JP2019205921A - Tapered precision blade electrosurgical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide electrosurgical electrodes which can reduce tissue damage and post-operative complications and increase the speed and precision of cutting.SOLUTION: An electrosurgical electrode 130 comprises an elongated body 200 having a cross-sectional area and longitudinal side edges 260 forming longitudinal cutting edges adapted for electrosurgical dissection along a plane. The body 200 has a configuration in which: the thickness of the side edge 260 is less than or equal to 0.01 inch, forming only one cutting edge, and the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the number of cutting edges is less than or equal to 0.00097 cm(0.000150 in) per cutting edge; or the thickness of a first side edge is greater than 0.254 mm (0.01 inch), the thickness of a second side edge is less than or equal to 0.254 mm (0.01 inch), and the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the number of cutting edges is less than or equal to 0.006 cm(0.001 in) per cutting edge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical electrode for use in performing electrosurgery.

  Modern surgical procedures often involve cutting tissue and / or cauterizing the cut tissue to coagulate or stop bleeding that is encountered during the performance of the surgical procedure. In the area of electrosurgery, medical procedures that cut tissue and / or cauterize leaking blood vessels are performed by using radio frequency (RF) electrical energy. RF energy is generated by a wave generator and transmitted to the patient's tissue through a hand-held electrode operated by a surgeon. A hand-held electrode delivers a discharge to the cytoplasm in the patient's body adjacent to the electrode. This discharge causes cytoplasmic heating to cut tissue and / or cauterize blood vessels. For historical aspects and details of such procedures, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,842 issued to D'Amelio et al., Entitled "Electroprobe Apparatus", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Incorporated into.

  Electrosurgery is widely used and provides many advantages, including the use of a single surgical instrument for both cutting and cauterization / coagulation. A typical monopolar electrosurgical system is applied to a patient's surgical site by a surgeon to perform surgery, for example in the form of an electrosurgical instrument having a handpiece and a conductive electrode (eg, a tip or blade). It has an active electrode and a return electrode that reconnects the patient to the generator, thereby completing the circuit. Electrosurgical instrument electrodes generate high density RF currents at the point of contact with the patient to provide a surgical effect of cutting or coagulating tissue. The return electrode carries the same RF current that is provided to the electrode or tip of the electrosurgical instrument and provides a path back to the electrosurgical generator by completing the circuit after the RF current has passed through the patient. provide.

  Various proposals have been realized in existing electrosurgical tools. Examples of such proposals include Leonard S. et al. US Pat. No. 4,534,347 to Taylor, US Pat. No. 4,674,498 to Peter Staz, US Pat. No. 4,785,807 to Marsden Branch is included, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by this reference. The first two of the aforementioned patents illustrate tools having sharpened exposed edges (eg, knife blade-like geometry) used to perform conventional mechanical tissue cutting. The last patent describes a non-sharpened blade that is entirely coated with an insulating layer so that the cutting is performed by electrical energy that is capacitively transferred across the insulating layer, rather than by conventional mechanical action. ing.

  In electrosurgery, it is widely accepted that “cutting” is achieved when the energy transfer is sufficient to boil the water in the tissue cells and thus rupture the cell membrane by internal forces rather than external forces. A high level of energy is required to cause such electrosurgical cutting, leading to a corresponding high temperature of the electrode. The high temperatures associated with electrosurgery can cause thermal necrosis of the tissue adjacent to the electrode. The longer the tissue is exposed to the high temperatures associated with electrosurgery, the more likely it is to cause thermal necrosis. Thermal necrosis of the tissue can reduce the rate at which the tissue is cut, increase postoperative complications, crust formation, and healing time, and can increase the incidence of thermal damage to the tissue away from the cutting site .

  The Blanch proposal has made significant progress in the art and has gained widespread support in the field of electrosurgery, but has improved cutting accuracy and reduced thermal necrosis, thereby reducing healing time and postoperative complications There is a continuing need for further improvements in electrosurgery to reduce symptoms, reduce crust formation, reduce the incidence of thermal damage to tissues away from the cutting site, and increase cutting speed doing. Specifically, traditional electrosurgical electrodes are not very precise in their energy applications, and as a result, the thermal diffusion and tissue damage they cause can be problematic. Similarly, traditional electrodes are not effectively operable in small, compact, or sensitive tissue locations. For this reason, traditional monopolar electrosurgical electrodes are still not very effective in certain procedures or under certain conditions (eg neurological / spinal / cranial surgery and pediatric procedures). Absent.

  To overcome these and other disadvantages in the use of traditional electrosurgical electrodes for electrosurgery, electrosurgical needle electrodes have been used with some success. However, electrosurgical needles have certain limitations, particularly in their ability to cut or cut (eg, long incisions or cuts along a plane) and operability.

  Thus, there are a number of disadvantages that can be addressed in conventional electrosurgical devices. Specifically, it is highly maneuverable and is an electrode adapted for excision or cutting along the tissue plane, and limits unwanted tissue damage, reduces postoperative complications, It would be advantageous to have an electrode that increases speed and accuracy and facilitates faster healing. However, the subject matter disclosed and / or claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that overcome any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area in which some embodiments described herein may be implemented.

  The present disclosure relates to precision electrosurgical electrodes or blades that are highly maneuverable and adapted for ablation or cutting along a tissue plane. In addition, precision electrosurgical electrodes or blades can limit unwanted tissue damage, reduce post-operative complications, increase the speed and accuracy of cutting, and / or facilitate rapid healing. For example, embodiments include electrosurgical electrodes adapted for use in performing electrosurgical procedures. The electrode may comprise a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body can be formed of a conductive material and can be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator (e.g., to facilitate the transfer of electrical energy from the generator to the electrode body and / or to provide high frequency electrical energy). To transmit to patient tissue and perform electrosurgical procedures there).

  In at least one embodiment, the body comprises (i) one or more major surfaces (eg, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface), (ii) ) One or more longitudinal side edges (eg, disposed at least partially between the first major surface and the second major surface and / or second from the first end). And / or (iii) cross-sectional area (e.g., the first major surface and / or the second major surface and / or one or more longitudinal sides). At least partially disposed between the edges).

  In one or more embodiments, at least one of the longitudinal side edges has a thickness (eg, between a first major surface and a second major surface). Further, the longitudinal side edge may be adapted for electrosurgical removal of tissue along a plane extending from a first location of tissue to a second location of tissue, A distance is separated from one location in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal side edge.

In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the longitudinal side edge (s) can be greater than about 0.01 inches. If the longitudinal side edge has a thickness greater than about 0.01 inches, the longitudinal side edge may form two or more longitudinal cutting edges, or And / or the body may have a cross-sectional area of less than or equal to about 0.0026 square centimeters (0.0004 square inches) (cm ² / E (in ² / E)) per longitudinal cutting edge A ratio of the number of parts may be included.

In one or more other embodiments, the longitudinal side edge (s) can have a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less. If the longitudinal side edge has a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less, the longitudinal side edge may form or include one longitudinal cutting edge, and And / or the body has a cross-sectional area of no more than about 0.00097 square centimeters (0.000150 square inches) (cm ² / E (in ² / E)) per longitudinal cutting edge to the number of longitudinal cutting edges A ratio can be included.

In one or more other embodiments, the electrode comprises one or more longitudinal side edges (each having one thickness) having a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less. Including one longitudinal cutting edge), and one or more longitudinal side edges (each having two or more longitudinal directions) having a thickness greater than about 0.01 inch A cutting edge). Embodiments include a longitudinal side edge (s) having a thickness (es) of about 0.254 mm (0.01 inches) or less, and a thickness (greater than about 0.01 inches). The body of the electrode includes a cross-sectional area pair of about 0.006 square centimeters (0.001 square inches) or less per longitudinal cutting edge. The ratio of the number of longitudinal cutting edges (cm ² / E (in ² / E)) may be included.

  This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

  Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent in part from this description, and may be learned by practice of such exemplary embodiments, as described in the following description. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the exemplary embodiments as set forth below.

In order to further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more specific description of the invention is provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings depict merely exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the following accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary electrosurgical system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a top view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode for use with the electrosurgical system of FIG. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical electrode of Figure 2; FIG. 6 shows a plan view of another exemplary electrosurgical electrode. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical electrode of Figure 3; FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another exemplary electrosurgical electrode. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical electrode of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrosurgical electrode, each according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

  Before describing the present disclosure in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the parameters, methods, apparatus, products, processes, configurations, and / or kits of a particular illustrated system, which will, of course, vary. It should be understood that you get. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Should be understood. Thus, while the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to specific configurations, these descriptions are illustrative and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. Various modifications can be made to the illustrated configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For better understanding, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the various accompanying drawings.

  The present disclosure relates to precision electrosurgical electrodes or blades that are highly maneuverable and adapted for ablation or cutting along a tissue plane. In addition, precision electrosurgical electrodes or blades can limit unwanted tissue damage, reduce post-operative complications, increase the speed and accuracy of cutting, and / or facilitate rapid healing. For example, embodiments include an electrosurgical electrode adapted for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure. The electrode may comprise a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body can be formed of a conductive material and can be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator (e.g., to facilitate the transfer of electrical energy from the generator to the electrode body and / or to provide high frequency electrical energy). To transmit to patient tissue and perform electrosurgical procedures there).

  In at least one embodiment, the body comprises (i) one or more major surfaces (eg, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface), (ii) ) One or more longitudinal side edges (eg, disposed at least partially between the first major surface and the second major surface and / or second from the first end). And / or (iii) cross-sectional area (e.g., the first major surface and / or the second major surface and / or one or more longitudinal sides). At least partially disposed between the edges).

  In one or more embodiments, at least one of the longitudinal side edges has a thickness (eg, between a first major surface and a second major surface). Further, the longitudinal side edge may be adapted for electrosurgical removal of tissue along a plane extending from a first location of tissue to a second location of tissue, A distance is separated from one location in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal side edge.

