An electrosurgical loop and instrument for laparoscopic surgery

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting apparatus for performing laparoscopic section of an organ comprising: a conducting wire (1,41) having electrical insulation portions (2,42) at its first end and at its second end which are forming respectively a first and a second insulated end and defining a cutting portion (A-A'; B-B'; C-C', D-D') between said first insulated end and said second insulated end, and a first fastening device (3,5,50) located at said first end of said conducting wire (1,41) and a second fastening device (3,4,40) located at said second end of said conducting wire (1,41), with at least said second fastening device (3,4,40) being in electrical contact with said conducting wire (1,41).

Description: Field of the invention This invention relates to surgical instruments, and more particularly to electrosurgical instruments for laparoscopic surgery. State of the art Supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy is a procedure in which there is renewed interest, and it is currently being evaluated in patients presenting with benign uterine disease and a healthy cervix. The technique of Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH) has only been introduced recently (Semm, K. Hysterectomy via laparotomy or pelviscopy. A new CASH method without colpotomy, Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, 1991; 51: 996-1003; Pelosi, M.A., Pelosi, M.A.III. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy using a single-umbilical puncture (mini-laparoscopy), Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 1992; 37: 777-784; Donnez J., Nisolle M. LASH, Laparoscopic supracervical (subtotal) hysterectomy, Journal of Gynaecologic Surgery, 1993; 9: 92-94.) Some of the potential advantages of this procedure include a shorter operation time, fewer complications and an earlier return to normal activity including sexual function. A difficult part of the laparoscopic procedure is the sectioning of the uterine cervix. Conditions are often far from optimal due to the angle of approach with the cutting electrode or scissors and the proximity of neighbouring important structures that are sometimes difficult to keep at a distance. Safety has always been an important consideration when choosing a supracervical procedure rather than a total hysterectomy. By avoiding the risk of cervical dissection with possible ureteral lesions, the complication rate may be reduced with a supracervical technique. However, when cutting the cervix with any monopolar instrument, there is an associated risk of damaging adjacent structures. Prior art devices are described e.g. in WO 93/24062 or US 5814052. Aims of the invention A first aim of the present invention is to provide a new surgical instrument for performing laparoscopic section of an organ. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a new surgical instrument that reduces operation time when performing a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy or a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Summary of the invention The present invention relates to an electrosurgical cutting apparatus for performing laparoscopic section of an organ comprising: a conducting wire having electrical insulation portions at its first end and at its second end which are forming respectively a first and a second insulated end and defining a cutting portion between said first insulated end and said second insulated end, and a first fastening device located at said first end of said conducting wire and a second fastening device located at said second end of said conducting wire, with at least said second fastening device being in electrical contact with said conducting wire. Preferably, the electrical insulation portions comprise Teflon® and/or medical grade thermoretractable polyolefine. The conducting wire preferably comprises a metal, said metal being advantageously selected from the group consisting of tungsten and stainless steel. The conducting wire preferably has a length between 10 and 20 cm. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening device and the second fastening device are clips adapted to be held by a standard laparoscopic forceps and the conducting wire is preferably continuous. In this case, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus of the embodiment described hereabove further comprises an insulating tube of at least the same length as the conducting wire, and which is broad enough to fit a standard laparoscopic forceps. