Abstract: Electrode assemblies and handpieces for energy-based treatment systems that utilize an impedance assembly to facilitate impedance matching between the system and a patient. The electrode assembly and/or handpiece may include one or more circuit elements configured to introduce at least one supplemental impedance into an electrical circuit coupling the electrode assembly and handpiece. The supplemental impedance, which is related to the impedance of the treatment system and patient, is introduced when the electrode assembly is coupled with the handpiece.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus and methods for inducing microburn patterns in tissue. The treatment apparatus comprises a delivery device positionable adjacent to the tissue and a plurality of energy-transfer elements. The energy-transfer elements are adapted to contact the skin surface over discrete surface contact areas and transfer energy to the tissue for forming damaged regions in the form of microburns at a corresponding plurality of locations in the tissue. Energy may be transferred between the energy-transfer elements and the tissue by either electrical conduction or thermal conduction. Adjacent microburns are separated by non-damaged regions, which promotes wound healing and efficacy.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies and handpieces for energy-based treatment systems that utilize an impedance assembly to facilitate impedance matching between the system and a patient. The electrode assembly and/or handpiece may include one or more circuit elements configured to introduce at least one supplemental impedance into an electrical circuit coupling the electrode assembly and handpiece. The supplemental impedance, which is related to the impedance of the treatment system and patient, is introduced when the electrode assembly is coupled with the handpiece.

Abstract: An endoscope (22) with an elongated shaft (23) and a light post (58). One or more sensed elements are fitted to the light post. The sensed elements may be magnets (432). The sensed elements may be mounted in an adapter (126) that is removably attached to the light post.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (124) for supplying light to an endoscope (22) from a light source (28). The cable, in addition to including an optically transmissive core (50), includes two conductors (62) that are not in direct electrical contact with each other. Contacts (140, 146) integral with a plug (130) attached to one end of the cable connect the conductors to circuitry internal to the light source. The conductors extend to a switch (384) in a second plug (132) which is closed when a sensor (387) closes the switch to establish an electrical connection between the conductors. The sensor closes the switch when the second plug is connected to an endoscope. The circuit internal to the light source monitors the change in voltage across the conductors to determine if the connection is established. When the connection is not established, the light source places itself in a standby mode reducing the amount of emitted light energy, thus minimizing heating of the light cable, and the second, distal plug.

Abstract: An endoscope system (20) comprising an endoscope (22) with light source (28). A light generated by the light source is supplied to the endoscope by a fiber optic cable (46). The cable in addition to including an optically transmissive core (50), includes two conductors (62) that are not in direct electrical contact with each other. Contacts (70, 71) in a plug attached to one end of the cable attach the conductors to circuitry internal to the light source. Contacts (80, 84) in a plug at the opposed end of the cable also provide at the opposed end of the cable. When the cable is attached to the endoscope, contacts (80, 84) are shorted together so as to complete the circuit established therebetween. This circuit completion state is monitor by the light source. When the cable is disconnected from the endoscope this connection is broken. This disconnect state is recognized by the light source as an endoscope-disconnected condition.