Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a forceps having an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. A suction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a microwave applicator comprising forming a body comprising dielectric material so that there is a void in the dielectric material, and depositing conductive material in the void to form a feed for coupling energy into the dielectric material.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing one or more control algorithms. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is operably disposed along a length of the microwave antenna. The plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is disposed in electrical communication with one another and each of the plurality of spaced-apart electrodes has a threshold impedance associated therewith corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps in which one or more pairs of non-resonant unbalanced lossy transmission line structures are arranged on the inner surfaces of the jaws of the forceps provide both (i) active and return electrodes for a radiofrequency (RF) signal, and (ii) lossy structures for delivering a microwave signal into biological tissue in conjunction with a mechanical gripping arrangement for applying pressure to material held within the jaws. The location of the pairs of transmission lines on the jaws of the forceps and the selection of the material of the jaws is arranged to ensure that any biological tissue gripped by the jaws become the propagation medium for the RF signal and the medium into which the microwave signal is lost.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described. The surgical devices can generally include a housing having one or more actuators such as a closure actuator. An elongate shaft can extend distally from the housing and an end effector can be selectively coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The surgical device can include various features that prevent a user from actuating the device when the end effector is not properly coupled to the shaft. More specifically, the housing can include a locking member that can be pivoted or otherwise move relative the housing to cause various internal features of the housing to move to a ready-to-load position. With the locking member and actuator so positioned, an end effector can be loaded onto the shaft and the locking member can be moved from the ready-to-load position to the ready-to-actuate position, thus allowing the closure actuator to be in a ready-to-actuate position.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel microwave antennas wherein the microwave field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas disclosed herein incorporate one or more additional elements called shaping elements that use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field. Such shaping elements may be used to reduce the undesired backward coupling of the emitted microwave field to the transmission line. Such shaping elements may be used to increase the power efficiency of the antenna. The invention also discloses devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy emitted from the antennas for use in applications such as destroying a soft tissue by microwave ablation.

Abstract: A medical device for ablation of a target tissue is disclosed. The medical device includes a catheter assembly attached to a balloon for the ablation of the target tissue. The catheter assembly includes a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly includes a plurality of individual shafts placed concentrically or adjacent to each other. Further, the plurality of individual shafts includes a respective lumen, wherein the lumens of the plurality of individual shafts can be configured to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to an RF transmitter placed inside the balloon and also to serve as the passageway for a fluid to travel within the balloon. The fluid flowing within the lumens of the catheter assembly can further help in expanding the balloon and transferring energy from the RF transmitter within the balloon to the ablation site via a plurality of windows attached.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for the detection, quantification, and/or monitoring of characteristics in samples. The disclosed methods and devices can be used, for example, to identify the presence and location of atrial fibrillation indicators with high spatial resolution. The disclosed methods and devices can even be used to identify the presence and location of atrial fibrillation indicators using non-simultaneously collected data.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping tissue and producing lesions for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in a non-thermal and optimal manner, minimizing the amount of energy required to selectively stun or ablate the target tissues. Energy may be delivered only at the moment(s) of best device position and proximity of an electrode to target tissue, and only during a time in the cardiac cycle determined to be optimal for reversible or irreversible effects. A method may include determining timing of the cardiac cycle and an optimal time within the cardiac cycle for energy delivery, evaluating proximity between at least one energy delivery electrode and the target tissue, and delivering pulsed field energy from the at least one energy delivery electrode to the target tissue when, during the optimal time for energy delivery, the at least one energy delivery electrode is in close proximity with the target tissue.

Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a plurality of body portions aligned along the longitudinal axis and a flexible locking member. The flexible locking member is operable to secure the body portions in relation to each other and in relation to the shaft. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly charging an electrical energy storage device such as secondary electrochemical cell or battery pack of at least two electrically connected secondary cells is described. The system comprises an electrical energy capture circuit and capture coil that is electrically incorporatable with an energy storage device. The system is primarily designed to be used with electrical power that is wirelessly transmitted by near field magnetic induction. The energy transmitting circuit and coil may be incorporated within a container designed to hold or enclose an energy storage device during an autoclave sterilization process. In addition, a wireless energy adapter configured with the energy capture circuit designed to facilitate wireless charging of an energy storage device is disclosed. Furthermore, a cart designed to provide a mobile wireless energy source is disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable wireless lead includes an enclosure, the enclosure housing: one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to a neural tissue; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy, the second antenna being physically separate from the implantable neural stimulator lead; one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna, the circuits configured to: create the one or more electrical pulses suitable for stimulation of the neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes, wherein the enclosure is shaped and arranged for delivery into a subject's body through an introducer or a needle.

