Patent ID: 6063081
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A fluid-assisted electrocautery instrument, comprising:an elongate handle having proximal and distal ends and having a longitudinal lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends;a suction tube, disposed partially within the lumen of the handle and having a distal end extending out of the distal end of the handle;a conductive electrocautery electrode adapted to be coupled to a source of radio-frequency energy, the electrode comprising an elongate tube defining an internal lumen extending between proximal and distal ends of the electrode, the electrode disposed within the suction tube such that a distal end of the electrode extends distally beyond the distal end of suction tube;a fluid input tube, coupled to the proximal end of the electrode and in fluid communication with the internal lumen of the electrode, such that conductive fluid supplied from the input tube flows along the electrode and is expelled from the distal end of the electrode.