Abstract: A biomedical polymer composite that exhibits ultra-low thermal conductivity properties. In a preferred embodiment, the biomedical polymer composite comprises a base polymer component with a dispersed thermally non-conductive filler component consisting of glass or ceramic nanospheres or microspheres that have a thermal conductivity of less than 5 W/m-K, and preferably less than 2 W/m-K. In one embodiment, the polymer composite has an electrically conductive filler and can be used in a filament for treating arteriovascular malformations. In another embodiment, the polymeric composite can be used as an energy-coupling means to apply energy to tissue.

Abstract: Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils include a lighting device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: forceps including: (i) a first working arm having a contact surface and (ii) a second working arm having a contact surface; wherein the forceps has a first electrical configuration where the contact surface of the first working arm and the contact surface of the second working arm are substantially opposite each other so that the contact surfaces of the forceps can be used to grip an item between the working arms and so that the forceps is configured to deliver a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both; and wherein the forceps has second electrical configuration where the contact surface of the first working arm and the contact surface of the second working arm are askew relative to each other and an electrode edge is formed on at least one side of the forceps so that a second therapy current extends from the electrode edge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a handle assembly. The end effector includes a movable jaw and a cutting element slidably movable within the end effector. The handle assembly includes an energy button configured to deliver energy to at least one electrode located in the end effector, a trigger plate operably coupled to a jaw closure mechanism, the trigger plate configured to close the movable jaw, a firing plate operably coupled to a cutting element drive mechanism. The firing plate is configured to drive the cutting element independently of the jaw closure mechanism. The cutting element drive mechanism is configured to close the movable jaw when the cutting element is driven. The handle assembly further includes a trigger operatively coupled to the trigger plate and the firing plate. The jaw closure mechanism and the cutting element drive mechanism are configured to simultaneously close the movable jaw.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a loop vascular device and a method to retrieve said device from the body vessel of a patient. The loop vascular device comprises a loop having a first portion extending distally to a first bar, and a second portion extending distally to a second bar. In a close state of the loop, the first and second bars are maintained or housed inside a first cannula. The first cannula may be in contact with a second cannula. Upon desiring to open the loop, the physician may separate the first cannula from the second cannula, allowing the bars to exit the first cannula and disconnect from each other, defining the open state of the loop. In the open state, the loop may be easily retrieved through any ingrowth in the body vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft, an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a deployable assembly movable relative to the end effector assembly between a storage position and a deployed position, and a selector assembly. The selector assembly includes a selector member extending from the housing. The selector member is translatable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the second position of the selector member, the selector member is rotatable relative to the housing for transitioning the selector assembly between a first state, wherein the selector member is decoupled relative to the deployable assembly, and a second state, wherein the selector member is coupled to the deployable assembly such that movement of the selector member from the second position to the first position effects movement of the deployable assembly from the storage position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A tissue ablation probe comprises an electrically conductive probe shaft, at least one electrode, and an electrically insulative sheath disposed on the probe shaft. The insulative sheath has thickened regions forming alternating ribs and depressions that longitudinally extend along the probe shaft. The ribs allow the ablation probe to be delivered through a tightly toleranced delivery device. While the ribs may shear off during the delivery process, the underlying probe shaft will remain covered by the remaining portion of the insulative sheath. The tissue ablation probe may be used in a tissue ablation assembly that additionally comprises a delivery cannula having a lumen in which the tissue ablation probe may be removably disposed. In this case, the sheath has an outer periphery having a size substantially the same as the diameter of the lumen, so that the inner surface of the delivery cannula cooperates with the depressions to create lumens that longitudinally extend within the cannula.

