GB2588232A - Method of manufacturing an electrode assembly - Google Patents

Method of manufacturing an electrode assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2588232A
GB2588232A GB1915122.4A GB201915122A GB2588232A GB 2588232 A GB2588232 A GB 2588232A GB 201915122 A GB201915122 A GB 201915122A GB 2588232 A GB2588232 A GB 2588232A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
electrically conductive
conductive material
electrode
outer casing
cavity
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GB1915122.4A
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GB2588232B (en
GB201915122D0 (en
Inventor
Schlottmann Ole
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Gyrus Medical Ltd
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Gyrus Medical Ltd
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Priority to GB1915122.4A priority Critical patent/GB2588232B/en
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    • 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
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1442—Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
    • 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
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1402—Probes for open surgery
    • 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
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
    • 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
    • A61B2018/00071—Electrical conductivity
    • A61B2018/00077—Electrical conductivity high, i.e. electrically conducting
    • 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
    • A61B2018/00071—Electrical conductivity
    • A61B2018/00083—Electrical conductivity low, i.e. electrically 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
    • A61B2018/00577—Ablation
    • 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
    • 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
    • A61B2018/00601—Cutting
    • 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
    • A61B2018/00607—Coagulation and cutting with the same instrument
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2218/00—Details of surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2218/001—Details of surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body having means for irrigation and/or aspiration of substances to and/or from the surgical site
    • A61B2218/007—Aspiration

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, comprising: providing a casing 306 comprising an insulating material, where casing 306 comprises an electrode receiving cavity 304; providing a malleable electrically conductive material 302; inserting the conductive-material 302 into cavity 304 via an opening in a wall of the casing 306, the conductive-material 302 configured to extend into cavity 304 beyond an edge 305 that defines the opening, so that the conductive-material 302 has a region of overlap 302a,302b with an internal wall 306a,306b of the casing 306; and performing a hardening heat treatment process to increase the hardness of the conductive-material 302 to form the electrode thereby providing the electrode assembly. Preferably, the inserting of the electrically conductive material 302 comprises applying pressure to the conductive-material 302 so that it deforms to form the region of overlap 302a,302b. Prior to inserting into cavity 304, conductive-material 302 may be moulded into a pre-defined configuration so that it snap-fits into casing 306, and where a portion of the conductive-material 302 fills the opening in the wall of the casing 306. Conductive-material 302 may comprise a stainless-steel, a tungsten-alloy or a platinum iridium alloy.

