Abstract: Rongeur and method for removing intervertebral disk tissue from a spinal column of a patient. A pair of bipolar electrodes on an elongated shaft is placed in proximity to the intervertebral disk tissue. Without withdrawing the instrument from the spinal column, the electrodes are activated with a source of RF energy to stiffen the intervertebral disk tissue, a source of saline solution is supplied to the intervertebral disk tissue and the intervertebral disk tissue is grasped with a grasping tool affixed in conjunction with the distal portion of the elongated shaft biting off a portion of the intervertebral disk tissue having been stiffened. The instrument is withdrawn from the spinal column of the patient to remove the portion of the intervertebral disk tissue. The inserting step, the placing, activating, supplying, grasping, and withdrawing steps are repeated until a desired portion of the intervertebral disk tissue has been removed.

Abstract: Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first U-shaped electrode at a distal end of the shaft, and a second blade shaped electrode at the distal end of the shaft. The second electrode includes a spherical distal end. And the second electrode is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by an aperture. In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first electrode at a distal end of the shaft defining an aperture and comprising a pointed tip, and a second electrode disposed at the distal end of the shaft that is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a handle, a shaft distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip adjacent a distal end of the shaft, with the first electrode tip spaced from the second electrode tip and wherein the first electrode tip comprises a first U-shaped electrode and the second electrode tip comprises a second U-shaped electrode, and at least one fluid outlet. In another embodiment, the device may comprise a handle, a shaft distal to the handle, and a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent a distal end of the shaft with the first electrode coplanar with the second electrode and comprising a wire electrode having a U-shape which surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode and is spaced from the second electrode by an aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency energy and a fluid provided from the device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode at the end of a malleable shaft assembly to be hand shapeable by a user of the device, and at least one fluid outlet. The malleable shaft assembly comprises a first shaft and a second shaft, a length of the first shaft and a length of the second shaft in an outer member comprising a polymer, and at least a portion of the first shaft and at least a portion of the second shaft being malleable.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes two assemblies, one of which is the primary assembly intended for a first surgical procedure, such as cutting tissue, and a secondary assembly intended for a second type of electrosurgical procedure, such as tissue coagulation. The secondary assembly fits over the electrode tip of the primary assembly and makes electrical contact with the electrode tip of the primary assembly. This allows for single instrument surgery whereby the secondary (coagulation) assembly provides bleeding control after the primary assembly has cut tissue. This combination significantly reduces operating time. The secondary assembly has a snap fit over the primary assembly so that it may be readily attached and detached several times during any surgical procedure, as the surgeon alternates between cutting tissue and coagulating the resulting incisions using the apparatus.

Abstract: Handpiece for an ablation device has a handle assembly and a tool piece with a plurality of operative elements, each operative for a different ablative purpose and for reconfiguring a handpiece for an ablation device. The handle assembly is configured to repositionably hold the tool piece in first and second orientations by the first and second portions of the handle assembly. The handpiece presents a first of the plurality of operative elements with the tool piece being positioned in the first orientation and wherein the ablation device presents a second of the plurality of operative elements with the tool piece positioned in the second orientation.

Abstract: Rongeur and method for removing intervertebral disk tissue from a spinal column of a patient. A pair of bipolar electrodes on an elongated shaft is placed in proximity to the intervertebral disk tissue. Without withdrawing the instrument from the spinal column, the electrodes are activated with a source of RF energy to stiffen the intervertebral disk tissue, a source of saline solution is supplied to the intervertebral disk tissue and the intervertebral disk tissue is grasped with a grasping tool affixed in conjunction with the distal portion of the elongated shaft biting off a portion of the intervertebral disk tissue having been stiffened. The instrument is withdrawn from the spinal column of the patient to remove the portion of the intervertebral disk tissue. The inserting step, the placing, activating, supplying, grasping, and withdrawing steps are repeated until a desired portion of the intervertebral disk tissue has been removed.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed. The bipolar electrosurgical device includes a handle having a shaft and a distal end. The handle can be coupled to a source of electrical energy and a fluid source. A U-shaped first electrode extends distally in a plane from a pair of openings on the distal end of the shaft. The first electrode is in electrical communication with one of an active pole or a return pole of the source of electrical energy. A longitudinal second electrode extends distally from a middle opening on the distal end of the shaft. The second electrode is coplanar to the first electrode and electrically isolated from the first electrode. The second electrode is in electrical communication with the other of the active pole or the return pole of the source of electrical energy. The second electrode forms a lumen configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid source and a fluid opening for dispersing fluid.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a longitudinal first leg having a first distal tip portion pivotably coupled to a longitudinal second leg having a second distal tip portion. The first and second legs are transitionable between a first position such that the first and second tip portions are spaced apart from each other and a second position where the first and second tip portions are proximate each other. The first tip portion includes a concave face and the second tip portion includes a convex face configured such that the first and second faces oppose each other in the first and second positions and touch each other in the second position. The convex face fits within the concave face in the second position.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a fluid-assisted electrosurgical device. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the first electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, the second electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode have a blade portion.

