Patent Publication Number: US-2021186597-A1

Title: Surgical electrode assembly

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a hemostatic tool for surgery, in particular to a surgical electrode assembly. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     At present, refinement and specialization of medical devices is a goal and trend. Electrocoagulation, as an efficient and reliable hemostasis method, is widely used in surgical operations. A surgical electrode assembly which is especially suitable for small-channel deep surgery such as minimally invasive microsurgery, neurosurgery, transnasal approach surgery, etc., is particularly adapted to be used with nasal endoscopy and ventriculoscopy, mainly for electrocoagulation to stop bleeding in minimally invasive microsurgery or neurosurgery. Since various operations have limited operating spaces, and further, the larger the surgical incision or channel, the greater the secondary injury to the patient, so that it is a constant pursuit to minimize the surgical channel and to be minimally invasive. 
     Bipolar coagulation forceps in various shapes are commonly used in existing surgical procedures. The core mechanics is to use fingers to close two jaws mounted in a fixture, around a blood vessel or tissue, to apply a high-frequency current through tips of the jaws to the part of the blood vessel or tissue caught therebetween, such that thermal effect of the high-frequency current causes the blood vessel wall to dehydrate and become wrinkled, and blood inside the blood vessel to coagulate, such that the blood vessel and blood clots merge, to thereby achieve effective hemostasis. Since jaws of ordinary bipolar coagulation forceps are wide and have a large volume in structure, and there is a maximal distance of at least 10 mm between front shanks of the two jaws entering a human body, but with a limited length, it is not suitable for hemostasis on a minimally invasive wound or a wound deep into a tissue that is accessed through a small channel (such as transnasal approach, ventricoscopy, etc.), and is especially limited when used in minimally invasive microsurgery and neurosurgery. Further, the larger volume of the jaws entering the human body prevents it from being used in conjunction with another instrument. Furthermore, since the jaws of ordinary bipolar coagulation forceps have a rather long protruding portion, the tips thereof are often prone to misalignment when being closed, which affects the effect and efficiency of coagulation. 
     An existing surgical electrode assembly allows the electrode tips to come close and away from one another through cooperation of an inner tube and an outer tube. 
     Since the inner tube and outer tube having different diameters may have slightly different bending curvatures when they are bent at the same time, which causes the outer tube, especially on a convex side thereof, to press tightly against a convex side of the inner tube, such that, when the outer tube moves relative to the inner tube, a significant increase in friction may occur, and even seizure may occur. This leads to a significant limitation in the degree of bendability of the inner and outer tubes such that it is impossible to ideally avoid the interference between a handle thereof and the other instrument used together by bending, and if they are slightly over bent, it may greatly increase the friction and reduce the operating sensitivity of the electrodes, which will affect the efficiency of the operation. 
     Besides, means for driving the outer tube of the existing surgical electrode assembly includes a handle spring leaf. When the handle is released, a screw plug and the outer tube retreat with action of elasticity of the spring leaf, such that the spring leaf needs to have a high elasticity and in order to ensure the elasticity, it is designed to have a relatively large width, but the spring leaf usually cannot provide a sufficient spring restoring force due to its structure, which may reduce the operating sensitivity of the electrode assembly and hinder the efficiency of the operation. Besides, due to the need to design a larger width of handle spring leaves in order to ensure the elasticity, the operator may often undesirably have his middle finger caught when pressing the two handle spring leaves with his thumb and index finger, which greatly hinders the comfort, safety and convenience of operation. 
     In addition, electrode sleeves of an existing surgical electrode assembly may be easily worn by the outer tube. Especially in the case of a ventricle mirror electrode assembly, walls of the electrode sleeves are more likely to be worn out due to their non-wear-resistant material and small thickness such that insulation ability thereof is damaged. In a common solution, it may be considered to try to use another material to form the electrode sleeves. However, due to the special structural requirements therefor, it is difficult to find a good wear-resistant material to form the electrode sleeves, and the development to use of material is usually very time-consuming and costly. Therefore, there is an urgent need for electrode sleeves that can protect the electrodes in a simple, reliable and low-cost manner, and reduce or even completely avoid the wear of the electrode sleeves by the outer tube. 
     And further, especially in the case of a ventricular mirror electrode assembly, the electrode tips are better to be small to improve accuracy of the operation, but small electrode tips are more likely to have their vision be obscured by the outer tube during the operation, which will also reduce accuracy, convenience, comfortability of the operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a surgical electrode assembly that can solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surgical electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a distal end farther away from an operator when in use and a proximal end closer to the operator when in use. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode device, a manipulating device, and an electrode driving device. The electrode device is disposed at a distal end of the electrode assembly, the electrode device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being movable between a first position away from each other and a second position close to each other. The manipulating device is disposed at a proximal end of the electrode assembly and is configured to manipulate operation of the electrode device. The electrode driving device is disposed between the manipulating device and the electrode device, configured to drive the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode device to move between the first position and the second position with action of the manipulating device. The manipulating device comprises a housing and an actuation mechanism at least partially disposed in the housing, and the actuation mechanism is adapted to actuate the electrode driving device. The actuation mechanism comprises a crank device, a slider device operatively connected with the crank device, and a damping device. The slider device has a rest position and a working position. When there is no external force applied, damping effect of the damping device renders the slider device in the rest position, the slider device being operatively connected to the electrode driving device, and in the rest position of the slider device, the first electrode and the second electrode are in the first position away from each other. An operator can apply a force to the crank device which in turn urges the slider device, such that the slider device is movable toward the working position, against the damping effect of the damping device, to thereby cause the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode device to move from the first position to the second position. 
