Methods and Devices for Electrosurgery

Abstract

Devices and methods for electrolytic electrosurgery wherein a detector is located proximal to an active electrode on an electrosurgical probe, optionally disposed between the active electrode and a return electrode, the detector detecting at least on parameter relating to electrolysis. The detected parameter can include pH concentration, conductivity, impedance, ion, concentration, electrolytic gas consumption, electrolytic gas production, pressure or sound. The detected parameter can be employed in control systems to control systems to control activation or operation of the electrosurgical probe.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for electrosurgery, comprising:
 at least one active electrode for inducing electrolysis in an electrolyzable environment; and   at least one detector proximal to the at least one active electrode for detecting a parameter relating to electrolysis.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detector detects pH concentration. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detector detects conductivity. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detector detects ion concentrations. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detector detects gas production. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the detector detects gas production of oxygen or hydrogen. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detector detects sound. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the detector detects sound at between about 10 kHz and about 600 kHz. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detector detects changes in local pressure. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a return electrode. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the detector is disposed between the at least one active electrode and the return electrode. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a detection circuit for receiving a parameter detected by the detector. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a control circuit providing an output control signal controlling an amount of power output to the at least one active electrode in response to an output from the detection circuit. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein there are at least two active electrodes. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a probe body with a distal end and a proximal end, with at least one active electrode disposed on the distal end. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one detector proximal to the at least one active electrode is located on the probe body. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one detector proximal to the at least one active electrode is located within the probe body. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one detector proximal to the at least one active electrode is located in front of the at least one active electrode. 
     
     
         19 . A method of performing electrolytic electrosurgery on a patient, the method comprising:
 providing a probe having at least one active electrode for inducing electrolysis in an electrolyzable media;   providing at least one detector proximal to the at least one active electrode for detecting a parameter relating to electrolysis;   introducing an electrolyzable media to an anatomical part of the patient;   positioning the active electrode within the electrolyzable media adjacent the anatomical part of the patient;   providing a form of electrical power to the active electrode; and   adjusting at least one operational factor of the probe in response to the parameter detected by the at least one detector.   
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for electrosurgery, comprising:
 a probe with a distal end and a proximal end, with at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode disposed on the distal end, the proximal end forming a handle for holding the probe;   a cylindrical insulating sleeve positioned around the distal end of the probe;   an adjustably positionable actuator disposed on the handle and translatably connected to the cylindrical insulating sleeve, such that the cylindrical insulating sleeve can be longitudinally translated relative to the distal end of the probe, thereby forming a cavity of variable volume about the distal end of the probe; and   at least one detector proximal on the distal end of the probe and within the cavity of variable volume for detecting a parameter relating to electrolysis or oxy-hydro combustion.