Multipolar electrosurgical device and method

Abstract

A multipolar electrosurgical device is described for use in neurosurgery or through the channel of an endoscope or other precision surgery procedures. The device is formed with an insulative probe body, which, in the described embodiment, is sized to pass through a channel of an endoscope to enable the electrocoagulation of blood vessels such as may be needed in the treatment of a gastrointestinal ulcer. The probe body is provided with electrically separate conductors which are formed of a plurality of electrodes distributed over the peripheral surface of the probe body. The electrically separate conductors are so sized in width W and spaced from each other by a distance S as to establish a ratio of W:S which enables effective bipolar treatment of tissue independent of probe body orientation relative to the tissue and without sticking of the probe body to coagulated material. A plurality of at least six electrodes which can form six bipolar electric fields are formed which in one embodiment are aligned longitudinally on the probe body. The electrodes extend onto the probe body's distal end to provide an omnidirectionally effective electrosurgical device. A central conductive wash channel is provided for electrical connection to a set of electrodes at the distal end of the probe body while also providing a passage for fluid to enhance the visibility of the target area for subsequent precise electrocoagulation of the bleeding site. Several embodiments are shown and described.