to the insulating material of the second major surface 827 to form a raised or It is possible to produce a seamless ring of insulating material that has no tendency to delaminate. Alternative geometrical configurations such as triangular, oval, trapezoidal or semicircular aperture configurations may be used. An aperture configuration may also be used.

[0079] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an elongated electrosurgical electrode 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates another perspective view of the elongated electrosurgical electrode 900 shown in FIG. That is why.

[0080] Similar to the electrosurgical electrodes 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 described above, the electrosurgical The electrode 800 is axially aligned along a longitudinal axis from a proximal electrode end 910 to a distal electrode end 920. Electrosurgical electrode 900 extends from a proximal electrode end 910 to a distal electrode end 920. The electrosurgical electrode also includes a first lateral surface 921 and a second lateral surface 922. 900 each extend between (i) a proximal electrode end 910 and a distal electrode end 920, and (i i) a first main body extending between a first lateral surface 921 and a second lateral surface 922; Electrosurgical electrode 900 further includes a surface 923 and a second major surface 927. In this configuration, electrosurgical electrode 900 includes It has a length, width and thickness defined as described.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an electrosurgical electrode 900 is provided with an operating The first major surface 923 of the electrosurgical electrode 900 (FIG. 12) is smooth. The second surface of the electrosurgical electrode 900 (FIG. 13) is a substantially straight surface. The major surface 927 also has a smooth or generally straight surface. The main surface 923 and the second main surface 927 are configured to be parallel to each other and are angled toward each other. The outer electrode periphery is tapered to match the sharp edge of the beveled or machined The outer electrode perimeter 933 defines a machined outer electrode perimeter 933. The outer electrode perimeter 933 defines an electrosurgical The pole 900 defines an edge 930 that extends around the perimeter of the pole 900. In one construction, the edge 930 The laser is not sharp enough to mechanically cut tissue, but it does focus the electricity. By way of example only, the fine edge may be approximately 70 mm. The thickness of the edge of the sintered body may be in the range of about 200 microns to about 200 microns. The fine edge is described herein in connection with the electrosurgical system shown in FIGS. As will be described, the electrical energy received by the conductive electrode 900 cuts tissue. , can be configured to solidify.

[0082] In this example, the electrosurgical electrode 900 is located in the approximate center of the circular head. The surgical electrode 900 further defines a plurality of openings 950 through the thickness thereof. The thickness of the electrosurgical electrode 900 may range from about 0.45 mm to about 0.25 mm. However, alternative thicknesses may be used. In this structure shown, multiple The number of openings 950 are arranged in an ordered sequence or arrangement (i.e., However, it is not possible to construct a non-ordered sequence or arrangement of Alternative aperture arrangements, such as multiple apertures, may also be used.

[0083] In this exemplary electrosurgical electrode 900, each of the plurality of apertures 950 comprises a circular aperture. , each circular opening has a generally uniform or constant circumference or radius. In an alternative circular aperture arrangement, one or more of the circular apertures may have a non-uniform circumference or radius. can be done.

[0084] In this example, the electrosurgical electrode 900 further includes a first opening 950a and a second opening 950b. The first opening 950a defines a semicircular shape through the thickness of the electrosurgical electrode 900. By way of example only, electrosurgical electrode 900 has a thickness of approximately 0.45 mm. thickness may range from about 0.25 mm to approximately 0.25 mm, however alternative thicknesses may be used. In the configuration shown, the first opening 950a is located at the first portion 9 of the circular head. 40a. In this exemplary electrosurgical electrode 900, The first opening 950a is adapted to receive an insulating material as described herein. However, in an alternative construction, the first openings 950a may have a non-uniform thickness. It is also possible for the substrate to have a fixed thickness.

[0085] Similarly, in the example shown, the second opening 950b extends through the thickness of the circular head. In the configuration shown, the second opening 950b has a semicircular slot. , extending along a length defined by the second portion 940b of the circular head. In the exemplary electrosurgical electrode 900, the second opening 950b is a However, in an alternative construction, the insulating material may be , the second opening 950b may have a non-constant thickness.