     The following technical effects, for example, can be produced with a surgical electrode assembly according to the present disclosure: the surgical electrode assembly ensures a sufficient actuation force including a restoring force, is more ergonomic, greatly improves operating sensitivity thereof, and therefore greatly improved surgical procedure efficiency, safety and manipulating comfortability. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the operator no longer applies a force to the crank device, the slider device moves toward the rest position with the action of the restoring force of the damping device, such that the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode device move from the second position to the first position with action of their own elastic force, wherein the slider device urges and restores the crank device while moving toward the rest position. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode driving device comprises an inner tube and an outer tube configured to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube has a distal end connected to proximal ends of the first electrode and the second electrode, the outer tube being disposed over the inner tube, and having a distal end abutting against the first electrode and the second electrode, such that the inner tube and the outer tube are adapted to move the first electrode and the second electrode between the first position and the second position. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider device is operatively connected with the outer tube, such that the outer tube is movable with the movement of the slider device. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider device is operatively connected with the inner tube, such that the inner tube is movable along with the movement of the slider device. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the damping device is arranged between the slider device and the housing. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the damping device is a coil spring or a hollow elastic body. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider device has a distal portion with a smaller radial size, a proximal portion with a larger radial size, and a shoulder between the distal portion and the proximal portion, and the coil spring or hollow elastic body is configured to be disposed over the distal portion of the slider device and abuts against the shoulder. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the manipulating device further comprises a fixing block for fixing the inner tube in the housing, the fixing block being disposed at a distance proximal to the slider device. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end of the inner tube extends into and is fixed to a longitudinal through hole of the fixing block. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing block is provided with a lateral through hole that extends from an outer circumferential surface of the fixing block to the longitudinal through hole of the fixing block, wherein a fastening element is adapted to be introduced into the lateral through hole and pressed against the inner tube. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening element is a screw or rivet. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer tube has a proximal opening formed with a flange, the hollow slider device is provided with a corresponding groove on an inner circumferential surface thereof, and the proximal end of the outer tube is fixed in a form-fit manner to the slider device through the flange and the groove. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider device is provided with a guide, and the housing is provided with a mating guide for cooperating with said guide. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, said guide consists of guide pieces protruding from the slider device, and the mating guide consists of mating guide pieces protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the housing. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stop for limiting a maximum sliding distance of the slider device is provided at each end of the mating guide pieces. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing that are molded or additively manufactured. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a crank device is provided on each side of the housing. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the crank device comprises a crank and a link, the link having a distal end pivotally connected to the common slider device, and a proximal end pivotally connected to a distal end of the corresponding crank, and a proximal end of the crank being pivotally connected to a common cylinder protruding from the inner circumference of the housing. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the common cylinder has a slot formed in a center thereof, and a wire connected to the electrode is adapted to pass through the slot. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the crank is designed to be an elongate and narrow press handle. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, inside the inner tube, or between the inner tube and the outer tube, or outside the outer tube, a delivery passage for delivering a flushing liquid is provided. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the inner tube by an adhesive. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive is epoxy glue. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube is pressed flat at the first electrode and the second electrode extending into the inner tube, such that the inner tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are pressed together. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal opening of the outer tube is formed with an outward flange. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are bent upward, downward or formed straight. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamping surface of the distal portion of each of the first and second electrodes for clamping a target tissue of a human body forms a step on a transition portion to the proximal portion of the first or second electrode, the steps being configured to prevent the electrode sleeves on the proximal portions of the electrodes from contacting each other during a process of closing the first electrode and the second electrode. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are treated to prevent electrocoagulation and adhesion. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal end of the outer tube has a flat tapered structure, the flat tapered structure including planes extending forward to gradually approach a centerline of the outer tube, and the planes being substantially perpendicular to the clamping surfaces for clamping the target tissue of the human body, of the distal portions of the first electrode and second electrode. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube is pressed flat at the first electrode and the second electrode extending into the inner tube, such that the inner tube is pressed together with the first electrode and the second electrode, and then the first electrode and the second electrode are further fixed with the inner tube by injecting an adhesive into the inner tube. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surgical electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a distal end farther away from an operator when in use and a proximal end closer to the operator when in use. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode device, a manipulating device, and an electrode driving device. The electrode device is disposed at a distal end of the electrode assembly, the electrode device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being movable between a first position away from each other and a second position close to each other. The manipulating device is disposed at a proximal end of the electrode assembly and is configured to manipulate operation of the electrode device. The electrode driving device is disposed between the manipulating device and the electrode device, configured to drive the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode device to move between the first position and the second position with action of the manipulating device. The electrode driving device comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein an outer diameter of the inner tube is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer tube, such that the inner tube is received inside the outer tube, such that the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to one another in a longitudinal direction of the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube has an inner tube proximal portion at a proximal end thereof, an inner tube distal portion at a distal end thereof, and an inner tube bending portion between the inner tube proximal portion and the inner tube distal portion. The inner tube bending portion has a curvature, such that the inner tube distal portion and the inner tube proximal portion are disposed at an angle to each other, and the outer tube has an outer tube proximal portion at a proximal end thereof and an outer tube distal portion at a distal end thereof, and an outer tube connecting portion between the outer tube proximal end portion and the outer tube distal end portion. The outer tube connecting portion is adapted to the inner tube bending portion, such that when manipulating the manipulating device to cause the inner tube and the outer tube to move relative to each other, the outer tube connecting portion allows the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube and the outer tube to move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction without interfering of the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube with the outer tube proximal portion and the outer tube distal portion of the outer tube. 
