ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT

摘要

An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument comprising an instrument shaft (10) having a longitudinal axis, and an electrode assembly at one end of the shaft. The electrode assembly comprises a first tissue treatment electrode (11), a second tissue treatment electrode (14), and a third electrode (25) which is electrically insulated from the first and second tissue treatment electrodes by means of an insulation member (12). The first and second tissue treatment electrodes (1 1, 14) each have an exposed surface for treating tissue, the exposed surface of the first tissue treatment electrode (11) being such as to treat tissue disposed on the longitudinal axis, and the exposed surface of the second tissue treatment electrode (14) being such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis. The instrument has a first set of connections (62 A, 62B) by which the first tissue treatment electrode (11) can be placed in circuit with the second electrode (14) such that, in use, a current path is established therebetween. The instrument has a second set of connections (62B, 62C) by which the second tissue treatment electrode (14) can be placed in circuit with the third electrode (25) such that, in use, a current path is established therebetween.