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening device is a screw or the like and the second fastening device is a conducting sphere or the like. The conducting wire is preferably continuous. Preferably, the screw or the like is insulated. Preferably, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus of the second embodiment described hereabove further comprises: an introducer device comprising a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, said rod having at its distal end a threaded hole adapted to retain said screw or the like and a groove adapted to fit and electrically contact said conducting sphere or the like, said rod having at its proximal end an insulated handle, a contact and an insulated spring therebetween, said contact being in electrical contact with said groove, and an insulated sheath having a length that is greater than the length of the wire and lesser than the length of said introducer device and comprising a tube and a handle, both adapted to fit the introducer. Said handle comprises a plug and a contactor mechanism being in electrical contact with each other, said contactor mechanism not being in contact with the contact of the introducer when the introducer is inserted in the sheath and the distal end extends beyond the sheath, and being in contact with the contact of the introducer when the introducer is in a retracted position such that the distal end is inside the sheath, so that the wire and the plug are electrically connected. Preferably, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in this second embodiment further comprises a pin located on the handle of the introducer and a second groove located inside the handle of the sheath, said second groove being adapted to fit said pin and to prohibit translational movement of the introducer with respect to the sheath by trapping said pin when introducer and sheath are rotated with respect to each other. A third embodiment of the present invention is an electrosurgical cutting apparatus as described hereabove as the second embodiment, further comprising: an introducer device comprising a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, said rod having at its distal end a threaded hole adapted to regain said screw or the like and a groove adapted to fit and electrically contact said conducting sphere or the like, said rod having at its proximal end an insulated handle, an electrical plug and an insulated spring, said electrical plug being in electrical contact with said groove, and an insulated sheath having a length that is greater than the length of the wire and lesser than the length of said introducer device and comprising a tube and a handle, both adapted to fit the introducer. Preferably, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus as described in the third embodiment hereabove further comprises a pin located inside the handle of the sheath and a second groove located on the handle of the introducer, said second groove being adapted to fit said pin and to prohibit translational movement of the introducer with respect to the sheath by trapping said pin when introducer and sheath are rotated with respect to each other. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus has a conducting wire which is not continuous but is constitued by two different conducting threads connected to a common insulating zone, so that no current can run from one side of the conducting wire to the opposite side of the conducting wire. Moreover both first fastening device and said second fastening device are in electrical contact with said conducting wire. Preferably, in this embodiment, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus is characterized in that the first fastening device is a screw or the like and the second fastening device is a conducting sphere or the like. Preferably, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises: an introducer device comprising a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, said rod having at its distal end a threaded hole adapted to retain and electrically contact said screw or the like and a groove adapted to fit said conducting sphere or the like, said rod having at its proximal end an insulated handle, a first electrical plug and an insulated spring, said first electrical plug being in electrical contact with said threaded hole and said groove being insulated so that there is no electrical contact between said first electrical plug and said conducting sphere, and a sheath which has an non-insulated interior and having a length that is greater than the length of the conducting wire and lesser than the length of the introducer device and comprising a tube, a handle which are both adapted to fit the introducer, and a second electrical plug which is in electrical contact with the conducting sphere through the non-insulated interior of said sheath, when said conducting wire is in place. Preferably, the electrosurgical cutting apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises a pin located inside the handle of the sheath and a second groove located on the handle of the introducer, said second groove being adapted to fit said pin and to prohibit translational movement of the introducer with respect to the sheath by trapping said pin when the introducer and the sheath are rotated with respect to each other. Short description of the drawings Figure 1 draws a LEC electrosurgical loop according to the present invention. Figure 2 depicts a first version of an LAP electrosurgical loop according to the