[0086] The first opening 950a, the second opening 950b and the plurality of openings 950 are shown in relation to FIGS. 10 and 11, adapted to receive insulating materials such as those shown and described herein. For example, the insulating material is formed on a first portion 940a of the edge 930, a second portion 940b of the edge 930, and a Only the first portion 940b of the circular head and the third portion 940c of the circular head are covered with insulating material. The electrosurgical electrode 900 may be coupled to an exterior surface 970 of the electrosurgical electrode 900 to maintain the electrode in an uninsulated state. , or may be wrapped along the exterior surface 970 .

[0087] Using one or more apertures 950 provided by the elongated electrosurgical electrode 900, The adhesion of insulating material along the exterior surface 970 of the elongated electrosurgical electrode 900 is promoted. One purpose of the opening 950 is to allow the insulating material of the first main surface 923 to pass through the insulating material of the second main surface 927. Insulating material that is bonded to the edge material and has no tendency to lift or delaminate The goal is to be able to generate seamless rings of triangles, ovals, pedestals, etc. Alternative geometric aperture configurations, such as circular or semicircular aperture configurations, may also be used.

[0088] 15A-15D show an electrosurgical tool (such as that shown in FIG. 2) according to another exemplary embodiment. The electrosurgical electrode 1500 may be used with the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of an electrosurgical electrode 1500, and FIG. FIG. 15C shows a top view of electrosurgical electrode 1500, and FIG. 15C shows a first side view of electrosurgical electrode 1500. 15D also shows a second side view of electrosurgical electrode 1500.

[0089] Similar to the electrosurgical electrodes 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 described above, the electrosurgical The electrode 1500 is oriented along a longitudinal axis from a proximal electrode end 1510 to a distal electrode end 1520. The electrosurgical electrode 1500 extends axially from a proximal electrode end 1510 to a distal electrode end 1512. 20 and a first lateral surface 1521 and a second lateral surface 1522. Electrosurgical electrode 1500 includes (i) a proximal electrode end 1510 and a distal electrode end 1520. and (ii) a first lateral surface 1521 and a second lateral surface 1522. The structure further includes a first major surface 1523 and a second major surface 1527 extending between the first major surface 1523 and the second major surface 1527. The electrosurgical electrode 1500 has a length, width and thickness defined as described above. There are.

[0090] The proximal electrode end 1510 can receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical tool. For example, electrosurgical electrode 1500 may include a conductive material exposed at a proximal electrode end 1510. This can be used to direct electrical energy from the electrosurgical instrument to the distal electrode end 1520. The distal end 1510 may facilitate electrical coupling between the distal electrode end 1510 and an electrosurgical instrument.

[0091] The electrosurgical electrode 1500 uses the electrical energy received by the electrosurgical tool to stimulate tissue. The cutting and coagulating end 1525 is shown in FIG. As shown, electrosurgical electrode 1500 may be configured with a first lateral surface of electrosurgical electrode 1500. 1521 and a first lateral surface 1521 of the electrosurgical electrode 1500. and a coagulated edge 1530B on the second lateral surface 1522 opposite the cutting edge 1530A. When electrical energy is applied to the electrosurgical electrode 1500, the electrical energy of the cutting edge 1530A is The density of the electric energy at the solidification edge 1530B is higher than the density of the electric energy at the solidification edge 1530B. 530B. This means that when electrosurgical electrode 1500 is used during cutting procedures, it is sharper than coagulation. It is possible to provide a cutting edge 1530A that achieves relatively better performance than edge 1530B. Also, when electrosurgical electrode 1500 is used during a coagulation procedure, cutting edge 1530A is 15B, which achieves relatively better performance.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15B, electrosurgical electrode 1500 has first lateral surface 152 a body portion 1539 extending between the first and second lateral surfaces 1522. As shown in Figures 15C and 15D, the body portion 1539 has a first main A surface 1523 and a second major surface 1527 can be defined, which form a first lateral surface. A pair of substantially flat surfaces between the first lateral surface 1521 and the second lateral surface 1522. In embodiments, the body portion 1539 can have different shapes. The surgical electrode 1500 may be in the form of an electrosurgical blade.

