摘要 |
Disclosed herein is a telescoping bipolar electrode (1) having an inner electrode (4) with an outer diameter (D4), length and outer side surface, such that up to the entire side surface is covered with an insulation sheath (5), which alternatively is fixed to the inner electrode (4) or is lengthwise adjustable with respect thereto, the inner electrode (4) and insulation sheath (5) together being slidably mounted within the inner space of an outer electrode (2) having an inner diameter greater than that of the inner electrode and its insulation sheath, an outer diameter (D2), thickness, length and an outer side surface area, the outer electrode (2) also having an insulation sheath (3) around its outer diameter (D2), covering up to the entire side surface area of the outer electrode (2), with the insulation sheath (3) around the outer electrode (2) being alternatively fixed to the outer electrode (2) or lengthwise adjustable with respect thereto. The bipolar electrode (1) is capable of being inserted into the human body through a body cavity or through the lumen of a vessel. At least one of the outer and inner electrodes is supplied with radio frequency energy from an external source (10). The bipolar electrode (1) is utilized to cut, desiccate or ablate neoplasms (12) in the body. In an alternative embodiment, the bipolar electrode (1) is configured such that the two component electrodes (2, 4) are arranged externally parallel to one another and are telescopically slidable relative to one another. |