Electrosurgical instrument with fluid diverter

Many internal surgeries require removal of tissue as part of the surgical procedure. Removal of such tissue invariably cuts multiple blood vessels resulting in localized blood loss. Massive blood loss can affect patient health by potentially leading to hypovolemic shock. Even minor blood loss makes surgery difficult by accumulating blood at the surgical site and obscuring the tissue from the surgeon and surgical assistants. The problem of blood loss to the surgical site can be particularly acute in large scale surgeries such as liver resection, which may cut multiple blood vessels during the procedure.

Typically, an electrosurgical cautery device is used to seal the vessel to prevent blood loss. Such electrosurgical ablation devices may include bipolar devices incorporating a pair of electrodes powered by RF (radio frequency) energy to heat and ablate tissue and blood vessels. Direct application of electrodes to tissue can have unwanted effects such as localized tissue charring and electrode contamination with adhering charred tissue components.

A method of reducing charring and fouling can include introducing saline to the surgical site to irrigate the site. Alternatively, a saline solution may be heated by electrodes to form a vapor that cauterizes the tissue. In this way, the tissue is not in direct contact with the electrodes, thus preventing fouling of the electrodes. Although saline solutions may be used, any conductive fluid (eg, an aqueous mixture containing ionic salts) can be used to facilitate vapor-based ablation. After steam cauterizing tissue by transferring heat, the steam may condense into water. The resulting water can be used to remove unwanted components from the surgical site, such as cauterized tissue remnants. A suction device may be used to remove the mixture of water and residual tissue. It can be difficult and inefficient for the surgeon to cauterize and aspirate tissue, especially if a separate device is required. Therefore, a device that incorporates cauterization and aspiration capabilities is desirable.

Incorporating both a saline source and an aspiration source into a bipolar electrosurgical instrument can be problematic. If the suction device operates continuously, the saline solution may not contact the electrodes long enough to heat up and form a vapor. If the saline solution source operates continuously, excess saline solution may be delivered to the surgical site, obscuring the surgical site's visibility to the surgeon. A device with multiple actuators can also be used by the surgeon to selectively release fluid vaporized by the electrodes to evacuate the surgical site. However, such multiple actuators are cumbersome and can lead to hand and finger fatigue during lengthy surgical procedures.

<p>Therefore, it is desirable to have a device that allows the surgeon to effectively and efficiently perform vapor cauterization and tissue mixture aspiration on the surgical site without having to over-manipulate the surgical device.</p>

<p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device is in fluid communication with a proximal fluid source port, a first fluid pathway in fluid communication with the proximal fluid source port, a proximal fluid drainage port, and a proximal fluid drainage port. a second fluid path, a first electrode and a second electrode, a first portion of the first fluid path, a first portion of the second fluid path, a first portion of the first electrode, and a first portion of the second electrode; a housing configured to enclose a second portion of the first fluid path, a second portion of the second fluid path, a second portion of the first electrode, and a second portion of the second electrode; and an end effector, the end effector having a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with the second portion of the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway. a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with the second portion; a third portion of the first electrode and a third portion of the second electrode; and a flow diverter in mechanical communication with the third portion of the first electrode. a flow diverter comprising a first edge and a second edge in mechanical communication with a third portion of the second electrode, the flow diverter being positioned on the first surface by a distal fluid discharge port; Configured to receive expelled fluid, the distal fluid aspiration port may be configured to remove material from the proximal region of the flow diverter.</p><p>In one aspect of the electrosurgical device, the flow diverting device may be configured to maintain contact between the fluid and the surface of the third portion of the first electrode and the surface of the third portion of the second electrode. good.</p><p>In one aspect of the electrosurgical device, the flow diverter device may comprise a plurality of features on the first surface.</p><p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device may include a plurality of features configured to direct fluid flow of fluid on the first surface of the flow diverter device.</p><p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device may include multiple features including multiple protrusions.</p><p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device may include multiple features including multiple indentations.</p><p>One aspect of an electrosurgical device may include a distal fluid ejection port with an aperture including a circular opening, a half-moon opening, or a slit opening.</p><p>In one aspect, the electrosurgical device may include a second portion of the first fluid pathway proximal to the distal fluid discharge port, the second portion having fluid flowing within the second portion of the first fluid pathway. is configured to impart turbulence to the</p><p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device may include a second portion of a first fluid pathway comprising a first cannula and a second cannula.</p><p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device includes a first cannula in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the third portion of the first electrode and a second cannula in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the third portion of the second electrode. may contain.</p><p>In one aspect, an electrosurgical device may include a distal fluid ejection port including a plurality of holes in the first cannula and the second cannula.</p><p>In one aspect, an end effector of an electrosurgical device includes a distal fluid ejection port in fluid communication with a first fluid path, a distal fluid suction port in fluid communication with a second fluid path, a first electrode and a second electrode. and a flow diverting device in mechanical communication with the first and second electrodes and disposed between the electrodes, the flow diverting device ejected by the distal fluid ejection port on the first surface. the flow diverting device configured to receive the applied fluid and maintain contact between the fluid on the first surface and the surface of the first electrode and the surface of the second electrode; It may be configured to prevent suction by the suction port.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include a flow diverter that includes an electrically insulating material.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include a flow diverter that includes a heat resistant material.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include a flow diverter comprising a plurality of features on the first surface.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include a plurality of features configured to direct fluid flow on the first surface of the flow diverter toward the first electrode or the second electrode.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include multiple features including multiple protrusions.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include multiple features including multiple indentations.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include a first fluid pathway comprising a first cannula and a second cannula.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector may include a first cannula in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the first electrode and a second cannula in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the second electrode.</p><p>In one aspect, the end effector includes a distal fluid discharge port including a plurality of holes in the first cannula and the second cannula, the plurality of holes configured to supply fluid onto the first side of the flow diverter. may</p><p>In one aspect, an end effector of an electrosurgical device includes an exit port in fluid communication with a first fluid path, an entrance port in fluid communication with a second fluid path, and first and second electrodes disposed in juxtaposed relationship. and a flow diverter comprising a first surface configured to receive fluid emitted by the outlet port, the flow diverter disposed between the juxtaposed first and second electrodes. A flow divider may be provided between the outlet port and the inlet port to separate the outlet port and the inlet port.</p>

