Electrosurgical m.i.s. malleable cutting device

摘要

Devices and methods for minimally invasive harvesting of a vessel, especially the internal mammary artery for coronary artery bypass grafting, are disclosed. Generally, an electrosurgical instrument is provided which has a scissors mechanism or other end effector for dissecting tissue. The instrument also has monopolar or bipolar capabilities. Bipolar blade configurations provide current flow between blades or within each blade of the scissors mechanism or both. The instrument includes at least one ergonomically positioned actuator for actuating movement of the blades or end effectors for cutting tissue, for actuating current flow for cauterizing tissue, or for simultaneously or sequentially actuating movement and current flow. In one embodiment, the actuator is operable by a fingertip. The instrument also has a shaft which extends between the scissor mechanism and a handle portion which may be selectively rotatable or malleable to optimize orientation of the scissor mechanism. <IMAGE>