Abstract: An occlusion clamp comprising: (a) an occlusion tongs including a primary spring coupling a first longitudinal arm to a second longitudinal arm, the first longitudinal arm including a first linear occlusion surface configured to be parallel to and overlap a second linear occlusion surface of the second longitudinal arm, each of the first and second longitudinal arms having a free distal end; and, (b) a secondary spring removably coupled to the occlusion tongs.

Abstract: An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and defining an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another and have their fluid passageways in fluid communication. Alternatively, the end effector may comprise four electrically conductive ablation members arranged as two pairs of ablation members, all of the ablation members having internal fluid passageways that are electrically isolated from each other, with the fluid passageways of each of the four ablation members being in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and defining an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another and have their fluid passageways in fluid communication. Alternatively, the end effector may comprise four electrically conductive ablation members arranged as two pairs of ablation members, all of the ablation members having internal fluid passageways that are electrically isolated from each other, with the fluid passageways of each of the four ablation members being in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed in which an elongated shaft is used in conjunction with a separate, remotely actuable tool head for performing a procedure on a target tissue. The shaft has a tool engagement member carried at its distal end that is remotely actuable through the shaft to engage and release the tool head.

Abstract: An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another.

Abstract: An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RE energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and defining an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another and have their fluid passageways in fluid communication. Alternatively, the end effector may comprise four electrically conductive ablation members arranged as two pairs of ablation members, all of the ablation members having internal fluid passageways that are electrically isolated from each other, with the fluid passageways of each of the four ablation members being in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed in which an elongated shaft is used in conjunction with a separate, remotely actuable tool head for performing a procedure on a target tissue. The shaft has a tool engagement member carried at its distal end that is remotely actuable through the shaft to engage and release the tool head.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, such as a scissors, in which the handle and blade members are of a conventional construction. Each blade member supports a detachable cartridge member made of an insulating material and supporting at least one electrode. The cartridge members do not interfere with the cutting engagement of the blade members. Each cartridge member can also permit relative movement between its electrode and associated cutting edge from a first position in which the electrodes are between the cutting edges (when the blades are open) to a second position in which each electrode is behind its respective cutting edge (as the blades are closed).