Electrode assembly

Abstract

An electrode assembly is provided for use in a resectoscope, the electrode assembly comprising an elongate shaft, at least one arm, first connection means for connecting the arm to a source of electrosurgical energy, and a tissue treatment element at the end of the arm. The arm includes a suction lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the suction lumen terminating in the general region of the tissue treatment element, and the proximal end of the suction lumen including second connection means for connecting the suction lumen to a source of suction.

1 . An electrode assembly for use in a resectoscope, the electrode assembly comprising:
 an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, at least one arm extending from the shaft and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a first connection portion configured to connect the arm to a source of electrosurgical energy, and a tissue treatment element at a distal end of the arm, wherein:   the arm includes a suction lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the suction lumen terminating at a suction aperture located in the tissue treatment element, the suction aperture being in communication with the suction lumen;   and the proximal end of the suction lumen including a second connection portion configured to connect the suction lumen to a source of suction;   and wherein the electrode assembly includes at least two arms.   
     
     
         2 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the tissue treatment element depends from both of the arms. 
     
     
         3 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein both of the arms are provided with a suction lumen. 
     
     
         4 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one arm includes a wire constituting the first connection means for connecting the arm to a source of electrosurgical energy, and a hollow tube constituting the suction lumen. 
     
     
         5 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 4 , wherein the hollow tube surrounds the wire. 
     
     
         6 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 4 , wherein the wire is a rigid wire constituting the structural support for the tissue treatment element. 
     
     
         7 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one arm includes a hollow tube constituting both the suction lumen and the first connection means for connecting the arm to a source of electrosurgical energy. 
     
     
         8 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein the hollow tube constitutes the structural support for the tissue treatment element. 
     
     
         9 . The electrode assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the tissue treatment element comprises any of: a cutting loop, a roller electrode, a slider electrode, or a button electrode.