Robert L Platt

US Patent:

60397365, Mar 21, 2000

Filed:

Sep 29, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/162796

Inventors:

Robert C. Platt - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Sherwood Services AG - Schaffhausen

International Classification:

A61B 1739

US Classification:

606 49

Abstract:

An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube which extends through a working channel of an endoscope. A pressurized ionizable gas is supplied to the proximal end of the tube and is forced at a rate of greater than 1 liter per minute therethrough. The tube also includes at least one aperture located along the periphery of the tube and an angularly disposed surface located within the tube for redirecting the gas through the aperture and at the tissue. At least one electrode ionizes the gas prior to the gas exiting the aperture.

US Patent:

56699042, Sep 23, 1997

Filed:

Mar 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/399682

Inventors:

Robert C. Platt - Boulder CO
Robin Badih Bek - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Valleylab Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606 27

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for igniting plasma in a surgical system is disclosed. A corona discharge is generated on a surgical handpiece which is used to ignite a plasma arc for surgical operations. The advantages include greater reliability and repeatability of plasma arc ignition. The apparatus comprises a handpiece incorporating an active electrode, a passage for ionizable gas, and a corona return electrode. The corona return electrode has a terminus on the holder and near the distal end of the holder. The corona return electrode is electrically connected to the return path of the electrosurgical generator. A non-uniform electric field is generated between the active electrode and the corona return electrode of sufficient strength so that a corona is formed near the active electrode. A separate return electrode may be on the patient, or the apparatus may be configured for bipolar electrosurgical operation by carrying the return electrode on the handpiece. A dielectric material separates the active electrode and the corona return electrode.

US Patent:

62139991, Apr 10, 2001

Filed:

Sep 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/934843

Inventors:

Robert C. Platt - Boulder CO
Robin Badih Bek - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Sherwood Services AG - Schaffhausen

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606 27

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for igniting plasma in a surgical system is disclosed. A corona discharge is generated on a surgical handpiece which is used to ignite a plasma arc for surgical operations. The advantages include greater reliability and repeatability of plasma arc ignition. The apparatus comprises a handpiece incorporating an active electrode, a passage for ionizable gas, and a corona return electrode. The corona return electrode has a terminus on the holder and near the distal end of the holder. The corona return electrode is electrically connected to the return path of the electrosurgical generator. A non-uniform electric field is generated between the active electrode and the corona return electrode of sufficient strength so that a corona is formed near the active electrode. A separate return electrode may be on the patient, or the apparatus may be configured for bipolar electrosurgical operation by carrying the return electrode on the handpiece. A dielectric material separates the active electrode and the corona return electrode.

US Patent:

56699077, Sep 23, 1997

Filed:

Feb 10, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/386898

Inventors:

Robert C. Platt - Boulder CO
Dale F. Schmaltz - Boulder CO
Steve Buysee - Longmont CO

Assignee:

Valleylab Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606 48

Abstract:

A surgical system has a multiple electrode electrosurgical capability in combination with a gas plasma capability for delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue or bodily fluids of a patient. The system includes a holder, a source of electrical energy, electrodes connected to the source of electrical energy, one or more passages carried on the holder for transporting ionizable gas, and a source of ionizable gas of a selectable flow rate. The gas passages may include at least one electrode extending toward the operative site. The gas passages may include a part that creates a vortex in the gas flow. The electrodes may be coaxially placed in the gas passages. The system may also be configured such that two electrodes are each shrouded by the ionized gas so that the electrosurgical energy is conducted to the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site by passing along conductive pathways in the ionized gas from each electrode. There may also be a dielectric barrier between the conductive pathways. The system may also be configured such that one of the multiple electrodes is substantially in contact with the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site and another of the multiple electrodes is in the circuit through the conductive pathway of the ionized gas flow so that electrosurgical energy is conducted through the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site and between the electrodes.

US Patent:

61463531, Nov 14, 2000

Filed:

Sep 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/158733

Inventors:

Robert C. Platt - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Sherwood Services AG - Shaffhausen

International Classification:

A61B 1700

US Classification:

604 22

Abstract:

A smoke extraction device for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The smoke extraction device includes an elongated body portion defining a first lumen having first and second ends. The first end of the first lumen is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum. A channel portion defining a second lumen is connected to the body portion. The channel portion defines a second lumen and includes an inlet opening which communicates with the first and second lumens. An attachment member is operatively secured to the elongated body portion. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the smoke extraction device to a surgical instrument having a distally extending tool member. The attachment member is positioned on the elongated body such that when the smoke extractor device is releasably secured to a surgical instrument, the inlet opening of the channel portion is positioned below the tool member.