present invention. Figures 3A and 3C represent an introducer according to an embodiment of the present invention in a top view and a side view. Figures 3B and 3D show a sheath according to an embodiment of the present invention in a top view and a side view. Figures 4A and 4C represent an introducer according to another embodiment of the present invention in a top view and a side view. Figures 4B and 4D show a sheath according to another embodiment of the present invention in a top view and a side view. Figure 5 describes a combined sheath and introducer according to the present invention. Figure 6 depicts a second version of an LAP electrosurgical loop according to the present invention. Figures 7A and 7C represent an introducer according to another embodiment of the present invention in a top view and a side view. Figures 7B and 7D show a sheath according to another embodiment of the present invention in a top view and a side view. Figure 8 shows the placement of an electrosurgical loop according to the present invention around the uterine cervix at the level of the isthmus. Figure 9 describes the cutting of the cervix by applying monopolar current on the electrosurgical loop according to the invention while performing lateral traction on the loop. Figure 10 presents a view of the cervical stump while the uterine corpus is displaced. Detailed description of the invention The present invention concerns a new electrosurgical instrument for performing laparoscopic section of organs, in particular for performing a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy or a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The present invention will now be further clarified using examples that are non-limiting for the scope of the invention. The electrosurgical instrument according to a specific embodiment of the present invention (the LEC loop) is meant to be used with the standard laparoscopic grasping forceps instrument, as described in figures 8, 9 and 10. Example 1: the LEC loop and insulating tube The LEC loop can be seen in figure 1. It comprises a continuous metal wire 1 that is covered on both ends with an insulating polymer 2 such as Teflon® or thermoretractable polyolefine (medical grade). The metal wire 1 is not covered in between both insulating polymer layers 2 and thus a conducting part (A-A') is freely contactable and usable for electrosurgical purposes. Said metal wire is preferably made of stainless steel or tungsten. The ends of the wire are connected to and in electrical contact with clips 3, which enable the surgeon to manipulate the LEC loop using a standard laparoscopic forceps. The LEC loop is used in co-operation with an insulated tube. Said tube is a 10 mm wide tube with a 5 mm reductor that is introduced in the non-insulated surgical trocar. The length of the tube should be enough for it to contain the full length LEC loop wire, thus insulating the LEC loop from the trocar. Example 2: use of the LEC loop One introduces the laparoscopic grasping forceps through the insulating tube and grasps one end of the LEC loop. The forceps is then pulled back until the loop is entirely introduced in the insulating tube. The tube is then inserted in the peritoneal cavity trough the trocar. The forceps is pushed until the loop is entirely pushed out of the insulating tube into the peritoneal cavity. The LEC loop can then be positioned around the organ that needs to be sectioned with the help of a second forceps that can hold the second end of the LEC loop. The second forceps is inserted through a second trocar. The second end of the LEC loop is then directed to the first laparoscopic forceps and connected hereto by grasping the clip at the second end. Closing of the jaws of the forceps and retracting said forceps through the insulating tube permits to hide the freely contactable clips at the peripheral ends of the LEC loop inside the insulating tube and, when executing a lateral traction to the LEC loop while applying a high-frequency monopolar current to the LEC loop, the organ will be sectioned. Example 3: first version of the LAP loop: The LAP loop can be seen in figure 2. It comprises a continuous metal wire 1 that is covered on both ends with an insulating polymer 2 such as Teflon® or thermoretractable polyolefine (medical grade). The metal wire 1 is not covered in between both insulating polymer layers 2 and thus a conducting part (B-B') is freely contactable and usable for electrosurgical purposes. Said metal wire is preferably made of stainless steel or tungsten. One end of the wire is connected to and in electrical contact with a metal sphere 4, while the second end of the wire is connected to a screw 5, preferably being at least covered with an electrically insulating material such as Teflon®. The metal sphere 4 can be replaced by another geometrical form, which can be clamped inside a groove in the lap loop instrument adapted to retain the form. Further, the screw can be replaced by any fixation means, compatible with the lap loop instruments. Example 4: a first version