Electrosurgical device
An electrode for the electrosurgical end effector of a surgical instrument is manufactured by laser etching or roughening an area of the electrode's surface. This provides an area to which an insulating stop may be attached. Beneficially, the roughened area provides a good bond between the insulating stop and the electrode, allowing a greater potential use-life for the surgical instrument. Compared to conventional methods, using a laser reduces costs, increases manufacturing flexibility and allows precise control over the creation of the roughened area.
1 . A method of manufacture of an electrode for an electrosurgical end effector, the method comprising:
applying a surface coating to a shim;
laser etching a first area of the shim, wherein laser etching the first area of the shim is performed without using a mask; and
attaching an insulating stop to the shim at the first area, wherein the insulating stop is attached to the shim through a high velocity oxygen fuel coating, HVOF.
2 . The method of manufacture according to claim 1 , where the surface coating is titanium nitride, TiN.
3 . The method of manufacture according to claim 1 , wherein laser etching the first area of the shim comprises locally removing an area of the surface coating.
4 . The method of manufacture according to claim 1 , wherein laser etching a first area of the shim comprises roughening a surface of the first area of the shim.
5 . The method of manufacture according to claim 1 , wherein the insulating stop is a ceramic dot.
6 . The method of manufacture according to claim 1 , wherein the shim forms part of a vessel sealing device.
7 . The method of manufacture according to claim 1 , where the shim includes a longitudinal groove, capable of receiving a blade.
8 . The method of manufacture according to claim 7 , wherein:
laser etching a first area of the shim further comprises laser etching a plurality of areas of the shim; and
attaching an insulating stop to the shim at the first area comprises attaching a plurality of insulating stops to the plurality of areas of the electrode.
9 . The method of manufacture according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of insulating stops are disposed adjacent to the longitudinal groove.
10 . An electrosurgical end effector for an electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
an upper jaw;
a lower jaw attached to the upper jaw in a pivotable manner;
a first electrode attached to inner face of the upper jaw; and
a second electrode attached to the inner face of the lower jaw, wherein the first electrode or the second electrode are manufactured according to the method of any preceding claim .
11 . The electrosurgical end effector according to claim 10 , wherein when the jaws are closed, the insulating stops maintain a separation distance between the upper and lower electrodes.
12 . The electrosurgical end effector according to claim 10 , wherein an electrosurgical radio frequency signal is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, such that when the jaws are closed around tissue, the signal coagulates or seals tissue.