Dual-frequency electrosurgical instrument

摘要

An electrosurgical instrument that is capable of generating high-quality RF energy at a first frequency best suited for delicate, precise. and quick-healing cutting procedures with low leakage currents using a unipolar handpiece, and also provides high-quality RF energy at a second frequency best suited for coagulation for use with a bipolar handpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the first frequency is in the range of about 3.8-4.0 Mhz, and the second frequency is in the range of about 1.7-2.0 Mhz. The instrument is preferably configured so that both a unipolar handpiece and a bipolar handpiece can be used during a surgical procedure, though not at the same time, without having to activate any switches on the instrument. This has the advantage of providing the surgeon all the benefits of both electrosurgical modes while not jeopardizing the crucial sterile field.