In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the longitudinal side edge (s) can be greater than about 0.01 inch (0.254 mm). If the longitudinal side edge has a thickness greater than about 0.01 inches, the longitudinal side edge may form two or more longitudinal cutting edges, or And / or the body may have a cross-sectional area of less than or equal to about 0.0026 square centimeters (0.0004 square inches) (cm ² / E (in ² / E)) per longitudinal cutting edge A ratio of the number of parts may be included.

  In one or more other embodiments, the longitudinal side edge (s) can have a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less. If the longitudinal side edge has a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less, the longitudinal side edge may form or include one longitudinal cutting edge, and The body may include a ratio of cross-sectional area to the number of longitudinal cutting edges of no more than about 0.00097 square centimeters per longitudinal cutting edge.

In one or more other embodiments, the electrode comprises one or more longitudinal side edges (each having one thickness) having a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less. Including one longitudinal cutting edge), and one or more longitudinal side edges (each having two or more longitudinal directions) having a thickness greater than about 0.01 inch A cutting edge). Embodiments include a longitudinal side edge (s) having a thickness (es) less than or equal to about 0.01 inch and a thickness greater than about 0.01 inches. The electrode body has a cross-sectional area of no more than about 0.006 square centimeters (0.001 square inches) per longitudinal cut edge. The ratio of the number of longitudinal cutting edges to (cm ² / E (in ² / E)) may be included.

  As used herein, “side edge”, “longitudinal side edge” and like terms refer to a transition region and / or structural feature between two major surfaces. One skilled in the art will appreciate that even a continuous surface that surrounds from any starting point to return to the starting point can form two major surfaces (eg, one on each side of the starting point). I will. Similarly, a continuous surface that encloses one end close to another (opposite) end can form two major surfaces.

  As used herein, “cutting edge”, “longitudinal cutting edge”, and similar terms refer to anatomical or naturally occurring tissue planes, or tissue types, tissue boundaries, or structures. Electrosurgery that can be structurally manipulated, adapted and / or configured and / or excised to cut patient tissue within, along and / or through the separation line between Refers to a part of the electrode. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such ablation occurs along a distance and / or over a distance (eg, from a first location to a second location). Further, the electrosurgical ablation plane can be a straight line, a curved line, a square line, a circular line (after ablation along the distance, the second position corresponds to the first position), and / or combinations thereof. May be included.

  One or more embodiments limit the cross-sectional area of an electrode in combination with at least one or more edges arranged parallel to the longitudinal length of the electrode, so-called “precision technology” Is realized. In some embodiments, precision technology design principle (s) include enhanced operability, reduced power requirements compared to some existing technologies, incisions compared to some existing technologies Low thermal diffusion that reduces the amount of necrotic damage to the surrounding tissue of the site and / or easily resects along a plane and / or within a smaller, narrow, restricted, atrophic, or localized area Allows the creation of electrodes adapted and / or configured for precise application of electrosurgical energy to tissue, with the ability to operate safely with.

Specifically, the ratio of cross-sectional area (A) to the number of longitudinal cutting edges (E) is unexpected for one or more advantages (or determination thereof) for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. is important. Specifically, in one or more embodiments, the body has a longitudinal side edge (s) having a thickness greater than about 0.014 mm, at least two longitudinal cuts. edge (e.g., associated with each longitudinal side edge), and / or 0.0026cm ² /E(0.0004in ² / E) following the cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edges of the ratio of the amount (only) Can be included. In one or more other embodiments, the body has a longitudinal side edge (s) having a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less, associated with each longitudinal side edge. It may comprise the one longitudinal cutting edge, and / or about 0.00097cm ² /E(0.000150in ² / E) following the cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edges and the ratio of the number of (only). In one or more other embodiments, the body includes (a) a longitudinal side edge (s) (each associated with it) having a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less. One (only) with a longitudinal side edge), and (b) a longitudinal side edge (s) with a thickness greater than about 0.014 inch (each associated with it) Hybrids, combinations, or blends) having at least two longitudinal side edges. Hybrid embodiments may have the number of a ratio of about 0.006cm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) following the cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edge. As noted, the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the number of longitudinal cutting edges is measured in square centimeters (cm ² ) per square longitudinal cutting edge (E) (square inches (in ² )) (ie cm It may be in the ^{2 / E (in 2 / E} )).

  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the cross-sectional area of the embodiments described herein includes the cross-sectional area of the body of the electrosurgical electrode. Various cross-sectional area measurement techniques are known in the art and are contemplated herein. For example, the cross-sectional area of a rectangular body can be determined by measuring its (vertical and horizontal) dimensions and multiplying (eg, base (or width) x height (or thickness)). Similarly, the cross-sectional area of a triangular, trapezoidal, diamond-shaped, and / or diamond-shaped body measures and multiplies its (vertical and horizontal) dimensions and divides by two (eg, 1/2 base (or width) × (Height (or thickness)).

Illustratively, the electrode has a first side edge thickness of less than or equal to 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) and a second side edge thickness of greater than 0.254 mm (0.01 inch), and 2 When constructed with a body having a uniform linear taper between two edges, the cross-sectional area of the body is the average of these two edge thicknesses (ie, (first thickness + second thickness) / 2). As indicated above, the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the cutting edge of this configuration is about 0.006cm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) (i.e., (W × T _average) /E≦0.006Cm ² / E (0.001 in ² / E)) or less.

  While not being bound by any theory or being limited to the limitations as of the filing date of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that the manufacture of an electrosurgical electrode may include one or more true It will also be appreciated that the formation of other geometries may not be possible. Specifically, for example, geometric corners, points, tangents, or side intersections are ideal, but may not be obtained by available manufacturing processes or methods. Thus, one or more embodiments described herein can include one or more at least partially circular edges (eg, at the microscopic level), although those skilled in the art For example, it will be understood that a “rectangular”, “triangular”, “trapezoidal”, or other geometric or non-geometric cross section may be the most accurate representation or description of the body.

  In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional area determines the cross-sectional area of one or more geometric or non-geometric shapes to which the cross-section of the body is closely related (or closest). Can be determined by Thus, the cross-sectional area of a substantially rectangular body can be estimated (or determined) by measuring and multiplying its (vertical and horizontal) dimensions (eg, base (or width) × height). In alternative embodiments, the true cross-sectional area (eg, describing the absence of small or finer edges and / or rounded corners) can be determined and / or measured. For example, modeling software or other measurement mechanisms can be used to determine the actual cross-sectional area occupied by the material (s) that form the body of the electrosurgical electrode. Thus, certain embodiments having one or more protrusions or other shaped features may have a true cross-sectional area that is accurately and / or precisely determined.

  In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area is a cross-sectional area (e.g., enclosed, covered, and / or occupied by (outermost) dimensions, edges, protrusions, and / or surfaces of the body (e.g., , The smallest common dimension (s) and / or cross-sectional area) of the body. For example, the cross-sectional area may include the longest or outermost dimension of the body in the x plane × the longest or outermost dimension of the body in the y plane, or other similar calculations.

  Certain embodiments may include one or more (concave) channels or grooves in the body of the electrosurgical electrode. Such channels or grooves can appear as depressions in the cross-sectional view of the body. The cross-sectional area of a body having one or more depressions can include both the cross-sectional area of the body portion (or material thereof) and the cross-sectional area of the depression (s) or depression (s). . Thus, the cross-sectional area of the body may include a cross-sectional area surrounded by the outermost dimensions, edges, protrusions, and / or surfaces of the body (eg, the depressed portion (s) are part of the body As if). In alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area of a body having one or more depressions may include only the cross-sectional area of the body portion of the electrode (or its physical material).

  Similarly, the cross-sectional area of a body having one or more (convex) protrusions is defined and / or surrounded by the protrusion (s) and (composite) outer dimensions of the body portion. It may include a cross-sectional area. Thus, the apparently recessed portion between the protrusions can contribute to the cross-sectional area of the body in some embodiments. The cross-sectional area of a body having one or more protrusions can also include the cross-sectional area of the protrusion (s) + the cross-sectional area of the body portion (no protrusions). Thus, the clearly depressed portions between the protrusions may not contribute to the cross-sectional area of the body in some embodiments.

  In at least one embodiment, a body having one or more concave portions may have a cross-sectional area determined by including the concave portions in the calculation. For example, a substantially triangular body having a substantially triangular recessed portion therein (see, eg, FIG. 7N) may have a cross-sectional area that includes the recessed portion as part of the body (ie, the triangular body includes As if there were no depressions or depressions). Thus, a body having one or more concave portions can have a cross-sectional area that includes an area surrounded by the main body and one or more concave portions. In other embodiments, the body without the concave portion may have a cross-sectional area equal to the actual cross-sectional area of the material forming the body. Thus, a body having a convex (or generally convex) body may have a cross-sectional area (or a suitable approximation thereof as described above) that includes the area occupied by the body.

As indicated above, embodiments of the present disclosure include (i) one or more major surfaces (eg, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface). ), (Ii) one or more longitudinal side edges (eg, at least partially disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface), about 0.254 mm ( At least one of one or more longitudinal side edges having a thickness greater than 0.01 inch (0.254 mm) (of the one or more longitudinal side edges). At least one of which has two or more longitudinal cutting edges), (iii) a cross-sectional area (eg, a first major surface and / or a second major surface and / or one or two At least partially disposed between two or more longitudinal side edges), and / or (iv) 0.0026 cm ² An electrosurgical electrode comprising a body having a ratio of cross-sectional area to (Effective) longitudinal cutting edge (s) of / E (0.0004 in ² / E) or less.

