Electrosurgical handpiece for treating tissue

摘要

An electrosurgical handpiece that is bipolar or unipolar in operation and that is configured for use in MIS. The bipolar operation confines the electrosurgical currents to a small active region between the active ends of the bipolar electrode and thus reduces the possibility that excessive heat will be developed that can damage patient tissue. The position of the active region can be controlled to avoid patient tissue that may be more sensitive to excessive heat. In one embodiment, the handpiece is constructed with a flexible end controllable by the surgeon so as to allow the surgeon to manipulate the end as desired during the surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the handpiece is constructed to contain both a bipolar as well as a unipolar electrode, with provision made for selectively operating either of the electrodes. In still other embodiments, the active electrode ends can be a scissors, or spaced prongs or spaced loops. The flexible end is rendered flexible by the provision of spaced slots or helical turns or a spring. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>