Features of various aspects are set forth with particularity in the accompanying claims. The various aspects, however, both as to their organization and method of operation, together with their advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

<figref num="1">1 is a perspective view of one aspect of an electrosurgical device; FIG.</figref><figref num="2">2 is an enlarged view of one aspect of the end effector of the electrosurgical device of FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="3">2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="4">2A and 2B are bottom, side, and top plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref><figref num="5">2A and 2B are bottom, side, and top plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref><figref num="6">2A and 2B are bottom, side, and top plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref><figref num="7">2 is a front (distal) plan view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="8">2 is a posterior (proximal) plan view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="9">2 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="10">2 is a partial cross-sectional front (distal) plan view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="11">2 is a perspective view of one aspect of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="12">12A and 12B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one aspect of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 11;</figref><figref num="13">12A and 12B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one aspect of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 11;</figref><figref num="14">12A and 12B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one aspect of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 11;</figref><figref num="15">12 is a front (distal) plan view of one embodiment of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 11; FIG.</figref><figref num="16">12 is a rear (proximal) plan view of one embodiment of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 11; FIG.</figref><figref num="17">2 is a further perspective view of one aspect of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="18">18 is an enlarged perspective view of one variation of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 17; FIG.</figref><figref num="19">18 is an enlarged perspective view of one aspect of the activation control device of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 17; FIG.</figref><figref num="20">18 is a front (distal) perspective view of one variation of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 17; FIG.</figref><figref num="21">18 is a rear (proximal) perspective view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 17; FIG.</figref><figref num="22">10 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9; FIG.</figref><figref num="23">FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9, showing a first position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="24">10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch; FIG.</figref><figref num="25">10 is a further perspective view of one aspect of the internal components of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9, showing a second position of one aspect of the slide switch; FIG.</figref><figref num="26">26 is an enlarged perspective view of one variation of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing an extended position of one variation of the suction tube; FIG.</figref><figref num="27">26 is an enlarged perspective view of one aspect of the activation control device of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing the second position of one aspect of the slide switch; FIG.</figref><figref num="28">2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the throttle valve of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="29">26A and 26B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch; 26A and 26B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="30">26A and 26B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch; 26A and 26B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="31">26A and 26B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch; 26A and 26B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 25, showing a second position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="32">10A and 10B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9 showing a first position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="33">10A and 10B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9 showing a first position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="34">10A and 10B are top, side, and bottom plan views, respectively, of one embodiment of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 9 showing a first position of one embodiment of the slide switch;</figref><figref num="35">2 is a perspective view of one variation of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="36">2 is a perspective view of a model of one embodiment of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="37">2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pair of electrodes and a flow diverter of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="38">38 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the pair of electrodes and flow diverter shown in FIG. 37; FIG.</figref><figref num="39">3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pair of electrodes and a flow diverter of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="40">40 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the pair of electrodes and flow diverter shown in FIG. 39; FIG.</figref><figref num="41">3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a pair of electrodes and a flow diverter of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="42">42 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the pair of electrodes and flow diverter shown in FIG. 41; FIG.</figref><figref num="43">38 is a perspective view of another variation of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 37; FIG.</figref><figref num="44">44 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 43; FIG.</figref><figref num="45">2A-2D illustrate aspects of the fluid supply path and discharge port of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref><figref num="46">2A-2D illustrate aspects of the fluid supply path and discharge port of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref><figref num="47">2A-2D illustrate aspects of the fluid supply path and discharge port of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref><figref num="48">3 is a perspective view of another aspect of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.</figref><figref num="49">49 is a front (distal) plan view of another embodiment of the end effector shown in FIG. 48; FIG.</figref><figref num="50">FIG. 4 shows another aspect of the end effector of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;</figref>

As disclosed above, electrosurgical devices may incorporate the ability to cauterize and aspirate tissue during large area surgical procedures. Some electrosurgical devices may use energized electrodes to perform the ablation procedure. However, as disclosed above, the electrodes of such devices may be subject to fouling by tissue in contact with the electrodes during ablation. It can be appreciated that tissue ablation can be accomplished by exposing the tissue to heating materials other than electrodes. Also, as disclosed above, in one non-limiting example, a fluid such as saline may be heated by the electrodes, and the heated fluid or steam can be used to ablate tissue. . A saline solution or other conductive fluid may be heated by a current flowing between the electrodes. The temperature used for tissue ablation in this manner can be limited by the temperature of the steam (eg, about 100° C.) to reduce the likelihood of tissue charring. Additionally, moistening of the surrounding tissue with the steam may prevent desiccation due to proximity to the heated device. Additionally, as water vapor loses heat through contact with tissue, it condenses into water, which can then be used to irrigate the surgical site. Thus, the dual purpose of cauterization and irrigation of saline solution can increase the efficiency of the cauterization procedure.