  In at least one embodiment, the body may comprise an elongate body that extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The first end and the second end can be separated by a first length. Similarly, one or more longitudinal side edges may extend a second length between the first end and the second end. In at least one embodiment, the first length and the second length have one or more longitudinal side edges extending between the first end and the second end. As such, it can be substantially equal. In other embodiments, the second length is the first length such that one or more longitudinal side edges do not extend entirely between the first and second ends. Can be shorter than.

  In some embodiments, the thickness of at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges and / or the one or more longitudinal side edges is the first major surface and It can be measured between a second major surface (eg, opposite the first major surface). In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is continuous with the first major surface and the second major surface, thereby (i) At least one of the two or more longitudinal cutting edges includes a joint between the first major surface and at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges; (Ii) at least one of the two or more longitudinal cutting edges is a junction between the second major surface and at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges; including. Specifically, having a thickness greater than about 0.014 inches, at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is, in certain embodiments, 1 More than two effective longitudinal cutting edges may be generated and / or presented. Accordingly, at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges has, in some embodiments, two or more longitudinal cutting edges.

In some embodiments, the one or more longitudinal side edges can include a plurality of longitudinal side edges, at least one of the plurality of longitudinal side edges being two. Or more longitudinal cutting edges and a thickness greater than about 0.01 inches between the first major surface and the second major surface. Further, the plurality of longitudinal side edges have at least one longitudinal side edge having a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less between the first major surface and the second major surface. Part. Such hybrid embodiments may have the number of a ratio of about 0.006cm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) following the cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edge.

In another embodiment, the body comprises (i) one or more major surfaces (eg, a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface), (ii) One or more longitudinal side edges (eg, at least partially disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface), about 0.01 inch At least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges having a thickness of (0.254 mm) or less (at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is Having one longitudinal cutting edge), (iii) cross-sectional area (eg, between the first major surface and / or the second major surface and / or one or more longitudinal side edges) at least partially disposed), and / or (iv) about the 0.00097cm ² /E(0.000 50in 2 / ^E) following the cross-sectional area to (effective) may comprise a ratio of the number of longitudinal cutting edge (s).

  In one or more embodiments, at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is continuous with the first major surface and the second major surface, thereby The longitudinal cutting edge includes a joint between at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges and the first and second major surfaces. Specifically, having a longitudinal side edge thickness of about 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) or less, at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is a specific In embodiments, it does not generate and / or present more than one effective longitudinal cutting edge. Thus, at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges has a longitudinal cutting edge in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the body can have a cross-sectional height between the first major surface and the second major surface. The cross-sectional height can be greater than about 0.01 inch. Further, at least one of the one or more major surfaces (eg, the first major surface and / or the second major surface) may include one or more tapered portions (eg, One or more longitudinal side edges (eg, at least one of one or more longitudinal side edges) from a portion of at least one of the one or more major surfaces. One (having one longitudinal cutting edge) so that the thickness of one or more longitudinal side edges is no more than about 0.01 inches) In certain embodiments, the one or more tapered portions have a cross-sectional height of the body that is greater than about 0.01 inch and one or more longitudinal directions. The side edge thickness is about 0.014 inches or less. To ability. Thus, the hybrid structure may be formed by one or more tapered portions. Such hybrid embodiments from about 0.006cm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) following the cross-sectional area to It may have a ratio of the number of longitudinal cutting edges.

  As indicated above, in some embodiments, the one or more longitudinal side edges may include a plurality of longitudinal side edges (eg, a first major surface and a second And at least a length extending between the first end of the body and the second end of the body). At least one of the plurality of longitudinal side edges has a thickness (e.g., between the first major surface and the second major surface) of no more than about 0.01 inches. obtain.

  In some embodiments, the one or more tapered portions may include a plurality of tapered portions (eg, from a portion of at least one of the first major surface and the second major surface (eg, (Extends to one or more longitudinal cutting edges) of a plurality of longitudinal cutting edges). For example, embodiments may include a plurality of tapered portions that extend from a portion of the first major surface to each longitudinal side edge of the plurality of longitudinal side edges.

  Another embodiment includes one or more tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal side edges, and the second major surface One or more tapered portions may be included that extend from the portion to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal side edges. Another embodiment includes a plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to respective longitudinal side edges of the plurality of longitudinal side edges and a plurality of longitudinal directions from the portion of the second major surface. It may include one or more tapered portions that extend to one or more of the side edges. Another embodiment includes a plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to respective longitudinal side edges of the plurality of longitudinal side edges, and a plurality of longitudinal directions from the portion of the first major surface. It may include a plurality of tapered portions that extend to respective longitudinal side edges of the side edges.

  In certain embodiments, one or more longitudinal side edges can be continuous with the first major surface and / or the second major surface. Further, the electrode can include a tip (eg, disposed at the first end of the body). The tip may also be at least partially disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface and / or the first major surface, the second major surface, and one or more. Can be continuous with one or more of the longitudinal side edges. The tip may also have a blunt configuration, a pointed configuration, a circular configuration, a angular configuration, or any other suitable configuration.

  One or more embodiments may include an insulating coating (eg, covering at least a portion of the body). The insulating coating can be provided in a thickness sufficient to ensure transmission of high frequency electrical energy from the body to the tissue. The insulating coating may comprise a non-stick coating or may be a non-stick coating, as is known in the art. The insulating coating may be formed of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, ceramic, glass, fluorinated hydrocarbon, diamond, high temperature polymer, hydrophilic polymer, capacitor derivative, and / or combinations thereof, Or may include.

  In at least one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the body can have a cross-sectional width (eg, between opposing side edges). In one embodiment, the cross-sectional width can be about 0.15 centimeters (0.055 inches) or less. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-sectional width may be greater than about 0.15 centimeters (0.055 inches). The cross-sectional area can also have a cross-sectional height (eg, between the first major surface and the second major surface). The cross-sectional height may be less than or equal to about 0.01 inches in some embodiments. Alternatively, the cross-sectional height may be greater than about 0.01 inches in some embodiments. The difference (s) between the cross-sectional height and thickness of one or more side edges can determine and / or contribute to the configuration of the body. For example, a body having a cross-sectional height less than the thickness of one or more side edges can have a concave configuration.

  Further, the cross-sectional area can have a cross-sectional shape or configuration. For example, certain embodiments may include one or more circular, angled, cusp, sawtooth, smooth, protruding, or other elements, or combinations thereof. For example, some embodiments include (substantially) a star, square, rectangular, diamond, parallelogram, diamond, wing or tear drop, partial wing or tear drop Cross section, triangular cross section, circular cross section with one or more abutments, polyhedral cross section, arrowhead cross section, "C" shaped section, "D" shaped section, "L" shaped section, "J" shaped section, "T ”Shaped cross section,“ X ”shaped cross section,“ V ”shaped cross section, lenticular shaped cross section, partial lenticular shaped cross section (eg half lens, quarter lens etc.), multilobal cross section, and semicircular cross section Or a partial “yin-yang” cross-section (eg, semi-yin-yang etc.) may be included, including any suitable combination of these.

  Manufacturing constraints may not allow the formation of fully and / or geometrically “sharpened” corners required to form one or more of the foregoing configurations. You will understand that. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cross-sectional configuration may include at least partially circular corners and still include the listed cross-sectional shapes or configurations.

In at least one embodiment, the electrode is at least about, or 5%, 10%, 15%, than the typical power level used for standard electrosurgical blade electrodes in the same or similar tissue type or location. 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 1 / It can be adapted for use in performing electrosurgical procedures at power levels reduced by 4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4 or more. For example, when using precision electrodes to achieve the desired results, the typical power level of 30 watts (or J / s) used in general surgical procedures can be reduced to 10 watts, improving With improved thermal outcome and improved user experience. In addition, the electrodes, the cross-sectional area to the cutting edge ratio, (a) about 0.0026cm ² /E(0.0004in ² / E) Ultra, (b) about 0.00097cm ² /E(0.000150in ² / E) super, and / or (c) about 0.006cm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) as compared to the electrosurgical blade electrodes having a greater (e.g., the electrode having a ratio of greater than the same Or compared to the power level typically used in similar tissue types or locations), at least, or about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, When performing electrosurgical procedures at power levels reduced by more than 3/4 or more It may be adapted for a particular application. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for significantly lower power transmission through tissue, thereby facilitating ease of use, particularly in areas or tissues that are not typically benefited from the use of electrosurgery and are sensitive to thermal damage. Such electrode embodiments are made useful and applicable.

  Other embodiments include methods of using electrosurgical electrodes (eg, as described above) to perform electrosurgical procedures. The electrode may be configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein. In certain embodiments, the method comprises (i) contacting tissue with at least one of one or more longitudinal cutting edges while (eg, typically from an electrosurgical setting). By shearing the tissue by augmenting the electrode with high frequency electrical energy transmitted from the generator (at least 2/3 less power level), (ii) by advancing the augmented electrode by a certain distance, Electrosurgically cutting tissue along a plane extending from a first location of tissue to a second location of tissue, (iii) at least one of one or more longitudinal cutting edges And (iv) identifying one or more patient sites in need of coagulation, and / or (iv) a first major surface or a second Main surface Cauterize one or more patient sites in need of coagulation by contacting at least a portion and making the electrode high frequency electrical (eg, typically at a power level of at least 2/3 less than the electrosurgical setting) One or more patient sites in need of coagulation, while being energized with energy, are in contact with the first major surface and / or at least a portion of the second major surface, or the surface of the electrode and / Or spray coating tissue from the edge.

  In some embodiments, the method contacts the tissue with a tip (eg, between the first major surface and the second major surface) disposed at the first end of the body, while It may include shearing the tissue by increasing the electrode with high frequency electrical energy transmitted from a generator (eg, at a power level that is typically at least 2/3 less than the electrosurgical setting). Further, the method advances the electrode while boosting the electrode with high frequency electrical energy transmitted from the generator at a power level that is at least 2/3 less than a typical electrosurgical setting. Electrosurgical ablation of at least a portion of the tissue along a plane extending from the first location to the second location of the tissue.

