US 5,201,732 AGranted

Bipolar sphincterotomy utilizing side-by-side parallel wires

AssigneeEverest Medical Corporation

InventorsDavid J. Parins, Michael J. Hollenhorst

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Abstract

A bipolar sphincterotomy for use in endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy procedures includes an elongated, flexible, plastic tube having either a single or a double lumen extending between its distal and proximal ends. At least one, but preferably two, aperture(s) is formed through the wall of the plastic tubular member a predetermined distance proximal of the distal end of the plastic tubular member. A pair of conductive wires extend through the lumen from the proximal end and exit the lumen through the aperture(s). The distal ends of pair of wires are mechanically joined to the tube so that the portions of the wires extending exteriorly of the lumen are in parallel, spaced relation with a predetermined gap therebetween. The exposed portions of the wires comprise a bipolar pair of electrodes. At least one of the wires is free to move longitudinally within the lumen of the tubular member to bow the tubular member in the location between the aperture and the points of attachment of the pair of wires to the tubular member when a pulling force is applied to one or both of the wires at the proximal end of the tubular member.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for performing a sphincterotomy comprising:

(a) an elongated, flexible, plastic, tubular member of a predetermined diameter about a longitudinal axis having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending between said proximal end and said distal end, said tubular member normally being rectilinear and including a pair of apertures extending through its wall into said lumen at a predetermined distance proximal of said distal end;
and
(b) a pair of conductive wires extending through said lumen from said proximal end and out through said apertures, said wires having distal ends attached to said tubular member proximate said distal end of said tubular member, said pair of wires being electrically insulated from one another along the length of said lumen and extending parallel, spaced relation and being free of insulation between said apertures and the attachment point to said tubular member to form bipolar electrodes, at least one of said pair of wires being free to move longitudinally within said lumen to bow said tubular member in the location between said apertures and the points of attachment of said pair of wires to said tubular member when a pulling force is applied to said one of said pair of wires at said proximal end of said tubular member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.