ENDOSCOPIC ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT, ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS COMPRISING SUCH ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT, AND ENDOSCOPIC ELECTROSURGICAL KIT

Abstract

This invention refers to an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a feed structure configured to convey electromagnetic energy from a proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument to a region at a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument, a radiating element arranged in the region at the distal end, the radiating element connected to the feed structure to receive the electromagnetic energy therefrom, the radiating element being configured to radiate the electromagnetic energy into a target area, and an image capturing device arranged in the region at the distal end and configured to generate an image of a part of the target area.

Claims

1. An endoscopic electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a feed structure configured to convey electromagnetic energy from a proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument to a region at a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument, a radiating element arranged in the region at the distal end, the radiating element connected to the feed structure to receive the electromagnetic energy therefrom, the radiating element being configured to radiate the electromagnetic energy into a target area, an image capturing device arranged in the region at the distal end and configured to generate an image of a part of the target area, and an elongated body extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein at least part of the feed structure is printed on an outer surface of the body.

2. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising at least one wire connected to the image capturing device and extending to the proximal end.

3. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the radiating element includes a first electrode and/or a second electrode, wherein the radiating element includes the first electrode and the second electrode spaced apart from each other and exposed to a surrounding of the electrosurgical instrument.

4. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein the first electrode and/or the second electrode have a spiral shape, a ring shape, an arcuate shape, or a hemispherical shape.

5. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the feed structure includes at least one feed wire connected to the radiating element and extending to the proximal end.

6. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the feed structure comprises a silver printed material.

7. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 6, further comprising an insulation sheath surrounding at least part of the feed structure.

8. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein the radiating element and/or the feed structure are arranged in and/or on an instrument sheath placed on the outer surface of the body, wherein preferably the instrument sheath is fixed to the body.

9. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the feed structure includes a coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor coaxially arranged with the inner conductor and electrically insulated from the inner conductor by a dielectric material.

10. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 9, further comprising at least one wire connected to the image capturing device and extending to the proximal end wherein: the at least one wire extends within the dielectric material or the inner conductor is hollow and the at least one wire extends in the hollow inner conductor.

11. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an impedance transformer for matching an impedance of the feed structure to an impedance of a transmission line connected to the feed structure, wherein the impedance transformer is connected to the feed structure at the proximal end.

12. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument is less than 1.5 mm.

13. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an illuminator arranged in the region at the distal end for illuminating the target area.

14. An endoscopic electrosurgical kit, comprising: an image capturing apparatus comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end as well as an image capturing device arranged in a region at the distal end and configured to generate an image of a part of a target area, and a radiating apparatus comprising a tubular instrument sheath, a feed structure, and a radiating element, the feed structure arranged in and/or on the instrument sheath and configured to convey electromagnetic energy from a proximal end of the instrument sheath to a region at a distal end of the instrument sheath, the radiating element arranged in and/or on the instrument sheath in the region at the distal end, connected to the feed structure to receive the electromagnetic energy therefrom, the radiating element being configured to radiate the electromagnetic energy into the target area, wherein the instrument sheath surrounds at least a part of the body and is detachable from the body, and wherein the feed structure is printed on the instrument sheath.

15. An electrosurgical apparatus, comprising: the electrosurgical instrument of claim 1 and a generator for generating electromagnetic energy, the generator being connected to the feed structure.

16. The electrosurgical apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the generator is configured to generate electromagnetic energy in a radio frequency range and/or at a microwave frequency up to 915 MHz.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGSURES

[0089] Embodiments of the invention will be discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Therein,

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an electrosurgical apparatus;

[0091] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical instrument of the electrosurgical apparatus according to FIG. 1;

[0092] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a region at the distal end of an electrosurgical apparatus according to a second embodiment;

[0093] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical instrument according to a third embodiment;

[0094] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the region at the distal end of an electrosurgical apparatus according to a fourth embodiment;

[0095] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 5;

[0096] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a region at a distal end of an electrosurgical kit; and

[0097] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the electrosurgical kit.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an electrosurgical apparatus 10 which comprises an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument 12, a display device 14, and a generator 16. The electrosurgical instrument 12 is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a body of a human or animal, such as a mammal.

[0099] The electrosurgical instrument 12 includes a distal end 18 and a proximal end 20. The distal end 18 of the electrosurgical instrument 12 is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the body. The length of the electrosurgical instrument 12 is preferably such that the proximal end 20 remains outside of the body.