  In at least one embodiment, the electrosurgical procedure may include a neurological procedure or procedure, a spinal procedure or procedure, a cranial procedure or procedure, and / or a pediatric procedure or procedure. In certain embodiments, advancing the augmented electrode may include one or more orientation changes during ablation or while creating an incision. For example, advancing the augmented electrode can include a smooth, circular, or sharp, angular change in the right, left, upward, or downward direction (e.g., the increased electrode along the ablation / dissection path or plane). While moving forward).

  Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 and corresponding discussion provide a brief general description of an exemplary electrosurgical system in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Is intended. Specifically, an electrosurgical system 100 is illustrated that includes a wave generator 110, a cable or cord 140, a hand-held instrument or handpiece 120, an electrosurgical electrode 130, a return electrode 125, and a cable or cord 135. The generator 110 is an RF wave generator in a preferred embodiment. Thus, a surgeon or other user can use the electrosurgical system 100 during surgery or other procedures to cut patient tissue and / or cauterize blood vessels in the patient tissue.

  In the exemplary electrosurgical procedure, RF electrical energy is generated by a wave generator, such as wave generator 110. RF electrical energy is transferred to the electrode 130 via the handpiece 120 and is electrically coupled to the wave generator 110 via the cord 140. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wave generator 110 can generate high frequency vibrators and amplifiers (RF) to generate RF electrical energy waves that can be used to cut tissue and / or cauterize blood vessels during electrosurgery. It will be understood that it may include more than one.

  The RF electrical energy wave is transmitted to the handpiece 120 to cause a discharge from the electrode 130 to the patient tissue. The discharge can cause heating of the cytoplasm of the patient tissue that is in direct (or indirect, eg, close or very close) contact with the electrode 130. Specifically, the energy transfer may be sufficient to boil water in the tissue cells, thus rupturing the cell membrane and thereby electrosurgically cutting, shearing and / or excising the patient tissue. In at least one embodiment, electrosurgical cutting, shearing and / or ablation does not require a significant amount or degree of mechanical cutting, shearing and / or ablation. In some embodiments, the electrode 125 provides an electrical return path to the wave generator 110 via the cord 135 for charge dissipating to surrounding tissue within the patient's body. Terms such as cutting, shearing, and / or resection may be used interchangeably herein to reflect various types of surgical tissue separation and the like.

  In some embodiments, during electrosurgery, the discharge from electrode 130 can be used to cut and cauterize independently or simultaneously. For example, a constant sine wave supplied by wave generator 110 and transmitted to handpiece 120 enables electrode 130 to cut tissue within the patient's body. Alternatively, the attenuated wave supplied by wave generator 110 and transmitted to handpiece 120 allows electrode 130 to cauterize leaking blood vessels. In at least one embodiment, a combination of a constant sine wave and a damped wave can be supplied to the handpiece 120 by the wave generator 110 to allow the electrode 130 to cut and cauterize simultaneously, thereby allowing surgical Minimize tissue trauma and blood loss during the procedure. For example, in one or more embodiments, an alternative transmission of a constant sine wave and / or a damped wave is transmitted by the wave generator 110 to allow the electrode 130 to cut and cauterize simultaneously. To minimize tissue trauma and blood loss during the surgical procedure.

  By introduction, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show (replaceable) electrodes 130, or exemplary combinations of various features, designs, and / or configurations thereof. 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A-8G show an exemplary combination of cross-sectional configurations of the electrosurgical electrode 130 (the body thereof).

  FIG. 2, for example, shows a universal electrode for illustrative purposes. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrode 130 is (i) on the handpiece 120 to allow RF electrical energy generated by the wave generator 110 to be transmitted to the electrode 130 through the handpiece 120. A connecting end 150 configured to be coupled, and (ii) an actuating end 160 configured to contact patient tissue and apply a discharge to the patient tissue. In at least one embodiment, the working end 160 and the connecting end 150 can include opposite ends of the electrode 130.

  However, it will be understood that the electrode 130 need not include an elongated configuration, as illustrated in FIG. For example, the electrode 130 may have a curved, angular, circular, flat, wide, or other configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, in some embodiments, the electrode 130 may have any configuration suitable for use in electrosurgical procedures.

  In some embodiments, the connection end 150 can include a connection member 155 configured to be coupled to the handpiece 120. The length of the connecting end 150 and / or its connecting member 155 may vary depending on the particular type of electrode and / or the type of procedure in which the electrode is used. For example, the length of the connecting end can range from about 6.35 cm to about 48 cm in certain embodiments. In various embodiments, the length of the connecting end can be about 6.35 cm, 6.9 cm, 10.16 cm, 15.24 cm, 33 cm, 45 cm, and 48 cm, respectively. It will be appreciated that the length of the connecting end can be any suitable length and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

  Electrode 130 may also include a sleeve or coating 400 (eg, surrounding at least a portion of electrode 130) that acts as an insulator, provides protection, and / or facilitates retention of electrode 130 by handpiece 120. For example, an insulating material can be applied to a portion of the working end 160 of the electrode 130 to provide an insulating barrier between a portion of the working end 160 and patient tissue.

  In one embodiment, the insulating material is applied around at least a portion of the working end 160 of the electrode 130 (eg, an electrode tip detachment (eg, just a small portion) exposed for use during electrosurgery). For example, the insulating material may cover the entire working end except for about 0.3 cm at the end of electrode 130 or its working end 160. The exposed portion is then used to expose electrode 130. Electrosurgery can be performed without an electrical discharge between the rest of (or its working end 160) and patient tissue, hi alternative embodiments, the insulating material can be used to expose the working end 160 of the exposed electrode 130. Most can be left.

  In some embodiments, the coating can include PTFE, fluoropolymer, polyolefin, ceramic, PARYLENE, or combinations thereof. Such a coating may be applied to a portion of the working end 160 of the electrode 130, for example, to provide an insulating barrier between a portion of the working end 160 and patient tissue.

  The working end 160 of the electrode 130 may also include a body 200 configured to contact patient tissue and apply a discharge to the patient's body. The body 200 (and / or other portion of the electrode 130) may comprise, include, and / or be formed with a conductive material. For example, the conductive material may include stainless steel or other non-corrosive material. Certain embodiments may also or alternatively include, for example, brass, nickel, aluminum, titanium, copper, silver, gold, other types of steel, or (these) alloys. Some embodiments may also include non-metallic conductive materials such as certain conductive plastics (eg, having an inherent quality of safety and integrity sufficient to meet the desired requirements) As a condition).

  As described in further detail below, the body 200 of the electrode 130 may have an elongated design or configuration. For example, the body 200 can include a first end 210 and a second end 220 (eg, separated by a length that is the same as or similar to the length 500). However, it will be appreciated that the body 200 need not include an elongated configuration as illustrated in FIG. For example, the body 200 can have a curved, angular, circular, flat, wide, or other configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, in some embodiments, the body 200 can have any configuration suitable for use in electrosurgical procedures.

  In at least one embodiment, the electrode 130 may optionally include at least one tip 300 (eg, disposed on, around and / or adjacent to the first end 210 of the body 200). . For example, in some embodiments, the body 200 can include or include a tip 300. In certain embodiments, the first end 210 can include a tip 300 (eg, the tip 300 can extend from the first end 210). Similarly, the second end 220 can be connected to, attached to, and / or adjacent to the connecting end 150 or its connecting member 155. However, it will be understood that notations corresponding to the first and / or second are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, in some embodiments, the first end 210 can be connected to, attached to, and / or adjacent to (and / or can extend from) the connecting end 150 or its connecting member 155.

  Similarly, one or more tips 300 may be disposed at the electrode 130, the working end 160, and / or other locations and / or locations around the body 200. For example, the body 200 may include one or more tips 300 disposed thereon (in the longitudinal direction) and / or forming one or more peaks along the body 200. . As will be described in further detail below, the tip 300 may have any configuration, including one or more various design configurations suitable for one or more specific electrosurgical procedures. Or may include.

  The body 200 can further include at least one major surface 230 and at least one side edge 260. In some embodiments, the major surface 230 can include a first side 240 and / or a (opposite) second side 250. In at least one embodiment, the side edge (s) 260 can be positioned on or adjacent to the first side 240 and / or the second side 250 of the major surface 230. Further, the longitudinal side edge 260 can extend a length 500 (eg, between the first end 210 and the second end 220 of the elongate body 200).

  In at least one embodiment, the side edge 260 may include one or more cutting edges 270. For example, the side edge 260 can be continuous with the major surface 230 such that the cutting edge 270 includes (or is formed with) a junction between the major surface 230 and the side edge 260. . Similarly, the joint between the major surface 230 and the side edge 260 can form a cutting edge 270.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the main body 200 includes a first main surface 230a (having a first side surface 240a and a second side surface 250a), and a second main surface 230b (first side surface 240b and second side surface). Having side surfaces 250b). The first (longitudinal) side edge 260a can be positioned on or adjacent to the first side surface 240a of the first major surface 230a and the first side surface 240b of the second major surface 230b (or In the meantime). Similarly, the second (longitudinal) side edge 260b can be positioned on or adjacent to the second side 250a of the first major surface 230a and the second side 250b of the second major surface 230b. (Or in between).

  Further, one or more longitudinal side edge (s) (eg, longitudinal side edges 260a and / or 260b) may include a thickness 600 (eg, with first major surface 230a and Between second main surface 230b). For example, the longitudinal side edge 260a includes a first major surface 230a on or adjacent to its first side 240a and a second major surface 230b on or adjacent to its first side 240b. There may be a thickness 600 in between. It will be appreciated that the longitudinal side edges 260b may be configured identically, similarly, or differently. For example, the longitudinal side edge 260a may have a thickness that exceeds the thickness of the longitudinal side edge 260b, or vice versa.