     The following technical effects, for example, can be produced by the surgical electrode assembly: bending tubes are provided which can greatly improve the convenience of the surgical electrode assembly entering a human body channel during a surgical procedure, and reduce undesired touching or even scratching of tissues of the human body channel by the surgical electrode assembly during the surgical procedure, and further, based on such bending, the handle portion of the electrode assembly may not interfere with the instrument such as an aspirator, used simultaneously. The surgical electrode assembly greatly reduces large friction or even seizure when the inner tube and the outer tube move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction with a relatively great bending, thereby greatly improving the operating sensitivity and operating accuracy of the surgical electrode assembly during a surgical procedure, and these advantages are of essential importance to successful completion of the surgical procedure. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer tube connecting portion is a tubular portion having an opening on the outer tube and is formed in one piece with the outer tube proximal portion and the outer tube distal end portion, and the inner tube bending portion is configured to be at least partially exposed from the opening. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when manipulating the manipulating device to cause the inner tube and the outer tube to move relative to each other, the opening is longitudinally and circumferentially sized to allow the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube to smoothly perform a relative movement in the longitudinal direction between the outer tube proximal portion and the outer tube distal portion of the outer tube without interfering with the outer tube proximal portion and the outer tube distal portion of the outer tube. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed into a cross section of the outer tube, the opening of the outer tube connecting portion occupies at least half of a circumference of the outer tube and exposes a convex side of the inner tube bending portion. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the inner tube distal portion and/or a portion of the inner tube proximal portion are/is exposed from the opening of the outer tube connecting portion. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is always a distance from a distal edge and a proximal edge of the opening of the outer tube connecting portion to an apex of the inner tube bending portion when in use. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal edge and/or the proximal edge of the opening are curled inward or encapsulated, such that the distal edge and/or the proximal edge of the opening do not scratch the human body target tissue when contacting the human body target tissue. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer tube connecting portion and the outer tube distal portion are separately made parts and are fixedly connected in a mounted state, and/or the outer tube connecting portion and the outer tube proximal portion are separately made parts and are fixedly connected in a mounted state. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed connection is realized by riveting, threaded connection, welding and/or bonding. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer tube connecting portion extends around all or part of the circumference of the inner tube. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer tube connecting portion includes at least one curved rod and/or at least one curved flat plate and/or at least one curved plate that is curved in a transverse direction. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube bending portion has a bending degree and the outer tube connecting portion has a bending degree that are variable simultaneously. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube bending portion and the outer tube connecting portion are each made of a flexible material in order to allow the variation of the bending degree. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bending degree of the inner tube bending portion and the bending degree of the outer tube connecting portion are variable in a range between 10° and 60°. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bending degree of the inner tube bending portion and the bending degree of the outer tube connecting portion are variable in a range between 30° and 40°. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surgical electrode assembly enters a human body through a nose thereof. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, inside the inner tube, or between the inner tube and the outer tube, or outside the outer tube, a delivery passage for delivering a flushing liquid is provided. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the inner tube by an adhesive. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive is epoxy glue. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube is pressed flat at the first electrode and the second electrode extending into the inner tube, such that the inner tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are pressed together. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal opening of the outer tube is formed with an outward flange. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are bent upward, downward or formed straight. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamping surface of the distal portion of each of the first and second electrodes for clamping a target tissue of a human body forms a step on a transition portion to the proximal portion of the first or second electrode, the steps being configured to prevent the electrode sleeves on the proximal portions of the electrodes from contacting each other during a process of closing the first electrode and the second electrode. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are treated to prevent electrocoagulation and adhesion. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal end of the outer tube has a flat tapered structure, the flat tapered structure including planes extending forward to gradually approach a centerline of the outer tube, and the planes being substantially perpendicular to the clamping surfaces for clamping the target tissue of the human body, of the distal portions of the first electrode and second electrode. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube is pressed flat at the first electrode and the second electrode extending into the inner tube, such that the inner tube is pressed together with the first electrode and the second electrode, and then the first electrode and the second electrode are further fixed with the inner tube by injecting an adhesive into the inner tube. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surgical electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a distal end farther away from an operator when in use and a proximal end closer to the operator when in use. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode device, an inner tube and an outer tube. The electrode device is disposed at a distal end of the electrode assembly, the electrode device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being movable between a first position away from each other and a second position close to each other. The distal end of the inner tube is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the first electrode and the second electrode. The outer tube is disposed to have the inner tube received therein and has a distal end abutting against outer sides of bending proximal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode, such that relative movement of the inner tube and the outer tube in a longitudinal direction causes a movement of the first electrode and the second electrode between the first position and the second position. Distal to the inner tube, at least outside the electrode sleeves of the first electrode and the second electrode, a wear-resistant protection element is provided on at least a portion of the electrode sleeves of the first electrode and the second electrode, and when the inner tube and the outer tube move relatively in the longitudinal direction, a front end of the outer tube is slidable on the wear-resistant protective element. 
