Patent ID: 7749221

Claim:
A retractable electrosurgical device comprising: an elongated electrode having a tip at its distal end and having a cam fixed along its length; an elongated housing for the electrode having an opening at one end; a spring having one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to the electrode to urge the electrode tip to a first position wherein the tip is disposed within the housing; a radio frequency current generator having a first output of electrocautery currents and a second output of electrocutting currents; a first manually depressible trigger pivotably supported relative to the housing, operative, when depressed by a manual force, to connect the electrode to said first output of electrocautery currents and to impose a force on the cam to move the electrode against the spring force to a second position wherein the tip is extended from the housing, and when the manual force is removed, to allow the electrode to retract within the housing under the force of the spring and disconnect the electrode from the first output of electrocautery currents; and a second manually depressible trigger pivotably supported relative to the housing, operative, when depressed by a manual force, to connect the electrode to said second output of electrocutting currents and to impose a force on the cam to move the electrode against the spring force to a second position wherein the tip is extended from the housing, and when the manual force is removed, to allow the electrode to retract within the housing under the force of the spring and disconnect the electrode from the second output of electrocutting currents.