Importance

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Abstract

A bipolar electrosurgical device includes electrodes that are part of a tip which removable from a handle. The electrodes are configured for connection to electrical contacts when the tip is attached to the handle, and disconnected from the contacts which the tip is detached. The electrodes are mounted on a housing of the tip so that the proximal ends of the electrodes are spaced from each other. The handle has an opening which receives the housing, and a plurality of contacts disposed for connection to the proximal ends of the electrodes when the housing is inserted into the opening. Because the electrodes themselves provide the connection with the electrical components of the handle, there is no need for a separate electrical connector. The tip and the electrodes are economically disposable after, e.g., a single use, while the handle can be reused in multiple surgical procedures with other tips. An inventory of differently-constructed tips (e.g., tips having straight or curved electrodes, or having variously-configured distal ends) may be provided for use with the handle.

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First Claim