     The following technical effect, for example, can be produced by the surgical electrode assembly: a wear-resistant protective element is provided, which simply and effectively solves the technical problem that electrode sleeves of electrodes may be easily worn by the outer tube. Especially in the case of a ventricle mirror electrode assembly, walls of the electrode sleeves have a small thickness and are more likely to be worn out such that insulation ability thereof is damaged. In a common solution, one may usually try to use another material to form the electrode sleeve of the electrode. However, due to the special requirements for electrode sleeves of a ventricle mirror electrode assembly, it is difficult to realize and is very costly, and it is difficult to find an ideal electrode sleeve material. However, the wear-resistant protective element of this embodiment can protect the electrode sleeves of the electrode in a simple, reliable and low-cost manner, such that there is no need at all to consider the wear resistance of the electrode sleeve material, which broadens the material selection range. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wear-resistant protective element extends from the distal end of the inner tube and is made in one piece with the inner tube, and the wear-resistant protective element is fixedly connected with the electrode sleeves in the mounted state. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wear-resistant protective element and the inner tube are separately made parts, the wear-resistant protective element has a proximal end fixedly connected with a distal end of the inner tube in the mounted state, and the wear-resistant protective element is fixedly connected with the electrode sleeve in the mounted state. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wear-resistant protective element and the inner tube are separately made parts that are not connected to one another, and the wear-resistant protective element is fixedly connected with the electrode sleeves in the mounted state. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wear-resistant protective element is formed of a wear-resistant material. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wear-resistant protective element is formed of stainless steel. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed connection between the wear-resistant protective element and the electrode sleeves is realized by bonding, hot-melt connection or encapsulation injection molding. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed connection between the wear-resistant protective element and the inner tube is realized by riveting, threaded connection, welding and/or bonding. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal end of the outer tube has a flat tapered structure, the flat tapered structure including planes extending forward to gradually approach a centerline of the outer tube, and the planes being substantially perpendicular to the clamping surfaces for clamping the target tissue of the human body, of the distal portions of the first electrode and second electrode. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surgical electrode assembly is used in conjunction with a ventricular mirror. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, inside the inner tube, or between the inner tube and the outer tube, or outside the outer tube, a delivery passage is provided for delivering a flushing liquid is provided. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the second electrode are fixed to the inner tube by an adhesive. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive is epoxy glue. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube is pressed flat at the first electrode and the second electrode extending into the inner tube, such that the inner tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are pressed together. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal opening of the outer tube is formed with an outward flange. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are bent upward, downward or formed straight. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamping surface of the distal portion of each of the first and second electrodes for clamping a target tissue of a human body forms a step on a transition portion to the proximal portion of the first or second electrode, the steps being configured so as to prevent the electrode sleeves on the proximal portions of the electrodes from contacting each other during a process of closing the first electrode and the second electrode. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each clamping surface has a length in a range between 2 mm and 4 mm. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal portions of the first electrode and the second electrode are treated to prevent electrocoagulation adhesion. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed connection between the wear-resistant protective element and the electrode sleeves is realized by flaps on the wear-resistant protective element for encapsulating a circumference of the electrode sleeves. 
     According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tube is pressed flat at the first electrode and the second electrode extending into the inner tube, such that the inner tube is pressed together with the first electrode and the second electrode, and then the first electrode and the second electrode are further fixed with the inner tube by injecting an adhesive into the inner tube. 
     Other objects, features, and details of the present disclosure can be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     A person skilled in the art will understand advantages of corresponding embodiments and various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the corresponding embodiments with reference to the drawings as included below. In addition, features in the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Sizes of the features and elements in the drawings may be appropriately enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a top view of a first embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of an outer tube having an opening of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a lower housing of a manipulating device of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a slider device of the manipulating device of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an upper housing of the manipulating device of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of a second embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a front view of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of part I of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows an enlarged view of part II of the surgical electrode assembly as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Various illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In this description, for the sake of explanation only, various systems, structures and devices are schematically depicted in the drawings, but all the features of actual systems, structures and devices are not described. For example, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary details to obscure the present disclosure. Of course, it should be understood that in any practical application, many specific implementation decisions need to be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer or user, and the system-related and industry-related restrictions need to be observed. These specific goals may vary with actual applications. In addition, it should be understood that although such specific implementation decisions are complicated and time-consuming, this is a routine task for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present application. 
     The terms and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the understanding of those terms and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. The consistent usage of terms or phrases herein is not intended to imply a specific definition of the term or phrase, that is, a definition that differs from the ordinary and customary meanings understood by those skilled in the art. For terms or phrases intended to have a special meaning, that is, meanings different from those understood by the skilled person, this special definition will be clearly listed in the description by definition, giving special definition to the term or phrase directly and unambiguously. 
     In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, such terms as “mounted”, “connected”, “coupled”, “connected”, “fixed” and so on should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a it is a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal communication between two components. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure according to specific situations. 
     In the present disclosure, “distal” refers to a direction away from the operator when using the surgical electrode assembly of the present disclosure, and “proximal” refers to a direction close to the operator when using the surgical electrode assembly of the present disclosure. 
     Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show a first embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present disclosure, the surgical electrode assembly being used in conjunction with a nasal mirror, which is referred hereto as a nasal mirror electrode assembly  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the nasal mirror electrode assembly  100  comprises: two electrodes  15 ,  16  and a wire  3  electrically connected to the electrodes  15 ,  16 ; an inner tube  18  fixed to proximal ends of the electrodes  15 ,  16 ; an outer tube  17  disposed to have the inner tube  18  received therein. The nasal mirror electrode assembly  100  further comprises a manipulating device  25  connected to the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17 , and the outer tube  17  is movable longitudinally relative to the inner tube  18  as actuated by the manipulating device  25 . The wire  3  is connected to a high-frequency electric knife through a power line  1 . The specific composition and connection manner of each component are described in detail as below. 
     The distal portions of the electrodes  15  and  16  are tips for operation, and the shape of the tips is designed to be curved upward (see  FIG. 2 ), thereby reducing the obstruction of the field of view during the operation and thus facilitating the precise clamping of the human body target tissue. In another embodiment, the shape of the tip can also be designed to be curved downward or straight. The tips of the electrodes  15  and  16  are respectively provided with clamping surfaces on opposite inner sides thereof for clamping the target tissue of the human body. In order to reduce or avoid adhesion of the electrode tips and the target tissue of the human body during the operation, the electrode tips can be treated for anti-electrocoagulation adhesion. 
     The proximal portions of the electrodes  15  and  16  are curved and are provided with insulated electrode sleeves  13  and  14  respectively. A clamping surface of the distal tip of each electrode forms a step on a transition portion to the proximal portion of the electrode, to prevent the electrode sleeves  13 ,  14  on the proximal portions of the electrodes  13 ,  14  from contacting each other during a process of closing the electrodes  13 ,  14 . 
