BIPOLAR INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR ENDOSCOPIC CONTROLLED SHORTENING AND/OR FRAGMENTATION OF STENTS ARRANGED IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT IN THE TRACHEOBRONCHIAL SYSTEM OR IN OTHER HOLLOW ORGANS

摘要

A bipolar instrument and a method for endoscopically controlled shortening and/or fragmentation of a stent located in the gastrointestinal tract, in the tracheobronchial system or in other hollow organs. The instrument includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged at a distal end of the instrument and connected to and receiving current provided by a power source, and protective means connected to the electrode means. At least one wire of the stent can be severed at a particular location by the instrument. The protective means separates the wire from tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, tracheobronchial system or other hollow organs and/or secures the wire to the instrument during the severing of the wire. The instrument and the method minimize damage to tissue and risk to the patient during machining of stents.