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Publication Number
US-9775665-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
In one aspect, a fixed position RF electrode for conducting surgical procedures, includes a main device body detachably connectable to an RF generating system, a first polarized conductor and a second oppositely polarized conductor, a bipolar electrical conduit passing through the main device body that passes RF energy from the RF generating system to the first polarized conductor and the second oppositely polarized conductor, and a bipolar electrode for contacting a surgically operative material.
Core Innovation
The invention is directed to a fixed position RF electrode for conducting surgical procedures. The electrode includes a main device body detachably connectable to an RF generating system and a detachable bipolar electrode for contacting surgically operative material, with separate electrical paths for RF energy via a first polarized conductor and a second oppositely polarized conductor passed through a bipolar electrical conduit.
The detachable bipolar electrode comprises an extension with a first proximal end connected to the main device body, and first and second flexible electrode leads that are each longitudinally connected at distal ends to first and second electrode portions in electrical communication with the corresponding polarized conductor portions. The first flexible electrode lead and the second flexible electrode lead are adapted to bend laterally in all directions about respective connection points with the extension to adjust the positions of the electrode portions, and the extension detaches from the main device body to remove the detachable bipolar electrode.
The fixed position RF electrode further includes a first liquid delivery conduit attached to the main device body and adapted to direct a first liquid to a region of the surgically operative material in electrical contact with the first electrode portion, and a second liquid delivery conduit attached to the main device body and adapted to direct a second liquid to a region of the surgically operative material in contact with the second electrode portion. The description also includes sensor-based monitoring, controller-driven adjustment, optional fluid uptake or collection with feedback control, disengagement circuitry that detects electrode disengagement and shuts off RF, and optional illumination and geometry configured for visibility.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a fixed position RF electrode architecture that integrates a detachable bipolar electrode, dual polarized conductors, two separately directed liquid delivery conduits, and laterally bendable flexible leads for adjusting electrode portion positions. Additional dependent claim refinements introduce further structural and functional limitations for liquid delivery patterns, conductive-path concepts, positioning and geometry constraints, and disengagement prevention features described in the document.
Detachable fixed position RF bipolar electrode with dual polarized conductors
A main device body detachably connectable to an RF generating system; a first polarized conductor and a second oppositely polarized conductor; and a bipolar electrical conduit passing through the main device body to pass RF energy from the RF generating system to the first polarized conductor and the second oppositely polarized conductor.
Extension-encapsulated detachable bipolar electrode with flexible leads
A detachable bipolar electrode for contacting surgically operative material, wherein the bipolar electrode comprises an extension with a first proximal end detachably connected to the main device body, the extension encapsulating portions of the first polarized conductor and the second oppositely polarized conductor; a first flexible electrode lead electrically connected at a distal end to a first electrode portion in electrical communication with the first polarized conductor; and a second flexible electrode lead electrically connected at a distal end to a second electrode portion in electrical communication with the second oppositely polarized conductor.
Lateral all-direction bending for electrode portion position adjustment
The first flexible electrode lead is adapted to bend laterally in all directions about a first connection point with the extension to adjust a position of the first electrode portion, and the second flexible electrode lead is adapted to bend laterally in all directions about a second connection point with the extension to adjust a position of the second electrode portion.
Dual liquid delivery conduits targeted to respective electrode portions
A first liquid delivery conduit attached to the main device body and adapted to direct a first liquid to a region of surgically operative material in electrical contact with the first electrode portion, and a second liquid delivery conduit attached to the main device body and adapted to direct a second liquid to a region of the surgically operative material in contact with the second electrode portion.
Detachable extension to remove the bipolar electrode
The extension detaches from the main device body to remove the detachable bipolar electrode.
Overall claim coverage centers on a fixed position RF electrode with a detachable extension-based bipolar electrode driven by oppositely polarized conductors, laterally bendable flexible leads to adjust each electrode portion, and two separately targeted liquid delivery conduits directing different liquids to regions associated with the corresponding electrode portions.
Stated Advantages
Reduce arcing and tissue damage by shutting off RF upon electrode disengagement.
Documented Applications
Conducting surgical procedures using a fixed position RF electrode that contacts surgically operative material.
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