| abstract |
An electrosurgical loop comprising an insulated shaft with an electrical contact at its proximate end and a pair of extending insulated prongs at its distal end. The extending prongs are configured to give the loop a "Y" shape and each end of a thin wire are connected to each prong to provide a wire loop. Disposed over the shaft in longitudinal sliding engagement is a depth gauge comprising a clasp, a longitudinal intermediate portion, and a transverse cross bar. The clasp may be retrofit to an existing electrosurgical loop and permits the removal of the depth gauge from the loop, if desired. The transverse cross bar is wider than the breadth of the wire loop and has a transverse slot oriented in the same plane as the wire loop through which the wire loop passes as the depth gauge is adjusted for various cutting depths. Disposed on the insulated shaft are markings serving as depth indicators to which the depth gauge may be moved slidably to effect cut depth control for the loop. The loop may be constructed by punching a series of shaft blanks from a conductive metal stock, and rolling the electrical contact prior to applying the insulation. Also, prior to applying the insulation, the wire loop can be connected to the shaft blank to maintain the flow of electrical current through the shaft into the wire loop. |