Surgical instrument comprising an electrode

Abstract

A surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a retractable sheath. At least one of the electrodes can comprise an insulative jacket extending along the length thereof which can comprise a tissue stop for limiting the progression of the electrode into tissue. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a displaceable arc guard positioned between the electrodes. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an electrode including a flexible mesh configured to conform to the tissue against which it is positioned.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a shaft comprising a conductor; and   an electrode, comprising:
 a support member mounted to said shaft; and 
 a flexible mesh comprising an electrically conductive material, wherein said support member is configured to support at least a portion of said flexible mesh, and wherein said flexible mesh is in electrical communication with said conductor. 
   
     
     
         2 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible mesh comprises a substrate, and wherein said electrically conductive material is coated on said substrate. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible mesh comprises a substrate, and wherein said electrically conductive material is perfused within said substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said support member comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein said flexible mesh extends between said first portion and said second portion. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said support member comprises a perimeter, and wherein said flexible mesh is attached to said support member along said perimeter. 
     
     
         6 . A surgical instrument kit, comprising:
 a first instrument comprising a first electrode; and   a second instrument, comprising:
 a shaft comprising a conductor; and 
 a second electrode, comprising:
 a support member mounted to said shaft; and 
 a flexible mesh comprising an electrically conductive material, 
 
   
       wherein said support member is configured to support at least a portion of said flexible mesh, and wherein said flexible mesh is in electrical communication with said conductor. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical instrument kit of  claim 6 , wherein said flexible mesh comprises a substrate, and wherein said electrically conductive material is coated on said substrate. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical instrument kit of  claim 6 , wherein said flexible mesh comprises a substrate, and wherein said electrically conductive material is perfused within said substrate. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical instrument kit of  claim 6 , wherein said support member comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein said flexible mesh extends between said first portion and said second portion. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical instrument kit of  claim 6 , wherein said support member comprises a perimeter, and wherein said flexible mesh is attached to said support member along said perimeter.