Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument comprises a body, first and second opposed jaws located at the distal end of a shaft, the first jaw being movable with respect to the second jaw between an open position in which the first and second jaws are spaced apart from one another, and a closed position in which the first and second jaws are adjacent one another. The first and second elongate jaw members have respective first and second electrodes. A controller is operable to detect a short circuit between the first and second electrodes when in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide birth control or sterilization, where such birth control/sterilization can be short term, long term, or permanent.

Abstract: An end effector assembly of a surgical system includes a blade and a jaw member movable relative to the blade between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for clamping tissue. The blade defines a first width and the jaw member defines a second width wider than the first width. The jaw member defines a first side facing the blade and a second side facing away from the blade. A marking is formed on the second side of the jaw member facing away from the blade. The marking defines a third width substantially equal to the first width of the blade to allow a surgeon to visualize a width of the blade when the blade is not visible.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus includes a spiral electrode and an interface circuit. The spiral electrode is disposed on a distal end of a probe for insertion into a body of a patient. The interface circuit is configured to (a) transfer a radiofrequency (RF) ablation signal to the electrode for ablating tissue in the body, (b) output a voltage that develops across the electrode in response to an external magnetic field, for measuring a position of the distal end in the body, and (c) transfer electrical current through the electrode for measuring a resistivity that is indicative of tissue temperature in a vicinity of the electrode.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector including a clamp jaw, a drive member extending distally from the housing, and a clamp lever pivotably coupled to the housing. The drive member is operably coupled to the clamp jaw such that translation of the drive member pivots the clamp jaw from an open position towards a clamping position. The clamp lever is operably coupled to the drive member via a rigid slider. The clamp jaw is configured to provide a jaw force to clamped tissue, measured at about 0.192 inches from a distal end of the clamp jaw, of from about 1 lbf to about 8 lbf in response to a full actuation of the clamp lever.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide extending through a body assembly. An ultrasonic blade connects to the ultrasonic waveguide. A clamp arm assembly of the surgical instrument is able to move from an opened position for receiving a tissue toward a closed position for clamping the tissue. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp body and a clamp pad facing the ultrasonic blade. A clamp arm actuator of the surgical instrument is able to move from a first position toward a second position to direct the clamp arm assembly from the opened position toward the closed position. A modular coupling of the surgical instrument connects to the clamp pad such that at least the clamp pad can be disconnected relative to the ultrasonic blade for replacement thereof.

Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments including a handle housing, a switch frame, and a switch assembly are disclosed. The switch assembly may include a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame. The switch assembly may further include a second switch arrangement including a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame, and a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame. The first and second switch arrangements may be configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a shaft assembly and an end effector having an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a clamp pad. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled with the shaft assembly. The clamp pad is configured to removably couple with the clamp arm while the clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the shaft assembly. The clamp arm includes a mortise and a pair of support gussets. The clamp pad includes a tenon and a pair of resilient projections where the tenon engages the mortise of the clamp arm and the projections contact the support gussets of the clamp arm.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a radiofrequency (RF) generator having a controller configured to detect an occurrence of a vaporization point of target tissue and a vaporization duration between commencement of delivery of the RF energy and the occurrence of the vaporization point. The controller can apply the vaporization duration to adjust a parameter during subsequent electrode activation, such as RF power level, an electrode activation sequence, a distance between activated electrodes, and a number of activated electrodes. The controller can apply the vaporization duration to determine if whether a predetermined depth of effect has been reached for use in subsequent parameter adjustments.

Abstract: Vaporization electrodes having functional surfaces with non-smooth semispherical shapes, and electrosurgical devices equipped therewith. The electrodes include a base oppositely disposed from its functional surface. The non-smooth semispherical shape of a functional surface is defined by a plurality of individual planar and/or cylindrical surfaces that intersect each other to define edges therebetween.

Abstract: RF tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the RF tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end, first and second jaws at the distal end, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to apply intra and inter RF energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use, and a connector at the proximal end for operatively connecting to a RF energy source. Also provided are systems that include an RF tissue ablation device operatively coupled to a RF energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in RF tissue ablation applications, including cardiac applications.

Abstract: A grasping treatment instrument includes a sheath, a first grasping piece provided at a distal end of the sheath, a second grasping piece and a movable member. The second grasping piece is connected to the sheath at a first rotation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The movable member is connected to the second grasping piece at the second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and is configured to move along the longitudinal axis. The first rotation axis is configured to move within the sheath or the second grasping piece in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis. The second rotation axis is configured to move within the movable member or the second grasping piece in a plane perpendicular to the second rotation axis.

