Patent ID: 7628787
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical instrument for providing ionized inert gas to a surgical site, comprising: a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a port for emitting ionized gas; a receptacle for seating a cylinder of pressurized inert gas within the frame, the frame housing a tube which channels the pressurized inert gas to the proximity of the electrode; an active electrode located adjacent the distal end of the frame, the electrode adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy; at least one actuator which actuates the flow of pressurized inert gas from the cylinder to the proximity of the active electrode and which actuates the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the active electrode for ionizing the pressurized inert gas for use at the surgical site; a selectively releasable locking mechanism configured to releasably engage the cylinder upon insertion of the cylinder into the receptacle; and a first flow regulator which selectively regulates the flow of pressurized inert gas from the cylinder upon actuation.