[0093] In the example, the electrosurgical electrode 1500 may include a non-stick material covering the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode 1500. For example, the non-stick material may include at least one layer of the body portion 1539, At least one of the cutting edge 1530A and the coagulation edge 1530B can be covered. In an embodiment, the non-stick material may cover the body portion 1539 but not the cutting edge 1530. A and the coagulated edge 1530B may not be covered. In another embodiment, the non-stick material may be It is possible to cover the portion 1539 and the cutting edge 1530A, but not the coagulation edge 1530B. In another embodiment, the non-stick material is a material that is bonded to the body portion 1539 and the coagulated edge 1530B. 1530B, but not covering the cutting edge 1530A. The adhesive material can cover the body portion 1539, the cutting edge 1530A, and the coagulated edge 1530B. Cut.

[0094] By way of example, the layer of non-stick material may be formed from materials similar to the insulating materials described above. However, it is possible to apply pressure to the electrosurgical electrode 1500 through the portion of the electrosurgical electrode 1500 that is covered by the non-stick coating. The thickness can be made thinner so that electrical energy can be applied to the tissue through the For example, the layer of non-stick material can include a polymeric material having a thickness of less than 100 microns. In one example, the polymeric material can include a fluorocarbon material. The carbon material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Alternatively, the layer of non-adhesive material has a thickness that allows application of electrical energy to the tissue. It may include silicones, polyolefins and / or polyamides.

[0095] The electrosurgical electrode 1500 may include a layer of non-adhesive material for bonding the layer of non-adhesive material to the electrosurgical electrode 1500. The electrosurgical electrode 1500 may include one or more apertures, or the electrosurgical electrode 1500 may omit an aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the layer of non-stick material may be a coating. (e.g. non-stick enamel).

[0096] As shown in FIG. 15B, electrosurgical electrode 1500 includes a distal-most end 1526. This distal end 1526 extends from the relatively sharp surface of the cutting edge 1530A to the coagulation edge 1530B. Providing a transition section that tapers to the relatively pillowy surface of the 30B For example, the distal end 1526 may extend from the coagulation edge 1530B toward the cutting edge 1530A. Inwardly tapered edges may be provided.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 15A, 15C, and 15D, the electrosurgical electrode 1500 is The proximal electrode may further include a neck portion 1528 between the proximal and distal electrode portions. The pole portion can have a cross-sectional size that is larger than the cross-sectional size of the distal electrode portion. When a force is applied to the distal electrode portion, the electrosurgical electrode 15 at the neck portion 1528 The relatively large size of the proximal electrode portion can facilitate the acceptance of preferential curvature of the 00. To transition from the proximal electrode portion to the relatively smaller size of the distal electrode portion, The neck portion 1528 is aligned along a direction toward the central axis of the electrosurgical electrode 1500. It may be tapered inwards at one time.

[0098] Although not shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, electrosurgical electrode 1500 may additionally or alternatively In particular, the insulating material may include one or more openings and / or one or more layers of the insulating material described above. The openings and / or layers of insulating material may be formed as described and illustrated above in connection with Figures 5-13. The present invention can be of any suitable configuration and structure.

[0099] 16A-16C illustrate an electrosurgical tool (such as that shown in FIG. 2) according to another exemplary embodiment. The electrosurgical electrode 1600 may be used with the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of an electrosurgical electrode 1600, and FIG. FIG. 16C shows a top view of electrosurgical electrode 1600, and FIG. 16C shows a side view of electrosurgical electrode 1600. .

