Patent ID: 7517347
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical instrument for an endoscope or a catheter, comprising: a) a preferably flexible tube which can be introduced through an instrument channel of the endoscope or through a catheter lumen, is electrically nonconductive at least on its outer face, and is open at its distal end, the proximal end of which tube can be connected to a gas source for ionizable gas, in particular argon; b) an electrode connection line which is longitudinally displaceable in the tube and whose proximal end can be connected to a high-frequency current generator; c) an electrosurgical electrode at the distal end of the electrode connection line; and d) a handling device which is connected to the proximal end of the electrode connection line and by means of which the electrosurgical electrode, by way of the electrode connection line, can be pushed out of the distal end of the tube and can be drawn into the tube, wherein a stationary electrode is arranged at the distal end of the tube and is stationary relative to this end, said stationary electrode being electrically conductively connected to a contact element which is arranged in the tube, and which, when the electrosurgical electrode is drawn into the tube, is in electrical contact with the electrosurgical electrode and/or with the distal end of the electrode connection line.