Patent ID: 7918852

Claim:
A cannula for use with a console that generates an RF signal, said cannula including: a hub formed from electrically insulating material shaped to be releasably coupled to a coupling member that extends from the console, said hub having a proximal end and defining: a bore having an opening at said proximal end for receiving a supply electrode that extends forward from the console coupling member; and an alcove that opens at said proximal end for receiving a terminal integral with the console coupling member, wherein said bore and said alcove are separated from one another; an inner tube formed from electrically conductive material, said inner tube extending forward from said hub and having: a through-bore coincidental with said hub bore and dimensioned to receive the supply electrode and dimensioned so that the supply electrode electrically connects to said inner tube when the supply electrode is received in said through-bore; and a distal end that is spaced from said hub; an inner sleeve formed from electrically insulating material that is disposed over said inner tube, said inner sleeve having a distal end that is spaced proximal to said distal end of said inner tube so that said distal end of said inner tube is exposed so as to function as a first active contact; an outer tube formed from electrically conductive material disposed over said inner sleeve, said outer tube having a proximal end seated in said hub alcove and a distal end that is spaced from said hub; an outer sleeve formed from electrically insulating material disposed over said outer tube, said outer sleeve having a distal end that is spaced proximal to said distal end of said outer tube so that said distal end of said outer tube is exposed so as to function as a second active contact; and a conductive terminal that is mounted to said hub and that is positioned in said hub alcove so that when said hub is coupled to the console coupling member and the supply electrode is in said through-bore, the console coupling member terminal engages said conductive terminal and said conductive terminal is electrically connected to said outer tube.