[0100] Similar to the electrosurgical electrodes 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1500 described above Electrosurgical electrode 1600 has a longitudinal length from a proximal electrode end 1610 to a distal electrode end 1620. The electrosurgical electrode 1600 extends axially along the axis. A first lateral surface 1621 and a second lateral surface 1622 extending to the electrode end 1620 22. The electrosurgical electrode 1600 also includes (i) a proximal electrode end 1510 and a distal electrode and (ii) a first lateral surface 1621 and a second lateral surface 1622. It further includes a first major surface 1623 and a second major surface 1627 extending between surface 1622 . In this configuration, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 has a length, width and thickness defined as described above. It has a good reputation.

[0101] The proximal electrode end 1610 can receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical tool. For example, electrosurgical electrode 1600 may include a conductive material exposed at a proximal electrode end 1610. This can be used to direct electrical energy from the electrosurgical instrument to the distal electrode end 1620. The distal end 1610 may facilitate electrical coupling between the distal electrode end 1610 and an electrosurgical instrument.

[0102] The electrosurgical electrode 1600 uses the electrical energy received by the electrosurgical tool to stimulate tissue. In the example, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 includes a working end 1625 configured to cut. The first lateral surface 1621 and / or the second lateral surface 162 of the pneumosurgical electrode 1600 16A-16C, the first lateral The surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 each include a cutting edge 1630. However, in another example, the cutting edge 1630 may be formed by a first lateral surface 1621 and a second lateral surface 1622. 1622.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, each cutting edge 1630 has a plurality of teeth 1632. As shown in FIG. 16B, each tooth 1632 includes an electrically 1632 is relatively closer to the central axis of the surgical electrode 1600 and the apex of the tooth 1632 is closer to the base. The axial direction of the slits 14 may be substantially triangular in shape so that the slits 14 are relatively farther from the central axis. In this configuration, the teeth 1632 may each taper to a relatively small tip point. The teeth 1632 thus reduce the surface area of ​​the electrosurgical electrode 1600 at the cutting edge 1630. 16, which may be provided to cut tissue by the cutting edge 1630 during the cutting procedure. This can facilitate focusing the density of the applied electrical energy, e.g. Reducing charring during cutting can help improve cutting performance.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 16B, electrosurgical electrode 1600 has a first lateral surface 162 a body portion 1639 extending between the first and second lateral surfaces 1622. As shown in FIG. 16C, body portion 1639 has first major surface 1623 and and a second major surface 1727, which may be defined by the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1726. In the embodiment shown, the lateral surfaces 1622 are substantially parallel to each other. In this configuration, the body portion 1639 can have a different shape. The pole 1600 may be in the form of an electrosurgical blade.

[0105] In some examples, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 may include a coating that covers the exterior surface of the electrosurgical electrode 1600. At least one layer of a non-stick material may be included. For example, the non-stick material may be included in the body portion. 1639, at least one of the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 Thus, in one embodiment, the non-stick material covers the body portion 1639. However, the cut edges of the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 may be In another embodiment, the non-stick material may cover body portion 1639 and and the cutting edge 1630 of the first lateral surface 1621 may be covered, but the second lateral surface In another embodiment, the non-stick material may not cover the surface 1622. 9 and the cutting edge 1630 of the second lateral surface 1622 may be covered, but the first lateral surface In another embodiment, the non-stick material may not cover the facing surface 1621 of the body portion 1. 639 and the cut edges 1621 and 1622 of the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622. It can cover 630.

[0106] As explained above, the layer of non-stick material can include a polymeric material. The material can include a fluorocarbon material. For example, the fluorocarbon material can be polystyrene. The electrosurgical electrode 1600 may include a non-adhesive The adhesive layer may include one or more apertures for coupling the layer of adhesive to an electrosurgical electrode 1600. Alternatively, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 may omit the aperture. By way of example, the layer of non-stick material may be a coating (e.g., a non-stick enamel). In this example, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 may omit the layer of non-stick material.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 16B, electrosurgical electrode 1600 includes a distal-most end 1626. In an example, the distal end 1626 can omit the plurality of teeth 1632. In the example, the distal end 1626 may include a plurality of teeth 1632. In one embodiment including teeth 1632, the teeth 1632 are aligned along a first lateral surface 1621 and a second lateral surface 1622. In the same manner as shown for the teeth 1632 along the lateral surface 1622 of 1626 (e.g., the size, shape and and / or the spacing between the teeth 1632 is determined by the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 and / or the spacing of the teeth 1632).

