Abstract An electrode for use in electrocautery includes a central electrode having an outer electrode coaxially disposed therearound. The central and outer electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are adapted to receive a high frequency voltage or direct voltage thereacross. The diameter of the central electrode as well as the inner and outer diameters of the outer electrode are dimensioned in accordance with the designated use of the probe, for example: general surgery, specialty surgery or micro surgery. In the preferred embodiment, the central or axial electrode has an elongate cylindrical shape with one end thereof tapering down to a point. The outer electrode has an elongate hollow tubular shape which is coaxially disposed around the central electrode. A first end of the outer electrode is disposed slightly behind the tapered tip of the central electrode in order to form a probe end wherein the tapered tip of the central electrode protrudes slightly beyond the plane defining the terminus of the outer electrode, depending on its use the tip need not be tapered nor protrude. Depending upon the use, the probe end may be either straight or curved. The electrodes are incorporated into an insulated holder which includes an electrical connector for mating to a high frequency voltage source.
A method of scleral marking comprising the steps of: (a) providing a hand held apparatus comprising an elongate cylindrical axial electrode having a first end, a tubular outer electrode coaxially disposed around and electrically insulated from said axial electrode, and wherein said first end of said axial electrode extends beyond an end of said outer electrode and is tapered to a point, said taper beginning at about the end of said outer electrode; (b) providing means electrically connected to said hand held apparatus for applying an electrical power source across said axial and outer electrodes; and (c) activating said electrical power source while touching said tapered point and the end of said outer electrode to the sclera to produce repeatable marks on the sclera.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of scleral marking comprising the steps of: (a) providing a hand held apparatus comprising an elongate cylindrical axial electrode having a first end, a tubular outer electrode coaxially disposed around and electrically insulated from said axial electrode, and wherein said first end of said axial electrode extends beyond an end of said outer electrode and is tapered to a point, said taper beginning at about the end of said outer electrode; (b) providing means electrically connected to said hand held apparatus for applying an electrical power source across said axial and outer electrodes; and (c) activating said electrical power source while touching said tapered point and the end of said outer electrode to the sclera to produce repeatable marks on the sclera.