High-frequency treatment apparatus

A high-frequency treatment apparatus comprising:

• an electrode assembly electrically connected to a high-frequency generating unit for generating a high-frequency current, the assembly having, at the distal end thereof, a current-applying electrode for discharging the high-frequency current, the proximal end of the current-applying electrode being covered with an insulator;
• an insertion section receiving the electrode assembly, the insertion section being located on the return side of the high-frequency current discharged from the current-applying electrode;
• a liquid supply section for supplying an irrigation liquid to the vicinity of the current-applying electrode;
• a pinch valve, disposed in a liquid supply path of the liquid supply section, for preventing a supply of irrigation liquid to a vicinity of the current-applying electrode when a calculated impedance between the current-applying electrode and the insertion section is less than a predetermined threshold value, and for resuming the supply of irrigation liquid when the calculated impedance is above the predetermined threshold value;
• and
• a retaining mechanism, disposed in the vicinity of the current-applying electrode of the electrode assembly, for retaining the irrigation liquid, which is supplied by the liquid supply unit, the retaining mechanism is arranged rotatably with respect to the current-applying electrode, and the retaining mechanism includes a band-shaped member of which an angle formed relative to a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the insertion section varies according to an advance and retreat position of the current-applying electrode housed in the insertion section.