Description

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY Technical Field The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in an electrosurgical instrument
Background to the Invention and Prior Art
Surgical instruments, including radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical instruments, have become widely used in surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted to a narrow passage, for example, in minimally invasive "keyhole" surgeries.
Electrosurgical instruments are commonly comprised of an active electrode encased within an insulator, for example, a ceramic body, wherein at least a portion of the active electrode is exposed for treating tissue, such as the instrument as described in US patent US 8,932,285.
The active electrode tip (or "active tip") of the electrosurgical instrument needs to be securely retained by the insulator in some way, and typical methods of achieving this retention include welding, crimping and riveting of at least two mating parts.
However, in very small instruments, or instruments that have a small envelope for active tip retention, the use of more than one part to provide active tip retention becomes increasingly difficult, as the individual parts need to become smaller and smaller, and the individual parts have dimensional tolerance requirements. If welding is to be used, it is likely that the weld is externally visible and may actually lead to a structural weakness in the instrument. As the instrument is used over time, the weld can become eroded and cause the active tip to fall out of the insulating portion. This can be particularly problematic if this occurs during surgery, especially in the context of keyhole procedures.
Summary of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for achieving improved electrode retention for an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument An electrically conductive material is provided in a soft and malleable state such that it can be easily inserted to a cavity of an insulating outer body and moulded into the required shape. The soft electrically conductive material can be deformed so that a portion extends into the cavity and moulds to the inner walls of the insulating outer body. This results in a region of overlap between the soft electrically conductive material and insulator, whereby the electrically conductive material extends beyond the dimensions of the opening to the cavity to thereby retain the conductive material therein. The whole electrode assembly is then heat treated to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material, to thereby form the active electrode and further strengthen the retention of the electrode in the insulating outer body.
According to a first aspect method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, comprising providing an outer casing comprising an insulating material, wherein the outer casing comprises a cavity configured to receive an electrode, providing an electrically conductive material in a malleable state, inserting the electrically conductive material into the cavity via an opening in a wall of the outer casing, the electrically conductive material being configured to extend into the cavity beyond an edge defining the opening, such that the electrically conductive material comprises a region of overlap with an internal wall of the outer casing, and performing a heat treatment process to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material to form an electrode, to thereby provide a first electrode assembly comprising the electrode and the outer casing. By providing the electrode material in a malleable form, it can be inserted into an insulating casing via an opening, and shaped so that a portion extends beyond the dimensions of the opening and creates a region of overlap inside the cavity. Once the electrode material is heated and has increased in hardness, the electrode is retained in the casing by virtue of this overlapping region. As such, no other components or materials are required to assemble and retain the electrode within the insulating casing. Moreover, as the electrode retains itself within the insulating casing, it is not as susceptible to erosion as methods that utilise welding.
The inserting the electrically conductive material may further comprise applying pressure to the electrically conductive material, such that it deforms to form the region of overlap. That is to say, the electrically conductive material may be inserted to the cavity and then compressed so that it spreads into the cavity and forms the overlap with the inner wall of the casing.
The method may further comprise moulding the electrically conductive material into a pre-defined configuration prior to performing the heat treatment process. That is to say, whilst the electrically conductive material is in its malleable state, the electrically conductive material may be moulded into any shape, depending on the target use of the electrode. For example, the electrically conductive material may be configured so that it comprises a tissue treatment portion with a ridged surface and suction hole. It will be appreciated that at least a portion of the electrically conductive material, for example, the tissue treatment portion, may be pre-moulded before insertion to the insulating casing. Alternatively, the electrically conductive material may be moulded into the required configuration after insertion.
In another arrangement, the electrically conductive material is moulded into a pre-defined configuration prior to insertion to the cavity, such that the electrically conductive material is configured to snap-fit into the outer casing upon insertion. In such cases, the electrically conductive material is already in the required configuration, comprising a tissue treatment portion and a portion that extends outwards to provide the region of overlap after insertion. By providing the electrically conductive material in a soft malleable state, it can be easily snap-fitted into the outer casing. Once it has been heat treated, the electrically conductive material will become harder and thus retained within the insulating casing. Preferably, the pre-defined configuration is such that a portion of the electrically conductive material fills the opening in the wall of the outer casing. As such, the electrode formed may comprise a tissue treatment portion in the region of the opening Preferably, the electrode is an active electrode.
The electrically conductive material may comprise a stainless steel, a tungsten alloy or a platinum iridium alloy. The insulating material may be a ceramic material.
When the electrically conductive material comprises a stainless steel, the heat treatment process may comprise heating the electrically conductive material at a temperature of about 480°C up to 760°C.
A further aspect of the present invention provides an electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, wherein the electrode assembly is manufactured according to the method described above.
A yet further aspect of the present invention provides an electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, the electrode assembly comprising: a first electrode; and an outer casing comprising an insulating material, wherein the outer casing comprises a cavity configured to receive the first electrode; characterised in that the first electrode is provided in the outer casing by inserting an electrically conductive material in a malleable state into the cavity via an opening in a wall of the outer casing, the electrically conductive material being configured to extend into the cavity beyond an edge defining the opening, such that the electrically conductive material comprises a region of overlap with an internal wall of the outer casing, and performing a heat treatment process to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material to form the first electrode.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and wherein: Figure 1 is an example of the electrosurgical instrument system comprising an electrode manufactured according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention; Figures 3A-B are diagrams illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional diagram further illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an electrode assembly manufactured according to the present invention; Figures 6A-B are diagrams illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention; Figures 7A-7C are diagrams illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
Figure 1 shows an electrosurgical apparatus including an electrosurgical generator 1 having an output socket 2 providing a radio frequency (RF) output, via a connection cord 4, for an electrosurgical instrument 3. Activation of the generator 1 may be performed from the instrument 3 via a handswitch (not shown) on the instrument 3, or by means of a footswitch unit 5 connected separately to the rear of the generator 1 by a footswitch connection cord 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the footswitch unit 5 has two footswitches 7 and 8 for selecting a coagulation mode or a cutting or vaporisation (ablation) mode of the generator 1 respectively.