Abstract: An apparatus or device for performing cold atmospheric plasma procedures. The device or apparatus has a housing, a chamber within the housing, an entry port to the chamber, a plurality of exit ports from the chamber, and a plurality of electrodes mounted in the housing, each of the plurality of electrodes having a distal end adjacent one of the plurality of exit ports. The entry port, chamber, exit ports and plurality of electrodes are configured to provide for an inert gas flowing in the entry port and through the chamber to the exit port to become plasmatized by electrical energy applied to the plurality of electrodes to form a cold plasma flowing from the exit ports.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for enhancing mechanical strength of tissue, allowing direct and secure access to cardiac and vascular structures, either through tiny incisions or percutaneously. The method for accessing a cardiac chamber or a vascular conduit may include providing an access channel into tissue of the chamber or the conduit. The method may also include providing an energy-transducing element configured to provide heat within the access channel. The method may further include applying energy to the tissue or a tissue-stabilizing composition injected into, around, or adjacent to the tissue to mechanically enhance the access channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising a transducer base plate, first and second piezoelectric elements positioned on opposite faces of the transducer base plate. The transducer base plate is coupled to a waveguide. The waveguide is electrically coupled to the first and second piezoelectric elements by a conductive adhesive. The first and second piezoelectric elements are electrically coupled to an ultrasonic signal generator through an electrode. A thermal conductor conducts thermal energy away from the first and second piezoelectric elements. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such an ultrasonic surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a surgical device actuatable for performing a surgical procedure, the device having an electrically conductive portion, and an ion-generating electrode integrally arranged with respect to the surgical device, the ion-generating electrode having an ion emission zone. The ion emission zone of the ion-generating electrode and the electrically conductive portion of the surgical device are moveable relative to each-other between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods that include: supplying energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand, the supplying energy to the active electrode by an electrosurgical controller; monitoring an electrical parameter associated with the energy; and determining, based on the electrical parameter, the presence of a wand condition of the electrosurgical wand, the wand condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: a surface area of the active electrode is less than a predetermined threshold surface area; the surface area of the active electrode is approaching the predetermined threshold surface area; and that the electrosurgical wand is affected by a blockage.

Abstract: This document provides devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions. For example, this document provides devices and methods for detecting heart rotors such that effectively targeted cardiac fibrillation treatments can be provided.

Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments including a handle housing, a switch frame, and a switch assembly are disclosed. The switch assembly may include a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame. The switch assembly may further include a second switch arrangement including a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame, and a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame. The first and second switch arrangements may be configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing.

Abstract: A method monitors an energy transmission device, in particular an energy transmission line or an energy distribution network, via which electric current is transmitted at a predefined network frequency. An electrical measurement signal having at least one non-network frequency, i.e. a frequency which differs from the network frequency, or a non-network frequency band, is fed into the energy transmission device at a predefined position thereon. An electrical measured quantity related to the non-network frequency or the non-network frequency band is measured at the predefined position or a different position on the energy transmission device with the formation of at least one measured value or frequency-band-related measured value characteristic.

Abstract: An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, an irrigation member positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade, and a second fluid port in communication with the irrigation member. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a multimode electrosurgical system having an electrosurgical instrument with a first electrode configuration that operates in a bipolar mode and second electrode configuration that operates in a monopolar mode. In other embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to an instrument and system that provide multiple modes of surgical and/or therapeutic treatments, at least one being an electrosurgical mode of treatment, the instrument including at least one active electrode on a working portion, and the working portion including or supporting at least one non-electrosurgical functional element, the instrument including at least one operational return electrode configuration of selectively variable surface area.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device includes a handle body, an ultrasonic waveguide engaged with the handle body and extending distally therefrom and including a proximal end portion disposed at the handle body, an ultrasonic generator releasably engagable with the handle body and including a first set of contacts, and an ultrasonic transducer releasably engagable with the handle body independently of the ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic transducer includes a distal end portion configured to engage the proximal end portion of the ultrasonic waveguide and a second set of contacts configured to electrically couple to the first set of contacts.

