| abstract |
An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid medium comprises an instrument shaft 10, and an active side-effect tissue treatment electrode 12 at the distal end of a tungsten rod 14 within the shaft 10 for electrosurgically excising tissue pieces at an operation site. A ceramic tip 20 has an aperture 20a through which matter can be aspirated and removed from the region surrounding the electrode 12 by way of a channel formed within the shaft 10 and leading from the aperture 20a to a suction port 10a. The tissue treatment electrode 12 is coupled to a motor 44 so as to move cyclically relative to the shaft 10, ad causes electrosurgical morcellation of the tissue pieces. Build-up of sublimation products or other material in the channel is prevented by the movement of rod 14, causing agitation. An RF power source is coupled to connectors 46,48. The rod 14 may be flexible, offset or cranked, and may be rotated. The electrode 12 may be end-effect. |