1-8 show an example of such an electrosurgical device 100. FIG. Common reference numerals in FIGS. 1 to 8 refer to common components in the drawings.

Electrosurgical device 100 may include housing 105 with shaft 135 extending distally from housing 105 . Housing 105 may include a proximal fluid source port 115 and a proximal fluid drainage port 110 at the proximal end. In some electrosurgical device systems, the proximal fluid source port 115 is a source of fluid, such as saline, buffered saline, Ringer's solution, or other conductive fluids such as aqueous fluids containing ionic salts. It may be arranged in fluid communication. The fluid source may operate as a gravity source or may include components that actively pump fluid into the proximal fluid source port 115 . Actively pumping fluid sources include, but are not limited to, power supplies, pumps, fluid sources, and control electronics that allow a user to actively control the pumping action of actively pumping fluid. In some electrosurgical device systems, fluid drainage port 110 may be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum source may include a power supply, a pump, a storage component for storing material removed by the vacuum source, and control electronics that allow a user to actively control the pumping action of the vacuum source.

Additionally, housing 105 may include connector 116 to which cable 117 of energy source 120 may be attached. Energy source 120 may be configured to supply energy (eg, RF or radio frequency energy) to electrodes 145a,b. Energy source 120 may include a generator configured to power electrosurgical device 100 via external means such as cable 117 . In certain examples, energy source 120 may include a microcontroller coupled to an external wired generator. An external generator may be powered by an AC power supply. Electrical and electronic circuitry associated with energy source 120 may be supported by, for example, a control circuit board assembly. A microcontroller may generally include a memory and a microprocessor ("processor") operably coupled to the memory. The electronic portion of energy source 120 may be configured to control energy transmission to electrodes 145 a,b in end effector 140 of electrosurgical device 100 . The term processor, as used herein, means any suitable microprocessor, microcontroller, or computer central processing unit (CPU) function that can be integrated into one integrated circuit or up to several integrated circuits. It should be understood to include other basic computing devices incorporated. A processor may be a general-purpose programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes that data according to instructions stored in memory, and provides results as output. This is an example of sequential digital logic since it has internal memory. Processors work with numbers and symbols represented in a binary number system. Energy source 120 may further include an input device to allow a user to program the operation of energy source 120 .

Housing 105 may also include one or more actuators that allow a user to control the functions of electrosurgical device 100 . In some non-limiting examples, electrosurgical device 100 includes a user-actuatable throttle valve 125 to control the amount of fluid flowing through the electrosurgical device and, at the distal end, an end effector. Up to 140 fluid volumes can be provided. In some non-limiting examples, the throttle valve 125 also allows the user to control the amount of energy delivered by the energy source 120 to the electrodes 145 a,b of the end effector 140 . As an example, throttle valve 125 may comprise a screw-activated pinch valve for regulating fluid flow through electrosurgical device 100 . Additionally, the throttle valve 125 may have a push button activation feature whereby current flows from the energy source 120 to the electrodes 145a,b when the user presses the push button. In some non-limiting examples, the housing 105 includes a throttle valve 125 that allows regulation of fluid flow through the electrosurgical device 100 and separate energy sources that control the amount of current supplied to the electrodes 145a,b. It can be appreciated that the control device may also be included.

Housing 105 may also be attached to shaft 135 at the distal end of housing 105 . An end effector 140 may also be associated with the distal portion of shaft member 135 . The end effector 140 may include electrodes 145a,b electrically connected to the energy source 120 and capable of receiving power therefrom. In some non-limiting examples, the first electrode 145a receives electrical energy of a first polarity (such as positive) from the energy delivery section 120, and the second electrode 145b receives electrical energy of a second polarity and a positive polarity from the energy delivery section 120. It can receive electrical energy of the opposite polarity (negative, etc.). Alternatively, the first electrode 145a may be connected to the ground terminal of the energy delivery section 120 and the second electrode 145b may be connected to the varying AC voltage terminal of the energy delivery section 120. FIG. Electrodes 145 a,b may extend beyond the distal end of shaft 135 . The extended ends of the electrodes 145a,b are separated by a flow diverter 155. FIG. The flow diverter 155 may contact the first electrode 145a at a first edge of the flow diverter 155 and the flow diverter 155 may contact the second electrode 145b at a second edge of the flow diverter 155. FIG. The flow diverter 155 may comprise electrically insulating and/or heat resistant materials including, but not limited to, plastics such as polycarbonates or ceramics. Flow diverter 155 may be deformable or non-deformable. In some non-limiting examples, housing 105 may include features that control the shape of deformable flow diverter 155 .

End effector 140 may further include a fluid discharge port 150 that may be in fluid communication with fluid source port 115 via the first fluid pathway. A first fluid path, such as a source fluid path (see 315 in FIG. 11), allows fluid to flow from the fluid source port 115 to the fluid discharge port 150 . In some non-limiting examples, the fluid discharge port 150 can be positioned above the flow diverter 155 so that the fluid discharged by the fluid discharge port 150 can be collected on the top surface of the flow diverter 155 . The end effector may further include a fluid aspiration port 165 that may be in fluid communication with fluid drainage port 110 through a second fluid pathway. A second fluid pathway, such as an aspiration fluid pathway (see 210 in FIG. 9), allows fluid mixtures produced at the surgical site to flow from fluid aspiration port 165 to fluid drainage port 110 . The liquid mixture may then be removed from electrosurgical device 100 by a vacuum source and stored in a containment component for subsequent removal.