Abstract: A system for generating microwave energy includes a microwave generator that generates first and second microwave signals, a transmission line and a dual antenna microwave device. The transmission line transmits the first and second microwave signals to the microwave device. The microwave device includes a first antenna proximal a second antenna and a dual-sided choke positioned therebetween. The first antenna receives the first microwave signal from the transmission line between a first conductor and a second conductor and the second antenna receives the second microwave signal between the second conductor and a third conductor. The dual-sided choke includes a first and a second antenna choke circuit. The first antenna choke circuit limits the propagation of electromagnetic fields generated by the first antenna toward the second antenna and the second antenna choke circuit limits the propagation of electromagnetic fields generated by the second antenna toward the first antenna.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. A proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve is coupled to the inner conductor at a distal end of the coaxial feedline. A distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve is coupled to the inner conductor. First and second dielectric segments are coupled to the inner conductor and disposed between the proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve and the distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve. The device also includes an elongated shaft overlying the proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve, the first dielectric segment, the second dielectric segment and the distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve. The elongated shaft includes an opening defined therethrough, wherein the opening is at least partially aligned with the first dielectric segment.

Abstract: Methods for treating preventing or decreasing the likelihood of a human patient developing hypertension and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods for therapeutic renal neuromodulation that partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in renal nerves proximate a renal blood vessel of a human patient. This reduction in sympathetic neural activity is expected to therapeutically treat one or more conditions associated with hypertension or prehypertension of the patient. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the renal nerves.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating section coupled to the feedline, the radiating section including a dipole antenna and a tubular dielectric loading disposed about the dipole antenna.

Abstract: A surgical system and method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer the electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument, and a power control circuit for controlling the delivery of radio frequency energy to the tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to: deliver the radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less, wherein the non-pulsing power is held constant, the output current is held under 2 Amperes RMS, and the output voltage is held under 100 Volts RMS, the non-pulsing power further causing the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for pulmonary vein isolation, has a distal electrode assembly that can sit stably in an ostium as secured by a plurality of spines and a membrane member. Preshapened and flexible, the spines support the membrane in a concave configuration when the distal electrode assembly approaches the ostium, the spines and membrane member being sized and configured to span across and over the ostium. As the distal electrode assembly is pushed into the ostium, the membrane member elastically deforms, generally turning inside out to expose surface electrodes carried on a contact surface of the membrane member and ring electrodes carried on the spine for contact with the ostium. The membrane member may be inflated. The ring electrodes contact tissue along axial lines of the ostium. The surface electrodes contact tissue along radial lines of the ostium.

Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.

Abstract: A microwave device for the ablation of biological tissues including a coaxial antenna, including an internal conductor, surrounded by a layer of dielectric material, an external conductor coaxial to the dielectric metal tip electrically connected to the internal conductor, and a quarter wave impedance transformer including a sleeve made of dielectric material having a proximal end covered with a layer of metal, the metal extending over nearly a quarter wavelength of electromagnetic field in the dielectric at the operating frequency of the device or of odd multiples of the quarter wavelength, the layer of metal material being connected electrically to the external conductor.

Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.

Abstract: A microwave providing device is provided, which is capable of effectively extending the coagulation range of a treatment target tissue by setting the conditions for intermittently providing microwaves. An output controller controls a microwave generator based on a first efficiency of dielectric heating by microwaves with respect to a cumulative radiation period of microwaves radiated intermittently to a treatment target tissue S and a second efficiency of dielectric heating by microwaves with respect to a cumulative radiation period of microwaves radiated continuously to the treatment target tissue so that microwaves are intermittently radiated at least after a reference cumulative radiation period that is set in advance as a cumulative radiation period at which the first efficiency becomes larger than the second efficiency.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween. A radiating portion is also included having an unbalanced dipole antenna including a proximal portion and a distal portion that are of different lengths. The proximal portion includes at least a portion of the inner conductor and the inner insulator and the distal portion includes a conductive member.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system comprises an ablation source, such as an RF ablation source, configured for generating a common power signal, and a power multiplexor configured for splitting the power signal into first and second power signals, substantially attenuating the second power signal relative to the first power signal to create nominal and attenuated power signals, and sequentially delivering the nominal power signal to each tissue ablation probe, while delivering the attenuated power signal to the remaining ablation probes to which the nominal power signal is currently not delivered.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which comprises, one, a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure and, two, an inspection station for connection to the handle module when the handle module is not being used in a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the motor. The inspection station comprises an inspection station processor circuit that communicates with the handle module processor circuit via a data connection when the handle module is connected to the inspection station. The inspection station further comprises a display in communication with the inspection station processor circuit for displaying information about handle module.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD) for use with a medical lead carrying at least one lead electrode. The AIMD comprises interior electronic circuitry configured for performing a medical function via the medical lead, an electrically conductive case containing the interior electronic circuitry, at least one electrical terminal configured for electrically coupling the electronic circuitry respectively to the lead electrode(s), and an inductive element coupled in series between the electrical terminal(s) and the case. The inductive element is configured for hindering the shunting of electrical current from the at least one electrical terminal to the case that has been induced by electromagnetic interference (EMI) impinging on the medical lead.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ablating tissue in the wall of various organs of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to cure or ameliorate metabolic pathophysiological conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes mellitus are provided. Ablational treatment of target areas may be fractional or partial, rendering a post-treatment portion of target tissue ablated and another portion that is substantially intact. Fractional ablation is achieved by controlling the delivery of ablational energy across the surface area being treated, and controlling the depth of energy penetration into tissue. Surface area control of energy delivery may controlled by the spatial pattern of distributed ablation elements or by the selective activation of a subset of a dense pattern of ablation elements. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A microwave ablation catheter is provided. The microwave ablation catheter includes a coaxial cable connected at its proximal end to a microwave energy source and at its distal end to a distal radiating section. The coaxial cable includes inner and outer conductors and a dielectric positioned therebetween. The inner conductor extends distally past the outer conductor and is in sealed engagement with the distal radiating section. A balun is formed in part from a conductive material electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and extends along at least a portion of the coaxial cable. The conductive material has a braided configuration and is covered by at least one insulative material.

