Patent ID: 7422589
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical apparatus comprising: a tubular and elongate conductive body including a proximal end and a distal end, the conductive body being configured to surround a scope such that an eye piece of the scope, when coupled to the conductive body, extends axially from the proximal end of the conductive body, and wherein the conductive body is configured to surround a removable active electrode assembly such that an active electrode of the active electrode assembly extends axially from the distal end of the conductive body; a connector block coupled to the proximal end of the conductive body, the connector block extending radially from the conductive body and being configured to detachably couple with the active electrode assembly, wherein the connector block includes: an active electrode contact disposed so as to be capable of detachably coupling with the active electrode of the active electrode assembly; wherein the conductive body is positioned relative to the connector block such that when an active electrode assembly is coupled to the connector block, the conductive body is electrically insulated from an active electrode of the active electrode assembly, but a temporary, yet tolerable, conduction, via conductive fluids interposed between the active electrode and the conductive body, may occur between the conductive body and the active electrode during an electrosurgical procedure.