In some non-limiting examples, fluid suction port 165 may be formed at the distal end of suction tube 160 . Aspiration tube 160 may also form part of aspiration fluid path 210 . Aspiration tube 160 may be located within shaft 135 or may be located outside and below shaft 135 . Aspiration tube 160 located outside shaft 135 may be physically coupled to the outer surface of shaft 135 . In some examples, suction tube 160 may have a fixed position relative to shaft 135 . In some alternatives, suction tube 160 may be distally expandable relative to shaft 135 . Expansion of the expandable suction tube 160 can be controlled by a suction tube controller. As one non-limiting example, the aspiration tube controller may comprise a slide switch 130. When slide switch 130 is in a first position (eg, a proximal position), suction tube 160 remains in a first or retracted position and suction port 165 can be positioned generally below fluid release port 150 . However, when slide switch 130 is in a second position (eg, a distal position), suction tube 160 extends distally to a fully extended position such that suction port 165 is distal and distal to fluid release port 150 . can be located below. In one example, slide switch 130 can preferentially position suction tube 160 in one of two positions, such as a retracted position and a fully extended position. However, it can be appreciated that the slide switch 130 also allows the suction tube 160 to take any position between the retracted position and the fully extended position. Regardless of the position of the aspiration tube 160 as disclosed above, the aspiration port 165 may be maintained in a position below the plane defined by the top surface of the flow diverter 155 . In this manner, flow diverter 155 is configured to prevent fluid discharged by fluid discharge port 150 from being removed directly at suction port 165 .

9 and 10 are partial interior views of electrosurgical device 200. FIG. In addition to the components disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, electrosurgical device 200 includes an aspiration port that provides fluid communication between proximal fluid drainage port 110 and distal fluid aspiration port 165. Includes fluid path 210 . A valve component 225 of the throttle valve 125 and a control component 230 of the suction line, such as the slide switch 130, are also shown. Fluid ejection port 150, electrodes 145a,b, fluid aspiration port 165, and a portion of housing 105 are also shown in FIGS.

11-21 are various views of the internal components of electrosurgical device 300. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the distal end of electrosurgical device 300 shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the actuator components of electrosurgical device 300 shown in FIG. A slide switch 130 is shown. Additional components shown in FIGS. 11-21 include source fluid pathway 315 that provides fluid communication between proximal fluid source port 115 and distal fluid discharge port 150 . In some examples, the valve component 225 of the throttle valve 125 is disposed along the length of the source fluid path 315 such that the user of the electrosurgical device 300 can connect the source fluid from the fluid source port 115 to the fluid discharge port 150. Fluid flow through fluid path 315 can be regulated. In some examples of valve component 225, a screw actuator, such as a pinch valve, can be used to compress a portion of source fluid path 315, thereby restricting fluid flow therethrough. It can be appreciated that any number of fluid control valves can be used as valve component 225 including, but not limited to, ball valves, butterfly valves, choke valves, needle valves, and gate valves. From FIGS. 11-21, it can be seen that source fluid path 315 extends from fluid source port 115 through housing 105 and shaft 135 to distal fluid discharge port 150 . Similarly, from FIGS. 11-22, it can be seen that aspiration fluid path 210 extends from proximal fluid evacuation port 110 through housing 105 and shaft 135 to distal fluid aspiration port 165 . In addition, electrodes 145a,b may extend from housing 105 through shaft 135 and extend distally, protruding from the ends of shaft 135. FIG. Alternatively, the electrodes 145a,b may extend through the shaft 135 only and extend distally to protrude from the ends of the shaft 135. FIG. The proximal ends 345a,b of the electrodes 145a,b may receive connectors for placing the electrodes 145a,b in electrical connection with the energy source 120. good. The electrodes 145a,b receive electrical energy from the energy source 120 to contact tissue at the surgical site either by direct contact of the tissue with the protruding portions of the electrodes 145a,b or by heating the fluid contact electrodes 145a,b. can be cauterized.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of electrosurgical device 400. As shown in FIG. Specifically, cross-sectional view at 400 shows two fluid paths through the device. 22 thus shows source fluid pathway 315 in fluid communication with proximal fluid source port 115 and distal fluid discharge port 150. FIG. Additionally, FIG. 22 shows an example of the physical relationship between the source fluid path 315 and the valve component 225 of the throttle valve 125. As shown in FIG. FIG. 22 shows an example where source fluid path 315 can extend through both housing 105 and shaft 135 . 22 also shows an aspiration fluid pathway 210 in fluid communication with the proximal fluid evacuation port 110 and the distal fluid aspiration port 165. FIG. Aspiration fluid path 210 may further include an aspiration tube 160 that may be disposed at the distal end of aspiration fluid path 210 . A distal fluid aspiration port 165 may be formed at the distal end of aspiration tube 160 .