     The proximal ends of the electrodes  15  and  16  are fixed to the inner tube  18 . The inner tube  18  is provided with an opening (not shown, the opening may be a circular, oval or rectangular opening) for filling an adhesive (such as epoxy glue), and the adhesive is used to fix the proximal ends of the electrodes  15 ,  16  and adjacent portions of the wire  3  to the inner tube  18  to thereby prevent the electrodes  15  and  16  from moving in the inner tube  18 . Further, the inner tube  18  can be pressed flat at the electrode extending into the inner tube  18  so as to press the inner tube  18  and the electrode  15 ,  16  together to further ensure the fixation of the electrode  15 ,  16  and the inner tube  18 . The inner tube  18  and the electrode  15 ,  16  can be fixed in a manner as the following, i.e., firstly, pressing the inner tube  18  flat at the electrode  15 ,  16  extending into the inner tube  18  so as to press the inner tube  18  and the electrode  15 ,  16  together, and then, further fixing the electrode  15 ,  16  and the inner tube  18  by injecting an adhesive in the inner tube  18 . 
     The outer tube  17  is disposed to have the inner tube  18  received therein, and the outer tube  17  is configured to move longitudinally relative to the inner tube  18 , such that the electrodes  15  and  16  are movable radially away from each other to enter the first position or radially close to each other to enter the second position. Particularly, the electrodes  15 ,  16  are fixedly connected to the distal end of the inner tube  18 . When the outer tube  17  moves distally relative to the inner tube  18 , the electrodes  15 ,  16  are constrained in the outer tube  17 , such that the electrodes  15 ,  16  move radially close to each other; when the outer tube  17  moves proximally relative to the inner tube  18 , the electrodes  15 ,  16  are exposed from the outer tube  17 , such that the electrodes  15 ,  16  are radially separated from each other based on their own elasticity. 
     In order to reduce the friction between the distal end of the outer tube  17  and the outer side of the electrode sleeves  13 ,  14  of the electrodes  15 ,  16 , the distal opening of the outer tube  17  is formed with an outward flange, which is smooth at least at a portion thereof connected to the electrode sleeves  13 ,  14 , thereby reducing abrasion of the distal end of the outer tube  17  to the outer side of the electrode sleeves  13  and  14 . 
     The outer tube  17  has an outer diameter in a range of 1.5 to 3.5 mm, which is only ¼ to ⅓ of the distance between two jaws of ordinary bipolar coagulation forceps, and has a length that can be more than 350 mm. Further, the electrodes  15 ,  16  are also thinner, and have an average thickness that is only ½ to ⅔ of the distal portion at the jaw tip of ordinary electrocoagulation forceps. Therefore, the nasal mirror electrode assembly according to the present disclosure is more suitable for transnasal small-channel deep surgery treatment. 
     In order to facilitate the introduction of the nasal mirror electrode assembly into the human body through the nose, based on the flexibility of the internal channel of the nasal cavity, the inner tube  18  has an inner tube proximal portion at a proximal end thereof, an inner tube distal portion of at a distal end thereof, and an inner tube bending portion therebetween. The inner tube bending portion has a curvature, such that the inner tube distal portion and the inner tube proximal portion are disposed at an angle to each other, and the outer tube  17  has an outer tube proximal portion  27  at a proximal end thereof and an outer tube distal portion  26  at a distal end thereof, and an outer tube connecting portion  28  therebetween (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     When the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  having different diameters are bent at the same time, the bending curvatures of the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  are slightly different, such that a convex side of the outer tube  17  presses against a convex side of the inner tube  18 , whereby a significantly increased friction force may be generated when they move relatively in the longitudinal direction, and even more, the relative longitudinal movement of the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  cannot be performed due to seizure. Therefore, in order to reduce friction when the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, especially the friction generated at a contact area of the convex sides of the inner tube  18  and outer tube  17 , an opening  22  can be formed at least at a convex side of the outer tube connecting portion  28  of the outer tube  17  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The opening  22  is sized such that the widest portion of the inner tube  18  can leave the opening  22  without scratching an edge of the opening  22 , thereby minimizing friction of the inner tube  18  with the outer tube  17  when the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  move relative to each other. When manipulating the manipulating device  25  to cause the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  to move relative to each other, the opening is longitudinally and circumferentially sized to allow the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube  18  to smoothly perform a relative movement in the longitudinal direction between the outer tube proximal portion  27  and the outer tube distal portion  26  of the outer tube  17  without interfering with the outer tube proximal portion  27  and the outer tube distal portion  26  of the outer tube  17 . 
     When viewed into a cross section of the outer tube, the opening of the outer tube connecting portion  28  occupies substantially a half of a circumference of the outer tube and exposes a convex side, rather than a concave side of the inner tube bending portion, such that a contact area where friction is most likely to be produced between the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  is greatly reduced. In other words, when viewed into the cross section of the outer tube, an arc length of the outer tube portion left at the opening is roughly half of the circumference of the outer tube. The ratio “a half” is only one embodiment of the present disclosure. Of course, the opening can be designed to occupy more than a half or less than a half of the circumference of the outer tube as actually required, as long as the opening allows the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube  18  to smoothly perform a relative movement in the longitudinal direction between the outer tube proximal portion  27  and the outer tube distal portion  26  of the outer tube  17  without interfering with the outer tube proximal portion  27  and the outer tube distal portion  26  of the outer tube  17 . Of course, whether to expose particularly the convex side or the concave side of the inner tube bending portion, it can be selected accordingly for the purpose of reducing friction as much as possible according to the actual application. In the embodiment as shown, the opening  22  may extend to only a small distance from the manipulating device  25 . In some embodiments, the distance is less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm. 
