Patent attributes
One surgical device includes a first member and a second member defining a lumen for receiving the first member. The first member is configured to be movable relative to the second member to cut tissue. An electrical connector is physically and electrically coupled to the second member, to electrically couple the second member to a source of electricity. A tension device holds a distal region of the first member in electrical contact with a distal region of the second member. The first member includes a blade used both to cut tissue mechanically, and to coagulate cut tissue. The blade is electrically conductive and serves as an active electrode in a bipolar arrangement with a return electrode. Electrical energy is transferred to the blade through a point contact at a distal tip of the first and second members.