Abstract A cooled electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device having at least one electrode for applying electrical energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the electrode includes an internal cavity in which a cooling medium such as water is contained. The internal cavity is closed at both ends of the device such that the cooling medium is contained within the electrode at the surgical site such that the cooling medium does not contact the tissue being treated. The electrosurgical device has an electrode and a heat pipe to conduct heat from the electrodes where substantially all heat conducted from the electrode through the heat pipe is dissipated along the length of the heat pipe. The heat pipe can have a thermal time constant less than 60 seconds and preferably less than 30 seconds.
An electrosurgical device comprising: an electrode for applying electrical energy to tissue to heat the tissue; and a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid for conducting heat from the electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
35 words
An electrosurgical device comprising: an electrode for applying electrical energy to tissue to heat the tissue; and a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid for conducting heat from the electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrosurgical device of claim 1 wherein an electrode-tissue interface temperature is maintained at less than about 80° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The electrosurgical device of claim 1 in a bipolar instrument.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
34 words
A method of treatment comprising: applying electrical energy to tissue with an electrode to heat the tissue; and cooling the electrode with a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
34 words
A method of treatment comprising: applying electrical energy to tissue with an electrode to heat the tissue; and cooling the electrode with a heat pipe including a sealed cavity containing a heat transfer fluid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4 further comprising maintaining an electrode-tissue interface temperature of less than about 80° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising supplying the electrical energy through bipolar electrodes.