Neomed, Inc.

Janet M Esty

John A Cox

Charles E Taylor

A disposable instrument is adaptable for use in electrosurgical operations, such as, coagulation procedures used in blocking off fallopian tubes, and is characterized by having an improved electrode and switch assembly which permits interchangeable but permanent mounting of electrodes of a selected length and configuration within a handle grip. The electrodes conventionally may be of a type having normally spaced-apart tips which through actuation of a plunger disposed for extension through the handle grip will cause the tips to be brought together to grasp or surround the tube or other tissue to be coagulated. The interchangeable but positive connection of electrodes within the housing brings them into direct electrical connection with electrical contacts and specifically in such a way that the connection and mounting of the electrodes cannot be disturbed or broken. An improved control circuit for the instrument assures normal interruption of the electrical circuit to the electrodes unless the electrode tips have been advanced to the tube-engaging position as described. A switch in the sidewall of the housing is positioned with respect to the control circuit so as to permit positive movement in a direction establishing closure of the circuit into the electrodes only when the electrode tips are in the tube-engaging position.

Disposable electrosurgical instrument

A dispersive electrode has been devised for electromedical equipment consisting of a thin sheet or layer of electrically conductive material covered on one or both sides by a flexible laminate. To facilitate attachment to the skin of a patient during electrosurgery, the laminated sheet may be secured to a resilient backing member preferably having bifurcated ends to which an adhesive is applied in order to effect a secure connection to various parts of the body and to more readily conform to the contour of different parts of the body. The pad includes a tab projecting from one end of the conductive layer which tab is preferably of rounded or somewhat circular configuration and adapted to be inserted into a snap-type connector. The connector is in turn characterized by being a normally open connector having male and female, opposed snap-type fasteners which are pressed together through an opening in the tab into snap-fitting engagement with one another to provide a firm but flexible means of electrical connection into the plate during an electrosurgical operation. In the alternative, the tab may project rearwardly through a slot in the ground pad for connection to the electrical connector either by conventional connectors or a snap-type connector as described.

Electrosurgical dispersive electrode

A generally flat instrument provides electrical interfacing between an electro-surgical signal generator and an exposed surgical electrode. Dome-shaped momentary contact switches are sealed within the instrument housing at points convenient for manual usage. Low profile switches which resist seal degradation are employed and the device is readily adaptable for accepting replaceable chucks containing a preselected surgical electrode. The relatively narrow elongated housing imparts the feel of a non-electrical surgical instrument. Inclusion of one or more nubs or other raised portions on the switch domes facilitates identification of switch function without requiring direct observation by the user.

Electro-surgical instrument

A generally flat insulator chuck is arranged to retain surgical electrodes so that the working area of the electrodes extends externally on one end and an electrical circuit accomodating prong is contained within a recessed chamber at the other end. The recessed chamber is dimensioned so as to effect continuous contouring relative to a receiving control handle apparatus in such a manner that the physical stress is translated between the insulator sidewalls of the chuck and the insulator of an extended plug on the handle. The electrical connection extension prong within the recess slidingly engages an electrical connector embedded within the handle extension so as to provide electrical contact free of physical stress from usage. Locking and guiding arrangements cooperate between the handle and the chuck to further insure firm attachment.

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Janet M Esty