Bipolar cautery-suction instrument.

Abstract

The present instrument was developed to combine the virtues of bipolar electrocautery with a means of assuring a dry field. It has concentric insulated electrodes at the tip with a central lumen for suction (Fig 1). The outer electrode does not extend the length of the shaft, and thus the desirable malleability of the instrument is not altered. The latter quality permits access with visability to any part of the operative field. Electrical cord ends can be selected to permit use either with a bipolar coagulator unit or with the Bovie unit, where one electrode substitutes for the plate and the other connects to the coagulation outlet.