Electrosurgical instrument with electrical contacts between the probe

Abstract

An electrosurgical apparatus comprises an electrosurgical generator for producing cutting and coagulation signals and has either pedal operated or hand operated switches for switching on and off and between cutting and coagulation signals. A cutting and coagulation probe is energized by the generator and has a handle portion and a probe element. An on/off switch controls energization of the probe element. A switch is operated to switch the probe element between the cutting current and coagulation current. A holder member removably supports the probe element and has an electric socket therein. The probe element is removably supported in the holder member and has an electric connector cooperable with the holder member socket to complete an electric connection to the probe element. An electric connector connects the probe element to the electrosurgical generator circuit. The on/off switch may be in the holder element or in a pedal operated switch. The switch controlling application of cutting current and coagulation current may also be either in the holder element or in a pedal operated switch. The probe may be a hollow tubular member having an opening at one end adapted for connection by hollow tubing to a source of vacuum and having an arrangement for selective application of vacuum at the cutting end thereof.