GB2559010A - Electrosurgical apparatus - Google Patents
Electrosurgical apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2559010A GB2559010A GB1719177.6A GB201719177A GB2559010A GB 2559010 A GB2559010 A GB 2559010A GB 201719177 A GB201719177 A GB 201719177A GB 2559010 A GB2559010 A GB 2559010A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- distal
- electrode
- proximal
- tube
- probe according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/042—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating using additional gas becoming plasma
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00053—Mechanical features of the instrument of device
- A61B2018/00059—Material properties
- A61B2018/00089—Thermal conductivity
- A61B2018/00101—Thermal conductivity low, i.e. thermally insulating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00571—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for achieving a particular surgical effect
- A61B2018/00589—Coagulation
Abstract
An electrode assembly 2 for coagulating tissue comprises at least one electrode 4 for ionising an ionisable gas, a connecting structure (6 figure 1) for connecting the electrode to a flexible elongated tube (3 figure 1), the electrode 4 including a proximal portion 12, a distal portion 11 and an intermediate portion 13 located between the proximal and distal potions, the intermediate portion 13 having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the proximal portion 12 and/or the distal portion 11. The distal portion 11 may have at least one abrupt transition 15 adapted to generate high electric field intensity. A probe is also claimed e.g. an argon plasma coagulation (APC) probe.
Description
(54) Title of the Invention: Electrosurgical apparatus
Abstract Title: Electrosurgical Apparatus and Electrode Therefor (57) An electrode assembly 2 for coagulating tissue comprises at least one electrode 4 for ionising an ionisable gas, a connecting structure (6 figure 1) for connecting the electrode to a flexible elongated tube (3 figure 1), the electrode 4 including a proximal portion 12, a distal portion 11 and an intermediate portion 13 located between the proximal and distal potions, the intermediate portion 13 having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the proximal portion 12 and/or the distal portion 11. The distal portion 11 may have at least one abrupt transition 15 adapted to generate high electric field intensity. A probe is also claimed e.g. an argon plasma coagulation (APC) probe.
i rib. 2
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
02 18
02 18
FIG. 4
ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS
This invention relates to an electrosurgical apparatus in the form of a probe for the non-contact coagulation of tissue using an ionisable gas such as argon. Argon beam coagulators have been known for many years, and examples arc given in US patents 4,040,426, 6,039,736 and 6,197,026. The first example is an end-effect instrument, in which the ionised gas exits through the end of the instrument, while the latter two examples are directed at side-effect instruments, in which the ionised gas exits the instrument though an aperture in the side of the instrument. Such instruments are often referred to as APC instruments (Argon Plasma Coagulation).
The invention attempts to provide an instrument which has greater durability than some of the instruments in the prior art, and accordingly resides in a probe for coagulating tissue, comprising a flexible elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube including a conduit though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube, the tube including one or more apertures in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube, at least one electrode including a distal ignition area for ionising the ionisable gas prior to the gas exiting the one or more apertures, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the proximal portion.
The electrode generates high temperatures at its distal end, and if these temperatures are conducted along the electrode to its more proximal portions this can result in damage to the instrument as a whole. By providing a distal ignition area with an intermediate portion with a reduced cross-sectional thickness, the conduction of heat proximally along the electrode can be reduced.
The intermediate portion preferably has a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the distal portion as well as the proximal portion. Conveniently, the proximal portion and the distal portion have substantially the same cross-sectional thickness. By providing a reduced cross-sectional thickness between the distal and proximal portions, the conduction of heat proximally along the electrode can be reduced.
Conveniently, the proximal portion has a circular cross-section, as does the distal portion. The intermediate portion is preferably provided with a cut-out in order to provide the reduced cross-sectional thickness. Typically, the intermediate portion has a cross-sectional thickness at least 25% less than that of the proximal portion, and preferably at least 50% less than that of the proximal portion. Typically, the intermediate portion is at least 0.5 mm in length, and preferably at least 1 mm in length.
Preferably, the electrode is formed of tungsten. Tungsten is more durable than stainless steel or other materials typically used for electrosurgical electrodes, but it does conduct heat relatively well. By providing the intermediate portion with a reduced cross-sectional thickness, the conduction of heat along tungsten electrodes can be mitigated.
The invention further resides in a probe for coagulating tissue, comprising a flexible elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube including a conduit though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube, the tube including one or more apertures in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube, at least one electrode including a distal ignition area for ionising the ionisable gas prior to the gas exiting the one or more apertures, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the distal portion, and the distal portion having at least one abrupt transition adapted to generate a high electric field intensity so as to promote arcing from the at least one abrupt transition.