of LAP loop instruments using the first version of the LAP loop The first version of LAP loop instruments can be seen in figure 3. Figures 3A and 3C represent a LAP introducer instrument. Figures 3B and 3D represent a LAP sheath instrument. The LAP introducer instrument comprises an electrically insulated handle 6 connected to an insulated rod 7, comprising at its distal end a threaded hole 8 or the like adapted to fit the screw 5 or the like of the LAP loop and a groove 9 adapted to receive the sphere 4 or the like of the LAP loop. Said groove is in electrical contact with a contact 10, located at the proximal part of said rod 7. Also at the proximal part of said rod 7 near said insulated handle 6, there is an electrically insulated spring 11. The insulated handle comprises preferably a pin 12 The LAP sheath instrument comprises a handle 13 comprising a second groove 14, adapted to fit pin 12, an electrical plug 15, which is in electrical contact with a contactor mechanism 16 and an opening 17 adapted to receive the introducer handle. Further, the LAP sheath instrument comprises an insulating tube 18, that is adapted to receive the rod 7, but having a reduced length so that, when the introducer is pushed in to the sheath as far as possible, the distal end of the rod 7 is outside of the insulating tube 16. The handle 13 is adapted so that, in this introducer position, the contactor mechanism 16 can only contact the insulated spring 11 of said introducer. When the introducer is retracted so that rod 7 is completely inside insulating tube 18, the contactor mechanism 16 is, when depressed, in contact with the contact 10 of the introducer, thus achieving electrical contact between the plug 15 of the sheath and the groove 9 of the introducer, and the wire 1 of the LAP loop when the sphere 4 is inside the groove 9. Preferably, the contact 10 is adapted to fix the contactor mechanism 16 when this position is taken. A rotation of the introducer with regard to the sheath in this position will fix the introducer more rigidly, as the pin 12 of the introducer will end up in the side-arm of second groove 14 of the sheath, thereby excluding further translational movement of the introducer inside the sheath. Example 5: use of the first version of the LAP loop with first version of the LAP loop instruments One introduces the introducer through the insulating tube 18 of the sheath until the rod 7 is maximally inserted (the distal end extends beyond the insulating tube 18). In this position, the contact mechanism 16 can not contact the contact 10 of the introducer. The LAP loop is screwed on the distal end of the introducer with its screw 5. The introducer is then retracted, which allows the distal end to enter the insulating tube 18 again. The introducer is then pulled back until the LAP loop is entirely introduced in the insulating tube. The sheath is then inserted in the peritoneal cavity trough the trocar. The introducer is again pushed until the LAP loop is entirely pushed out of the insulating tube 18 into the peritoneal cavity until maximal insertion (insulated spring 11 compressed). In this position, no electrical contact is possible between the distal end of the introducer and the plug 15 of the sheath. The LAP loop can then be positioned around the organ that needs to be sectioned with the help of a forceps that can hold the second end of the LAP loop. The forceps is inserted through a second trocar. The sphere 4 of the LAP loop is then directed to the distal end of the introducer and placed into the groove 9 at said distal end. Retraction of the introducer until the distal end of the introducer is completely inside the insulating tube is followed by a rotation resulting in fixation of the pin 12 in the side-arm of second groove 14. The insulating tube prevents, in this position, the sphere 4 of the LAP loop to move since it is fixed in the groove 9 of the introducer, while the wire 1 of the LAP loop is in electrical contact with the plug 15 of the sheath via the contactor mechanism 16. When executing a lateral traction to the LAP loop while applying a high-frequency monopolar current to the LAP loop, the organ will be sectioned. The LAP loop and LAP loop instruments provide higher safety, since a closed electrical circuit is only possible when both ends of the loop are installed and the distal end of the introducer is hidden by the insulating tube. Example 6: a second version of LAP loop instruments: The second version of LAP loop instruments can be seen in figure 4. Figures 4A and 4C represent a LAP introducer instrument. Figures 4B and 4D represent a LAP sheath instrument. The LAP introducer instrument comprises an electrically insulated handle 19 connected to an insulated rod 20, comprising at its distal end a threaded hole 21 or the like adapted to fit the screw 5 or the like of the LAP loop and a groove 22 adapted to receive the sphere 4 or the like of the LAP loop. Said groove is in electrical contact with an electrical plug 23, located inside handle 19. Also, at the proximal part of