ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC AND LIKE PROCEDURES

摘要

This invention is a safety shield (20) for use in laparoscopic or like electro-surgical procedures where the shield surrounds the active electrode (14) and extends from a trocar or the like to the field of view (18) of the surgical procedure. The shield is connected to the return lead via a low impedance path (34) which includes monitor circuitry (32) for determining whether the shield current is associated with an abnormal condition. The shield may also serve as a structural element of the instrument and be connected to the instrument body so that the instrument is maintained at or near patient potential. Moreover, a unitary connector is provided whereby connection to the active electrode and shield may be made by a single connector. Attached to the connector is a cable in which both the active and shield conductors are contained for at least a distance sufficient to minimize clutter in the operative site.