  In at least one embodiment, the thickness 600 (a measure of) contributes to and / or can determine the number of cutting edges (E) 270 included in the body 200. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will, in some embodiments, once the thickness 600 is sufficiently large, between the first major surface 230a and the second major surface 230b (or the major surface 230 and side edges). It will be appreciated that a transition between (within part 260) includes, accommodates, forms and / or allows for the formation of two or more cutting edges 270. However, in some embodiments, the side edge 260 may include a single cut edge 270 (eg, even if the thickness 600 is greater than about 0.01 inches). You will understand.

  In at least one embodiment, a thickness 600 (of the side edges 260 and / or between the major surfaces 230) greater than about 0.01 inches is equal to two or more cutting edges 270. Can be contained, contained, formed, and / or allowed. For example, about 0.028 (0.011), 0.030 (0.012), 0.0318 (0.0125), 0.038 (0.015), 0.0445 (0.0175), 0.0. 0470 (0.0185), 0.0495 (0.0195), 0.05 (0.02), and / or 0.13 centimeters (0.05 inches) (or any value or range of values in between) ) Thickness 600 may include, contain, form and / or allow for the formation of two or more (effective) cutting edges 270. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure include (i) about, (ii) or more to about, (iii) at least about, and / or (iv) about 0.028 (0.011), 0.030 (0.012). ), 0.0318 (0.0125), 0.038 (0.015), 0.0445 (0.0175), 0.0470 (0.0185), 0.0495 (0.0195), 0.05 Thicknesses between (0.02), 0.13 (0.05), and 0.190 centimeters (0.075 inches) (or any value or range of values therebetween) may be included.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the body 200 can include four cutting edges 270a, 270b, 270c, and 270d. Specifically, the junction or transition between the side edge 260a and the first major surface 230a (at its first side 240a) is the first (separate and / or effective) cutting edge 270a. Can be contained, contained, formed, and / or allowed. Similarly, the junction or transition between the side edge 260a and the second major surface 230b (at its first side 240b) is the second (separate and / or effective) cutting edge 270b. It can include, contain, form and / or allow formation. Similarly, the junction or transition between the side edge 260b and the first major surface 230a (at its second side 250a) is the third (separate and / or effective) cutting edge 270c. It can include, contain, form and / or allow formation. Similarly, the junction or transition between the side edge 260b and the second major surface 230b (at its second side 250b) is the fourth (separate and / or effective) cutting edge 270d. It can include, contain, form and / or allow formation.

  As will be described in more detail below, those skilled in the art will have several transitions between the first major surface 230a and the second major surface 230b once the thickness 600 is sufficiently small. It will also be appreciated that in this embodiment, including, forming, and / or allowing for the formation of a single cutting edge 270. For example, as discussed further below, a thickness 600 of less than or equal to about 0.014 inches accommodates, in some embodiments, including the formation of a single cutting edge 270. And / or can be tolerated.

  The longitudinal side edges 260a and 260b can also be separated by a width 900. In at least one embodiment, the width 900 can include the distance between the first end 240a, 240b and the second end 250a, 250b of the first and second major surfaces 230a, 230b, respectively. The width 900 may include any suitable size, measurement, or value, including a thickness 600 and / or length 500 size, measurement, or value that is greater than, less than, or equal to the value. .

  Further, the body 200 can have a cross-sectional area 700 (eg, between the first major surface 230a and the second major surface 230b, and the first longitudinal edge 260a and the second longitudinal side edge). Between the portion 260b). However, in certain embodiments (eg, embodiments having a single longitudinal side edge 260, or embodiments having more than two longitudinal side edges 260), the cross-sectional area 700 is arranged differently. Can be combined, defined, and / or configured. Thus, the first major surface 230a, the second major surface 230b, and one or more longitudinal side edges 260 may be at least partially coupled to the cross-sectional area 700. The cross-sectional area 700 can also have a cross-sectional height 800 (eg, between the first major surface 230a and the second major surface 230b).

  In some embodiments, any of the length 500, thickness 600, cross-sectional area 700, cross-sectional height 800, and / or width 900 to any other size, measurement, or value ratio is: It may be different without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. However, in some embodiments, the ratio between two or more of the aforementioned sizes, measurements, or values may be an advantage of one or more of certain embodiments of the present disclosure ( Or its determinants). For example, the ratio of cross-sectional area (A) 700 to cutting edge (E) 270 is specifically unexpected for one or more of the aforementioned advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Can be important.

  Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the electrosurgical electrode 130a may comprise a body 200a. The body 200a (or one or more components thereof) can have a length 500a. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the body 200a includes first and second major surfaces 230a and 230b (eg, separated by a cross-sectional height 800), and first and second longitudinal side edges 260a. And 260b (eg, each having a thickness 600). In at least one embodiment, the body 200a can have a width 900a and / or the longitudinal side edges 260a and 260b can be separated by a width 900a. The measurement of width 900a (eg, along with length 500a, cross-sectional height 800, and / or thickness 600) can contribute to the calculation of cross-sectional area 700a.

  In some embodiments, the width 900a can be less than or equal to the width 900 (see FIG. 2A). The smaller width 900a can allow, enable, and / or achieve a high level of accuracy in an electrosurgical procedure. For example, the user can limit the generation of unwanted tissue damage or injury by reducing the width 900 to the width 900a. Specifically, the width 900a may allow a user to make a redirection during electrosurgical procedures to the same extent as that caused by the width 900 without damaging patient tissue. In at least one embodiment, the reduced width 900a can contribute to a reduction in the size of the cross-sectional area 700a and / or the tip 200a.

In at least one embodiment, the thickness 600a of the (side edge (s) 260a and / or 260b) can be greater than about 0.01 inches (0.254 mm). In addition, the ratio of the cross-sectional area 700a to the number of longitudinal cut edges 270 is approximately 0.0026 square inches (cm2 / E (in2 / E)) per longitudinal cut edge. There may be (for example, when the longitudinal side edge (s) 260 is greater than about 0.01 inches). In an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary body 200a (having a substantially rectangular cross-section) may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional height 800 of about 0.0185 inches. Opposing longitudinal side edges 260a and 260b separated by a width 900a of about 1.27 mm (0.05 inches) may also each have a thickness of about 0.0185 inches. Accordingly, the body 200a may have four longitudinal cutting edges 270 and a cross-sectional area 700a of 0.596773 mm ² (0.000925 square inches (in ² )). As a result, the body 200a has a cross-sectional area 700a to a number of longitudinal cutting edges 270 of 0.1492 mm ² / E (eg, 0.000231 square inches per longitudinal cutting edge (in ² / E)). May have a ratio.

While additional sizes, measurements, values, and / or ratios are contemplated herein, in the foregoing embodiments, each is a parameter required (ie, about 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) greater than the longitudinal side edges thickness, and about 0.0026cm ² /E(0.0004in ² / E) must match the following cross-sectional area 700a logarithmic ratio of the longitudinal cutting edges 270 of) You will understand that you must not. Thus, providing about 0.0026cm ² /E(0.0004in ² / E) ratio of the number of following cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edges, any combination of each size, measurements, and / or values ( For example, for a longitudinal side edge thickness greater than about 0.254 mm (0.01 inch), the longitudinal side edge length, cutting edge length, body length, body width, body height, cross-sectional thickness , Cross-sectional width, cross-sectional height, and / or cross-sectional area, etc.) are contemplated herein.

In one or more other embodiments, the body of the electrosurgical electrode has at least one side edge having a thickness of about 0.01 inch or less, and about 0.00097 cm ^2. / E (0.000150 in ² / E) or less cross-sectional area to the ratio of the number of longitudinal cut edges. In at least one embodiment, the longitudinal side edge having a thickness of about 0.01 inches or less is from a cross-sectional height greater than about 0.01 inches to the longitudinal side edge. This can be achieved by tapering at least a portion of the body up to the part. For example, referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the electrosurgical electrode 130b may have a body 200b having side edges 260c and 260d, a tip 300b, and at least one tapered portion 280.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the body 200b may have opposing major surfaces 230c and 230d that transition to (or are continuous with) opposing side edges 260c and 260d. Significantly, the body 200b can include a tapered portion 280a that extends from a portion of the first major surface 230c to or toward the first side edge 260c. Similarly, the body 200b may include a tapered portion 280b that extends from a portion of the first major surface 230c to or toward the second side edge 260d. Similarly, the body 200b may include a tapered portion 280c that extends from a portion of the second major surface 230d to or toward the first side edge 260c. Similarly, the body 200b may include a tapered portion 280d extending from a portion of the second major surface 230d to or toward the second side edge 260d.

  In some embodiments, the body 200b can have a height 800 (similar to or different from the height 800 of the body 200). Similarly, the main body 200b may have a width 900 (similar to or different from the width 900 of the main body 200). For example, the width 900 may correspond to the width 900a in some embodiments. Indeed, the actual (linear or curved) measurement of height 800, width 900, 900a, and / or thickness 600, 600a may be or include any suitable value (eg, as described herein). Any value range or combination of values sufficient to comply with the parameters disclosed and / or described in the document (in the case of the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the number of longitudinal cutting edges).

  Further, due to the tapered portion 280, the surface length of the main surface 230a and / or 230b from the side edge 260c to the side edge 260d may be greater or longer than the linear width of the body 200b. Similarly, the thickness 600a of the side edge (s) 260c, 260d may be less than the height 800 of the body 200b. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area 700b of the body 200b may be less than the result of the height 800 and width 900 in some embodiments. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that reducing the height 800 and / or the width 900 may reduce the cross-sectional area 700b in some embodiments.

