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Abstract

A bipolar coagulation instrument comprising three concentric tubes, wherein the outer tube is generally rigid, the central tube is an electrically conductive metal in communication with an energy source, and the inner tube is electrically non-conductive. The distal end of the central tube extends beyond the distal end of the outer tube and functions as an electrode and first jaw of the coagulation instrument. The inner tube, which is translationally movable by an operator, has extending therethrough within its lumen a conductive lead whose distal end protrudes distally therefrom beyond the distal end of the outer tube and is configured at its distal end to function as an opposing second jaw to the first jaw. Translational movement of the inner tube distally forces the second electrode jaw toward the first electrode jaw to thereby bring the first and second jaws into contact with each other. Thereafter, when current is introduced to the conductive lead and to the central tube, the resulting electrode jaws perform to cauterize tissue at the treatment site when such tissue is grasped within the jaws which are then closed. Subsequent proximal translational movement of the inner tube releases the distal end of the conductive lead which is the second jaw of the instrument from the distal end of the central tube which is the first jaw of the instrument. A coagulation instrument is thereby provided whose outer tube has a diameter of less than about three millimeters, thereby permitting its travel within the lumen of a minimally sized laparoscope, endoscope or similar device.

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First Claim