Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: A device is described which allows simultaneous application of suction or vacuum for evacuation of fat with application of energy to the fat inside an opening in a cannula. A pair of electrodes is situated within the cavity of the cannula just under the surface of cannula tip opening(s) or as part of the walls of such openings. The electrodes are spaced to allow coagulation of fat entering the cannula. Irrigation may be applied in a continuous or discontinuous or intermittent stream within the cannula to cool the tip and facilitate removal of suctioned tissue and prevent buildup of debris on electrodes. A method for using the cannula to remove adipose tissue or fat destroyed by the energy application through the use of suction with mechanical motion of the cannula, with energy application and optionally with the use of irrigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device for simultaneously cutting tissue with a heating element, cauterizing the tissue with sealing elements, and stapling the tissue together. The heating elements comprise bipolar RF electrodes.

Abstract: A device for handling tissue; including: a main body; a pair of opposing arms connected to the main body, the opposing arms having working surfaces thereon; a heating element disposed on one of the working surfaces; and a resistive element wired in parallel with the heating element.

Abstract: A resistance heater for use in a tissue sealing and cutting device, including a tubular heating element adapted to conduct current therethrough; and a thermally conductive electrical insulator disposed within the tubular heating element.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A device is described which allows simultaneous application of suction or vacuum for evacuation of fat with application of energy to the fat inside an opening in a cannula. A pair of electrodes is situated within the cavity of the cannula just under the surface of cannula tip opening(s) or as part of the walls of such openings. The electrodes are spaced to allow coagulation of fat entering the cannula. Irrigation may be applied in a continuous or discontinuous or intermittent stream within the cannula to cool the tip and facilitate removal of suctioned tissue and prevent buildup of debris on electrodes. A method for using the cannula to remove adipose tissue or fat destroyed by the energy application through the use of suction with mechanical motion of the cannula, with energy application and optionally with the use of irrigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for welding suture segments in lieu of tying knots in sutures applied during endoscopic surgery. The devices provide for snaring loose suture ends and drawing the suture ends into a space between heating surfaces, and provide for closing the heating surfaces.

Abstract: A medical device for simultaneously cutting tissue with a heating element, cauterizing the tissue with sealing elements, and stapling the tissue together. The heating elements comprise bipolar RF electrodes.

Abstract: Devices and method for treating various incompetent anatomical valves by thermally damaging the nearby supporting tissue of the body vessel controlled by the valve.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: Ultrasonic forceps adapted for use in open surgical forceps. The device is provided in the form of traditional open surgery forceps or tweezers, and the transmitting rod which transmits ultrasonic vibration from a proximally located transducer to the distally mounted welding horn runs through a lumen in one of the arms of the forceps.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.