     In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the outer tube connecting portion  28  of the outer tube  17  at the portion where the opening  22  is formed is less than or equal to a half of the circumference of the outer tube  17  and thereby further ensures that there be no big friction when the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  move relatively to one another. The outer tube connecting portion  28  of the outer tube  17  and the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube  18  are at least partially spaced apart when the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing friction during relative movement in the longitudinal direction. 
     There should be always a distance from a distal edge and a proximal edge of the opening  22  to an apex of the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube  18  when in use. The distance is designed so that the distal edge and the proximal edge of the opening  22  are difficult to or will not come into contact with the target tissue of the human body when the electrode assembly is used, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of scratching the target tissue of the human body by the distal edge and the proximal edge of the opening  22  during surgery. 
     In some embodiments, the distal and proximal edges of the opening  22  are curled inward or encapsulated with a suitable material to greatly reduce the sharpness of the opening  22  to ensure that the distal and proximal edges of the opening  22  will not scratch the human body target tissue when coming into contact with the human body target tissue. 
     In some embodiments, the outer tube connecting portion  28  and the outer tube distal portion  27  and/or the outer tube proximal portion  26  are separately made parts, and the outer tube connecting portion  28  and the outer tube distal portion  27  and/or the outer tube proximal portion  26  are fixedly connected in the mounted state. The outer tube connecting portion  28  may be, for example, a rod or a plate with a bending portion. The outer tube connecting portion  28  is adapted to transmit a force from the manipulating device  25  to the outer tube distal portion  26  of the outer tube  17  with as little friction as possible, so as to allow the desired relative movement of the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  in the longitudinal direction. The outer tube connecting portion  27  is fixedly connected to the outer tube distal portion  26  and the outer tube proximal connecting portion  27  of the outer tube  17 , for example, by riveting, screwing, welding and/or bonding. In some embodiments, the outer tube connecting portion  28  extends around all or part of the circumference of the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube  18 . 
     Advantageously, the inner tube bending portion of the inner tube  18  and the outer tube connecting portion of the outer tube  17  are each formed of a flexible material, such that the inner tube bending portion has a bending degree and the outer tube connecting portion  28  has a bending degree that are variable simultaneously. The bending degree of the inner tube bending portion and the bending degree of the outer tube connecting portion  28  are variable in a range between 10° and 60°. After many experiments, it has been proved that, more advantageously, the bending degree of the inner tube bending portion and the bending degree of the outer tube connecting portion  28  are variable in a range between 30° and 40°. Therefore, the degree of curvature of the nasal mirror electrode assembly can be adjusted according to the actual needs of different operations and other instruments used in conjunction. 
     A delivery passage for delivering a flushing fluid, such as physiological saline, may be provided inside the inner tube  18 , between the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17 , or outside the outer tube  17 . In some embodiments, the delivery passage is provided inside the inner tube  18  or outside the outer tube  17  so as not to hinder the relative longitudinal movement of the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17 . 
     The manipulating device  25  can be held by an operator to enable the relative movement of the inner tube  18  and the outer tube  17  in the longitudinal direction. The manipulating device  25  comprises a housing and an actuation mechanism at least partially disposed in the housing. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6 , the housing of the manipulating device  25  comprises an upper housing  19  and a lower housing  20 . The two-piece housing enables simple and low-cost manufacturing. The upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  can be molded or manufactured by an additive manufacturing method (3D printing method). 
     The upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  are fixed with a front screw cap  12  at a front end thereof and a rear screw cap  21  at a rear end thereof. Therefore, the upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  are formed with threads at the front and rear ends, and the threaded connection enables the upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  to be fastened more reliably. Of course, another connection method can be provided here to connect the upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  in a fixed manner, such as a clamp connection, a connection by screws or rivets, or the like. The upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  can be connected at a middle thereof by internal buckles or catches on the outer circumference, threaded connection or riveting, and the connection in the middle can reliably prevent the elongate upper and lower housings  19 ,  20  from unwanted separation in the middle. 
     It can be seen from  FIG. 1  that the housing includes a fixed block  5  for fixing the inner tube  18  in the housing. The fixing block  5  is locked in the housing, and therefore the fixing block  5  and the inner tube  18  cannot move relative to the housing. 
     It can be seen from  FIG. 1  that the actuation mechanism includes a crank device, a slider device  10  that cooperates with the crank device, and a coil spring  11 . The crank device comprises a crank  4  and a link  9 . Instead of a spring element  11 , another suitable damping device, such as a hollow elastic body, can be used. When the crank  4  is pressed, the slider device  10  is movable distally against the elastic force of the coil spring  11 , and when the crank  4  is released, the slider device  10  is movable proximally with action of the elastic force of the coil spring  11 . 
     It can be seen from  FIG. 1  that the crank  4  and the link  9  are respectively provided at the connecting portion of the upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  on both sides of the housing. The two cranks  4  are pivotally connected at their proximal ends to a cylinder  29  protruding from the lower housing  20 . The proximal ends of the two links  9  are respectively pivotally connected to the distal ends of the cranks  4 , and the distal ends of the two links  9  are pivotally connected to the protrusions  30  on both sides of a common slider device  10  (see  FIG. 5 ). The slider device  10  is directly and fixedly connected with the outer tube  17  so as to enable a longitudinal movement of the outer tube  17  when the slider device  10  moves. 
     The fixing block  5  is located between the slider device  10  and the cylinder  29 , and the slider device  10  is disposed at a distance from the fixing block  5  and is hollow. The inner tube  18  extends through the slider device  10  from distal to proximal and the proximal end of the inner tube  18  is fixed in the fixing block  5 . 
     In some embodiments, the proximal end of the inner tube  18  extends into and passes through the longitudinal through hole (not shown) of the fixing block  5  and is fastened in the longitudinal through hole by a fastening element  6 . Starting from the outer circumferential surface of the fixing block  5 , a lateral through hole (not shown) is formed preferably perpendicular to the inner tube  18 , the lateral through hole extending to a longitudinal through hole of the fixing block  5 . The fastening element  6  is adapted to be introduced into the lateral through hole and pressed against the inner tube  18 . The fastening element is for example, a screw or rivet. 