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16C, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 includes a proximal electrode portion and the distal electrode portion. It can have a cross-sectional size larger than that of the distal electrode portion. This can facilitate the accommodation of preferential bending of the electrosurgical electrode 1600 at the neck portion 1628 when a force is applied to the distal electrode portion. To transition from the relatively large size of the proximal electrode portion to the relatively smaller size of the distal electrode portion, the neck portion 1628 can be tapered inwardly towards the central axis of the electrosurgical electrode 1600 along the direction from the proximal electrode portion towards the distal electrode portion. When a force is applied to the distal electrode portion, it can promote the accommodation of preferential bending of the electrosurgical electrode 1600 at the neck portion 1628. From the relatively large size of the proximal electrode portion to the relatively smaller size of the distal electrode portion, to transition, along the direction from the proximal electrode portion towards the distal electrode portion, the neck portion 1628 can be tapered inwardly towards the central axis of the electrosurgical electrode 1600.

[0109] FIGS. 17A and 17B show an electrosurgical electrode 1700 that can be used with an electrosurgical tool (e.g., the electrosurgical tool 300 shown in FIG. 2) according to another exemplary embodiment. This electrosurgical electrode 1700 is substantially the same as, or exactly the same as, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 described above in connection with FIGS. 16A - 16C, except that the electrosurgical electrode 1700 includes at least one layer of insulating material 1740 on a portion of the outer surface 1730 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700. More specifically, at least one layer of the insulating material 1740 covers the body portion 1639, while the teeth 1632 of the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 project through at least one layer of the insulating material 1740 such that the teeth 1632 are exposed. shown in FIGS. 16A - 16C, except that the electrosurgical electrode 1700 includes at least one layer of insulating material 1740 on a portion of the outer surface 1730 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700. In one embodiment, the insulating material 1740 may be a polymer heat shrink. In this embodiment, the insulating material 1740 may initially be tubular. The body portion 1639 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700 can be placed within the hole (bore) of the insulating material 1740, and then heat can be applied to cause the insulating material 1740 to shrink onto the body portion 1639 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700. at least one layer of insulating material 1740 on a portion of the outer surface 1730 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700. substantially the same as, or exactly the same as, the electrosurgical electrode 1600 described above in connection with FIGS. 16A - 16C, More specifically, at least one layer of the insulating material 1740 covers the body portion 1639, while the teeth 1632 of the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 project through at least one layer of the insulating material 1740 such that the teeth 1632 are exposed. at least one layer of insulating material 1740 covers the body portion 1639, while the teeth 1632 of the first lateral surface 1621 and the second lateral surface 1622 project through at least one layer of the insulating material 1740 such that the teeth 1632 are exposed. at least one layer of insulating material 1740 such that the teeth 1632 are exposed.

[0110] In one embodiment, the insulating material 1740 may be a polymer heat shrink. In this embodiment, the insulating material 1740 may initially be tubular. The body portion 1639 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700 can be placed within the hole (bore) of the insulating material 1740, and then heat can be applied to cause the insulating material 1740 to shrink onto the body portion 1639 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700. and then heat can be applied to cause the insulating material 1740 to shrink onto the body portion 1639 of the electrosurgical electrode 1700.​​ During the application of heat, the teeth 1632 puncture the insulating material 1740. Thus, the teeth 1632 can protrude from the insulating material 1740. while the remainder of the body portion 1639 (including, for example, the gaps between the teeth 1632) ) is covered by insulating material 1740. In this structure, insulating material 1740 is 16, further enhancing the concentration of electrical energy applied to the tissue by the cutting edge 1630 during This can be achieved, for example, by reducing charring during cutting of tissue. This can promote improved cutting performance.