The generator front panel has push buttons 9 and 10 for respectively setting ablation (cutting) or coagulation power levels, which are indicated in a display 11. Push buttons 12 are provided as an alternative means for selection between the ablation (cutting) and coagulation modes. Figure 2 illustrates a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in an electrosurgical instrument, such as that described above. The steps of the method are further illustrated by Figures 3A, 3B, 4, and 5.
At step 2.2, a portion of electrically conductive material 302 is provided in a malleable state, in some cases preformed, so that it can be easily inserted into a cavity 304 of an outer casing 306 that is configured to receive an electrode component. In this respect, the outer casing 306 comprises an opening defined by the edge denoted 305. The electrically conductive material 302 may be any material suitable for forming an active electrode tip, for example, a metal such as copper or a stainless steel. The outer casing 306 is made any suitable insulating material, for example, a ceramic material such as alumina, zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA), yttri a stabilized zirconi a (YTZP) or the like.
At step 2.4, illustrated by Figure 3A, the electrically conductive material 302 is inserted into the cavity 304 via an opening in a wall of the outer casing 306. In this example, the opening is provided on one side along the length of the outer casing 306, however, it will be appreciated that the opening could be located at the tip of the outer casing 306, or any other suitable position. It will also be appreciated that any suitable shape cavity 304 may be provided according to the desired final configuration of the electrode that the insulating outer casing 306 is to enclose.
At step 2.6, illustrated by Figure 3B, pressure is applied to compress the electrically conductive material 302 (shown by the arrows) such that it at least partially fills the cavity 304, seals the opening to the cavity 304 and deforms so that it extends into the cavity 304 beyond the dimensions of the edge 305. This forms a region of overlap 302a, 302b between the electrically conductive material 302 and a lip formed by the internal walls 306a, 306b of the insulating outer casing 306. As such, the overlapping region 302a, 302b of the electrically conductive material 302 extends beyond the dimensions of the opening to the cavity 304 and moulds to the internal walls 306a, 306b of the insulating outer casing 306, thereby retaining the electrically conductive material 302 therein. The external tissue treatment portion 308 of the electrically conductive material 302 that sits within the edge 305 may then be moulded into any desired shape using any suitable mean to achieve the configuration required for the target use. For example, the exposed tip 308 of the electrically conductive material 302 may have ridges and a suction hole 502, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, for use in ablation and vaporisation of tissue. It will also be appreciated that the electrically conductive material 302 may also be moulded into the desired electrode configuration before it is inserted to the outer casing 306.
At step 2.8, the electrically conductive material 302 and insulating outer casing 306 are then heat treated to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material 302 and thereby provide the final electrode assembly 500, as illustrated by Figure 5. During this heat treatment process, the electrode assembly 500 is placed in a furnace to heat the assembly 500 to a high temperature so as to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material 302, such that the final electrode is formed from the electrically conductive material 302 and the retention of the electrode 302 within the insulating outer casing 306 is increased further. One the electrode 302 has hardened, it can no longer be deformed, and thus the hardened region of overlap 302a, 30b blocks any movement of the electrode 302 through the opening by cooperating with the inner walls 306a, 306b of the outer casing 306. As such, the electrode 302 is firmly retained within the outer casing 306.
The heat treatment used will depend on the choice of electrically conductive material and the insulating material. As an example, if the electrically conductive material 302 comprises a stainless steel, the heat treatment may be carried out within a temperature range of 482°C to 760°C, a temperature range that can be easily handled if the insulating outer casing 306 comprises a ceramic material.
The final result is the electrode assembly 500, as illustrated by Figures 4 and 5, wherein the electrode 302, and in particular the tissue treatment portion 308, is retained firmly within the insulating material 306, as described above. As such, no further materials or components are required to assemble and retain the electrode 302 within the insulating outer casing 306, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, particularly for small electrosurgical instruments.
In this example, the active tip 308 is provided with a suction hole 502, which may be the opening to a lumen 402 within the insulating outer casing 306. The lumen 402 may comprise an active tubular portion (not shown) extending from the active electrode 302, for use in delivering fluids to and from the active tip 308. The electrode assembly 500 may also include a return electrode 504, as shown in Figure 5. The return electrode 504 may be connected to the insulating outer casing 306 by some suitable joining method, for example, by welding, gluing or configuring the two components to have a push fit.
A further example of the method of manufacturing an electrode assembly is illustrated by Figures 7A-7C. In this example, an electrically conductive material 702, such as stainless steel, is pre-moulded into a bent shape such that it can be at least partially inserted to the cavity 704 of the insulating outer casing 706, as shown in Figure 7A. The electrically conductive material 702 is then heat treated so that it softens into a malleable state. Alternatively, the electrically conductive material 702 may be softened into a malleable state and then bent for insertion to the outer casing 706. Once in this malleable state, the electrically conductive material 702 can be fully inserted to the outer casing 706 and moulded into the final configuration, as shown in Figure 7B, such that a region of overlap 702a, 702b is formed with the internal walls 706a, 706b of the outer casing 706, as described previously. As before, the electrically conductive material 702 is then heat treated to increase the hardness, such that the final electrode is firmly retained by the hardened region of overlap 702a, 702b, As shown in Figure 7C, an electrical conductor bar 707 may then be inserted to a lumen in the outer casing 706 to connect the electrode tip 702 to a source of power.
In another arrangement, the electrically conductive material may be provided as a soft snap fit component that is inserted to the insulating outer casing and then heat treated to harden the electrode component and improve retention, whilst providing easy insertion as before.
Figures 6A and 6B illustrates an alternative example of how the method of manufacturing may be performed to provide an electrode assembly using this snap-fit arrangement. As before, an electrically conductive material 602 is formed in a malleable state, so that it can be easily deformed and inserted into a cavity 604 of an insulating outer casing 606 configured to receive an electrode in accordance with steps 2.2 and 2.4 described above. However, in this example, the electrically conductive material is provided as a pre-formed electrode component 602 that is malleable enough to be manipulated into the cavity 604, yet firm enough to be able to hold its pre-formed structure, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The pre-formed electrode component 602 comprises a tissue treatment portion 608 that is configured to fill the opening over the cavity 604 such that its outer perimeter sits closely against the edge 605 of the opening, and flanges 602a, 602b that extend outwards beyond the dimensions of the tissue treatment portion 608. The pre-formed electrode component 602 is then snap-fitted into the cavity 604, such that the flanges 602a, 602b extend beyond the dimensions of the edge 605 defining the opening, to thereby form a region of overlap between the electrode component 602 and inner walls 606a, 606b of the insulating outer casing 606, as described previously with reference to Figures 3B and 4. The electrode component 602 and insulating outer casing 606 are then heat treated to increase the hardness of the electrode component 602 and provide the final electrode assembly with improved electrode retention, as described in accordance with steps 2.8 above.
Various further modifications to the above described embodiments, whether by way of addition, deletion or substitution, will be apparent to the skilled person to provide additional embodiments, any and all of which are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.
For example, the electrically conductive material could be a spring material, such as nitinol, that can be deformed and then spring back into shape once inserted to the insulating casing to provide the retention. In such cases, the spring material would be provided in the final configuration prior to insertion, deformed for insertion and then return to its original configuration once inserted to the insulating casing.