FIGS. 23-27 and 29-34 show an electrosurgical device 200 having a suction tube 160 in a proximal or retracted position and an electrosurgical device 500 having a suction tube 160 in a distal or extended position Z. is a partial internal view of the. FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 9, specifically the first and proximal positions of slide switch 130 (a non-limiting example of a suction tube control) along the proximal or retracted position of suction tube 160. Show X. FIG. 24 specifically shows the second and distal positions Y of the slide switch 130 (a non-limiting example of a suction tube control device), in addition to the distal or extended position Z of the suction tube 160 . FIG. 25 is another perspective view of electrosurgical device 500. As shown in FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of electrosurgical device 500 shown in FIG. 25, particularly showing the distal end of suction tube 160 in extended position Z. FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator components of electrosurgical device 500 shown in FIG. 25, particularly showing the second or distal position X of slide switch 130. FIG. 29, 30, and 31 are top, side, and bottom plan views of electrosurgical device 500, respectively. 29-31 can be compared with FIGS. 32, 33, and 34, which are top, side, and bottom plan views of electrosurgical device 200, respectively. 29-31 show distal positions Y and Z of slide switch 130 and suction tube 160, respectively. 32 to 34 show the proximal position X of slide switch 130 and the proximal or retracted position of suction tube 160. FIG.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an example throttle valve 125 showing several exemplary throttle valve components 225. As shown in FIG. Valve component 225 may include a switch button 525 that may be activated by the user. Valve component 225 may further include an adjustable stop mechanism 527 that may adjust the position of pinch valve 532 relative to a portion of source fluid path 315 . Adjustable stop mechanism 527 may comprise a screw actuation that may be adjusted by rotation of switch button 525 . In this manner, the user can rotate the switch button 525 to adjust the amount of fluid flowing through the source fluid path 315 and, based on the amount of compression applied to the source fluid path 315 by the pinch valve, the distal fluid discharge port. It can be discharged from 150. In some embodiments, adjustable stop mechanism 527 may have two positions (an "open" position and a "closed" position). Alternatively, adjustable stop mechanism 527 may be adjustable to allow the user to select the amount of fluid flow through source fluid path 315 .

Additionally, throttle valve 125 may include additional components 225 that may be used to control electrical connections between electrodes 145 a,b and energy source 120 . For example, an RF switch 530 may be used to form an electrical connection between the electrodes 145a,b and the energy source 120. FIG. In one embodiment, RF switch 530 may be a momentary contact switch that connects electrodes 145a,b and energy source 120 only when actively depressed by a user. Alternatively, RF switch 530 may be a latching pushbutton switch that can be continuously activated (push to make) and deactivated (push to break) when depressed. A closure spring 534 may be included in the switch component 225 to return the switch button 525 to its undepressed state when the user is not actively depressing the switch button 525 .

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a general example of the end effector 600. FIG. As disclosed above, the end effector consists of a pair of electrodes 145a,b extending from the shaft 135, a distal fluid discharge port 150, a flow diverter 155, and an aspiration port 165 which may be part of the aspiration tube 160. may be The flow diverter 155 forms contact between a first edge of the flow diverter 155 and a surface of the first electrode 145a, and a second edge of the flow diverter 155 with a surface on the second electrode 145b, It may be placed between a pair of electrodes 145a,b. In some examples, the proximal end of flow diverter 155 may form mechanical communication with the end face of shaft 135 . In this manner, fluid discharged by distal fluid discharge port 150 can be retained on the first or top surface of flow diverter 155 . The fluid on the top surface of the flow diverter 155 may be retained on the top surface for a sufficient time to keep the fluid in contact with the surfaces of both electrodes 145a,b. If the fluid is an ionic fluid, current passing through the fluid between electrodes 145a and 145b may heat the fluid sufficiently to form vapor capable of cauterizing tissue.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a production model of the end effector 600 of FIG.

37-44 illustrate various examples of end effectors generally disclosed as end effector 600 shown in FIG.

37 and 38 are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of an example end effector 700. FIG. End effector 700 exhibits many of the components disclosed above with respect to end effector 600 of FIG. These components include shaft 135 , fluid discharge port 150 , suction port 165 , electrodes 145 a,b, and suction tube 160 . In addition to aspiration port 165, aspiration tube 160 may include additional ports along the length of aspiration tube 160 to aspirate material from the surgical site. The flow diverter 755 of the end effector 700 includes a number of features 757a configured to direct the flow of fluid discharged by the fluid discharge port 150 to the faces of the electrodes 145a,b. Feature 757 a may include curved guideways protruding from the top surface of flow diverter 755 . Additionally, the top surface of flow diverter 755 may include additional features at the distal end to further guide fluid toward electrodes 145a,b. Electrodes 145a,b may have generally circular or elliptical cross-sections 745a,b in portions near the distal end of shaft 135. As shown in FIG. Additionally, the electrodes 145a,b may be chamfered at the distal ends 747a,b and have elliptical or oval distal ends 747a,b. Section F of FIG. 38 shows that elliptical distal ends 747a,b of electrodes 145a,b respectively have their long axes directed toward the outer portion of end effector 700 away from flow diverter 755. FIG.

39 and 40 are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of another example end effector 700. FIG. 39 and 40, the electrodes 145a,b have a circular or oval cross-section at the distal portion, and the electrodes 145a,b have a bean-shaped or kidney-shaped cross-section at the portion closer to the shaft 135 (proximal). 745c, d. Such bean-shaped cross-sections 745c,d may be useful during manufacture of the electrosurgical device to secure the flow diverter 755 between the inner surfaces of the electrodes 145a,b. Section G in FIG. 40 shows how the flow diverter 755 can be secured to the inner surfaces of the bean-shaped sections 745c,d. Also, in the example end effector 700 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the feature 757b including protruding fluid guideways includes straight guideways for directing fluid on the upper surface of the flow diverter 755 to the electrodes 145a,b. In this respect, it is distinguished from the examples shown in FIGS. Additionally, the electrodes 145a,b may be chamfered into elliptical distal ends 747c,d with their respective major axes 749a,b oriented toward the inner portion of the end effector 700 to provide a flow divider. Point to 755. This shape is shown in section H in FIG.