Abstract: A pad configured to attach to a jaw of a surgical clamp includes an elongate body configured to extend over a surface of a jaw of a surgical clamp; and a flexible elongate attachment member connected to said body and configured for slidable insertion in a loading direction into an elongate cavity extending longitudinally through said jaw, wherein the elongate body has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be inserted first into the cavity, and further comprising a direction indicator to identify which end is first inserted into said cavity. A surgical clamp utilizing the pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hemostasis instrument for actively stopping the bleeding, in particular after an open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic operation on a patient, having several hemostasis components. The hemostasis instrument has at least the following hemostasis components: a thermal hemostasis device for tissue coagulation by producing a temperature above the coagulation temperature of biological tissue by means of a coagulation electrode; a biochemical hemostasis device for producing a silent electric discharge by means of at least one discharge electrode, and an insulating device, wherein the insulating device is arranged between the discharge electrode and the tissue to be treated; a supplying device for supplying substances that influence blood clotting to the tissue to be treated; and a supply device for supplying noble gas to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer stem cells with cold atmospheric plasma using a cold atmospheric plasma system The method comprises the steps of placing an exit port of a cold plasma delivery device 5 cm or less from target cancer stem cells, flowing the inert gas from the source through the housing at a flow rate of 5-10 ml/minute, applying electrosurgical energy of 2-5 kV at a frequency of 20-35 kHz to at least one of the central electrode and the ring electrode to produce a cold plasma jet from the exit port, directing the cold plasma jet onto the target cancer stem cells, and applying the cold plasma jet onto the target cancer stem cells for at least 2 minutes. In a preferred embodiment the inert gas is helium.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: Cartilage and other tissues are treated by generating a plasma in an interior space of a probe and exposing the tissue to the plasma. The plasma is released through a gap in a working end of the probe.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector including an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. A firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. A firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical power and an electrosurgical device coupled to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical device includes a transformer and one or more active electrodes coupled thereto, wherein the transformer is adapted to step down the voltage of the power supplied by the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed for gripping and holding electrically conductive, textile materials. The gripping apparatus includes a gripping device which has a gripping face for gripping and holding the textile material. With the aid of an electrical contact device, electrodes can be brought into contact with the textile material in order to bring about a current flow in the textile material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering an electropermeabilizing pulse of electric energy to a tissue surface to enable delivery into cells in the tissue therapeutic substances. The device incorporates a source capable of generating a sufficient voltage potential to deliver a spark across a gap and delivers same to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument has a handle assembly. The handle assembly has a trigger operatively coupled to a firing plate, an energy button configured to deliver energy to at least one electrode, a lockout element operatively coupled to the energy button, the lockout element configured to prevent operation of the firing plate, and a lockout disabling mechanism configured to disable the lockout element, the lockout disabling mechanism operable between a first position and a second position. When the lockout disabling mechanism is located in the first position, the lockout element is enabled and can be unlocked by the energy button, and wherein when the lockout disabling mechanism is in the second position, the lockout element is disabled.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a shield member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is movable toward the ultrasonic blade to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is selectively movable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the clamp arm toward the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is configured cover at least a first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The shield member is configured to uncover the first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the second position.

Abstract: A microwave applicator for insertion into living body tissue for use in microwave coagulation and ablation treatments includes a microwave transmission line extending between an attachment end of the applicator and an antenna toward an insertion end of the applicator with an outer conductive sleeve forming an enclosed fluid space around the transmission line. A fluid circulation system circulates fluid in the fluid space. A portion of or all of the circulating fluid can be injected into tissue that surrounds the applicator body from approximately the proximal end of a desired heating zone produced by microwave energy radiated from the antenna along the applicator body toward the proximal end of the applicator to hydrate and wet the tissue outside the proximal end of the desired heating zone to reduce the drying of this tissue and limit extension of the heating and ablation zone proximally along the applicator body.

