摘要 |
An electrosurgical tubular trocar system (10) has a hollow tube (13) substantially longer than its diameter. The tube (13) is shaped for insertion in a direction generally along its axis through tissue of a human or animal body. Distal and proximal ends (17 and 18) on the tube (13) enter and remain outside the tissue, respectively. A tip (19) on the distal end (17) punctures tissue of a human or animal. An insulating portion (20) of high dielectric material extends along the tube (13) between the distal and proximal ends (17 and 18). An electrode (14) on the insulating portion (20) extends from the proximal end (18) to the tip (19) to transmit radio frequency energy. A tip point (19) at an acute angle to the axis lessens the initial force necessary for entry of the tube (13). The return path (16) is a conductor (23) on the insulating portion (20) for bipolar cutting across a gap (25). An alternate system may have the return path (16) as a conductive pad (15) in contact with the tissue as a monopolar circuit. The tube (13) may be in fluid communication for flow.
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