[0100] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may include an elongated body 22 which extends from the distal end 18 to the proximal end 20. The extension of the body 22 or of the electrosurgical instrument 12 defines a longitudinal direction. The electrosurgical instrument 12 includes a radiating element 24 and an image capturing device 26 in a region at the distal end 18.

[0101] The elongated body 22 may have a tubular shape including a central passage in which various components are located as described in the following. The elongated body 22 can be made from a flexible material such as rubber or the like. The elongated body 22 and the electrosurgical instrument 12 are flexible perpendicular to the longitudinal direction such that they can be bent.

[0102] The radiating element 24 is arranged close or near the distal end 18 of the electrosurgical instrument 12 and, in particular, the body 22. The radiating element 24 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation to a target area arranged within the cavity of the body. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiating element 24 is provided for treating, in particular ablating, stimulating, cutting or coagulating, tissue at the target area. For example, the radiating element 24 is configured to emit radio frequency radiation or lower microwave radiation up to 915 MHz.

[0103] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the radiating element 24 includes a ring-shaped first electrode 28 and a ring-shaped second electrode 30 which extend around the perimeter of the electrosurgical instrument 12, in particular the body 22. The first electrode 28 and a second electrode 30 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The first electrode 28 and/or the second electrode 30 may protrude from an outer surface of the electrosurgical instrument 12, in particular the outer surface of the body 22. It is also possible that the first electrode 28 and/or the second electrode 30 are inserted into the electrosurgical instrument 12 such that they do not protrude from the outer surface of the electrosurgical instrument 12. The first electrode 28 and a second electrode 30 may be exposed to the surroundings of the electrosurgical instrument 12. The first electrode 28 and a second electrode 30 are made from a conductive material such as metal.

[0104] The image capturing device 26 is configured for converting optical signals into electrical signals. For example, the image capturing device 26 is capable of imaging a part of the target area and converting the information of the image into an electrical signal or a serious of the electrical signals. These signals may be processed by the imaging device 14 to display the image of the part of the target area.

[0105] The image capturing device 26 is arranged at the distal end 18 or in the region at the distal end 18. This means, all components of the image capturing device 26 are arranged at the distal end 18 or in the region at the distal end 18. For example, no component of the image capturing device 26 is arranged at the proximal end 20 or at the image capturing device 14.

[0106] The image capturing device 26 may be a camera and can include a lens device 32 and an optical sensor 34. The lens device 32 may include one or more lenses, an aperture and/or other devices suitable for imaging. The lens device 32 is preferably configured to project a part of the target area onto the optical sensor 34. The optical sensor 34 is configured to convert the impinging light into electrical signals. The optical sensor 34 may include a plurality of pixels. For example, the optical sensor 34 is a CMOS-sensor.

[0107] In the depicted embodiment, the main optical axis of the lens device 32 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrosurgical instrument 12. Furthermore, the image capturing device 26 is arranged at the distal end 18. However, it is also possible that the main optical axis of the lens device 32 is inclined to the longitudinal direction. More generally, the image capturing device 26 may be configured to image a part of the target area which is arranged at the side of the electrosurgical instrument 12; the image capturing device 26 is configured to look in the radial direction. In this case, the image capturing device 26 may not to be arranged at the distal end 18 but can be arranged close or near the distal end 18.

[0108] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may include a feed structure 36 which, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes two feed wires 38. The feed structure 36 is electrically connected to the radiating element 24. In detail, one feed wire 38 is connected to the first electrode 28 and the other feed wire 38 is connected to the second electrode 30.

[0109] The feed structure 36 is arranged in the passage of the body 22. The feed structure 36 may extend beyond the proximal end 20 of the elongated body 22. The proximal end of the feed structure 36 may include a connector 40 and/or an impedance transformer 42. The connector 40 may be employed for connecting the feed structure 36 to the generator 16.

[0110] The impedance transformer 42 may be provided to match the impedance of a transmission line to the impedance of the feed structure 36. The impedance transformer 42 may be a microstrip impedance transformer. The impedance transformer 42 may also be arranged within the generator 16. The impedance transformer 42 may be configured as described in WO 2018/146160 A1.

[0111] The transmission line may be any line for transmitting electromagnetic energy from the point of generation to feed structure 36 and can include the connector 40. For example, the transmission line may be a feed line arranged within the generator 16.

[0112] The connector 40 may have any form and/or shape which is suitable for connecting the feed structure 36 to the generator 16. For example, the connector 40 may be connected to both the feed wires 38.