said rod 20 near said insulated handle 19, there is an electrically insulated spring 24. The insulated handle comprises a second groove 25, adapted to fit the pin 27 of the sheath. The LAP sheath instrument comprises a handle 26 comprising a pin 27 and an opening 28 adapted to receive the introducer handle. Further, the LAP sheath instrument comprises an insulating tube 29, that is adapted to receive the rod 20, but having a reduced length so that, when the introducer is pushed in to the sheath as far as possible, the distal end of the rod 20 is outside of the insulating tube 29, as can be seen in figure 5B. When the introducer is retracted so that rod 20 is completely inside insulating tube 29, the introducer can be rotated with regard to the sheath which will fix the introducer more rigidly, as the pin 27 of the sheath will end up in the side-arm of second groove 25 of the introducer, thereby excluding further translational movement of the introducer inside the sheath. The introducer and sheath are then in the position as can be seen in figure 5A. Example 7: use of the first version of the LAP loop with second version of the LAP loop instruments One introduces the introducer through the insulating tube 29 of the sheath until the rod 20 is maximally inserted (the distal end extends beyond the insulating tube 29). The LAP loop is screwed on the distal end of the introducer with its screw 5. The introducer is then retracted, which allows the distal end to enter the insulating tube 29 again. The introducer is then pulled back until the LAP loop is entirely introduced in the insulating tube. The sheath is then inserted in the peritoneal cavity through the trocar. The introducer is again pushed until the LAP loop is entirely pushed out of the insulating tube 29 into the peritoneal cavity until maximal insertion (insulated spring 24 compressed). The LAP loop can then be positioned around the organ that needs to be sectioned with the help of a forceps that can hold the second end of the LAP loop. The forceps is inserted through a second trocar. The sphere 4 of the LAP loop is then directed to the distal end of the introducer and placed into the groove 22 at said distal end. Retraction of the introducer until the distal end of the introducer is completely inside the insulating tube is followed by a rotation resulting in fixation of the pin 27 in the side-arm of second groove 25. The insulating tube 29 prevents, in this position, the sphere 4 of the LAP loop to move since it is fixed in the groove 22 of the introducer, while the wire 1 of the LAP loop is in electrical contact with the plug 23 of the sheath. When executing a lateral traction to the LAP loop while applying a high-frequency monopolar current to the LAP loop, the organ will be sectioned. Example 8 : second version of the LAP loop : The second version of the LAP loop can be seen in figure 6. It comprises a metal wire 41 which is not continuous but is constituted by two different conducting threads connected to a common insulating zone 43 (of plastic for example), so that no current can occur from one part of the conducting wire to the other. Moreover said conducting wire is covered on both ends with an insulating polymer 42 such as Teflon® or thermoretractable polyolefine medical grade). The metal wire 41 is not covered in between the two polymer layers 42 and thus two conducting parts (C-C') and (D-D') are freely contactable and usable for electrosurgical purposes. Said metal wire is preferabaly made of stainless steel or tungsten. One end of the wire is connected to and in electrical contact with a metal sphere 40, while the second end of the wire is connected to and in electrical contact with a metal screw 50. The metal sphere 40 can be replaced by another geometrical form, which can be clamped inside a groove in the lap loop instrument adapted to retain the form. Further, the metal screw can be replaced by any fixation means, compatible with the lap loop instruments. Example 9: third version of the LAP loop instruments The third version of LAP loop instruments can be seen in figure 7. Figure 7A and 7C represent a LAP introducer. Figure 7B and 7D represent a LAP sheath instrument. The LAP introducer instrument comprise an electrically insulated handle 59 connected to an insulated rod 60, comprising at its distal end a threaded hole 61 adapted to fit the screw 50 or the like of the second version of the LAP loop and an insulated groove 62 adapted to receive the sphere 40 or the like of the second version of the LAP loop. Said threaded hole 61 is in electrical contact with an electrical plug 63, located inside handle 59. Also, at the proximal part of said rod 60, there is an electrically insulated spring 64. The insulated handle 59 comprises a second groove 65, adapted to fit the pin 67 of the sheath. The LAP sheath instrument comprises a handle 66 comprising a pin 67 and an opening 66 adapted to receive the introducer handle 59. Further the LAP sheath instrument comprises a tube 69 which is insulated outwardly but is not insulated