Abstract: An electrosurgical blade having an electrically insulating coating narrowly offset from the cutting edge and an optional porous polymeric coating on the cutting edge. The electrosurgical blade exhibits a bimodal temperature profile transversely across the blade, i.e., the blade is relatively hotter at the cutting edges as compared to the sides of the blade.

Abstract: An exceptionally durable insulating coating for surgical instruments and other implements is provided. The coating is a ceramic and polyurethane composite, and exhibits excellent insulative properties in the 500 KHZ to 1 MHZ frequency range. The ceramic coating can be readily applied by plasma deposition techniques. A polyurethane over coating is applied over the ceramic coating and is obtained using a polyester-based aliphatic polyurethane composition.

Abstract: A dielectric coating for electrosurgical instruments including a ceramic coating applied to the instrument and a parylene coating applied to the ceramic coating. The coating may be used on monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical instruments to provide insulation having good dielectric properties.

Abstract: A yoke suitable for connecting an end effector to a manipulator shaft therefor in a surgical instrument. The yoke includes an elongated hollow stem which defines a central passageway for the manipulator shaft and a plurality of barbed flexible leaves unitary with the stem. Each of the leaves terminates in a sphenoid barb portion. Adjacent barb portions define a substantially v-shaped slot therebetween which facilitates the compression and flexing of the leaves during the connection of the manipulator shaft to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A device suitable for testing the integrity of insulation coating an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device includes a test sleeve and a fault detection unit. The test sleeve is generally tubular and defines an open bore with a resilient conductive lining mounted therein. The fault detection unit is coupled to the conductive lining such that establishment of an erroneous current path between the conductive lining and an electrosurgical device is detected.

Abstract: An exceptionally durable electrical insulation coating for electro-surgical instruments is provided. The insulation coating is ceramic and exhibits excellent insulative properties in the 500 KHZ to 1 MHZ frequency range. This feature drastically reduces, if not totally eliminates, many problems of current electrical insulation materials used in electrosurgery. The insulating ceramic coating can be readily applied by plasma deposition techniques to new or existing mono/bipolar surgical instruments. The insulating ceramic coating is thermally sprayed, anisotropic, and exhibits a Young's Modulus value of no more than about 30.times.10.sup.6 psi parallel to the coating plane.

Abstract: A monopolar electrosurgical device suitable for cutting and/or coagulation of tissue is described. The device includes a trocar assembly and a probe assembly. The trocar assembly has an insulated portion and a conductive guide portion. The conductive guide portion defines a passage with the probe assembly slidably received therein. The probe assembly includes a conductive probe with a proximal end and a distal end. Surrounding the probe is an insulation layer which extends from the distal end of the probe. Attached to the insulation layer and also surrounding the probe is a conductive shield. The conductive shield is electrically connected to the conductive guide portion of the trocar assembly.

Abstract: A testing device for detecting defects in insulation of electrosurgical instruments that includes an implement or wand having a distal end, an electrode for generating a spark adapted to detect a defect in the insulation, and mounting means for removably mounting the electrode to the distal end of the implement. The removable mounting means includes a shank that is received in a socket or bore defined in the distal end of the wand and is engageable with the wand within the socket so the shank can easily be removed from the socket after use. The wand is releasably engageable with the housing by a flexible bracket that extends from the housing. The device may include a pad having a reflective top surface with ridges upon which the surgical instrument to be tested is placed.