[0113] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may include a wire 44 which is connected to the image capturing device 26 and to the display device 14. The wire 44 may be configured for powering the image capturing device 26 and/or for transmitting the electrical signals generated by the image capturing device 26 to the display device 14. Alternatively, a plurality of wires 44 may be provided. The wire 44 is arranged within the passage of the body 22. The wire 44 extends beyond the proximal end 20 of the elongated body 22. The wire 44 may be a thin metal wire.

[0114] The display device 14 may include a processor (not shown in the figures) and/or a display 46. The processor may be configured for processing the electrical signals generated by the image capturing device 26 and transmitted by the wire 44. The processor may be connected to the display 46 which is capable of displaying the image captured by the image capturing device 26.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, the image capturing device 26 may be connected to the feed structure 36 (not depicted in the figures). The image capturing device 26 may be powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the feed structure 26 to the region at the distal end 18. It is also possible that the feed structure 26 is used to transmit the electrical signals generated by the image capturing device 26 to the proximal end 20, for example to the display device 14. In this case, the display device 14 may be also connected to the feed structure 26.

[0116] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may further include an illuminator 48 which can comprise an illumination device 49 as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4. The illumination device 49 may be configured to illuminate at least a part of the target area, in particular the part of the target area which is imaged by the image capturing device 26. The illumination device 49 may include one or more light sources 50 which can be LEDs. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light sources 50 are arranged on the side of the optical sensor 34. The light sources 50 are arranged at the distal end 18. The light emitted by the light sources 50 may directed to the target area by means of the lens device 32. In other words, the lens device 32 is provided for both the illumination device 49 and the optical sensor 34. However, it is possible that the light sources 50 include lens structures for focusing or directing the emitted light onto the target area.

[0117] It is also possible that the light sources 50 are arranged on a side surface of the electrosurgical instrument 12, in particular, if the image capturing device 26 is configured to image the side of the electrosurgical instrument 12.

[0118] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may further include an illumination wire 52 which is connected to the illumination device 49 for powering the illumination device 49. The illumination wire 52 may run parallel to the wire 44 in the passage of the body 22. The illumination wire 52 may extend beyond the proximal end 20 of the body 22. The illumination wire 52 may also be connected to the display device 14. It is also possible that the wire 44 is additionally connected to the illumination device 49 for powering the illumination device 49. Alternatively or additionally, the feed structure 36 is connected to the illumination device 49 for powering the illumination device 49 (not depicted in the figures). In these cases, the illumination wire 52 may be omitted.

[0119] The generator 16 may be configured to generate radiofrequency energy and to feed this energy to the feed structure 36. The provision of the feed wires 38, the wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52 allows to provide an outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument 12 which is below 1.5 mm, preferably below 1.2 mm. Thus, the electrosurgical surgical instrument 12 can be advanced into cavities having a small diameter.

[0120] In use, the distal end 18 of the electrosurgical instrument 12 is inserted into the cavity of the body until the distal end 18 reaches the target area. The advance of the electrosurgical instrument 12 can be monitored by using the image capturing device 26. Similarly, the target area can be examined by using the image capturing device 26. This means, parts of the target area can be displayed on the display 46. If applicable, tissue at the target area may be treated by applying electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiating element 24. For example, radiofrequency energy may be generated by the generator 16 and fed to the radiating element 24 by the feed structure 36. In particular, the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 form a dipole between which the radio frequency electrical field is generated which can be used for cutting tissue. The treatment process may be monitored by using the image capturing device 26.

[0121] The electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIG. 3 corresponds to the electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for the following differences:

[0122] The first electrode 28 and second electrode 30 have a spiral shape whereby the first electrode 28 and a second electrode 30 are intertwined. This means that a section of the first electrode 28 is arranged between two sections of the second electrode 30 when viewed along the longitudinal direction. Conversely, a section of the second electrode 30 is arranged between two sections of the first electrode 28 when viewed along the longitudinal direction.

[0123] The illumination device 49 includes two semi-circular light sources 50 or filaments which are arranged at the distal end 18. The semi-circular light sources 50 at least partially surround the lens device 32. Thus, in this embodiment, the light emitted by the light sources 50 does not directed through the lens device 32.

[0124] The electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIG. 4 corresponds to the electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for the following differences:

[0125] The radiating element 24 is a monopole and not a dipole as with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3. For example, the radiating element 24 solely includes a ring-shaped first electrode 28 which may be used for emitting low energy microwave radiation, for example microwave radiation with frequencies up to 915 MHz.