inwardly. Said tube 69 is adapted to receive rod 60, but has a reduced length so that, when the introducer is pushed in to the sheath as far as possible, the distal end of the rod 60 is outside of the tube 69. Moreover the LAP sheath, which is not insulated inside, also comprises an electrical plug 70, which is in electrical contact through its not insulated interior with the sphere 40. When the introducer is retracted so that rod 60 is completely inside the tube 69, the introducer can be rotated with regard to the sheath which will fix the introducer more rigidly, as the pin 67 of the sheath will end up in the side-arm of second groove 65 of the introducer, thereby excluding further translational movement of the introducer inside the sheath. Example 10: use of the second version of the LAP loop and of the third version of the LAP loop instruments One introduces the introducer through the tube 69 of the sheath until the rod 60 is maximally inserted (the distal end extends beyond the tube 69). The second version of the LAP loop is screwed on the distal end end of the introducer with its screw 50. The introducer is then retracted, which allows the distal end of the introducer to enter the tube 69 again. The introducer is then pulled back until the LAP loop is then pulled back until the LAP loop is entirely introduced in the tube 69. The sheath is then inserted in the peritoneal cavity through the trocar. The introducer is again pushed until the LAP loop is entirely pushed out of the tube 69 into the peritoneal cavity until maximal insertion (insulated spring 24 compressed). The LAP loop can then be positioned around the organ that need to be sectioned with the help of a forceps that can hold the second end of the LAP loop. The forceps is inserted through a second trocar. The sphere 40 of the LAP loop is then directed to the distal end of the introducer and placed into the groove 62 at said distal end. Retraction of the introducer until the distal end of the introducer is completely inside the tube 69 is followed by a rotation resulting in fixation of the pin 67 in the side-arm of second groove 65. The tube 69 of the sheath prevents, in this position, the sphere 40 of the LAP loop to move since it is fixed in the groove 62 of the introducer, while the wire 41 of the LAP loop is in electrical contact from one side with the plug 63 of the introducer and from the other side with the plug 70 of the sheath. When executing a lateral traction to the LAP loop while applying a high-frequency bipolar current to the LAP loop, the organ will be sectioned. It is also possible to retract the introducer inside the sheath while applying the high-frequency bipolar current to the LAP loop, in order to avoid a potential short-circuit. In all these examples, for a greater security and a greater reliability, a plastic apparatus may be used. Example 11: use of the electrosurgical apparatus according to the present invention to perform a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) Preparation for LSH includes placement of a uterine manipulator and catheterisation of the bladder. The surgical approach is through the usual laparoscopic portals: a primary portal for the optic and two or three secondary portals (5 and 12 mm) for ancillary instruments. Treatment of the round ligaments and adnexae follows standard hysterectomy technique. The broad ligament and the vesicouterine fold are dissected down to the superior cervix. Prior to applying the electrosurgical loop of the invention, the uterine vessels are dissected and sectioned after occluding them with bipolar coagulation or placement of sutures. Treatment of the uterine arteries in this fashion corresponds to a type III procedure according to the Munro-Parker classification system (see Munro, M.G., Parker, W.H.: A classification for laparoscopic hysterectomy, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1993; 82: 624-629). Once the uterine arteries have been cut, it is important to remove any manipulating device that has been placed in the uterus. The LEC loop according to the present invention is then introduced into the abdominal cavity and placed around the cervix 30 (see figure 8). The ends of the loop are firmly held with grasping forceps 31 to form a lasso around the cervix 30 at the level of the isthmus. The uterus 32 is retracted laterally by pulling on the stump of the round ligament 33 in order allow clear vision of the adjacent structures such as bladder, rectum, intestine, etc. (see figure 9). Sectioning of the cervix 30 is accomplished by applying high-frequency monopolar current to the electrosurgical LEC loop while it is displaced horizontally. Often it is necessary to pause the section to remove smoke and maintain good vision during amputation. After the cervix has been cut, any residual bleeding may be treated with bipolar coagulation if necessary. The result can be seen in figure 10. At the end of the procedure, the uterine corpus is removed from the abdominal cavity by either morcellation or extraction through a culdotomy incision.

