Electrosurgical instruments

Abstract

An electrosurgical instrument for providing an interface between an electrosurgical electrode and an electrosurgical generator and for selectively providing electrical energy to the electrode for cutting, coagulation and the like, is provided. A hollow handle removably supports an electrode in one end and receives a three wire cable through an opening in its other end. The wires of the cable are supported and positioned on a substantially flat insert which has three flat-headed contact pins forced therein to penetrate the outer insulation of the wires and establish electrical contact with the wires. A conductor plate overlies the insert and is equipped with four conductor strips for contacting the electrode and the three contact pins, respectively. Switch buttons have stems that extend through apertures in the wall of the handle for selectively activating the conductor strips. Snap dome springs between the stems and the conductor strips provide tactile and audible sensations for the operator, and protuberances on the upper surfaces of the conductor strips prevent the domes from inverting while they apply sufficient force to the conductor strips. The proximal end of the cable is secured to a connector having a base and cover providing a housing for the three wires. Contact pins provide electrical communication between the wires and three spring contacts having generally rounded contact ends.