[0126] The feed structure 36 may include a coaxial cable which comprises an inner conductor 54, an outer conductor 56 and a dielectric material 58 electrically insulating the inner conductor 54 from the outer conductor 56. The inner conductor 54 is coaxially arranged to the outer conductor 56.

[0127] The elongated body 22 may be an electrically insulating cover covering the outer conductor 56 of the coaxial cable. In this embodiment, the shape of the electrosurgical instrument 12 is defined by the outer diameter of the coaxial cable. The inner conductor 54 may be connected to the first electrode 28.

[0128] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the inner conductor 54 is hollow. The wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52 may be arranged inside the hollow inner conductor 54. The arrangement of the wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52 within the hollow inner conductor 54 provides a compact structure resulting in a small outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument 12, for example below 1.5 mm or 1.2 mm.

[0129] Alternatively, not depicted in the figures, the inner conductor 54 is not hollow and the dielectric material 58 is thicker in the radial direction compared to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. In this case, it is possible to arrange the wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52 within the dielectric material 58. Thus, the wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52 are embedded in the dielectric material 58. This also provides a compact structure resulting in a small outer diameter the electrosurgical instrument 12, for example below 1.5 mm or 1.2 mm.

[0130] The electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 corresponds to the electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for the following differences:

[0131] The feed structure 36 is printed on the outer surface of the elongated body 22. The feed structure 36 may be a silver print. The thickness of the print in the radial direction may be in the micrometre or millimetre range. Thus, the provision of the feed structure 36 may not significantly increase the outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument 12.

[0132] It is also possible that the radiating element 24 is printed on the outer surface of the elongated body 22. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the radiating structure 24 includes only the first electrode 28 which is a ring-shaped member. The radiating element 24 may be a narrow printed line. It is also possible, as depicted in FIG. 5, that the radiating element 24 extends over a larger range in the circumferential direction resulting in a broad printed line. This may help to reduce transmission losses. For example, the width of the radiating element 24 may be 10%, 20%, 30% or 50% of the circumference of the elongated body 22.

[0133] The printed radiating element 24 can be exposed to the surrounding of the electrosurgical instrument 12. This may result in that the radiating element 24 is in contact with tissue resulting in leakage of electromagnetic energy. Thus, an insulation sheath 60 may be provided which covers the outer surface of the elongated body 22 at least in that section in which the printed feed structure 36 is provided. The insulation sheath 60 may not cover the radiating element 24.

[0134] The insulation sheath 60 may be made from a flexible electrically insulating material such as rubber. The insulation sheath 60 may have a tubular shape. The insulation sheath 60 may be pulled over the electrosurgical instrument 12 after the application of the printed feed structure 36. The insulation sheath 60 may be fixed to the body 22 by friction. For example, an inner diameter of the insulation sheath 60 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the body 22 such that, upon pulling the insulation sheath 60 over the body 22, the insulation sheath 60 is radially expanded. However, it is possible that the insulation sheath 60 is additionally or alternatively fixed to the body 22 by adhesion.

[0135] The passage of the body 22 does not include the feed structure 36 such that the outer diameter of the elongated body 22 can be made smaller resulting in a reduced outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument 12. In FIG. 6, the outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument 12 is depicted to be the same as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in order to highlight the space freed up by the presence of the printed feed structure 36. In practice, the outer diameter of the electrosurgical instrument 12 will be adapted to the diameter of the wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52.

[0136] The illuminator 48 may be the end of an illumination fibre 61 or a bundle of illumination fibres 61 which can be constituted by optical fibres. The distal end of the illumination fibre 61 may include a lens or lens system for directing the light to the target area. Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 5 to 8, the illumination fibres 61 are connected to the lens device 32. The illumination fibres 61 are arranged in a ring as visible in FIGS. 5 and 7. The ring of illumination fibres 61 may surround the optical sensor 34. The distance between the illumination fibres 61 in the ring may be small (such that the illumination fibres contact each other) as depicted in FIG. 5 or the illumination fibres 61 are more loosely arranged in a ring around the optical sensor 34 as depicted in FIG. 7. The illumination fibres 61 may be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed around the optical sensor 34.

[0137] Each illumination fibre 61 may have an outer diameter of 10 m, 100 m or 500 m. Each illumination fibre 61 may be connected to the display device 14more precisely to a light source, such as a lamp or LED, arranged within the display device. Each illumination fibre 61 guides the light generated by the light source arranged within the display device to the distal end 18 for illuminating the target area.

