Patent ID: 6416512
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A myringotomy surgical procedure for a patient, comprising the steps:(a) providing electrosurgical apparatus connected to a handle holding an electrosurgical electrode, said electrosurgical electrode comprising: (i) an electrically-conductive shaft member having a first end mounted to the handle and a second end, (ii) said second end having an active, electrically-conductive, end portion, (iii) said active end portion being exposed electrically for applying high-frequency electrosurgical currents to said tympanic membrane when said shaft member is connected to a source of electrosurgical currents, (iv) the portions of said shaft member adjacent said exposed end portion being electrically-insulating to prevent contact and passage of electrosurgical currents to tissue areas adjacent to or surrounding the hole to be punched, (v) said active end portion comprising a hollow tube terminating in a circular sharpened edge having a diameter of about 2 mm the circular sharpened edge lying in a common place extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the active end portion, (b) inserting the electrode into the ear canal until the active end portion reaches the tympanic membrane tissue of the patient and activating the electrosurgical apparatus punching a 2 mm hole through the tympanic membrane, (c) withdrawing the electrode after the 2 mm hole has been punched.