摘要:
An instrument (10) for use in surgery is provided. The instrument has a heating element (12) with a working surface for providing hemostasis at an auto-regulated temperature. The heating element (12) may be disposed on a flexible elongated shaft (18) for use in endoscopic surgery, or a shorter shaft (18A) for use in open surgical procedures. The working surface may include a tapered edge (11) for providing thermally-enhanced cutting and a non-stick coating for operating the instrument at low auto-regulation temperatures. A process for making such instruments and methods of employing such devices in performing surgery are also described.