Claims: An electrosurgical cutting apparatus for performing laparoscopic section of an organ comprising: a conducting wire (1, 41) a first fastening device (3,5,50) located at a first end of said conducting wire (1,41) and a second fastening device (3,4,40) located at a second end of said conducting wire (1,41), with at least said second fastening device (3,4,40) being in electrical contact with said conducting wire (1,41). characterized by the conducting wire (1,41) having electrical insulation portions (2,42) at its first end and at its second end which are forming respectively a first and a second insulated end and defining a cutting portion (A-A'; B-B'; C-C', D-D') between said first insulated end and said second insulated end. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that the conducting wire (1,41) comprises a metal. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 2, characterized in that the metal is selected from the group consisting of tungsten and stainless steel. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conducting wire (1,41) has a length between 10 and 20 cm. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical insulation portions (2,42) comprises Teflon® and/or medical grade thermoretractable polyolefine. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conducting wire (1,41) is continuous. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 6, characterized in that the first fastening device and the second fastening device are clips (3) adapted to be held by a standard laparoscopic forceps. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises an insulating tube of at least the same length as the conducting wire, and which is broad enough to fit a standard laparoscopic forceps. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 6, characterized in that the first fastening device is a screw (5) or the like and the second fastening device is a conducting sphere (4) or the like. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 9, characterized in that the screw (5) or the like is insulated. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 9 or 10, further comprising: an introducer device comprising a rod (7) having a proximal end and a distal end, said rod (7) having at its distal end a threaded hole (8) adapted to retain said screw (5) or the like and a groove (9) adapted to fit and electrically contact said conducting sphere (4) or the like, said rod (7) having at its proximal end an insulated handle (6), a contact (10) and an insulated spring (11) therebetween, said contact (10) being in electrical contact with said groove (9), and an insulated sheath having a length that is greater than the length of the wire (1) and lesser than the length of said introducer device and comprising a tube (18) and a handle (13), both adapted to fit the introducer, said handle (13) comprising a plug (15) and a contactor mechanism (16) being in electrical contact with each other, said contactor mechanism (16) not being in contact with the contact (10) of the introducer when the introducer is inserted in the sheath and the distal end extends beyond the sheath, and being in contact with the contact (10) of the introducer when the introducer is in a retracted position such that the distal end is inside the sheath, so that the wire and the plug are electrically connected. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a pin (12) located on the handle (6) of the introducer and a second groove (14) located inside the handle (13) of the sheath, said second groove (14) being adapted to fit said pin (12) and to prohibit translational movement of the introducer with respect to the sheath by trapping said pin (12) when introducer and sheath are rotated with respect to each other. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it further comprises: an introducer device comprising a rod (20) having a proximal end and a distal end, said rod (20) having at its distal end a threaded hole (21) adapted to retain said screw (5) or the like and a groove (22) adapted to fit and electrically contact said conducting sphere (4) or the like, said rod (20) having at its proximal end an insulated handle (19), an electrical plug (23) and an insulated spring (24), said electrical plug (23) being in electrical contact with said groove (22), and an insulated sheath having a length that is greater than the length of the wire (1) and lesser than the length of said introducer device and comprising a tube (29) and a handle (26), both adapted to fit the introducer. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a pin (27) located inside the handle (26) of the sheath and a second groove (25) located on the handle (19) of the introducer, said second groove (25) being adapted to fit said pin (27) and to prohibit translational movement of the introducer with respect to the sheath by trapping said pin when introducer and sheath are rotated with respect to each other. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that the conducting wire (41) is constituted by two different conducting threads connected to a common insulating zone (43), so that no current can run from one side of said conducting wire to the opposite part of said conducting wire. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 15, characterized in that the first fastening device is a screw (50) or the like and the second fastening device is a conducting sphere (40) or the like. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises: an introducer device comprising a rod (60) having a proximal end and a distal end, said rod (60) having at its distal end a threaded hole (61) adapted to retain and electrically contact said screw (50) or the like and a groove (40) adapted to fit said conducting sphere (40) or the like, said rod (60) having at its proximal end an insulated handle (59), an electrical plug (63) and an insulated spring (64), said electrical plug (63) being in electrical contact with said threaded hole (61), and a sheath which has an non-insulated interior and has a length that is greater than the length of the conducting wire (41) and lesser than the length of the introducer device and comprising a tube (69), a handle (66) which are both adapted to fit the introducer, and an electrical plug (70) which is in electrical contact with said conducting sphere (40) through the non-insulated interior of said sheath. Electrosurgical cutting apparatus as in claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises a pin (67) located inside the handle (66) of the sheath and a second groove (65) located on the handle (59) of the introducer, said second groove (65) being adapted to fit said pin (67) and to prohibit translational movement of the introducer with respect to the sheath by trapping said pin when the introducer and the sheath are rotated with respect to each other.

Inventors: CONSTANT CAMILLE, DEQUESNE JACQUES, MOREELS XAVIER, CONSTANT, CAMILLE, DEQUESNE, JACQUES, MOREELS, XAVIER
Applicants: MEDSYS S A, MEDSYS S.A.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A61B18
IPC codes: A61B18