Abstract: A tissue ablation device includes an ablation stem insertable into the working channel of a medical device such as endoscope for radiofrequency ablation of target tissue. The stem includes a sheath, cannula, and ablation wire concentrically disposed within one another. Each of the sheath, cannula and ablation wire are independently controllable by a dedicated positioner located in the handset. An end effector of tines is removably attached to the distal end of the ablation wire and expand radially outwardly when deployed to form a three-dimensional ablation zone. A motor provides repetitive reciprocating vibrations to generate axial displacement of the ablation wire and tines for increased accuracy in insertion into tissue. RF ablation is also provided through the ablation wire and tines. The end effector tines are removable to remain in the target tissue as a fiducial marker for later procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus can comprise a tool which includes a multi-functioning end effector for insertion into a patient, a user control adapted for use by the surgeon external of the patient, and an intermediate section between the end effector and the user control to translate control instructions from the user control through an actuating mechanism to operate the end effector in one of at least two different functioning states. No instrument exchange is necessary to change between states. The actuation mechanism could be a manually operated mechanical mechanism. Alternatively, it could be partially or fully electromechanical or electrical or electronic. According to one aspect, the end effector is a rigid link mechanism. According to another aspect, the end effector could be a compliant mechanism, at least in part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus can comprise a tool which includes a multi-functioning end effector for insertion into a patient, a user control adapted for use by the surgeon external of the patient, and an intermediate section between the end effector and the user control to translate control instructions from the user control through an actuating mechanism to operate the end effector in one of at least two different functioning states. No instrument exchange is necessary to change between states. The actuation mechanism could be a manually operated mechanical mechanism. Alternatively, it could be partially or fully electromechanical or electrical or electronic. According to one aspect, the end effector is a rigid link mechanism. According to another aspect, the end effector could be a compliant mechanism, at least in part.