Resectoscope roller electrode having high heat zone insert

Abstract

An electrocautery probe includes a pair of arms between which a roller electrode is rotatably mounted. The arms are joined at their proximal ends to an electrode lead and a mounting sleeve is provided intermediate of the arms and the lead for slideably coupling the probe to a resectoscope. According to one aspect of the invention, the roller electrode includes a cylindrical member having a central bore and an outer surface, and an insert extending longitudinally through the central bore. Preferably the cylindrical member is made of a first conductive material and the insert is made of a second conductive material. The insert has a plurality of corners and an axial bore. The roller electrode is preferably made of stainless steel, while the insert is preferably made of copper or tungsten. The outer diameter of the roller electrode is preferably approximately 0.120 inches, while the wall of the distance from at least on of the corners of the insert to the outer surface of cylindrical member is preferably approximately 0.005 inches thick. The cross-section of the central bore and the insert may similarly define any polygonal or other shape having corners. It has been discovered that the corners of the insert focus the cautery energy through the roller electrode to provide high heat zones for enhanced tissue vaporization.