[0111] As explained above, the distal most end 1626 may additionally or alternatively include teeth. In some implementations of such examples, the insulating material 174 At least one layer of 0 can cover the distal end 1626, while the method described above In a similar manner, teeth 1632 at the distal most end 1626 can be exposed.

[0112] 16A-17B, the teeth 1632 are generally equally spaced relative to one another. In another example, the teeth 1632 may have different distances between adjacent teeth 1632. For example, the distance between adjacent teeth 1632 of the first pair may be greater than the distance between adjacent teeth 1632 of the second pair. The distance between 632 may be different.

[0113] Although not shown in FIGS. 16A-17B, electrosurgical electrodes 1600, 1700 may include an additional or alternatively, one or more openings and / or one or more of the insulating materials described above. The openings and / or layers of insulating material may be as described above in connection with Figures 5-13. It may be of any of the configurations and structures described and shown.

[0114] As previously mentioned, the disclosed electrode configurations are suitable for both unipolar and bipolar applications. For example, referring now to FIG. 16, a bipolar electrical outlet can be used. The bipolar electrosurgical system 1000 includes an RF electrosurgical device. The device includes an RF electric generator 1100 (also called an electrosurgical unit or ESU). The surgical generator 1100 generates heat in tissue to cut, coagulate, and desiccate it. 13, a first device that provides delivery of radio frequency (RF) current through tissue 1300. The present invention utilizes a first electrosurgical electrode and a second electrosurgical electrode wire 1150. The line frequency (RF) is a current having a high-speed alternating polarity such as approximately 0.1 MHz to approximately 3 MHz. It is.

[0115] The system 1000 includes an electrosurgical tool having two electrosurgical electrodes 1450a, 1450b. As described in detail herein, The exemplary electrosurgical electrodes disclosed herein may be used with such an electrosurgical tool 1400. It can be used.

[0116] Bipolar electrosurgery often requires less energy to achieve the desired tissue effect. Bipolar electrosurgery requires more energy and therefore lower voltages can often be applied. Bipolar electrodes have a specific and limited ability to cut and coagulate large bleeding areas. The electrosurgical procedure is ideally performed by bilaterally cutting tissue with electrosurgical electrodes 1450a, 1450b. The electrosurgical current in the tissue 1300 is applied to two It is limited to only the tissue 1300 that resides between electrosurgical electrodes 1450a and 1450b.

[0117] As used herein, the term "substantially" means The characteristic, parameter or value need not be exactly achieved, e.g. within a tolerance limit, measurement error, etc. Deviations or variations, including limitations, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur without notice to the person skilled in the art. This means that the substance may be produced in amounts that do not eliminate the effect that it was intended to provide.

[0118] Different examples of the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein may include various configuration elements. The systems, devices and methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, the elements, features and functionality of the present invention. Various examples are not intended to be limiting of any of the other examples of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. Any combination of any of the components, features, and functionality may be included, and such possibilities are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that all are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] The description of the different advantageous structures is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the exemplary forms disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further, different advantageous examples are , may illustrate different advantages over other advantageous examples. are provided to illustrate the principles, practical applications, and to serve as a useful reference for others skilled in the art. The present disclosure can be understood to include various examples having various modifications suited to the particular application contemplated. have been selected and described in order to

Claims

1. 1. An electrosurgical electrode for delivering electrical energy, comprising: a proximal electrode end configured to receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical tool; a distal electrode tip; a working end portion between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end, the proximal electrode end being adapted to receive the The device is configured to cut or coagulate tissue using electrical energy that is absorbed. An operating end portion; a first lateral surface; a second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface; and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface on a first side of the electrosurgical electrode; a first major surface extending between the first and second major surfaces; a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface on a second side of the electrosurgical electrode opposite the first side; a second major surface extending between the first major surface and the second lateral surface; extending through the entire thickness of the electrosurgical electrode between the first major surface and the second major surface. one or more openings; a first portion of an exterior surface of the working end is covered by at least one layer of insulating material; and a second portion of the exterior surface is covered by the at least one layer of the insulating material. the at least one layer of insulating material insulatively bonded to the exterior surface; Equipped with The at least one layer of insulating material is adapted to separate the first portion of the exterior surface from the patient's body. configured to prevent application of electrical current to tissue; The at least one layer of insulating material is disposed on the exterior surface at the one or more openings. Combined, an electrosurgical electrode.

