An elongate medical instrument has an operative tip that is translatable and rotatable. A Translation and rotation are effectuated by the same elongate shifter member. The shifter member rotates together with a tubular catheter member about a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The simultaneous rotation enables the user to rotate a rotation control member on a handle assembly so that the operative tip rotates through the same angle as the control member. Where an electrical current is conducted to the operative tip for cauterization purposes, a rotary joint is provided with conductive capability.
