Patent ID: 11903636
Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 6:
7. A tissue removal system, comprising:
an active electrode device configured to connect to an active electrode port of an electrosurgical generator; and
a tubular return tissue guard configured to connect to a return electrode port of the electrosurgical generator, the tubular return tissue guard having a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and an intermediate waist portion between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein a diameter of the intermediate waist portion is less than a diameter of the proximal opening and a diameter of the distal opening, and wherein an inwardly-facing surface of the tubular return tissue guard defines a tubular channel and includes a first electrically-conductive portion and a second electrically-conductive portion, the first and second electrically-conductive portions disposed on the inwardly-facing surface of the tubular return tissue guard and extending from the intermediate waist portion to the distal end of the tubular return tissue guard, the first electrically-conductive portion configured to connect to the return electrode port and the second electrically-conductive portion electrically isolated from the first electrically-conductive portion and configured to connect to the return electrode port,
wherein the tubular return tissue guard is configured for positioning within an opening in tissue such that an outwardly-facing surface of the tubular return tissue guard abuts the tissue when the tubular return tissue guard is positioned within the opening in tissue, and
wherein the active electrode device is configured for insertion through the tubular return tissue guard into an internal surgical site.