Abstract: Electrosurgical devices including a shaft, a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes an electrically insulating material covering a substantial portion of the distal end portion and leaving an exposed portion which acts as an active electrode for delivery of electrical energy to tissue. A conduit in the shaft extending to an opening in the distal end portion facilitates aspiration of tissue and may provide suction simultaneous with delivery of electrical energy. Systems include an electrosurgical device, a source of electrical energy and may optionally include a source of suction and/or a source of fluid delivery or irrigation.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrosurgical device is disclosed. Opposing longitudinal clamshells are formed, and each clamshell includes a face having a generally planar major portion. Longitudinal grooves are formed in a clamshell, and an electrical conductor in a disposed in a groove. The faces are aligned to form an electrical passage including the electrical conductor in the groove and a spaced-apart fluid passage with another groove. The clamshells are welded together to form a shaft member such that the electrical passage and the fluid passage are fluid tight along a major longitudinal portion of the shaft. Electrodes are attached to the distal end of the shaft and are in electrical communication with the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the first electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, the second electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode have a blade portion.

Abstract: Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cutting and sealing of tissue such as bone and soft tissue. Devices, systems and methods include delivery of energy including bipolar radiofrequency energy for sealing tissue which may be concurrent with delivery of fluid to a targeted tissue site. Devices include debridement devices which may include a fluid source. Devices include inner and outer shafts coaxially maintained and having cutters for debridement of tissue. An inner shaft may include electrodes apart from the cutter to minimize trauma to tissue during sealing or hemostasis. Devices may include a single, thin liner or sheath for electrically isolating the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: Surgical devices for treating tissue are provided. Also provided are systems for treating tissue and methods of treating tissue. An exemplary surgical device has a handle, a fluid passage connectable to a fluid source, a tip portion and a distal end. The tip portion can simultaneously provide RF power and conductive fluid to tissue. The tip portion includes an electrode having a domed portion having a domed surface and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical surface. The domed portion is located distal to the cylindrical portion and occupies at least a portion of the distal end of the surgical device. The device includes a fluid outlet opening in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the fluid outlet opening configured to provide the conductive fluid to a surface of the electrode proximal to the distal end surface of the surgical device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical scissors comprising an end effector comprising a first blade member and a second blade member, the first blade member and the second blade member pivotally connected; an electrical connector configured to couple the scissors to a power source; and a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one fluid outlet.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a tubular shaft defining a shaft lumen, and a tubular electrode defining an electrode lumen, the electrode being coupled to the shaft. In a straight configuration, the electrode is configured to retain fluid within the electrode lumen, and, in a bent configuration, the electrode is configured to release fluid from within the electrode lumen to an exterior of the electrode.

Abstract: Electrosurgery method and apparatus. In the method, tissue is cut or coagulated, with an electrically low conductive liquid providing cooling. In another method, skin is cut by electrosurgery in a dry field using a low duty cycle signal energizing the cutting electrode, minimizing tissue charring. A combination coagulation and cutting electrode performs both functions. The cutting is performed by a blade edge generating a local plasma adapted for cutting. Superimposed on the blade edge is an electrode of greater surface area electrically insulated from the cutting electrode, for coagulation. In another version, a single component cutting/coagulation blade (electrode) has a cutting and a flat partially insulated portion defining through holes in the insulation for coagulation. Also provided is an electrical circuit whereby each electrode is isolated by a filter from cross talk and feedback of the RF signal from the other electrode, minimizing arcing.