Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue comprises an elongated tube (6) having a tubular wall (13) and a proximal end and a distal end, and an elongate sheath (3) into which the tube (6) is inserted. The tube constites a conduit (11) though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube. The tube includes one or more apertures (20) in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube. An intermediate sleeve (14) is provided into which the elongated tube (6) is inserted, and a tube handle (17) is attached to the proximal end of the tube. A sleeve handle (18) prevents the sleeve (14) from rotating, such that actuation of the handle (17) causes the flexible elongated tube to rotate within the intermediate sleeve (14).

Abstract: An electrode is for use in an electrosurgical probe, the electrode having two arms defining a longitudinal direction. The electrode also includes a loop depending from the two arms and defining a cutting area within the loop, and a vaporization member attached to one side of the loop. The vaporization member is such that it does not occlude the cutting area and yet presents a substantial profile when the electrode is moved in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement is such that when the electrode is moved in a first longitudinal direction, the loop is capable of resecting a sample of tissue. When the electrode is moved in the opposite longitudinal direction, the vaporization member is capable of vaporizing tissue adjacent thereto to form a groove therein.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (5), (6) movable from a first open position in which the jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation relative to one another, to a second closed position in which the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first sealing electrode (7) is located on the first jaw member, and a second sealing electrode (8) is located on the second jaw member. A stationary flexible cutting electrode (11) is located adjacent the throat area constituted by the convergence of the first and second jaw members when in their open position. The electrical connections of the instrument are such that when the jaw members (5), (6) are in their closed position with tissue grasped therebetween, the instrument is capable of sealing the tissue by passing an electrosurgical current into the tissue from the first and second sealing electrodes (7), (8).

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated tube having a tubular wall and a proximal end and a distal end, and constituting a conduit though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube. The tube includes one or more apertures in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube. A braided tubular component is associated with the wall of the tube, and is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, such that the braided tubular component can form part of an electrode assembly for ionising the ionisable gas exiting the one or more apertures.

Abstract: An electrode is for use in an electrosurgical probe, the electrode having two arms defining a longitudinal direction. The electrode also includes a loop depending from the two arms and defining a cutting area within the loop, and a vaporisation member attached to one side of the loop. The vaporisation member is such that it does not occlude the cutting area and yet presents a substantial profile when the electrode is moved in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement is such that when the electrode is moved in a first longitudinal direction, the loop is capable of resecting a sample of tissue. When the electrode is moved in the opposite longitudinal direction, the vaporisation member is capable of vaporising tissue adjacent thereto to form a groove therein.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe comprises a probe head operable to be cooled by the expansion of a refrigerant gas within the probe head; a probe handle having means for precooling the refrigerant gas; and a flexible catheter linking the probe handle and the probe head, the catheter defining a channel for carrying precooled refrigerant gas from the probe handle to the probe head.