FLUID COOLED ELECTROSURGICAL PROBE

摘要

An electrosurgical probe (10) is disclosed which provides the ability to both cut and cauterize (38, 40) tissue. The probe includes at least one cauterization electrode mounted upon a distal portion of the probe and adapted to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. Further, a central lumen (52) is disposed within the probe. The lumen (52) is adapted to accommodate the flow of fluid from a remote source (24) to tissue through an outlet port (36) in the distal end of the probe. Also, the lumen (52) houses a cutting electrode (34) which is selectively deployable. Both cauterization and coagulation can be conducted in a bipolar mode. The flow of fluid through the lumen serves to limit the heat transfer from the cauterization electrode (38) to adjacent tissue to an extent sufficient to prevent the sticking of tissue to the probe. In another embodiment the probe is adapted only for cauterization and does not include a cutting electrode.