Abstract: A medical device for treating and analyzing tissue includes a plasma applicator having a housing. The housing includes a substantially tubular shape and defines a lumen therethrough. The lumen is in fluid communication with an ionizable media source configured to supply ionizable media thereto. The applicator also includes one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The electrodes are adapted to couple to a power source configured to energize the electrodes to ignite the ionizable media to form a plasma plume for treating tissue. The device also includes an effluent-collection attachment coupled to the plasma applicator. The effluent-collection attachment is configured to collect a portion of a plasma effluent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment device for occluding a body lumen, including: a hollow shaft which can be inserted into the body lumen; a flat portion forming section which has a pair of arms inserted in the shaft, the arms capable of being protruded from and retracted into a distal end opening of the shaft and expandable widthwise, and which deforms the body lumen into a form having a flat portion as the pair of arms is expanded within the body lumen; and a heating section which is extendable and contractible in a width direction of the flat portion forming section, is extended as the pair of arms is expanded within the body lumen, and heats the flat portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to be coupled to a transducer configured to produce vibrations. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade, a protective sheath, and outer tube and an aperture. The ultrasonic blade extends along a longitudinal axis of the end effector and is configured to be coupled to a transducer. The protective sheath extends at least partially around the ultrasonic blade. The outer tube extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. The aperture defines a channel extending at least partially through the end effector along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Multi-electrode ablation systems, methods, and controllers are described. In one example, a method of beginning an ablation procedure using a multi-electrode ablation system is described. The method includes selectively coupling the output of a power supply to a first electrode of a plurality of electrodes to increase a temperature at the first electrode to a first temperature set-point and limit a rate of increase of the temperature at the first electrode to a predetermined first rate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical power and an electrosurgical device coupled to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical device includes a transformer and one or more active electrodes coupled thereto, wherein the transformer is adapted to step down the voltage of the power supplied by the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a feedback system. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other one of the first jaw and the second jaw to transition the end effector during a closure stroke between an open configuration, a first approximated configuration, and a second approximated configuration. The feedback system includes an indicator, the indicator transitionable between a first indicator position, a second indicator position, and a third indicator position, wherein the indicator is in the first indicator position when the end effect is in the open configuration, wherein the indicator is in the second indicator position when the end effector is in the first approximated configuration, and wherein the indicator is in the third indicator position when the end effector is in the second approximated configuration.

Abstract: A thermal ablation probe having one or more sensors for sensing at least one tissue parameter, such as temperature, fluctuation in temperature change, and/or rate of temperature change. The thermal ablation probe includes an elongated shaft and a head portion at a distal end of the elongated shaft. The head portion includes a sensing system having sensors for sensing the tissue parameter. The head portion further includes one or more antennas configured to apply energy to tissue. The proximal end of the thermal ablation probe is configured for removable engagement with a thermal ablation system. The one or more sensors form at least one thermal ablation probe array or sensing platform. The array(s) can be in operative communication with a control system for controlling the operation of the thermal ablation system in accordance with the at least one tissue parameter.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a pair of holding members, a high-frequency energy output section, a heat generating section and a control section. At least one of the pair of holding members moves to the other holding member. The high-frequency energy output section and the heat generating section are provided on at least one of the holding members. The high-frequency energy output section exerts high-frequency energy to a living tissue to denature the living tissue, and collects the biological information of the living tissue. The heat generating section applies heat to it held between the holding members, generates the heat owing to the supply of the energy, and conducts the heat therefrom to denature the living tissue. The control section controls the output of the energy to the high-frequency energy output section and the heat generating section based on the biological information collected by the high-frequency energy output section.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed within the first fluid conduit, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes one or more electrically-conductive plates adapted to connect to a source of energy for supplying energy to tissue to treat tissue, a temperature sensing element, and a thermal spread control assembly coupled to the temperature sensing element. The thermal spread control assembly is configured to determine a flow rate of heat energy across the temperature sensing element and to control the energy applied to the electrically-conductive plate and/or control active cooling of the temperature sensing element in accordance with the determined flow rate of heat energy.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a housing, at least one electrical contact, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, and a user interface supported by the housing. The user interface includes visual and audible feedback elements, wherein the state of the instrument can be determined by the state of the visual and audible feedback elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a cartridge assembly to couple a tissue treatment device with an electrosurgical unit, with the cartridge assembly operable with a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. The invention also provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus operable with the cartridge assembly and a system thereof.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for delivering energy to a body of a human or animal during a treatment procedure using an electrosurgical generator, a pre-set overall procedure time being defined for the treatment procedure, a ramp time being defined for a parameter to reach a pre-set threshold during the treatment procedure, the method comprising: measuring the parameter over time; and if the parameter has not substantially reached the pre-set threshold by the ramp time, setting a procedure extension time responsive to the time difference between the ramp time and the time at which the pre-set threshold was reached, and extending the overall procedure time by the procedure extension time.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing, a shaft affixed to the housing, and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end of the shaft. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member from a first position to a second position for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force a drive flange of the movable handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move the jaw members from the first position to the second position. The forceps is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween.