Electrosurgical instrument employing an electrode

摘要

An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein at least one of the electrodes can comprise a conductive material positioned within a non-conductive, or high-resistance, material. In use, current flowing through the conductive material can heat the conductive material and cause it to evaporate and leave behind the non-conductive material. In such circumstances, the current flowing through the electrode may cease or may be substantially reduced.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
a handle; a first conductor; a second conductor; and an end effector, comprising:
a first jaw;a second jaw, wherein one of said first jaw and said second jaw is movable relative to the other of said first jaw and said second jaw between an open position and a closed position;a first electrode electrically coupled with said first conductor; anda second electrode electrically coupled with said second conductor, said second electrode comprising:
a porous material comprised of an electrically non-conductive material; andan evaporable material comprised of an electrically conductive material and having a boiling point temperature, wherein said evaporable material is stored within said porous material, and wherein said evaporable material is configured to evaporate when the temperature of said evaporable material meets or exceeds said boiling point temperature.