[0138] Alternatively, not depicted in FIGS. 5 to 8, the illuminator 48 includes the illumination device 49 constituted by a plurality of light sources 50 which are arranged around the lens device 32. For example, four light sources 50 are equally distributed around the lens device 32. The light sources 50 may be arranged at positions corresponding to the illumination fibres 61 as discussed above.

[0139] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict embodiments of an electrosurgical kit 62 which includes an image capturing apparatus 64 and a radiating apparatus 66. The image capturing apparatus 64 may be configured as a conventional endoscopic camera. For example, the image capturing apparatus 64 may include the components of the electrosurgical instrument 12 without the radiating element 24 and the feed structure 36. In particular, the image capturing apparatus 64 is the electrosurgical instrument 12 depicted in FIG. 6 without the radiating element 24 and the printed structure 36.

[0140] The radiating apparatus 66 may include the radiating element 24 and the feed structure 36 of any of the embodiments described above. The difference to the above described embodiments of the radiating element 24 and the feed structure 36 is the radiating element 24 and the feed structure 36 are fixed to an instrument sheath 68. This means the radiating apparatus 66 and the image capturing apparatus 64 are separate components. For example, the radiating apparatus 66 can be retrofitted to an existing image capturing apparatus 64 such as a conventional endoscopic camera. The instrument sheath 68 may be attached to the image capturing apparatus 64 similar to the fixation of the insulation sheath 60 the elongated body 22, for example by means of a friction fit.

[0141] The radiating apparatus 66 of FIG. 7 includes the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30. Unlike the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 have an arcuate, or more precisely a semi-circular, shape. The ends of the first electrode 28 face at the ends of the second electrode 30 while being spaced apart from each other. The first electrode 28 and a second electrode 30 are fixed to an outer surface of the instrument sheath 68. The first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 protrude from the outer surface of the instrument sheath 68.

[0142] The radiating apparatus 66 of FIGS. 7 and 8 includes two feed wires 38 which are respectively connected to the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30. The feed wires 38 are embedded in the instrument sheath 68. The instrument sheath 68 may be made from a flexible electrically insulating material such as rubber. Thus, the feed wire 38 may be electrically insulated by being embedded within the instrument sheath 68.

[0143] However, it is also possible that the feed wires 38 of the radiating apparatus 66 are arranged on an inner surface of the instrument sheath 68. For example, the feed wires 38 are exposed at the inner surface of the instrument sheath 68. The feed wires 38 may protrude from the inner surface of the instrument sheath 68 or are flush with the inner surface of the instrument sheath 68, for example by partly embedding the feed wires 38 into the instrument sheath 68.

[0144] The feed structure 36 of the radiating apparatus 66 may also be printed on the instrument sheath 68, for example on the inner surface of the instrument sheath 68. It is possible that the feed structure 36 of the radiating apparatus 66 solely includes one feed wire 38 or one printed feed structure 36, for example if the radiating element 24 of the radiating apparatus 66 is a monopole.

[0145] The electrosurgical kit 62 of FIG. 8 is identical to the electrosurgical kit 62 of FIG. 7 except for the following difference: the radiating element 24 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 includes the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 in form of two hemispheres. The hemispheres are spaced apart from each other and are attached to the instrument sheath 68. A dome-shaped first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 may be provided instead of the hemispheres.

[0146] The electrosurgical kit 62 can be used instead of the electrosurgical instrument 12. In particular, the outer diameter of the electrosurgical kit 62 and, thus, of the instrument sheath 68 may be below 1.5 mm or 1.2 mm. The electrosurgical kit 62 may be part of the electrosurgical apparatus 10 and can be used in conjunction with the display device 14 and/or the generator 16. The electrosurgical kit 62 may include the illuminator 48 having the features and characteristics as described in conjunction with the electrosurgical instrument 12.

[0147] In an alternative embodiment, the instrument sheath 68 may be permanently fixed to the elongated body 22. In this case, the resulting structure may be regarded as the electrosurgical instrument 12, in which the feed structure 36 and radiating element 24 are arranged in and/or on the instrument sheath 68 while the image capturing device 26, the wire 44 and/or the illumination wire 52 are arranged in the elongated body 22.

[0148] It is also possible that certain components described or depicted in conjunction with one embodiment can be employed with another embodiment. For example, the illuminator 48 of one embodiment can be replaced by the illuminator 48 of another embodiment. Similarly, the shape and form of the radiating element 24 of one embodiment can be replaced by the radiating element 24 of another embodiment. This also applies to the configuration of the feed structure 36.