41 and 42 are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of yet another example end effector 700. FIG. The end effector 700 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 has common components with the examples shown in FIGS. 37-40. Thus, electrodes 145a,b have circular or elliptical cross-sections 745a,b, as shown in FIGS. Includes elliptical cross section 747c,d. A fluid flow feature 757c, shown in FIGS. Such recessed features 757c may form grooves that may be used to guide fluid flow on the upper surface of flow diverter 756, as suggested by the arrows shown in FIG. The recesses 757c may also specifically guide fluid flow to the inner surfaces of the electrodes 145a,b, as also shown in FIG. Feature 757c may further include a discharge channel that directs fluid discharged by fluid discharge port 150 toward grooves in the plane of flow diverter 756, thereby causing fluid to exit fluid discharge port 150 initially. to prevent fluid from escaping from the recess.

43 and 44 are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of yet another example end effector 700. FIG. Electrodes 145a,b, shaft 135, fluid discharge port 150, suction port 165, and suction tube 160 are all similar to the example shown in FIG. Additionally, a portion of the source fluid pathway 315 proximal to the fluid discharge port 150 may include features such as spiral grooves 750 on the inner surface of the source fluid pathway 315 . Such spiral grooves 750 can impart turbulence to the fluid discharged by the fluid discharge port 150, especially when the fluid is supplied under pressure. Accordingly, fluid entering the distal end of source fluid pathway 315 (right arrow in FIG. 44) is discharged at fluid discharge port 150, as indicated by the arrow superimposed on top of flow diverter 755 in FIG. It contains turbulent flow, which can be more easily delivered by feature 757 a on the top surface of flow diverter 755 . As a result, fluid on the upper surface of the flow diverter 755 can flow more readily into contact with the electrodes 145a,b.

Also, the flow of fluid discharged by fluid discharge port 150 may be varied by incorporating an aperture in the distal end of fluid discharge port 150 . Figures 45, 46, and 47 show fluid flow through a slit aperture 850a, a circular or pinhole aperture 850b, and a half-moon aperture 850c, respectively. A helical groove 750 may be added to the source fluid pathway 315 terminating in a fluid discharge port 150 having any of apertures 850a-c, as shown in Figures 45-47. FIG. 46, for example, shows a spiral groove 750 used in addition to a circular or pinhole aperture 850b.

48 and 49 are perspective and longitudinal cross-sectional views, respectively, of an example end effector 800 with three electrodes. The end effector 800 shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 includes the distal end of shaft 135, fluid ejection port 150, and aspiration port 165 as disclosed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-44. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, a pair of electrodes 145a,b are juxtaposed to each other and separated by a flow divider 855. FIG. The flow diverter 855 shown in Figures 48 and 49 may include a different series of protruding features 857 than the examples shown in Figures 37-40. The example end effector 800 shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 may incorporate a third electrode 845 on top of the flow diverter 855 . In the end effector example above, the two electrodes 145a,b are juxtaposed with a space between them. As disclosed above, the first electrode 145a receives electrical energy of a first polarity (eg, positive) from the energy delivery section 120, and the second electrode 145b receives electrical energy of a second polarity and the opposite polarity (eg, positive) from the energy delivery section 120. negative electrode) can receive electrical energy. Alternatively, the first electrode 145a may be connected to the ground terminal of the energy delivery section 120 and the second electrode 145b may be connected to the varying AC voltage terminal of the energy delivery section 120. FIG. While the electrodes 145a,b shown in Figures 48 and 49 receive electrical energy having the same polarity, an additional electrode 845 may receive electrical energy having a second and opposite polarity. Alternatively, the electrodes 145a,b may be connected to the fluctuating AC voltage terminals of the energy delivery section 120 and the third electrode 845 may be connected to the ground terminal of the energy delivery section 120. FIG. In yet another alternative, the electrodes 145 a,b may be connected to the ground terminal of the energy delivery section 120 and the third electrode 845 may be connected to the varying AC voltage terminal of the energy delivery section 120 . It can be appreciated that the end effector may have any number of electrodes arranged in any suitable shape around or near flow diverting devices placed between the electrodes or between the electrodes.

FIG. 50 shows another example of an end effector 900. FIG. The end effector 900 includes a pair of electrodes 945a,b having a bean-shaped or kidney-shaped cross-section. A flow diverter 955 is positioned between the concave inner surfaces of the electrodes 945a,b and a suction tube having a distal suction port 965 is positioned below the flow diverter 955. FIG. Unlike many of the end effectors disclosed above, the source fluid path 315 within this end effector 900 does not terminate at the distal end of the shaft 135 at the discharge port 150 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 50, source fluid path 315 may be continuous along the length of one or more electrodes. For example, the source fluid pathway 315 may extend as one or more cannulas 915a,b positioned, eg, along concave inner surfaces of the electrodes 945a,b. The cannulas 915a,b may be positioned on or near the top surface of the flow diverter 955. FIG. The cannulas 915a,b may further include pores or lacrimal holes 950 to allow fluid flowing through the source fluid pathway 315 and the cannulas 915a,b to flow to the upper surface of the flow diverter 955. FIG. Fluid may flow from the pores or lacrimal holes 950 to the top surface of the flow diverter 955 by capillary action and/or surface tension. Although two cannulae 915a,b are shown in FIG. 50, it can be understood that a single cannula or multiple cannulae can be used to channel fluid to the top surface of flow diverter 955. FIG.