  A person skilled in the art once the thickness 600a is sufficiently small, the transition (s) between the first major surface 230c and the second major surface 230d is a single (effective) cut. It will be appreciated that the edges 270e, 270f may be formed on one or both of the side edges 260c, 260d. In other words, the junction between the first major surface 230c and the side edge 260c is surgically operated on the junction between the second major surface 230d and the side edge 260c in some embodiments. May be indistinguishable. Thus, the side edge 260c actually becomes or constitutes the cutting edge 270e. This can also be applied to the side edge 260d, where the side edge 260d can become or constitute the cutting edge 270f.

In one or more embodiments, the body 200b is about 0.254 mm (0.01 inches) thick or less, and about 0.00097cm ² /E(0.000150in ² / E) following the cross-sectional area It may include at least one side edge 260c, 260d having a ratio of 700b to the number of longitudinal cutting edges. In at least one embodiment, the body 200b can have a cross-sectional height 800 greater than about 0.01 and / or at least one tapered portion 280. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the body 200b may include a circular and / or lens-shaped cross section (or cross-sectional shape or configuration), as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

  Further, when having a side edge thickness 600a of about 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) or less, the side edge 260c is one (only) (effective) longitudinal cut in certain embodiments. Edge 270e may be generated and / or presented. Similarly, a side edge 260d having a thickness 600a of about 0.254 mm (0.01 inches) or less is also, in certain embodiments, one (only) (effective) longitudinal cutting edge 270f. May be generated and / or presented. Thus, a body 200b having side edges 260c and 260d having a side edge thickness 600a of about 0.01 inch or less can include only two effective cutting edges 270e, 270f (eg, Four effective cutting edges 270a, 270b, 270c, and 270d as in the body 200 and / or 200a).

  One skilled in the art will also appreciate that various cross-sectional shapes and / or configurations can be implemented in certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Various cross-sectional structures may include straight, linear, curved, sawtooth, angled, and / or other edges, surfaces, and / or other components. For example, certain embodiments may include one or more tapered portions having a circular or curved form or configuration. Other embodiments may include one or more straight or linear tapered portions. Combinations of circular or curved and straight or linear tapered portions are also contemplated herein. Similarly, various side edges are contemplated herein, including wide, narrow, circular, pointed, sharpened, and / or other shapes, forms, and / or configurations. Various side edge combinations are also contemplated herein.

  5A-5H illustrate some variations, for example, with respect to the embodiments illustrated in the previous figures. FIG. 5A shows a body 200c having a side edge 260a, a substantially straight or linear tapered portion 280e, and a side edge 260c. Accordingly, the body 200c can have three effective cutting edges 270a, 270b, and 270e in some embodiments. FIG. 5B shows a body 200d having a substantially curved or circular tapered portion 280f. FIG. 5C shows a body 200e having a first major surface 230a that is substantially straight or linear and a second major surface 230c that is substantially curved or circular. Accordingly, the body 200e (or its second major surface 230c) can include two tapered portions 280h. FIG. 5D shows a body 200f having two substantially straight or linear tapered portions 280e.

  In some embodiments, one or more major surfaces, side edges, and / or effective cutting edges can have an elongated configuration. For example, FIG. 5E shows a body 200g having elongated or protruding side edges 260e. Further, the body 200g includes two inverted tapered portions 280g adjacent to the elongated or protruding side edge 260e and two substantially straight or linear tapered portions 280e extending from the inverted tapered portion 280g. FIG. 5F shows a body 200h having four major surfaces 230e, 230f, 230g, and 230h. The main surfaces 230e and 230f and the main surfaces 230g and 230h are separated by (or merge with or migrate to) the side edges 260a. The main surfaces 230e and 230g and the main surfaces 230f and 230h are separated by (or merge with or migrate to) the side edges 260c. FIG. 5G shows a body 200i having four major surfaces 230i with intervening side edges 260c. FIG. 5H shows a body 200j having an elongated or protruding side edge 260e.

  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape, configuration, transition, and / or radius of curvature can be modified based on the requirements of the surgeon or other user. For example, the exemplary body showing the side edge (s) 260c may, for example, alternatively be the side edge (s) 260a, 260e, and / or any of the disclosed and / or described herein. It may consist of other side edge (s). The exemplary description of a particular side edge is not necessarily limited to the example side edge. Rather, any suitable combination of side edge (s), cutting edge (s), major surface (s), etc. is contemplated herein. Thus, the side edge (s) that would correspond to a measurement value of 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) or less is not so limited. Alternatively, such side edge (s) may alternatively include measurement (s) greater than 0.014 inches without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  6A-6E illustrate various geometric cross-sectional shapes and / or configurations. For example, FIG. 6A shows a body 200k having a substantially square cross-sectional configuration. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of quadrilateral configurations can be implemented in various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the body 200k may also or alternatively include a rectangular, diamond, trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration. Parallelograms are also contemplated herein.

  Including a body 200l (FIG. 6B) having a diamond-shaped cross-section, a body 200m (FIG. 6C) having a star-shaped cross-section, a body 200n (FIG. 6D) having a hexagonal cross-section, and a body 200o (FIG. 6E) having a triangular cross-section. Other polygonal configurations (including concave, convex, regular, and irregular) are also contemplated herein. It will also be appreciated that pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and other polygonal configurations are also contemplated herein. Further, the triangle configuration may include equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles, inequilateral triangles, right triangles, acute triangles, and / or obtuse triangles.

  Some embodiments may include various non-geometric, circular, partially circular, or other shapes, forms, and / or configurations. For example, FIG. 7A shows a body 200p having a wing or tear drop cross-section or cross-sectional configuration. FIG. 7B shows a body 200q having a partial (eg, half) wing or tear drop cross section. FIG. 7C similarly shows a body 200r having a partial (eg, half) wing or tear drop cross section. FIG. 7D shows a body 200s having a lens-shaped cross section. FIG. 7E shows a body 200t having a partial (eg, half) lenticular cross section. FIG. 7F similarly shows a body 200u having a partial (eg, half) lenticular cross section. However, as used herein, it will be understood that "partial" may include a quarter, three-quarter, or other proportion of a complete shape or configuration.

  FIG. 7G shows a body 200v having a partial (eg, half) conical cross section. Full cones and other similar configurations are also contemplated herein. FIG. 7H shows a main body 200w having a bilobal cross section. FIG. 7I shows a body 200x having a trilobal cross section. It will be appreciated that other multileaf configurations are also contemplated herein. FIG. 7J shows a body 200y having a semi-circular cross section. FIG. 7K shows a body 200z having a circular cross section with one abutment. FIG. 7L shows a body 200aa having a circular cross section with a plurality of abutments. FIG. 7M shows a main body 200bb having a shuriken cross section. FIG. 7N shows a main body 200cc having an arrowhead cross section. FIG. 7O shows a body 200dd having a partial “Yin-Yang” cross section (eg, semi-Yin Yang).

  Various cross-sectional configurations can also employ shapes such as Arabic, Roman, or other characters or descriptive characters. For example, FIG. 8A shows a body 200ee having a “C” shaped cross section. FIG. 8B shows a body 200ff having a “D” shaped cross section. FIG. 8C shows a body 200 gg having an “L” shaped cross section. FIG. 8D shows a body 200hh having a “J” shaped cross section. FIG. 8E shows a body 200ii having a “T” shaped cross section. FIG. 8F shows a body 200jj having an “X” shaped cross section. FIG. 8G shows a body 200kk having a “V” shaped cross section.

  The cross-sectional configuration of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be uniform from the first end of the body to the second end of the body. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various cross-sectional configurations are also contemplated herein. For example, the tip of the body can be tapered in one or more embodiments, giving the body various cross-sectional configurations between its first and second ends. Further, the cross-sectional configuration can vary along the length of the body without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the length between the first end and the second end of the elongated body need not be completely or substantially flat and / or linear. For example, other changes in curves, bends, and / or elongated shapes are also contemplated herein.

  The working end of the electrosurgical electrode can be configured to provide significant versatility in cutting and / or cauterizing tissue and / or blood vessels in a variety of different surgical procedures. Further, the electrode tip can be configured to provide significantly improved performance of cutting efficiency, dramatic reduction of unwanted tissue damage, and improved post-operative recovery. For example, each of the electrodes shown in the preceding figures can include or be formed with one or more shaped or sharpened working edges. The shaped working edge can further focus the electrical energy transferred from the electrode to the patient's tissue. Furthermore, the focused electrical energy can further reduce the amount of external charge loss to the surrounding tissue by increasing the incision rate, thereby reducing the activation time and level of thermal necrosis in the tissue surrounding the incision site. To reduce.

  Similarly, each of the illustrated electrodes can be formed with a limited thickness, height, width, and / or mass to limit the amount of latent heat or thermal energy that can accumulate within the electrode. Reduction of the amount of latent heat in the electrode can further reduce the amount of latent heat transferred from the electrode to the tissue, which reduces the amount of tissue damage caused in the tissue surrounding the incision site.

  Additionally, non-adhesive coatings can serve to eliminate or reduce carbonized tissue sticking to the blade, thereby reducing the incidence of unwanted tissue damage. Non-adhesive materials suitable for use as a coating can include PTFE, or a combination of at least one of an inductive material and an inorganic material, and high temperature stability, so that the coating layer can be applied by a spray or dipping process. In addition, it can be, or is not limited to, a hybrid material that provides a coating surface with desirable properties such as low temperature application conditions. Examples of hybrid coatings can be found in US Pat. No. 6,951,559 issued to Greep on October 4, 2005, entitled “Utilization of a Hybrid Material in a Surface of the Electrical Instrument”. The disclosure of which is provided and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  The foregoing examples and embodiments represent exemplary embodiments and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Accordingly, the disclosed examples and embodiments are meant to exemplify one or more aspects of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various aspects corresponding to and / or contemplated within the scope of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are described in US Pat. No. 5,496,315, US Pat. No. 5,697, 926, U.S. Patent No. 5,893,849, U.S. Patent No. 6,039,735, U.S. Patent No. 6,039,735, U.S. Patent No. 6,066,137, U.S. Patent No. 8,439, 910, and US Pat. No. 8,500,727, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specifically illustrated product parameters, processes, configurations, kits, and / or methods, and, of course, may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. is there.

