Patent ID: 6193715
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An adapter device for a mechanical cutting device, the adapter device comprising:a mounting block adapted to couple the adapter device to the mechanical cutting device;an electrical connecting element coupled to said mounting block;a sheath carried by said mounting block and coupled to said connecting element, said connecting element providing a conductive pathway between said sheath and the mechanical cutting device, said sheath having an inner surface which defines a passageway adapted to accept the mechanical cutting device, and at least a portion of said sheath which corresponds to the inner surface of said sheath including a non-conductive substrate and a first conductive layer disposed over the substrate with an insulating layer disposed over the conductive layer, wherein said sheath has a proximal portion having an open end and a distal portion having an aperture positioned by the sheath at a cutting tool of the mechanical cutting device, the aperture being defined by a band of the non-conductive substrate closely separating a conductive portion of the mechanical cutting device from an exposed portion of the conductive layer such that upon coupling of the sheath to the mechanical cutting device and powering the mechanical cutting device, the conductive layer provides an electrical return at the distal portion of the sheath to the connecting element such that the adapter device converts the mechanical cutting device for bipolar electrosurgical operation at the aperture.