| abstract |
A coagulating microknife includes at least one knife blade that is comprised of a doped semiconductor body that exhibits a resistive current-carrying characteristic and a sharp cutting edge. A power supply is connected to the knife blade and applies a metered current which heats the knife blade to a controlled temperature for cauterizing tissue during a cutting action. The semiconductor body includes a pair of contact areas which extend into the body and enable localized heating at the tip of the knife blade. |