  In addition, the terms “including”, “having”, “involving”, “containing”, “characterized by”, and variations thereof (eg, "Includes", "has", and "involves", "contains", etc.) are intended to be comprehensive and as used herein, including the claims. Should be unlimited and should have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variations thereof (eg, “comprise” and “comprises”), additional non-enumerated elements or Method steps are not exemplarily excluded.

  As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference parts unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Please note that. Thus, for example, reference to “a side edge” includes one, two, or more support members.

  Various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and is not necessarily relative to other embodiments disclosed herein. It need not be construed as preferred or advantageous.

Range values (eg, less than, above, at least, or at maximum, or between two listed values) are disclosed or listed in connection with any of the embodiments described herein. It will also be understood that any particular value or range of values falling within the disclosed range of values is also disclosed and contemplated herein. For ^{example, 0.0026cm 2 /E(0.0004in} 2 / E) or less, or 0~0.0026cm ² / cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edges between (between 0~0.0004in ² / E) of the E the ratio of, ^{illustratively, (i) 0.0006cm 2 /E(0.0001in 2} /E),0.00161cm 2 /E(0.00025in 2 /E),0.002574cm 2 / E (0. ^{000399in 2 /E),0.0026cm 2 /E(0.0004in 2 / E} ), or cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edges between 0~0.0026cm ² /E(0~0.0004in ² / E) between the ratio of the number of parts, and / or ^{(ii) 0.00006cm 2 /E(0.00001in 2 /E)~0.00226cm} 2 /E(0.00035in 2 / E), 0.013cm 2 / Between ^{(0.0002in 2 /E)~0.019cm 2 /E(0.0003in 2 /} E), 0.00161cm 2 /E~0.001774cm 2 /E(0.00025in 2 /E~0.000275in ² / E during), and / or 0~0.0026cm ² /E(0~0.0004in ² / E) number of cross-sectional area versus longitudinal cutting edges of the range of any other values between Includes specific disclosure of ratios.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, only the preferred materials and methods are described herein.

  While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are also contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Articles, processes, configurations, kits, and methods according to certain embodiments of the invention are described in other embodiments described and / or disclosed herein in terms of characteristics, features, components, members, and Note that / or elements may be included, incorporated, or otherwise provided. Thus, references to specific features associated with an embodiment should not be considered limited to application within the embodiment alone. In addition, various embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention or the disclosure.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are merely exemplary in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain specific embodiments and details are included herein and in the accompanying invention disclosure, but may vary in product, process, configuration, kit, and method disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Various modifications within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Embodiment
(1) an electrosurgical electrode adapted for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure,
An elongate body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, the body being formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator, Adapted to facilitate the transfer of electrical energy from the generator to the electrode for transferring energy to patient tissue and performing electrosurgical procedures therein, the body comprising:
One or more longitudinal side edges extending between the first end and the second end of the one or more longitudinal side edges At least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges has one longitudinal cutting edge, the at least one of which has a thickness of no more than 0.01 inches. Including a longitudinal side edge, and
Cross-sectional area,
An electrode having a cross-sectional area no greater than 0.00097 square centimeters (0.000150 square inches) per longitudinal cutting edge to a ratio of the number of longitudinal cutting edges.
(2) The main body further includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and the one or more longitudinal side edges are the first main surface. The electrode according to embodiment 1, wherein the electrode is disposed between one main surface and the second main surface.
(3) The cross-sectional area has a cross-sectional height between the first main surface and the second main surface, and the cross-sectional height is greater than 0.014 inch (0.254 mm). , Wherein at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface is one or more from a portion of the at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface. Including one or more tapered portions extending to the at least one of the longitudinal side edges, thereby the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges. Embodiment 3. The electrode of embodiment 2, wherein the thickness of one is not more than 0.254 mm (0.01 inch).
(4) The one or more longitudinal side edges are disposed between the first main surface and the second main surface, and the first end of the main body and the Including a plurality of longitudinal side edges extending at least one length between said second end of the body, said one or more tapered portions,
A plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to respective longitudinal side edges of the plurality of longitudinal side edges;
One or more tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal side edges; and from a portion of the second major surface One or more tapered portions extending to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal side edges;
A plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first main surface to a respective longitudinal side edge of the plurality of longitudinal side edges; and a plurality of the longitudinal side edges from a portion of the second main surface. One or more tapered portions extending to one or more of the sections, and a portion of the first major surface to a respective longitudinal side edge of the plurality of longitudinal side edges And a plurality of taper portions selected from the group consisting of a plurality of taper portions extending from a portion of the second main surface to the respective longitudinal side edges of the plurality of longitudinal side edges. Embodiment 4. The electrode according to embodiment 3, comprising a portion.
(5) the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is continuous with the first main surface and the second main surface, thereby longitudinally cutting it; An edge is between the first major surface and the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges, or the second major surface and the one or two. The electrode according to embodiment 2, including a joint portion between the at least one of the above longitudinal side edges.

(6) The electrode according to embodiment 2, further comprising a tip disposed at the first end of the main body.
(7) the tip is continuous with one or more of the first main surface, the second main surface, and the one or more longitudinal side edges; The electrode according to embodiment 6, wherein the tip comprises a configuration selected from the group consisting of a blunt configuration, a point configuration, a circular configuration, and a angular configuration.
(8) the electrode is about 0.00097cm ² /E(0.000150in ² / E) than the cross-sectional area to the cutting edges of the power that is to reduce more than 10% compared to the electrosurgical blade electrode with a ratio 2. The electrode of embodiment 1, adapted for use in performing electrosurgical procedures at a level.
(9) The electrode of embodiment 1, further comprising an insulating coating covering at least a portion of the body.
(10) the insulating coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of PTFE, silicone, ceramic, glass, chlorinated hydrocarbon, fluorinated hydrocarbon, diamond, high temperature polymer, hydrophilic polymer, and capacitor dielectric; Embodiment 10. The electrode of embodiment 9, wherein the insulating coating is provided in a thickness sufficient to ensure transmission of the high frequency electrical energy from the body to the tissue.

(11) The cross-sectional area is a star cross section, square cross section, rectangular cross section, rhombus cross section, trapezoid cross section, parallelogram cross section, diamond cross section, wing or tear drop section, partial wing or tear drop section, triangular cross section, Circular cross section with one or more abutments, polyhedral cross section, arrowhead cross section, “C” cross section, “D” cross section, “L” cross section, “J” cross section, “T” cross section, “X” cross section, lens 2. The electrode of embodiment 1, comprising a cross-sectional shape or configuration selected from the group consisting of a shaped cross-section, a partial lenticular cross-section, a multilobal cross-section, and a semicircular cross-section.
12. The electrode according to embodiment 1, wherein the cross-sectional area has a cross-sectional width of 0.140 centimeters (0.055 inches) or less.
(13) The electrode is
The body includes one or more concave portions, and the cross-sectional area includes an area surrounded by the body and one or more concave portions, or the body is a convex body. The electrode of embodiment 1, wherein the cross-sectional area is configured to include an area occupied by the body.
(14) an electrosurgical electrode adapted for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure on a patient tissue,
An elongate body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, the body being formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator, Adapted to facilitate the transfer of electrical energy from the generator to the electrode for transferring energy to patient tissue and performing electrosurgical procedures therein, the body comprising:
At least one longitudinal side edge extending from the first end toward the second end and having a thickness and adapted for electrosurgical ablation of the tissue along a plane A longitudinal side edge comprising at least one longitudinal cutting edge formed;
A cross-sectional area,
The electrode is
The thickness of the at least one longitudinal side edge is no greater than 0.014 inches, and the at least one longitudinal side edge includes a single longitudinal cut edge, A configuration that is a ratio of a cross-sectional area less than or equal to 0.00097 square centimeters (0.000150 square inches) per longitudinal cutting edge to a number of longitudinal cutting edges, and a first of the at least one longitudinal side edge The thickness of the longitudinal side edge is greater than 0.01 inch, and the first longitudinal side edge has two or more longitudinal cutting edges, the at least one Of the two longitudinal side edges, the thickness of the second longitudinal side edge is not more than 0.254 mm (0.01 inch), and the second longitudinal side edge is a single longitudinal cut. 1 longitudinal cut, including edges An electrode having a configuration selected from the group consisting of: a ratio of a cross-sectional area of no more than 0.006 square centimeters per edge (0.001 square inches) to the number of longitudinal cut edges.
(15) The electrode
The body includes one or more concave portions, and the cross-sectional area includes an area surrounded by the body and one or more concave portions, or the body is a convex body. The electrode of embodiment 14, wherein the cross-sectional area is configured to include an area occupied by the body.

(16) The main body further includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and the one or more longitudinal side edges are the first main surface. The electrode according to embodiment 14, wherein the electrode is disposed between one main surface and the second main surface.
(17) the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is continuous with the first main surface and the second main surface, thereby
At least one of the two or more longitudinal cutting edges is between the first major surface and the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges. Including joints,
At least one of the two or more longitudinal cutting edges is between the second major surface and the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges. Embodiment 17. The electrode according to embodiment 16, comprising a junction.
(18) The electrode according to embodiment 17, further comprising a tip disposed at the first end of the main body.
(19) The tip is continuous with one or more of the first main surface, the second main surface, and the one or more longitudinal side edges, The electrode according to embodiment 18, wherein the tip comprises a configuration selected from the group consisting of a blunt configuration, a point configuration, a circular configuration, and a angular configuration.
(20) The electrode according to embodiment 14, wherein the one or more longitudinal side edges include a plurality of longitudinal side edges.

