The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 05, 1994
Filed:
Aug. 12, 1992
Daniel Hunsberger, Sellersville, PA (US);
Lloyd Detwiler, Sellersville, PA (US);
Robert Pflug, Souderton, PA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Apparatus and methods of effecting a medical procedure, e.g., laparoscopic, endoscopic, etc. procedures, through a small percutaneous incision or puncture in the body of a patient. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises an elongated outer tube, an elongated inner tube located within the outer tube and moveable relative thereto. An electrosurge electrode is mounted on the distal end of the inner tube so that it can be moved to a retracted position when it is not need or to an extended position when it is to be use. A vacuum system and an irrigation system are provided. The vacuum system is arranged to apply suction through an annular space between the tubes to effect the removal of tissue or other debris from the operative site within the patients body. The irrigation system is arranged to supply an irrigation liquid through the inner tube to the operative site. Each of the tubes is formed of an electrically insulating material so that the apparatus can be safely inserted within the patient's body. Various types of electrodes can be used. In another embodiment the electrode tip is not retractable.