2. the at least one layer of insulating material extends through the one or more openings. Item 2. An electrosurgical electrode as described in item 1.

3. The at least one layer of insulating material passes through the one or more openings to the first 3. The electrical connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical connector is a continuous loop extending from the first surface to the second surface. Surgical electrode.

4. The one or more openings extend along a longitudinal axis between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end. The electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a slot extending axially along the Pneumosurgical electrodes.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures comprise a plurality of apertures. Electrosurgical electrode as described.

6. The plurality of openings are a first slot extending axially between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end; a second slot extending in the axial direction between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end; Equipped with The at least one layer of insulating material is (i) extending across the first surface between the first slot and the second slot; Beauty, (ii) extending through the second slot between the first surface and the second surface; (iii) across the second surface between the second slot and the first slot; And it continues to grow. (iv) extending through the first slot between the second surface and the first surface; 6. An electrosurgical electrode according to claim 5.

7. the second portion of the exterior surface that is not covered by the at least one layer of insulating material; The part is, (i) between the first slot and the first lateral surface; and (ii) between the second slot and the second lateral surface; 7. An electrosurgical electrode according to claim 6.

8. An electrosurgical electrode according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of apertures comprises an array of circular apertures.

9. The at least one layer of insulating material according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one layer of insulating material comprises a polymeric material.

13. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 12,

10. 10. The electrode of claim 9, wherein the polymeric material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Pneumosurgical electrodes.

11. The at least one layer of insulating material has a thickness greater than approximately 100 microns.

11. An electrosurgical electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second portion is adapted to apply a current from the second portion of the outer surface to tissue of a patient. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device is covered by a layer of material configured to provide 13. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 12,

13. The electrosurgical electrode of claim 12, wherein the layer of material is a non-stick coating.

14. The layer of material has a thickness less than a thickness of the at least one layer of the insulating material.

14. An electrosurgical electrode according to claim 12 or claim 13.

15. the first lateral surface having a cutting edge; the second lateral surface having a solidified edge; When electrical energy is applied to the electrosurgical electrode, electrical energy at the cutting edge The cutting edge is connected to the coagulation edge such that the density of the electrical energy at the coagulation edge is higher than the density of the electrical energy at the coagulation edge. Sharper than a solid edge, the cutting edge is opposite the coagulated edge; An electrosurgical electrode according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cutting edge has a thickness of about 70 microns to about 200 microns. Electrosurgical electrodes.

17. A plurality of teeth are provided on at least one of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface. An electrosurgical electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising:

18. The electrosurgical electrode of claim 17, wherein a distal-most end of the electrosurgical electrode includes the plurality of tines. very.

19. 1. An electrosurgical electrode for delivering electrical energy, comprising: a proximal electrode end configured to receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical tool; a distal electrode tip; a working end portion between the proximal electrode end and the distal electrode end, the proximal electrode end being adapted to receive the The device is configured to cut or coagulate tissue using electrical energy that is absorbed. An operating end portion; a first lateral surface; a second lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface; and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface on a first side of the electrosurgical electrode; a first surface extending between the first and second surfaces; a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface on a second side of the electrosurgical electrode opposite the first side; a second surface extending between the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface; a plurality of teeth on at least one of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface; Equipped with an electrosurgical electrode, each of said plurality of tines being tapered to a respective tip point; 。

20. and further comprising at least one layer of insulating material covering a body portion of the electrosurgical electrode. The plurality of teeth on the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface are protruding through the at least one layer of insulating material such that the tip of the 20. The electrosurgical electrode of claim 19.

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