Abstract: A tissue closure system includes a sheath and a tissue closure device. The sheath includes a tensioner assembly. The tissue closure device is insertable through and connected to the sheath, and includes an expandable member positionable distal of a distal end of the sheath. Operating the tensioner assembly applies a biasing force to the tissue closure device that withdraws the expandable member.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering fluid to tissue during ablation therapy are described herein. An exemplary device can include an elongate body having an inner lumen, outlet ports, and an ablation element configured to heat tissue. A flow resistance of the elongate body can increase along a length of the elongate body containing the outlet ports in a proximal to distal direction. This can be accomplished by, for example, varying outlet port size or relative spacing, decreasing a cross-sectional area of the inner lumen through which fluid can flow using a flow diverter or tapered inner lumen sidewalls, or limiting a ratio between a total area of the outlet ports and a cross-sectional area of the inner lumen. Adjusting flow resistance of the elongate body can provide more uniform fluid distribution or a desired non-uniform distribution.

Abstract: An ablation electrode is mounted on the distal end of a catheter with a first portion inside and a second portion outside the catheter. The second portion is adapted to have a surface that makes maximum contact with a tissue to be ablated, leaving a minimum area not covered by the tissue and potentially exposed to blood. The first portion is adapted to provide an extended surface area for efficient exchange of heat with a coolant flowing inside the catheter. Outlets provided near the area not covered by the tissue in the second portion prevents blood from getting close to or come directly in contact with the area, thereby greatly reducing formation of dangerous blood clots. The minimizing of an electrical circuit through blood greatly reduces wasted power into the electrode so that the efficiently cooled electrode is not burdened. The catheter preferably has multiple electrodes with similar features.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: a first working arm, and a second working arm; (b) a blade; (c) one or more sliders that move along the forceps between at least a first position and a second position; (d) a first activation button; and (e) a second activation button; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between: (A) a first configuration wherein: the first working arm and the second working arm are free to move in a direction towards each other so as to grasp tissue therebetween, the blade is retracted within a distal end of the first working arm and a distal end of the second working arm, and the first activation button is configured to produce a first therapy signal; and (B) a second configuration wherein: the first working arm and the second working arm are secured together to prevent movement in a direction towards each other, and the blade is extended so that a distal end of the blade is substantially flush with the distal end of the first working a

Abstract: Medical methods and devices for treating aortic dissections. A catheter-based cutting device permits cutting a septum of acute or chronic aortic dissections, in a retrograde manner. The catheter includes a base section having a central lumen therethrough, two flexible arms extending from a distal end thereof, where each arm has a channel therethrough for a passage of a guide wire. With distal ends of the two flexible arms separated, the two arms form a Y-shape with the base section. With distal ends of the two flexible arms together, the two arms have a longitudinal profile, about a periphery thereof, identical to a longitudinal profile of the base section. A non-mechanically actuated cutting component resides between the two arms in a vicinity of the distal end of the base section. The cutting component faces distally outward between the two arms with the distal ends of the two flexible arms separated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a bifurcated distal end defining a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. An end effector assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members defines an opposed jaw surface and is independently coupled to one of the first and second shaft portions. The first and second shaft portions are configured to flex relative to one another during movement of the jaw members to the closed position to grasp tissue therebetween such that the opposed jaw surfaces of the jaw members are disposed in substantially parallel orientation relative to one another when grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: The patent is relative to a new instrument for single access laparoscopy that tries to overcome the limits of the present instrumentation used in this technique, that usually allows to use only one forceps, which does not allow to keep the tissues tenses to work with the surgical instrument. To overcome this limitation, the proposed instrument presents two arms, arranged in parallel presenting a diameter equal to half of the main body in the opening direction of the same, while in the direction perpendicular to this these arms can have an higher diameter, provided its shape be entirely circumscribed by the external dimension of the initial body, and each bearing at the tip a forceps, which may be mounted directly on the arms or on two auxiliary arms. The internal mechanism allows opening the two arms, not necessarily in the plane of rotation of the control rings, while the forceps bend toward the inside, keeping their configuration, being all this controlled by a single command.

Abstract: A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of resected tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B), the bipolar electrosurgical assembly being adapted to cut tissue preferentially in the first circumferential region (A) as compared with the second circumferential region (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical instrument for cataract surgery, and provides the surgical instrument for assisting in distinguishing the anterior capsule during cataract surgery, including a ring-shaped body; and a light source provided on a bottom surface portion of the body.