     The proximal end of the outer tube  17  is fixed to the slider device  10 . In order to fix the outer tube  17  with the slider device  10 , the proximal opening of the outer tube  17  is formed with a flange  42 , and the slider device  10  is provided with a groove  31  (see  FIG. 5 ) on an inner circumferential surface thereof, corresponding to the flange  42  formed on the proximal opening of the outer tube  17 , such that the proximal end of the outer tube  17  is fixed in a form-fit manner to the slider device. 
     The slider device  10  is provided with a guide  32  (see  FIG. 5 ), and a mating guide  33  (see  FIG. 4 ) for cooperating with the guide  32  is provided on an inner circumference of the housing, by means of cooperation of the guide  32  with the mating guide  33 , the movement of the slider device  10  can be limited to a linear movement. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the guide  32  comprises four upper and lower facing guide pieces  32  protruding from the proximal portion  36  of the slider device  10  and extending along the longitudinal direction of the slider device  10 . See  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6 , the mating guide  33  comprises two mating guide pieces  33  protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing  20  and two mating guide pieces protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the upper housing  19  that extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In the mounted state, the guide pieces  32  of the slider device abut respectively against the inner sides of the mating guide pieces  33  in the housing. At both ends of each two mating guide pieces  33 , between the mating guide pieces  33 , there is provided a stopper  34  that can be abutted by an end of the guide piece  32 , and by means of the stopper  34 , a maximum sliding distance of the slider device  10  is limited. 
     The distal portion  35  of the slider device  10  is configured to be in a cylindrical shape and forms a shoulder  37  with the proximal portion  36 , whereby the coil spring  11  can be disposed around the cylindrical distal portion  35  of the slider device  10  and abut against the shoulder  37  at the proximal end, and a distal end of the coil spring  11  abuts against an annular flange  38  protruding from the inner circumference of the housing. 
     When the cranks  4  on both sides are pressed together, the two links  9  urge the slider device  10  and the outer tube  17  to move distally, and the outer tube  17  urges the two electrodes  15 ,  16  to complete a closing action. When the hand is released, the resilient force of the spring  11  is directly applied to the slider device  10  and returns it to position. At the same time, the slider device  10  urges the two cranks  4  back to the initial state while the two electrodes  15 ,  16  are spaced apart based on their own elasticity. As a result, the electrodes  15  and  16  come close to and get away from each other. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 4 , the cylinder  29  protruding from the inner circumference of the housing is positioned at a central axis of the lower housing  20  and has a slot formed in a center thereof, the slot extending from a top of the cylinder  29  to a bottom thereof, and a wire  3  connected to the electrode  15 ,  16  is adapted to pass through the slot. As can be seen from  FIG. 6 , on a central axis of the upper housing  19 , there is a corresponding cylinder  39  protruding from the inner circumference of the upper housing  19 . In the mounted state, a free end of the corresponding cylinder  39  abuts against a free end of the cylinder  29  such that it can prevent the wire  3  from moving out of the slot of the cylinder  29  and can also have an effect of positioning the upper housing  19  and the lower housing  20  during mounting. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the crank  4  is designed as an elongate press handle and is designed to be so narrow that the middle finger will not be caught when the two cranks  4  are pressed with the thumb and index finger, thereby greatly improving the safety and convenience of operation. An anti-slip structure, such as a convex-concave structure, may be provided on the pressing surface of the crank  4 . 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , in the housing, between the cylinder  29  and the rear screw cap  21 , an engagement block  2  is provided near the rear screw cap  21 , the engagement block  2  being integrally formed with a power line, the engagement block  2  being engaged in a corresponding slot in the housing such that the power line  1  is reliably fixed in the housing. On a left side of the engagement block  2 , conductor of the wire  3  and conductor of the power line  1  are welded together to enable an electrical connection therebetween. 
     The following technical effects, for example, can be produced with a nasal mirror electrode assembly according to the present disclosure: the surgical electrode assembly ensures the provision of a sufficient actuation force including a restoring force, is more ergonomic, greatly improves operating sensitivity thereof, and therefore greatly improves surgical procedure efficiency, safety and manipulating comfortability. Bending tubes are provided which can greatly improve the convenience of the nasal mirror electrode assembly entering a human body channel during a surgical procedure, and reduce undesired touching or even scratching of tissues of the human body channel by the nasal mirror electrode assembly during the surgical procedure, and further, based on such bending, the handle portion of the electrode assembly may not interfere with the instrument such as an aspirator, used in conjunction therewith. The bending degree is adjustable such that the nasal mirror electrode assembly can be better adapted to different surgical requirements and to any other instrument used in conjunction therewith such that they do not interfere with one another. And further, by providing an opening on the connecting portion of the outer tube or replacing the connecting portion of the outer tube with a connecting element, it greatly reduces large friction or even seizure when the inner tube and the outer tube move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction with a relatively great bending degree, thereby greatly improving the operating sensitivity and operating accuracy of the nasal mirror electrode assembly during a surgical procedure, and these advantages are of essential importance to successful completion of the surgical procedure. 
       FIG. 7  to  FIG. 10  show a second embodiment of a surgical electrode assembly according to the present disclosure. The surgical electrode assembly is used in conjunction with a ventricular mirror and is referred hereto as a ventricular mirror electrode assembly  200 . The manipulating device  1025  in this embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment of the nasal mirror electrode assembly  100 . One may refer to the related description of the manipulating device  25  of the nasal mirror electrode assembly  100  in the previous embodiment, and therefore, it will not be repeated here. Differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiment are mainly described as below. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  respectively show a top view and a front view of the ventricle mirror electrode assembly  200 . As can be seen, compared to the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the inner tube  1018  and the outer tube  1017  are straight and thinner, the electrodes  1015 ,  1016  are also thinner and shorter, and the electrode tips are straight. Of course, the electrode tip can also be bent upward or downward as needed. The electrode sleeves  1013  and  1014  are correspondingly thinner. 
       FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of part I as shown in  FIG. 7 . As can be seen from  FIG. 9 , distal to the inner tube  1018 , on an outer side of the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  of the electrodes, there is provided a wear-resistant protective element  1024  for protecting the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014 . When the inner tube  1018  and the outer tube  1017  move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, the distal end of the outer tube  1017  slides on the wear-resistant protective element, instead of sliding on the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014 . Therefore, the wear-resistant protective element  1024  can protect the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014 , and prevent the outer tube  1017  from scratching the outer side of the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  and damaging the insulation ability of the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  when the inner tube  1018  and the outer tube  1017  move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. The wear-resistant protective element  1024  may be made of a wear-resistant material, for example stainless steel. The flange of the distal opening of the outer tube  1017  can be used together with the wear-resistant protective element  1024  to further protect the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  from abrasion. 
     The wear-resistant protective element  1024  can extend from the distal end of the inner tube  1018  and be made in one piece with the inner tube  1018 , and the wear-resistant protective element  1024  is fixedly connected with the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  in the mounted state. In an alternative embodiment, the wear-resistant protective element  1024  and the inner tube  1018  are separately made parts, the wear-resistant protective element  1024  has a proximal end fixedly connected with a distal end of the inner tube  1018  in the mounted state, and the wear-resistant protective element  1024  is fixedly connected with the electrode sleeve  1013 ,  1014  in the mounted state. In an alternative embodiment, the wear-resistant protective element  1024  and the inner tube  1018  are separately made parts that are not connected to one another, and the wear-resistant protective element  1024  is fixedly connected with the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  in the mounted state. 
     The fixed connection between the wear-resistant protective element  1024  and the inner tube  1018  may be realized by form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting, for example, it may be realized by riveting, screwing, welding and/or bonding. In this embodiment, the fixed connection between the wear-resistant protective member  1024  and the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014  is realized as follows, that is, a flap is provided on each side of the distal end of each wear-resistant protective member  1024 , and during mounting, the flap encapsulates the circumference of the electrode sleeve  1013 ,  1014  or is wrapped wound on the electrode sleeve  1013 ,  1014 , so as to realize the mechanically fixed connection between the wear-resistant protective member  1024  and the electrode sleeves  1013 ,  1014 . Alternatively, the fixed connection can also be realized by bonding, hot-melt connection or encapsulation injection molding. 
       FIG. 10  shows an enlarged view of part II as shown in  FIG. 8 . As can be seen from  FIG. 10 , the distal end of the outer tube  1017  has a flat tapered structure  1040 , the flat tapered structure  1040  including two planes extending forward to gradually approach a centerline of the outer tube, and the planes  1041  being substantially perpendicular to the clamping surfaces for clamping the target tissue of the human body, on inner sides of the electrode tips. After many experiments, it has been proved that, the flat tapered structure  1040  at the distal end of the outer tube can effectively prevent the outer tube  1017  from blocking the field of view and causing inconvenience in operation, thereby greatly improving the convenience and accuracy of the operation. This is particularly advantageous when the electrode tips are straight and small in size, such as in the case of a ventricle mirror electrode assembly. In this embodiment, the tip length of the electrode can be in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm. With the help of a small tip length, the tissue to be clamped can be clamped more accurately, so as to avoid undesirably clamping the surrounding tissue. 
     Since the inner tube  1018  has been compressed at the electrodes extending into the inner tube  1018  so as to press the distal end of the inner tube  1018  and the proximal ends of the electrodes  1015 ,  1016  together, narrowing of the distal end of the outer tube caused by the flat tapered structure  1040  may not hinder the relative movement of the inner tube  1018  and the outer tube  1017  in the longitudinal direction. 
     The following technical effect, for example, can be produced by the ventricle mirror electrode assembly: a wear-resistant protective element is provided, which simply and effectively solves the technical problem that electrode sleeves of an electrodes may be easily worn by the outer tube. Especially in the case of a ventricle mirror electrode assembly, walls of the electrode sleeves have a small thickness and are more likely to be worn out such that insulation ability thereof is damaged. In a common solution, one may usually try to use another material to form the electrode sleeves of the electrodes. However, due to the special requirements for electrode sleeves of a ventricle mirror electrode assembly, it is difficult to realize and is very costly, and it is difficult to find an ideal electrode sleeve material. However, the wear-resistant protective element of this embodiment can protect the electrode sleeves of the electrodes in a simple, reliable and low-cost manner, such that there is no need at all to consider the wear resistance of the electrode sleeve material, which broadens the material selection range. Besides, the arrangement of the tapered structure can achieve a better vision during surgery without providing any additional mechanisms and without varying other existing components, in the simplest and most reliable manner, which is very important to the clamping of a tissue by the electrode tips during surgery, can greatly improve the accuracy of clamping, increase the efficiency of the operation, and reduce the risk of misoperation. 
     The present disclosure may include any feature or combination of features implicitly or explicitly disclosed herein or a generic concept thereof, and is not limited to any defined scope as listed above. Any elements, features and/or structural arrangements described herein may be combined in any suitable manner. 
     The specific embodiments disclosed above are merely exemplary, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings herein that the present disclosure can be modified and implemented in different but equivalent manners. For example, steps of the above-mentioned method can be performed in a different order. It is therefore obvious that changes and modifications can be made to the specific embodiments as disclosed above, and all these variations are considered to fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.