It will be appreciated that the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used throughout this specification in reference to the clinician manipulating one end of the instrument used to treat the patient. The term "proximal" refers to the portion of the instrument closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion furthest away from the clinician. For the sake of brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "above", "below" may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments; be further understood. However, surgical instruments can be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting or absolute.

Various aspects of surgical instruments are described herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various aspects described herein can be used with the surgical instruments described. The description is provided by way of example only and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosed examples are not limited to the devices disclosed herein and can be used with any compatible surgical instrument or robotic surgical system. will understand.

Throughout this specification, references to "various aspects," "some aspects," "an example," or "an aspect," etc. refer to the specific features, structures, or features described in connection with that aspect. or that the feature is included in at least one instance. Thus, when appearing at appropriate places throughout this specification, phrases such as "in various aspects", "in some aspects", "in one example", or "in one aspect" do not necessarily refer to the same aspect does not refer to Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described with respect to one example may be used, in whole or in part, with, without limitation, a feature, structure, or characteristic of one or more other aspects. Can be combined.

While various aspects herein have been described in several aspect descriptions, with exemplary embodiments described in considerable detail, the scope of the appended claims is limited to such detail. It is not the applicant's intention to be limited by or in any way. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, it is generally accepted that endoscopic surgery is more prevalent than laparoscopic surgery. Accordingly, the present invention has been described in the context of endoscopic surgery and devices. However, the use of terms such as "endoscope" in this application should not be construed as limiting the invention to instruments that are used only in combination with an endoscopic tube (eg, a trocar). Rather, it is believed that the present invention may find application in any surgery where access is limited to small incisions, including but not limited to laparoscopic surgery and open surgery.

It is understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions herein have been simplified to show elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the disclosure, and that other elements have been omitted for purposes of clarity. Should. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other factors may be desirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art and they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, such elements are not described herein.

Having described several aspects, it will be apparent that various modifications, changes and adaptations to these embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with some or all of the benefits of this disclosure. For example, according to various aspects, a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced with a single component to perform a given function. good too. The present application is therefore intended to cover all such modifications, changes and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Any patent, publication, or other statements, or disclosures of which the content is incorporated. It is incorporated herein only to the extent not inconsistent with other disclosures. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portion thereof, that conflicts with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures set forth herein, is hereby incorporated by reference, but the reference content and the current disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference. shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no contradiction between

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following numbered examples.

Example 1. An electrosurgical device comprising a proximal fluid source port, a first fluid pathway in fluid communication with the proximal fluid source port, a proximal fluid drainage port, a proximal fluid drainage port and fluid a communicating second fluid path, a first electrode and a second electrode, a first portion of the first fluid path, a first portion of the second fluid path, a first portion of the first electrode, and a first portion of the second electrode; a housing configured to enclose a portion; and a second portion of the first fluid path, a second portion of the second fluid path, a second portion of the first electrode, and a second portion of the second electrode. and an end effector, the end effector having a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with a second portion of the first fluid path; a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with a second portion of the pathway; a third portion of the first electrode and a third portion of the second electrode; an electrosurgical apparatus comprising: a flow diverting device comprising a first edge in mechanical communication with a portion and a second edge in mechanical communication with a third portion of a second electrode.

Example 2. According to Example 1, wherein the flow diverter is configured to maintain contact between the fluid and the surface of the third portion of the first electrode and the surface of the third portion of the second electrode. An electrosurgical device as described.

Example 3. The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the flow diverter device comprises a plurality of features on the first surface.

Example 4. The electrosurgical device of Example 3, wherein the plurality of features is configured to direct fluid flow of fluid on the first surface of the flow diverter device.

Example 5. The electrosurgical device of Example 3, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of protrusions.

Example 6. The electrosurgical device of Example 3, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of indentations.

Example 7. The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the distal fluid ejection port comprises an aperture including a circular opening, a half-moon opening, or a slit opening.

Example 8. The electricity of Example 1, wherein the second portion of the first fluid pathway proximal to the distal fluid discharge port is configured to impart turbulence to fluid flowing therethrough. surgical equipment.

Example 9. The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the second portion of the first fluid path comprises a first cannula and a second cannula.

Example 10. To Example 9, wherein the first cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the third portion of the first electrode and the second cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the third portion of the second electrode. An electrosurgical device as described.

Example 11. The electrosurgical device of Example 9, wherein the distal fluid ejection port comprises multiple holes in the first cannula and the second cannula.

Example 12. An end effector of an electrosurgical device comprising a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with a first fluid path, a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with a second fluid path, a first electrode and a second Two electrodes and a flow diverter in mechanical communication with the first and second electrodes and disposed between the electrodes, the flow diverter having a distal fluid discharge port on the first surface. and configured to maintain contact between the fluid on the first surface and the surface of the first electrode and the surface of the second electrode; may be configured to prevent aspiration by the fluid aspiration port.

Example 13. The end effector of Example 12, wherein the flow diverter comprises an electrically insulating material.

Example 14. The end effector of Example 12, wherein the flow diverter comprises a heat resistant material.

Example 15. The end effector of Example 12, wherein the flow diverter comprises a plurality of features on the first surface.

Example 16. The end effector of Example 15, wherein the plurality of features is configured to direct fluid flow on the first surface of the flow diverter toward the first electrode or the second electrode. .

Example 17. The end effector of Example 15, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of protrusions.

Example 18. The end effector of Example 15, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of indentations.

Example 19. The end effector of Example 12, wherein the first fluid path comprises a first cannula and a second cannula.

Example 20. The end effector of Example 19, wherein the first cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the first electrode and the second cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the second electrode.