Claims (12)

  1. Claims 1. A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, comprising: providing an outer casing comprising an insulating material, wherein the outer casing comprises a cavity configured to receive an electrode; providing an electrically conductive material in a malleable state; inserting the electrically conductive material into the cavity via an opening in a wall of the outer casing, the electrically conductive material being configured to extend into the cavity beyond an edge defining the opening, such that the electrically conductive material comprises a region of overlap with an internal wall of the outer casing; and performing a heat treatment process to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material to form an electrode, to thereby provide a first electrode assembly comprising the electrode and the outer casing.
  2. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the inserting the electrically conductive material further comprises: applying pressure to the electrically conductive material, such that it deforms to form the region of overlap.
  3. 3 A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises moulding the electrically conductive material into a pre-defined configuration prior to performing the heat treatment process.
  4. 4. A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the electrically conductive material is moulded into a pre-defined configuration prior to insertion to the cavity, such that the electrically conductive material is configured to snap-fit into the outer casing upon insertion.
  5. A method according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the pre-defined configuration is such that a portion of the electrically conductive material fills the opening in the wall of the outer casing 6.
  6. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrode formed comprises a tissue treatment portion in the region of the opening. I07.
  7. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrode is an active electrode
  8. 8. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a stainless steel, a tungsten alloy or a platinum iridium alloy.
  9. 9. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the insulating material is a ceramic material.
  10. 10. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a stainless steel, the heat treatment process comprises heating the electrically conductive material at a temperature of about 480°C up to 760°C.
  11. 11 An electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, wherein the electrode assembly is manufactured according to the method of any of claims 1 to 10.
  12. 12. An electrode assembly for use in an end effector of an electrosurgical instrument, the electrode assembly comprising: a first electrode; and an outer casing comprising an insulating material, wherein the outer casing comprises a cavity configured to receive the first electrode; characterised in that the first electrode is provided in the outer casing by inserting an electrically conductive material in a malleable state into the cavity via an opening in a wall of the outer casing, the electrically conductive material being configured to extend into the cavity beyond an edge defining the opening, such that the electrically conductive material comprises a region of overlap with an internal wall of the outer casing, and performing a heat treatment process to increase the hardness of the electrically conductive material to form the first electrode.
GB1915122.4A 2019-10-18 2019-10-18 Method of manufacturing an electrode assembly Active GB2588232B (en)

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GB2588232A true GB2588232A (en) 2021-04-21
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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130158549A1 (en) * 2008-02-22 2013-06-20 Covidien Lp Monocoque jaw design
US20180325581A1 (en) * 2014-02-12 2018-11-15 Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh Surgical Instrument Comprising Electrode Support

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130158549A1 (en) * 2008-02-22 2013-06-20 Covidien Lp Monocoque jaw design
US20180325581A1 (en) * 2014-02-12 2018-11-15 Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh Surgical Instrument Comprising Electrode Support

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GB201915122D0 (en) 2019-12-04

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