Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member in the form of a wire electrode, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The conducting member is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to cut body tissue. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The support member extends from a bendable shaft which may be manipulated to create an angled device. The conducting member is in electrical communication with an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to function as the active outlet in a monopolar circuit. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: A system for intrauterine detection of one or more biological substances, such as meconium or blood, is described. The presence in amniotic fluid of such biological substances indicates an abnormal condition which justifies intervention on the part of a medical practitioner supervising the labor and delivery. A flexible cable which can be inserted into the uterus is provided which includes at least two lumens. The first lumen is used to draw amniotic fluid through the lumen into an observation chamber outside of the uterus and at the an end of the first lumen. The fluid is visually observed by a medical practitioner for the presence of a biological substance or the biological substance can be detected by any one several described instruments. It is preferred that if an instrument is used to detect the biological substance that a transparent visual observation chamber also be included so allow visual detection also.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member in the form of a wire electrode, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The conducting member is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to cut body tissue. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating diathermy coagulation or ablation of tissue by the application of an electrical current to tissue is connectable to an electrosurgical generator having an active lead and a return lead, and has both monopolar and bipolar embodiments. A preferred monopolar embodiment includes a shaft and a knurled active electrode rotatably secured to the shaft. A preferred bipolar embodiment includes a knurled active electrode separated by an insulator from a return electrode, with the active and return electrodes rotatably secured to a shaft by axles. The shafts may be Y-shaped, crook-shaped, or otherwise. The active electrodes have a plurality of discrete electrically conductive discharge points for applying the electrical current to a plurality of discrete tissue locations, the discharge points preferably being formed as knurl peaks.

Abstract: An electrosurgical loop comprising an insulated shaft with an electrical contact at its proximate end and a pair of extending insulated prongs at its distal end. The extending prongs are configured to give the loop a "Y" shape and each end of a thin wire are connected to each prong to provide a wire loop. Disposed over the shaft in longitudinal sliding engagement is a depth gauge comprising a clasp, a longitudinal intermediate portion, and a transverse cross bar. The clasp may be retrofit to an existing electrosurgical loop and permits the removal of the depth gauge from the loop, if desired. The transverse cross bar is wider than the breadth of the wire loop and has a transverse slot oriented in the same plane as the wire loop through which the wire loop passes as the depth gauge is adjusted for various cutting depths. Disposed on the insulated shaft are markings serving as depth indicators to which the depth gauge may be moved slidably to effect cut depth control for the loop.

Abstract: An electrosurgical unit which combines an electrosurgical power generator and a filtered smoke removal system into a single compact instrument comprising an electrosurgical generator module and a smoke removal module. The electrosurgical generator module is designed specifically to accommodate an electrosurgical tool during LEEP or LLETZ procedures. The electrosurgical generator module provides power to the electrosurgical tool at a predetermined level. The smoke removal module removes and filters smoke from the site of the electrosurgery. A switching circuitry activates the smoke removal module substantially simultaneous to the activation of the electrosurgical tool so that the smoke removal module is activated automatically whenever the electrosurgical tool is activated. The switching circuitry also delays the deactivation of the smoke removal module for a predetermined amount of time after the electrosurgical tool has been deactivated.