| 摘要 |
A spark gap electrode assembly for lithotripters allows easy replacement of both electrode tips without requiring manual adjustment of the spacing between the tips. The electrode assembly uses a housing with a conductive cage extending from its distal end to support the grounded electrode. The cage holds the base of the grounded electrode so that the tip of the grounded electrode is located at a predetermined position relative to the distal end of the housing. The discharge electrode assembly is threaded through a passageway in the housing extending along a longitudinal axis. The discharge electrode assembly includes an elongated conductive body with a proximal end for connection to an external electrical power supply and a tip at its distal end. An insulative layer covers the discharge electrode between its tip and proximal end. The insulative layer also includes a stop to prevent further insertion of the discharge electrode assembly beyond a predetermined position within the housing passageway so that the tip of the discharge electrode extends through the distal end of the housing to a location separated by a predetermined distance from the tip of the grounded electrode. In the preferred embodiment, the cage includes an end cap having a passageway and a setscrew to removably secure the grounded electrode in place.
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