ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING AN ELECTRODE

An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors WITT DAVID A, ALDRIDGE JEFFREY L, MOOTOO MARY E, DIETZ TIMOTHY G, BANKS RAYMOND M, HUANG ZHIFAN F
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 15.12.2011
Subjects
DIAGNOSIS
HUMAN NECESSITIES
HYGIENE
IDENTIFICATION
MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE
SURGERY
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Summary:An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein at least one of the electrodes can comprise a conductive material positioned within a non-conductive, or high-resistance, material. In use, current flowing through the conductive material can heat the conductive material and cause it to evaporate and leave behind the non-conductive material. In such circumstances, the current flowing through the electrode may cease or may be substantially reduced.
Bibliography:Application Number: US20100797207