Patent ID: 6689129
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for delivering bi-polar RF current from an RF source to tissue in a medical procedure, the apparatus comprising:a substantially transparent elongated member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate region disposed between the first and second ends, the elongated member comprising an electrically insulating material; a first electrode disposed on the first end, the first electrode adapted to be coupled to the RF source; a second electrode disposed on the second end, the second electrode adapted to be coupled to the RF source; a channeling electrode disposed in the intermediate region for contacting tissue, the channeling electrode spaced apart from, and electrically insulated from, the first and second electrodes, the channeling electrode comprising an electrically conductive material, wherein the channeling electrode is adapted to direct a path of the bi-polar RF current between the first electrode and the second electrode through tissue contacting the channeling electrode.