US5688269A — Electrosurgical apparatus for laparoscopic and li…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 286 words

Laparoscopic electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin to a peritoneal cavity of the patient, the trocar cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula conduit, said shield having a distal end and a proximal end; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to an electrosurgical generator and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure within the peritoneal cavity where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; at least one layer of electrical insulation disposed between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 286 words

Laparoscopic electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin to a peritoneal cavity of the patient, the trocar cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula conduit, said shield having a distal end and a proximal end; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to an electrosurgical generator and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure within the peritoneal cavity where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; at least one layer of electrical insulation disposed between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 285 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin where the trocar cannula has a proximal end and a distal end; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula conduit, said shield having a distal end and a proximal end; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure within a patient's body where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds and is electrically insulated from the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; at least one layer of electrical insulation disposed between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 285 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin where the trocar cannula has a proximal end and a distal end; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula conduit, said shield having a distal end and a proximal end; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure within a patient's body where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds and is electrically insulated from the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; at least one layer of electrical insulation disposed between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 276 words

A safety shield system for use with a laparoscopic electrosurgical apparatus including a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin to a peritoneal cavity of the patient, the trocar cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrosurgical generator and an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the trocar cannula for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure within the peritoneal cavity, said safety shield comprising a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula, and where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds, and is electrically insulated from, the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 276 words

A safety shield system for use with a laparoscopic electrosurgical apparatus including a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin to a peritoneal cavity of the patient, the trocar cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrosurgical generator and an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the trocar cannula for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure within the peritoneal cavity, said safety shield comprising a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula, and where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds, and is electrically insulated from, the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 265 words

A safety shield system for use with an electrosurgical apparatus including a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin where the trocar cannula has a proximal end and a distal end, an electrosurgical generator, and an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the trocar cannula for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure, said safety shield comprising a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula, and where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds, and is electrically insulated from, the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; an electrical terminal disposed on the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 265 words

A safety shield system for use with an electrosurgical apparatus including a trocar cannula having a tubular passage for providing a conduit through a patient's skin where the trocar cannula has a proximal end and a distal end, an electrosurgical generator, and an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the trocar cannula for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure, said safety shield comprising a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end and being removably insertable to an inserted position through the trocar cannula, and where, when the tubular shield is in the inserted position thereof, the shield surrounds, and is electrically insulated from, the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the trocar cannula to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the trocar cannula and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; an electrical terminal disposed on the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 251 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a handpiece having a tubular passage extending therethrough, the handpiece having a proximal end and a distal end; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and extending at least partially through the handpiece passage, said shield having a distal end and a proximal end; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure where the shield surrounds the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the handpiece to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the handpiece and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; at least one layer of electrical insulation disposed between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 251 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a handpiece having a tubular passage extending therethrough, the handpiece having a proximal end and a distal end; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and extending at least partially through the handpiece passage, said shield having a distal end and a proximal end; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure where the shield surrounds the active probe from at least (a) a proximal point prior to the distal end of the handpiece to (b) a distal point distal to the distal end of the handpiece and in proximity to the tip of the active probe; at least one layer of electrical insulation disposed between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about twenty ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 193 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: an outer member; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and being mounted with respect to and extending at least partially through the outer member; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and being mounted with respect to and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; at least one layer of electrical insulation mounted between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about 20 ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 193 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: an outer member; a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface and being mounted with respect to and extending at least partially through the outer member; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and being mounted with respect to and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; at least one layer of electrical insulation mounted between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about 20 ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 175 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and being mounted with respect to and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; at least one layer of electrical insulation mounted between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about 20 ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 175 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a tubular conductive shield having an inner surface and an outer surface; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to said electrosurgical generator and being mounted with respect to and extending through the tubular conductive shield for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; at least one layer of electrical insulation mounted between the active probe and the inner surface of the tubular conductive shield; an electrical terminal connected to the shield and adapted for connecting the shield to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and said reference potential where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about 20 ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the shield to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 176 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: an electrically conductive, outer member having an opening extending therethrough; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to an electrosurgical generator and being mounted with respect to and extending at least partially through the outer member for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; at least one layer of electrical insulation mounted between the active probe and the outer member; an electrical terminal connected to the outer member and for connecting the outer member to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and the return lead of the electrosurgical generator where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about 20 ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the outer member to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 176 words

An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: an electrically conductive, outer member having an opening extending therethrough; an active electrode probe having a tip and being adapted for connection to an electrosurgical generator and being mounted with respect to and extending at least partially through the outer member for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; at least one layer of electrical insulation mounted between the active probe and the outer member; an electrical terminal connected to the outer member and for connecting the outer member to a reference potential; whereby any abnormal condition which causes current to flow in said shield from said active probe is conducted to said reference potential to thus lessen a risk of patient injury; and monitor circuitry connected between said electrical terminal and the return lead of the electrosurgical generator where the impedance between said electrical terminal and said reference potential is not more than about 20 ohms, said monitor circuitry being responsive to current in the outer member to determine whether said abnormal condition exists.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 19 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said one layer of insulation is mounted on said active probe.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 22 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said one layer of insulation is mounted on the inner surface of said shield.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 45 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 including at least two layers of insulation disposed between the active probe and the shield where one of the layers is mounted on the active probe and the other is mounted on the inner surface of the shield.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 including alarm means responsive to the monitor circuitry to provide an indication of said abnormal condition.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 including means responsive to the monitor circuitry for deactivating the electrosurgical generator in response to said abnormal condition being detected.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether the amplitude of the shield current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether the ratio of the shield current to the current in the return lead to the electrosurgical generator exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether a predetermined phase relationship exists between the shield current and the voltage applied to the active lead of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 21 words

