Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for cutting tissue are provided having a cutting element that is biased to facilitate tissue cutting. For example, a surgical device is provided with a handle that has an elongate shaft assembly with first and second jaws for engaging tissue. The surgical device includes a cutting element that is moveable through a slot formed in at least the second jaw for cutting tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting element is biased toward the second jaw such that the cutting element remains within the slot in the second jaw when thick tissue is engaged.

Abstract: A composite membrane, a biosensor, and preparation methods thereof are disclosed. In the preparation process, a moldable and plastic material is used as a carrier; after a dispersion liquid of a nanocarbon material wets the carrier, by means of multiple stretching and folding processes, the nanocarbon material is uniformly distributed and arranged regularly inside the entire plastic material in a stretching strain direction. The prepared composite membrane is elastic, attachable, and cost-efficient, and may detect strains as high as 530%. The composite membrane further has high sensitivity and high durability, and may be effectively applied to a biosensor for monitoring motion and humidity.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various robotic and/or in vivo medical devices having compact joint configurations. Other embodiments relate to various medical device components, including forearms having grasper or cautery end effectors, that can be incorporated into certain robotic and/or in vivo medical devices.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus and method for cutting and resecting a tissue volume is described. The apparatus includes one or more electrosurgical filaments and capture components deployable by forward extension at or near a forward tip of an elongated shaft of the apparatus to form an elliptical path that defines, with the other capture components, a spheroidal receptacle configured to surround a tissue volume for resection. The elliptical path is formable by a first extension followed by a second extension, said first extension having a first axial component and a radial expansion component, and said second extension having a second axial component and a radial contraction component, where at least one of the capture components is of varying stiffness.

Abstract: An electro-surgical pencil with a vacuum for removing surgical plume. On the proximal end of the elongated housing are electrical wires and a vacuum tube. These are connected into a control and a source of vacuum. The distal end has a blade for cutting and coagulation. A vacuum nozzle is positioned about the blade and is translatable in the housing. A push bar control or slider on the housing moves the vacuum nozzle from an on-position where it is connected to the external source of vacuum and leaves the blade substantially exposed. In an off-position, the vacuum tube has a disconnectable joint that has a fitting that is removed from the vacuum tube. The external nozzle in this off-position substantially covers the blade. The push bar control may act as a control of the electrical and vacuum sources. The pencil is sterilized and disposable.