Abstract

A method and apparatus for electrosurgically resectioning the soft palate of a horse includes an elongated, semi-rigid, yet forceably flexible, shaft which carries an electrical conductor over its length. The shaft has a bight at one end across which the conductor is extended as a thin wire in an exposed, cutting position. At its other end the shaft is connected to a pistol-grip switch handle. A three-position toggle switch is mounted in the handle and connected to the conductor. The toggle switch can be placed in either a coagulating or cutting mode position.In practicing the method using the described apparatus, the bight-carrying end of the shaft is inserted in one of the nasal passageways of a horse suffering from a reduction in breathing inhalation capacity as a result of a partial occlusion of the windpipe by unnatural displacement of the soft palate. An illuminating endoscope is inserted in the other nasal passageway. Both shaft and endoscope are advanced into the respective nasal passageways until the endoscope shows the bight to be positioned over the displaced soft palate. The handle is then manipulated to bring the wire section of the conductor crossing the bight into contact with the center of the soft palate. The instrument is then placed in a cutting status by proper manipulation of the toggle switch. The palate is cut through in a resectioning step, followed by a coagulating step effected by shifting of the toggle switch.