Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a hollow cable for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to an electrosurgical instrument that can fit within, e.g. slide relative to, the hollow cable. The hollow cable provides a bipolar electrical connection to the electrosurgical instrument that is maintained when the electrosurgical instrument is rotated relative to the hollow cable. The cable may comprise a hollow coaxial transmission line having a rotatable component mounted at its distal end. The rotatable component comprises a longitudinal passageway continuous with the hollow coaxial transmission line. The rotatable component is rotatable relative to the transmission line and comprises a first and second conductive portions that are respectively electrically connected to first and second terminals on the coaxial transmission line and which are configured to maintain an electrical connection with their respective terminal when rotated relative to the coaxial transmission line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an energy conveying structure for delivering RF and/or microwave energy to an electrosurgical instrument, where the energy conveying structure is incorporated into an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device (e.g. endoscope, laparoscope or the like). The insertion tube is a flexible conduit that is introduced into a patient's body during an invasive procedure, and can include an instrument channel and an optical channel. The energy conveying structure may be a layered coaxial structure that formed a liner that fits within the scoping device, e.g. within an instrument channel. Alternatively, the energy conveying structure may be a coaxial structure integrally formed as part of the flexible conduit.

Abstract: A heating element having at least one filament. The filament(s) are supported by an insulating trough which reflects heat and insulates a rear wall of a refractory tube within which said trough is mounted. The element may incorporate a metal rod located within, and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insulating trough. The metal rod enables an external electrical connection to be made with the filament(s) at one end only of the heating element such that all external connections to the outside power source may be made at the opposite end of the heating element.

Abstract: A quartz infra-red radiator comprises a housing (1) and has disposed therein at least one heating element (2), electrical connections (3), plug connections (4, 5) on the back of the housing and with a heat-resistant insulating holder (6) for the heating element. In order to produce such a plug-in quartz infra-red radiator more easily and at a more competitive price, the heat-resistant insulating holder (6) comprises a space (7) to hold at least a part of a plug-in connection (5) and at least an aperture through which it is possible to pass a part of a plug connection (5) which is housed in the space (7) and which protrudes from the housing (1).