Bipolar laparoscopic instrument with replaceable electrode tip assembly

摘要

An electrosurgical instrument for use in endoscopic procedures features an electrode assembly which can be readily connected and disconnected from the remaining body of the instrument to allow a replacement electrode assembly to be substituted. The instrument comprises an elongated rigid tube having a handle on the proximal end, the handle including a spring-loaded plunger which is connected by a push rod to a stem member disposed in the lumen of the tube near its distal end. The electrode assembly is designed to mate with the stem and when the plunger is actuated to extend the stem beyond the distal end of the tube, the electrode assembly may be installed. Retraction of the stem within the lumen of the tube serves to hold the electrode assembly in place.