Patent ID: 9028483
Filing Date: 2015-05-12
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical energy to the tissue of a patient, comprising: a first electrode, comprising: a second electrode, comprising: a sheath comprising a distal stop portion, wherein said sheath at least partially encompasses said first electrode, wherein said sheath at least partially encompasses said second electrode, wherein said distal stop portion of said sheath is movable between a series of positions relative to said first distal electrode portion and said second distal electrode portion, and wherein said series of positions comprises: a first insulator positioned around a length of said first electrode, wherein said first insulator is comprised of an electrically insulative material, wherein said first insulator comprises a first distal end, wherein said first distal electrode portion extends from said first distal end of said first insulator, wherein said first distal electrode portion is configured to penetrate the tissue, and wherein said first distal end of said first insulator comprises a first tissue stop configured to contact the tissue at a maximum insertion depth of said first electrode within the tissue; and a second insulator positioned around a length of said second electrode, wherein said second insulator is comprised of an electrically insulative material, wherein said second insulator comprises a second distal end, wherein said second distal electrode portion extends from said second distal end of said second insulator, wherein said second distal electrode portion is configured to penetrate the tissue, wherein said second distal end of said second insulator comprises a second tissue stop configured to contact the tissue at a maximum insertion depth of said second electrode within the tissue, and wherein said first tissue stop and said second tissue stop are aligned with said distal stop portion of said sheath at said proximal most position.