Apparatus as in claim 16 where said predetermined phase relationship is a substantially in phase relationship corresponding to said abnormal condition.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said monitor circuitry includes spectral sensing circuitry responsive to at least one preselected frequency bandwidth of the shield current.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 18 where said spectral sensing circuitry determines whether the amplitude of the electrical energy within said bandwidth exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 18 words

Apparatus as in claim 18 where said frequency bandwidth is below the operating frequency of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 13 words

Apparatus as in claim 20 where said bandwidth extends from about 50-250 KHz.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 wherein said electrosurgical generator is disposed within a housing and where said monitor circuitry is disposed within said housing.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 wherein said electrosurgical generator is disposed within a housing and where said monitor circuitry is disposed outside said housing.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 13 words

Apparatus as in claim 23 including means for battery powering the monitor circuitry.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as in claim 24 where said battery powering means includes means responsive to the flow of current in the shield to provide the battery power.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 23 including adaptor means for connecting the monitor circuitry and the return electrode to the return terminal of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 51 words

Apparatus as in claim 26 where said adaptor means includes sensing means for sensing whether a return electrode has been connected thereto and said monitor circuitry includes means responsive to the sensing means for at least providing an alert in response to the return electrode not being connected to the adaptor.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 52 words

Apparatus as in claim 26 where said adaptor means includes sensing means for sensing whether the adaptor has been connected to the electrosurgical generator and said monitor circuitry includes means responsive to the sensing means for at least providing an alert in response to the adaptor not being connected to the generator.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether a predetermined amount of shield current is present subsequent to the activation of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 29 including means responsive to voltage applied to the active lead of the generator to sense said activation of the generator.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 29 including means responsive to the current in the return lead to the generator to sense said activation of the generator.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 including a shield-to-ground detection means for detecting whether the return electrode is connected to the electrosurgical generator including means for detecting whether the voltage on the tubular shield exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 49 words

Apparatus as in claims 6 or 7 including means for latching the tubular conductive shield with respect to the active electrode to thereby provide the capability of adjusting the position of the distal end of the tubular conductive shield with respect to the distal end of the active electrode.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 21 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 including alarm means responsive to the monitor circuitry to provide an indication of said abnormal condition.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 including means responsive to the monitor circuitry for deactivating the electrosurgical generator in response to said abnormal condition being detected.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 24 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether the amplitude of the shield current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 35 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether the ratio of the shield current to the current in the return lead to the electrosurgical generator exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 where said monitor circuitry includes at least circuitry for determining whether a predetermined phase relationship exists between the shield current and the voltage applied to the active lead of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 21 words

Apparatus as in claim 38 where said predetermined phase relationship is a substantially in phase relationship corresponding to said abnormal condition.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 where said monitor circuitry includes spectral sensing circuitry responsive to at least one preselected frequency bandwidth of the shield current.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 40 where said spectral sensing circuitry determines whether the amplitude of the electrical energy within said bandwidth exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 18 words

Apparatus as in claim 40 where said frequency bandwidth is below the operating frequency of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 13 words

Apparatus as in claim 42 where said bandwidth extends from about 50-250 KHz.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 14 words

Apparatus as in claim 43 where said electrosurgical generator is disposed within a housing.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 14 words

Apparatus as in claim 44 where said monitor circuitry is disposed within said housing.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 14 words

Apparatus as in claim 44 where said monitor circuitry is disposed outside said housing.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 13 words

Apparatus as in claim 46 including means for battery powering the monitor circuitry.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as in claim 47 where said battery powering means includes means responsive to the flow of current in the shield to provide the battery power.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 46 including adaptor means for connecting the monitor circuitry and the return electrode to the return terminal of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 51 words

Apparatus as in claim 49 where said adaptor means includes sensing means for sensing whether a return electrode has been connected thereto and said monitor circuitry includes means responsive to the sensing means for at least providing an alert in response to the return electrode not being connected to the adaptor.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 52 words

Apparatus as in claim 49 where said adaptor means includes sensing means for sensing whether the adaptor has been connected to the electrosurgical generator and said monitor circuitry includes means responsive to the sensing means for at least providing an alert in response to the adaptor not being connected to the generator.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 30 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 where said monitor circuitry includes circuitry for determining whether a predetermined amount of shield current is present subsequent to the activation of the electrosurgical generator.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 52 including means responsive to voltage applied to the active lead of the generator to sense said activation of the generator.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as in claim 52 including means responsive to the current in the return lead to the generator to sense said activation of the generator.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 including a shield-to-ground detection means for detecting whether the return electrode is connected to the electrosurgical generator including means for detecting whether the voltage on the tubular shield exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 34 words

An electrosurgical apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 5, 6 or 7 where said tubular conductive shield has a layer of electrical insulation provided over at least a portion of an outer surface thereof.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 32 words

A safety shield system as in claims 3 or 4 where said tubular conductive shield has a layer of electrical insulation provided over at least a portion of an outer surface thereof.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 30 words

An electrosurgical apparatus as in claim 8 where said electrically conductive, outer member has a layer of electrical insulation provided over at least a portion of an outer surface thereof.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 5, 6 or 7 where said electrosurgical generator includes a return lead and where said monitor is connected between said tubular conductive shield and said return lead.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 33 words

A safety shield system as in claims 3 or 4 where said electrosurgical generator includes a return lead and where said monitor is connected between said tubular conductive shield and said return lead.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus as in claim 8 where said electrosurgical generator includes a return lead and where said monitor is connected between said electrically conductive, outer member and said return lead.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-11-17	2001-05-19	2001-11-18	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-11-17	2005-05-19	2005-11-18	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-11-17	2009-05-19	2009-11-18	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electrosurgical apparatus for laparoscopic and like procedures

Abstract

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