a bioplar sphinctertome for use in endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy procedures includes an elongated , flexible , plastic tube having either a single or a double lumen and includes a segment near its distal end which is both flexible and conductive . this segment is connected by a wire extending through the lumen to a terminal at the proximal end of the device adapted to be coupled to an electrosurgical generator . a second , longitudinally movable wire passes through the lumen and is connected at the proximal end to a finger - operated slide mechanism while its distal end passes through a small aperture formed in the tube just proximal of the flexible conductive segment . that wire is then anchored distally of the flexible conductive segment so that when a tensioning force is applied to the wire , the distal end portion of the instrument will bow , with the exposed wire comprising the active electrode and the flexible conductive segment functioning as the return electrode . a two - piece handle assembly permits the sphinctertome to be treated as a disposable , single - use surgical instrument .