Abstract: A surgical cutting blade for use in an electrosurgical scalpel includes a thin flat ceramic substrate having a rounded tip where the edge portion of the substrate on the opposed major surfaces thereof are beveled. A pattern of metallization is provided on the opposed major surfaces of the blade substrate with the metallization extending over the tapered portions. The substrate is then back-ground to form a blunt edge extending between the tapered surfaces at the edge of the substrate. The metallization pattern further includes traces extending from the conductors along the blunt working edge of the blade to the handle receiving portion thereof and provide a means whereby RF energy may be conducted to the metallized working edge of the blade.

Abstract: A surgical cutting blade for use in an electrosurgical scalpel includes a thin flat ceramic substrate having a rounded tip where the edge portion of the substrate on the opposed major surfaces thereof are beveled. A pattern of metallization is provided on the opposed major surfaces of the blade substrate with the metallization extending over the tapered portions. The substrate is then back-ground to form a blunt edge extending between the tapered surfaces at the edge of the substrate. The metallization pattern further includes traces extending from the conductors along the blunt working edge of the blade to the handle receiving portion thereof and provide a means whereby RF energy may be conducted to the metallized working edge of the blade.

Abstract: An electrosurgical blade having a silicon nitride ceramic substrate having a beveled working edge with first and second conductive metal traces adhered to opposed side surfaces of the substrate along the working edge so as to be closely spaced relative to one another across the thickness dimension of the beveled working edge. Further conductive traces are formed on opposed sides of the substrate along the other edge of the substrate. In use, when a high RF voltage is applied between the traces extending along the working edge and the surgical blade is brought into contact with tissue, the relatively high current density causes relatively high heating to take place, bursting the cells and creating an incision. When a high RF voltage is applied between the traces separated by the width dimension of the substrate, the current density therebetween is significantly lower but sufficient to create enough heat to dehydrate tissue and blood cells whereby coagulation is achieved.