Percutaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy instrument

Abstract

An instrument for performing a percutaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy includes a generally rigid, tubular body with a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between these two ends and with a pair of bipolar electrodes projecting from the distal end of the tubular body and a handle member affixed to its proximal end. The outside diameter of the tubular body is sufficiently small that it can readily pass through a cannula inserted through a puncture made through the abdominal wall. A pair of conductors, connected at one end to the bipolar electrodes and at their other end to a source of radio frequency voltage, extend through the tube's lumen and a handle. Moreover, a fluid port may be formed through the handle so as to be in fluid communication with the lumen of the tube whereby fluids may be perfused through the instrument during its use or a suction may be applied to the proximal port for aspirating the surgical site. In one embodiment of the invention, the bipolar electrodes may be formed as conductive traces extending along the peripheral edges of a thin ceramic blade. In an alternative arrangement, the bipolar electrodes comprise first and second closely spaced J-shaped conductive hook members.