Example 21. An implementation wherein the distal fluid discharge port includes a plurality of holes in the first cannula and the second cannula, the plurality of holes configured to supply fluid onto the first side of the flow diverter. An end effector as described in Example 19.

Example 22. An end effector of an electrosurgical device comprising an exit port in fluid communication with a first fluid pathway and an entrance port in fluid communication with a second fluid pathway, a first electrode and a first electrode positioned in juxtaposed relationship. Two electrodes and a flow diverter comprising a first surface configured to receive fluid emitted by the outlet port, the flow diverter between the juxtaposed first and second electrodes. , a flow diverter may be disposed between the outlet port and the inlet port to separate the outlet port and the inlet port.

Example 23. The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the flow diverter device is configured to receive fluid discharged by the distal fluid discharge port on the first surface.

Example 24. The electrosurgical device of Example 1, wherein the distal fluid aspiration port is configured to remove material from a region proximal to the flow diverter device.

Embodiments (1) An electrosurgical device comprising: a proximal fluid source port; a first fluid pathway in fluid communication with said proximal fluid source port; a proximal fluid drainage port; a second fluid path in fluid communication with a fluid outlet port; a first electrode and a second electrode; a first portion of said first fluid path; a first portion of said second fluid path; and a housing configured to enclose a first portion of the second electrode; a second portion of the first fluid path; a second portion of the second fluid path; and a second portion of the first electrode. and a shaft extending distally from the housing configured to enclose a second portion of the second electrode; and an end effector, the end effector connecting the first portion of the first fluid path. a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with two portions; a distal fluid suction port in fluid communication with said second portion of said second fluid path; a third portion of said first electrode and a third portion of said second electrode; a flow diverter, the first surface, a first edge in mechanical communication with the third portion of the first electrode, and the third portion of the second electrode in mechanical communication; an electrosurgical device comprising: a flow diverting device comprising a second edge.

(2) the flow diverter is configured to maintain contact between a fluid and a surface of the third portion of the first electrode and a surface of the third portion of the second electrode; An electrosurgical device according to embodiment 1.

(3) The electrosurgical device of embodiment 1, wherein the flow diverter device comprises a plurality of features on the first surface.

(4) The electrosurgical device of embodiment 3, wherein the plurality of features are configured to direct fluid flow of fluid on the first surface of the flow diverter device.

(5) An electrosurgical device according to embodiment 3, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of protrusions.

(6) An electrosurgical device according to embodiment 3, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of indentations.

(7) The electrosurgical apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the distal fluid discharge port comprises an aperture including a circular opening, a half-moon opening, or a slit opening.

(8) Embodiment 1, wherein the second portion of the first fluid pathway proximal to the distal fluid discharge port is configured to impart turbulence to fluid flowing therethrough. electrosurgical device.

(9) The electrosurgical device of embodiment 1, wherein the second portion of the first fluid path comprises a first cannula and a second cannula.

(10) The first cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the third portion of the first electrode, and the second cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the third portion of the second electrode. An electrosurgical device according to embodiment 9, wherein

(11) An electrosurgical apparatus according to embodiment 9, wherein the distal fluid discharge port comprises a plurality of holes in the first cannula and the second cannula.

(12) An end effector of an electrosurgical device comprising a distal fluid discharge port in fluid communication with a first fluid path, a distal fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with a second fluid path, a first electrode and a second electrode. and a flow diverter in mechanical communication with the first and second electrodes and disposed between the electrodes, the flow diverter on a first surface of the distal fluid ejecting fluid. configured to receive fluid emitted by a port and maintain contact between the fluid on the first surface and the surface of the first electrode and the surface of the second electrode; An end effector configured to prevent aspiration by the distal fluid aspiration port of the fluid on one side.

(13) An end effector according to embodiment 12, wherein the flow diverter comprises an electrically insulating material.

(14) The end effector of embodiment 12, wherein the flow diverter comprises a heat resistant material.

(15) The end effector of embodiment 12, wherein the flow diverter comprises a plurality of features on the first surface.

16. Embodiment 15, wherein the plurality of features are configured to direct the flow of the fluid on the first surface of the flow diverter toward the first electrode or the second electrode. The end effector described in .

(17) The end effector of Clause 15, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of protrusions.

(18) The end effector of clause 15, wherein the plurality of features comprises a plurality of indentations.

(19) The end effector of embodiment 12, wherein the first fluid path comprises a first cannula and a second cannula.

(20) The end of embodiment 19, wherein the first cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the first electrode and the second cannula is in mechanical communication with the inner surface of the second electrode. effector.

(21) said distal fluid discharge port includes a plurality of holes in said first cannula and said second cannula, said plurality of holes supplying said fluid onto said first surface of said flow diverter; 20. An end effector according to embodiment 19, which is configured.

(22) An end effector of an electrosurgical device, comprising an exit port in fluid communication with a first fluid pathway and an entrance port in fluid communication with a second fluid pathway, a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in juxtaposition. an electrode and a flow diverter comprising a first surface configured to receive fluid emitted by said outlet port, said flow diverter between said juxtaposed first and second electrodes. , wherein the flow diverter is disposed between the outlet port and the inlet port to separate the outlet port and the inlet port.

(23) The electrosurgical device of embodiment 1, wherein the flow diverter is configured to receive fluid discharged by the distal fluid discharge port on the first surface.

(24) The electrosurgical device of embodiment 1, wherein the distal fluid aspiration port is configured to remove material from a region proximal to the flow diverter device.