Abstract: Microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing the microwave ablation applicators are disclosed. A microwave ablation applicator includes a feed-line segment, a step-down segment, and a radiator base segment. The feed-line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The step-down segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The radiator base segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric so as to form a feed gap at a distal end of the radiator base segment, a balun dielectric disposed on the third outer conductor, and a balun outer conductor disposed on the balun dielectric.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel microwave antennas wherein the microwave field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas disclosed herein incorporate one or more additional elements called shaping elements that use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field. Such shaping elements may be used to reduce the undesired backward coupling of the emitted microwave field to the transmission line. Such shaping elements may be used to increase the power efficiency of the antenna. The invention also discloses devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy emitted from the antennas for use in applications such as destroying a soil tissue by microwave ablation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a forceps having an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. A suction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device for treating tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and a distal end and configured to deliver energy, a wire extending adjacent the inner conductor and axially translatable relative thereto, the wire including a length and a distal end, a distal tip disposed in mechanical cooperation with the distal end of the inner conductor and the distal end of the wire; and an outer conductor including a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the outer conductor at least partially surrounding the inner conductor and the wire at least partially along their lengths. The distal tip is movable substantially along the longitudinal axis with respect to the outer conductor and relative movement of the distal tip towards the distal end of the outer conductor causes at least a portion of the inner conductor to move away from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.

Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a handle portion, a shaft, and at least one cable. The shaft extends distally from the handle portion and includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the inner conductor. The cable extends from the handle portion along at least a portion of the shaft. The distal tip of the inner conductor is positionable distally beyond a distal-most end of the outer conductor. In response to movement of the at least one cable relative to the handle portion, the distal tip of the outer conductor is movable form a first position wherein the distal tip is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis defined by the outer conductor to at least a second position wherein the distal tip is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.

Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween, and an antenna assembly having a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline. The energy applicator also includes a first balun structure configured to substantially confine energy to the radiating section when the energy applicator is energized and disposed in tissue, and a second balun structure configured to substantially prevent energy emitted from the radiating section from propagating proximal to the second balun structure along the feedline when the energy applicator is energized but not disposed in tissue.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing ablative therapy microwave generators. The tool may be provided with irrigation and/or suction.

Abstract: An ablation instrument having an ergonomic handle that includes an actuator adapted to selectively extend and retract a blade that is pivotably mounted within an aperture assembly coupled to the housing by a shaft. The shaft extends distally from the handle and includes a coaxial feedline, a wire conduit disposed along a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a pull wire disposed within the wire conduit and having a proximal and a distal end, wherein a proximal end of the pull wire is operably coupled to the actuator. The aperture assembly is coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a reflector having a closed upper portion, and an open lower portion from which the blade may be extended for use. Also disclosed is an ablation system that includes the above-described ablation instrument, a source of ablation energy, and optionally, a source of coolant for cooling the shaft and aperture assembly.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween. A radiating portion is also included having an unbalanced dipole antenna including a proximal portion and a distal portion that are of different lengths. The proximal portion includes at least a portion of the inner conductor and the inner insulator and the distal portion includes a conductive member.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a medical device may include a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly may include a sheath having a first lumen. The shaft assembly may also include a rotatable shaft extending through the first lumen. The rotatable shaft may be rotatable relative to the sheath, and may have a second lumen and a side opening. The shaft assembly may also include an electrode extending through the second lumen and the side opening, and radially outwardly from the rotatable shaft. The electrode may be movable relative to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to the electrosurgical generator, includes a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy from the microwave energy source. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is operable for causing the electrosurgical generator to apply at least two pulses of microwave energy.

Abstract: In various instances, the surgical instrument can include a data storage protocol and/or at least one security feature. The surgical instrument can include a locking circuit, for example. In various instances, the surgical instrument can include sensors and/or magnets for detecting various characteristics of the surgical instrument, surgical operation, and/or surgical site. The surgical instrument can require a temporary access code for operating and/or can be selected for connection to an external display. A surgical system can include a first modular component, a second modular component, and a feedback system. The feedback system can include an engagement sensor, which can detect the engagement and/or degree of engagement of the first modular component and the second modular component.