21. The electrode of embodiment 14, wherein the cross-sectional area has a cross-sectional width of 0.140 centimeters (0.055 inches) or less.
(22) the cross-sectional area is a star cross section, a partially square cross section, a partially rectangular cross section, a rhombus cross section, a trapezoid cross section, a parallelogram cross section, a diamond cross section, a wing or tear drop cross section, a partial wing or Teardrop cross section, triangular cross section, circular cross section with one or more abutments, polyhedral cross section, arrowhead cross section, "C" cross section, "D" cross section, "L" cross section, "J" cross section, "T" 15. The electrode of embodiment 14, comprising a cross-sectional shape or configuration selected from the group consisting of a cross-section, an “X” cross-section, a lens-shaped cross-section, a partial lenticular cross-section, a multilobal cross-section, and a semicircular cross-section.
23. The electrode of embodiment 14, further comprising an insulating coating covering at least a portion of the body.
(24) The insulating coating includes a material selected from the group consisting of PTFE, silicone, ceramic, glass, fluorohydrocarbon, diamond, high temperature polymer, hydrophilic polymer, and capacitor dielectric, from the body to the tissue. Embodiment 24. The electrode of embodiment 23, provided in a thickness sufficient to ensure transmission of said high frequency electrical energy.
(25) the electrode was reduced to about 0.006cm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) as compared to the electrosurgical blade electrodes having a ratio of the cross-sectional area to the cutting edge of greater than 10% power Embodiment 15. The electrode of embodiment 14 adapted for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure at a level.

Claims (24)

An electrosurgical electrode adapted for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure on a patient tissue,
An elongate body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the elongate body is formed of a conductive material and is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator, Adapted to facilitate the transfer of the high frequency electrical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical electrode for transmitting electrical energy to the patient tissue and performing the electrosurgical procedure therein; The elongated body is
A first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the second main surface is located opposite to the first main surface, and the first main surface and the second main surface are: The electrosurgical unit extending between the first end and the second end, wherein each of the first main surface and the second main surface is formed of a conductive material. A first main surface and a second main surface defining an outermost surface of the electrode;
One or more longitudinal side edges extending between the first end and the second end and between the first main surface and the second main surface, wherein At least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges has a thickness of 0.01 inch or less, and the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is One or more longitudinal side edges having only one longitudinal cutting edge;
A cross-sectional area extending between and defined by and formed from an electrically conductive material extending between the first major surface, the second major surface, and the one or more longitudinal edges; ,
An electrosurgical electrode having a cross-sectional area of no more than 0.00097 square centimeters (0.000150 square inches) per longitudinal cutting edge to a ratio of the number of longitudinal cutting edges.   The cross-sectional area has a cross-sectional height between the first main surface and the second main surface, and the cross-sectional height is greater than 0.014 inches. At least one of the main surface and the second main surface is out of the one or more longitudinal side edges from a portion of the at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface. One or more tapered portions extending to the at least one, whereby the thickness of the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is no greater than 0.01 inch. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1. The one or more longitudinal side edges are disposed between the first main surface and the second main surface, and the first end of the elongate body and the first end of the elongate body. Comprising a plurality of longitudinal side edges extending at least one length between the two ends, wherein the one or more tapered portions include:
A plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to respective longitudinal side edges of the plurality of longitudinal side edges;
One or more tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal side edges; and the plurality of longitudinal side edges from a portion of the second major surface. One or more tapered portions extending into one or more of the sections;
A plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first main surface to a respective longitudinal side edge of the plurality of longitudinal side edges; and a plurality of the longitudinal side edges from a portion of the second main surface. One or more tapered portions extending to one or more of the portions, and a plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the first major surface to respective longitudinal side edges of the plurality of longitudinal side edges. And a plurality of tapered portions selected from the group consisting of a plurality of tapered portions extending from a portion of the second main surface to each longitudinal side edge of the plurality of longitudinal side edges. The electrosurgical electrode according to 2.   The at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges is continuous with the first major surface and the second major surface, whereby the longitudinal cutting edge is Between the first major surface and the at least one of the one or more longitudinal side edges, or between the second major surface and the one or more longitudinal side edges. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, comprising a joint between the at least one.   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, further comprising a tip disposed at the first end of the elongate body.   The tip is continuous with one or more of the first main surface, the second main surface, and the one or more longitudinal side edges, and the tip is a blunt end configuration, pointed The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 5, comprising a configuration selected from the group consisting of a head configuration, a circular configuration, and a angled configuration. The electrosurgical electrode, the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the cutting edge as compared to about 0.00097cm ² /E(0.000150in ² / E) of greater than electrosurgical electrodes, at reduced power level more than 10% The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, adapted for performing the electrosurgical procedure.   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating coating covering at least a portion of the elongate body.   The insulating coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of PTFE, silicone, ceramic, glass, chlorinated hydrocarbon, fluorinated hydrocarbon, diamond, high temperature polymer, hydrophilic polymer, and capacitor dielectric; 9. The electrosurgical electrode of claim 8, wherein the electrosurgical electrode is provided with a thickness that ensures transmission of the high frequency electrical energy from the elongated body to the patient tissue.   The cross-sectional area is a star cross section, square cross section, rectangular cross section, rhombus cross section, trapezoid cross section, parallelogram cross section, diamond cross section, wing or tear drop cross section, partial wing or tear drop cross section, triangular cross section, one or more Circular cross section, multi-face cross section, arrowhead cross section, “C” cross section, “D” cross section, “L” cross section, “J” cross section, “T” cross section, “X” cross section, lens-shaped cross section, partial lens The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, comprising a cross-sectional shape or configuration selected from the group consisting of a shaped cross-section, a multilobal cross-section, and a semicircular cross-section.   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area has a cross-sectional width of 0.140 centimeters (0.055 inches) or less. The electrosurgical electrode is
The elongate body includes one or more concave portions, and the cross-sectional area includes an area surrounded by the elongate body and the one or more concave portions, or the elongate body includes a convex body. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area is configured to include an area occupied by the elongated body. An electrosurgical electrode adapted for use in performing an electrosurgical procedure on a patient tissue,
An elongate body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the elongate body is formed of a conductive material and is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator, Adapted to facilitate the transfer of the high frequency electrical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical electrode for transmitting electrical energy to the patient tissue and performing the electrosurgical procedure therein; The elongated body is
A first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the second main surface is located opposite to the first main surface, and the first main surface and the second main surface are: The electrosurgical unit extending between the first end and the second end, wherein each of the first main surface and the second main surface is formed of a conductive material. A first main surface and a second main surface defining an outermost surface of the electrode;
First and second longitudinal side edges extending from the first end toward the second end, each having a thickness;
A cross-sectional area defined by the first main surface, the second main surface, and the first and second longitudinal edges,
The thickness of the first longitudinal side edge is greater than 0.014 inch, the first longitudinal side edge has two or more longitudinal cut edges; Each of the one or more longitudinal cut edges is formed by a joint between one of the first main surface and one of the second main surfaces and the first longitudinal side edge;
The second longitudinal side edge has a thickness less than 0.014 inches, the second longitudinal side edge has only a single longitudinal cut edge, A longitudinal cutting edge is configured to concentrate the high frequency electrical energy along the single longitudinal cutting edge;
An electrosurgical electrode having a cross-sectional area of no more than 0.65 square millimeters (0.001 square inches) per longitudinal cutting edge to the number of longitudinal cutting edges. The electrosurgical electrode is
The elongate body includes one or more concave portions, and the cross-sectional area includes an area surrounded by the elongate body and the one or more concave portions, or the elongate body includes a convex body. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional area is configured to include an area occupied by the elongated body.   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 13, wherein the first and second longitudinal side edges are disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface. At least one of the first and second longitudinal side edges is continuous with the first major surface and the second major surface, thereby
At least one of the two or more longitudinal cut edges has a joint between the first major surface and the at least one of the first and second longitudinal side edges. Including
At least one of the two or more longitudinal cut edges has a joint between the second major surface and the at least one of the first and second longitudinal side edges. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 15, comprising:   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 16, further comprising a tip disposed at the first end of the elongate body.   The tip is continuous with one or more of the first main surface, the second main surface, and the first and second longitudinal side edges, and the tip is a blunt end configuration. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 17, comprising a configuration selected from the group consisting of: a pointed configuration, a circular configuration, and a angled configuration.   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 13, further comprising one or more longitudinal side edges.   14. The electrosurgical electrode of claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional area has a cross-sectional width of no more than 0.15 centimeters (0.055 inches) between the first and second longitudinal side edges.   The cross-sectional area is a star cross-section, a partially square cross-section, a partially rectangular cross-section, a rhombus cross-section, a trapezoid cross-section, a parallelogram cross-section, a diamond cross-section, a wing or tear drop cross-section, a partial wing or tear drop Cross section, triangular cross section, circular cross section with one or more abutments, polyhedral cross section, arrowhead cross section, "C" cross section, "D" cross section, "L" cross section, "J" cross section, "T" cross section, "X" cross section 14. The electrosurgical electrode of claim 13, comprising a cross-sectional shape or configuration selected from the group consisting of: a lens-shaped cross section, a partial lens-shaped cross section, a multilobal cross section, and a semicircular cross section.   The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 13, further comprising an insulating coating covering at least a portion of the elongate body.   The insulating coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of PTFE, silicone, ceramic, glass, fluorohydrocarbon, diamond, high temperature polymer, hydrophilic polymer, and capacitor dielectric, from the elongated body to the patient tissue. 23. The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 22, provided in a thickness that ensures transmission of the high frequency electrical energy. The electrosurgical electrode, the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the cutting edge as compared to approximately 0.65mm ² /E(0.001in ² / E) of greater than electrosurgical electrodes, at reduced power level more than 10% The electrosurgical electrode according to claim 13, adapted for performing the electrosurgical procedure.

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