As previously described, the intermediate portion reduces the transfer of heat proximally along the electrode, while the abrupt transition promotes arcing from the distal portion by generating a high electric field intensity. Conveniently, the at least one abrupt transition comprises a sharp-edged portion of the electrode, typically the transition between an end face of the electrode and a side wall thereof. Preferably, the end face of the electrode meets the side wall at an acute angle, conveniently at an angle of less than 60 degrees, and typically less than 45 degrees.
The invention further resides in an electrode assembly for coagulating tissue comprising at least one distal ignition area for ionising an ionisable gas, a connecting structure for connecting the distal ignition area to a flexible elongated tube, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the proximal portion.
The invention further resides in an electrode assembly for coagulating tissue comprising at least one distal ignition area for ionising an ionisable gas, a connecting structure for connecting the distal ignition area to a flexible elongated tube, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the distal portion, and the distal portion having at least one abrupt transition adapted to generate a high electric field intensity so as to promote arcing from the at least one abrupt transition.
The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an APC probe in accordance with the present invention,
Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip of the electrode assembly of the APC probe of Figure 1, and
Figures 3 & 4 are schematic perspective views of the electrode assembly of the APC probe of Figure 1, shown from different angles.
Referring to Figure 1, an APC probe is shown generally at 1, and comprises an electrode assembly 2 located within a cylindrical polymeric tube 3. The electrode assembly 2 comprises a tungsten electrode 4 surrounded by a metallic ring 5. The electrode 4 is secured within the ring 5 by means of a connecting structure 6, the connecting structure being crimped over the electrode 4. The connecting structure 6 includes wings 7 & 8, received in a sub-flush manner within grooves 9 provided in the ring 5. The wings 7 & 8 locate within the grooves 9 to secure the electrode 4 with respect to the ring 5, and the external surface of the ring secures the electrode assembly 2 within the cylindrical polymeric tube 3 to constitute the APC probe 1. At the rear of the connecting structure 4 is a tail 10, which acts as a connection for high voltage energy to be supplied to the electrode by means of a lead (not shown). The electrode assembly is shown from different angles in Figure 3 & 4, the electrode assembly being shown without the polymeric tube 3 for purposes of clarity.
The electrode 4 comprises a distal portion 11, proximal portion 12, and an intermediate portion 13 therebetween. The electrode 4 is formed from a solid rod of tungsten, such that the proximal portion 12 extends through the connecting structure 6 centrally of the ring 5. The portion of the electrode 4 projecting distally from the connecting structure constitutes the distal ignition area.
As shown in the enlarged Figure 2, the distal portion 11 has a sloping end face 14, extending at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the electrode, so as to form an acute angle 15 at the distal extremity of the electrode 4. This constitutes an abrupt transition adapted to generate a high electric field intensity so as to promote arcing from the electrode 4. The intermediate portion 13 has a reduced diameter as compared with the distal portion 11 and the proximal portion 12, the reduced diameter being formed by a cut-out 16 (formed by a wire erosion process). The cut out 16 includes a curved first face 17 forming a transition between the proximal portion 12 and the intermediate portion 13. The cut-out 16 also includes a sloping second face 18 forming a transition between the intermediate portion 13 and the distal portion 11. The cut-out reduces the diameter of the electrode at the intermediate portion to 50% of the diameter at the proximal and distal portions.
The proximal portion 12 extends proximally from the ring 5 and is connected to the tail 10, which is itself connected to a source of high voltage energy (not shown). In use, argon gas is supplied to the probe 1, and flows through the inside of the ring 5 over the connecting structure 6 and over the electrode 4. The high voltage energy is supplied to the electrode such that the argon gas is ionised at the distal portion 11 of the electrode, the acute angle 15 at the distal extremity of the electrode helping to ionise the gas. A plasma (not shown) formed by the ionised gas at the distal portion 11 of the electrode coagulates tissue in the proximity of the distal portion. The reduced diameter of the intermediate portion 13 helps to prevent heat generated by the ionised gas being conducted back along the electrode to the area of the connecting structure 6 and ring 5.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other constructions can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, other shapes and sizes of electrode can be employed, as can other types of portion with reduced cross-sectional thickness. Many variations can be employed, as long as the basic idea of reducing the transfer of heat proximally from the distal end of the electrode is maintained.
Claims (19)
1. A probe for coagulating tissue, comprising:
a flexible elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube including a conduit though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube, the tube including one or more apertures in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube, at least one electrode including a distal ignition area for ionising the ionisable gas prior to the gas exiting the one or more apertures, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a crosssectional thickness less than that of the proximal portion.
2. A probe according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a crosssectional thickness less than that of the distal portion.
3. A probe according to claim 2, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion have substantially the same cross-sectional thickness.
4. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the proximal portion has a circular cross-section.
5. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal portion has a circular cross-section.
6. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate portion is provided with a cut-out.
7. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate portion has a cross-sectional thickness at least 25% less than that of the proximal portion.
8.
A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate portion has a cross-sectional thickness at least 50% less than that of the proximal portion.
9. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate portion is at least 0.5 mm in length.
10. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate portion is at least 1 mm in length.
11. A probe according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrode is formed of tungsten.
12. A probe for coagulating tissue, comprising:
a flexible elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube including a conduit though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube, the tube including one or more apertures in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube, at least one electrode including a distal ignition area for ionising the ionisable gas prior to the gas exiting the one or more apertures, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a crosssectional thickness less than that of the distal portion, and the distal portion having at least one abrupt transition adapted to generate a high electric field intensity so as to promote arcing from the at least one abrupt transition.
13. A probe according to claim 12, wherein the at least one abrupt transition comprises a sharp-edged portion of the electrode.
14. A probe according to claim 13, wherein the sharp-edged portion comprises the transition between an end face of the electrode and a side wall thereof.
15. A probe according to claim 14, wherein the end face of the electrode meets the side wall at an acute angle.
16. A probe according to claim 15, wherein the end face of the electrode meets the side wall at an angle of less than 60 degrees.
17. A probe according to claim 16, wherein the end face of the electrode meets the side wall at an angle of less than 45 degrees.
18. An electrode assembly for coagulating tissue comprising at least one electrode for ionising an ionisable gas, a connecting structure for connecting the electrode to a flexible elongated tube, the electrode including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the proximal portion.
19. An electrode assembly for coagulating tissue comprising at least one distal ignition area for ionising an ionisable gas, a connecting structure for connecting the distal ignition area to a flexible elongated tube, the distal ignition area including a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal portions, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional thickness less than that of the distal portion, and the distal portion having at least one abrupt transition adapted to generate a high electric field intensity so as to promote arcing from the at least one abrupt transition.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1719177.6 Examiner: Mr Tom Harris
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1621748.1A GB201621748D0 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2016-12-20 | Electrosurgical apparatus |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201719177D0 GB201719177D0 (en) | 2018-01-03 |
| GB2559010A true GB2559010A (en) | 2018-07-25 |
| GB2559010B GB2559010B (en) | 2019-05-29 |
Family
ID=58284497
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1621748.1A Ceased GB201621748D0 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2016-12-20 | Electrosurgical apparatus |
| GB1719177.6A Active GB2559010B (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2017-11-20 | Electrosurgical apparatus |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1621748.1A Ceased GB201621748D0 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2016-12-20 | Electrosurgical apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| DE (1) | DE102017127976A1 (en) |
| GB (2) | GB201621748D0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3769707A1 (en) * | 2019-07-23 | 2021-01-27 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Electrode assembly |
| EP4119080A1 (en) | 2021-07-12 | 2023-01-18 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Plasma probe and method of mounting the electrode |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6039736A (en) * | 1998-09-29 | 2000-03-21 | Sherwood Services Ag | Side-Fire coagulator |
| US6063084A (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2000-05-16 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Device for HF-coagulation of biological tissues by means of flexible endoscopy |
| DE102008004843A1 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2009-09-24 | Farin, Günter, Dipl.-Ing. | Electrosurgical instrument i.e. plasma applicator, for applying argon plasma on or in biological tissue during e.g. open surgery, has resistor element dimensioned such that delimitation of treatment current is ensured after ionizing of gas |
| US20160331438A1 (en) * | 2015-05-11 | 2016-11-17 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Electrosurgical instrument and device with such an instrument |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4040426A (en) | 1976-01-16 | 1977-08-09 | Valleylab, Inc. | Electrosurgical method and apparatus for initiating an electrical discharge in an inert gas flow |
| DE19820240C2 (en) | 1998-05-06 | 2002-07-11 | Erbe Elektromedizin | Electrosurgical instrument |
-
2016
- 2016-12-20 GB GBGB1621748.1A patent/GB201621748D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2017
- 2017-11-20 GB GB1719177.6A patent/GB2559010B/en active Active
- 2017-11-27 DE DE102017127976.8A patent/DE102017127976A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6063084A (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2000-05-16 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Device for HF-coagulation of biological tissues by means of flexible endoscopy |
| US6039736A (en) * | 1998-09-29 | 2000-03-21 | Sherwood Services Ag | Side-Fire coagulator |
| DE102008004843A1 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2009-09-24 | Farin, Günter, Dipl.-Ing. | Electrosurgical instrument i.e. plasma applicator, for applying argon plasma on or in biological tissue during e.g. open surgery, has resistor element dimensioned such that delimitation of treatment current is ensured after ionizing of gas |
| US20160331438A1 (en) * | 2015-05-11 | 2016-11-17 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Electrosurgical instrument and device with such an instrument |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2559010B (en) | 2019-05-29 |
| GB201719177D0 (en) | 2018-01-03 |
| GB201621748D0 (en) | 2017-02-01 |
| DE102017127976A1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
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