Abstract: A shaft (14) is provided for a flexible endoscopic instrument, the shaft including at least one flexible section (20) along the length of the shaft, a distal section (19) located distally of the flexible section, and a proximal section (18) located proximally of the flexible section (20). The distal section (19) includes a connection to a shaft electrode, while the proximal section (18) includes at least one connection for connecting the shaft (14) to an electrosurgical generator (1). The shaft also includes a bypass lead (26) in electrical connection with both the distal section (19) and the proximal section (18). The bypass lead (26) ensures that the distal section (19) and the proximal section (18) remain at the same potential even if the electrical pathway via the flexible section (20) becomes degraded by wear or damage thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector having a first jaw, a second jaw, a first blade, and a second blade. The second jaw pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The first blade moves from a proximal position to a distal position to pivot the second jaw to the closed position. The second blade moves from a proximal position to a distal position when the second jaw is in the open position. The second blade is exposed between the first and second jaws when the second blade is in the distal position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body assembly and an end effector. The body assembly includes a control module, an orientation sensor communicatively coupled to the control module, and an energy component. The energy component is operable to activate the end effector at a plurality of energy settings. A storage device is communicatively coupled to the control module and includes a plurality of gesture profiles and corresponding energy settings. The control module is configured to set the energy setting of the energy component to a corresponding energy setting in response to a correlation between the output of the orientation sensor and a gesture profile. In some versions, the control module modifies the energy setting based upon output from a force sensor that measures the force on the end effector. The control module may also decrease the energy setting in response to an anomalous acceleration or deceleration detected by an accelerometer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.

Abstract: Methods of treatment in subjects suffering from diabetes mellitus or obesity are provided. The methods comprise the step of administering an active agent directly to the small intestine in the subject. In particular, the active agent may be administered directly to the duodenum in the subject. The active agents useful in the treatments described herein include analgesic agents and, in particular, antinociceptive agents such as capsaicin, resiniferatoxin, and their analogs.

Abstract: A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity, a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool that is pivotally connected to the tool introducer allowing angular positioning of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity, emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity, and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel.

Abstract: A steerable catheter system is provided including an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an outer surface. The outer surface includes at least one cavity configured to facilitate movement of the distal end relative to the proximal end so as to steer the elongated shaft. A catheter tip is attached to the distal end of the shaft. The catheter tip comprises a curved body having at least one RF cutting edge and at least one non-cutting area recessed from the at least one cutting edge.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to various monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical scissor instruments. An electrosurgical scissor instrument includes at least one scissor blade that has an electrically conductive tapered edge, where the tapered edge is insufficiently sharp to shear or otherwise mechanically cut tissue. The scissors also include another scissor blade movably mounted to the first scissor blade. The second scissor blade includes a flat contact surface that is aligned with the tapered edge of the first scissor blade. The scissors further include a scissor body that transfers electrical energy from an energy source to at least one of the scissor blades to electrically cut interlaying tissue located between the blades. In a monopolar embodiment, only one blade is conductive; whereas, in a bipolar embodiment, both blades are conductive.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: (i) a first working arm and (ii) a second working arm; (b) a blade electrode; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between a first electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both, and a second electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a second therapy current through the blade electrode; and wherein the first working arm and the second working arm of the forceps are immobilized in the second electrical configuration so that both the forceps and the first therapy current are disabled.

Abstract: An operation handle for electrocautery includes: a grip, an operation rod, a stopping part, a positioning bar, and a driven member. One end of the operation rod is jointly connected to the grip, and the other end has a pressing portion. The operation rod moves selectively from an initial position to at least one work position. The stopping part is disposed on the operation rod and adjacent to the pressing portion. The positioning bar is disposed on the grip and comprises at least one positioning groove. When the pressing portion of the operation rod is forced, the operation rod moves from the initial position to the at least one work position, and one end of the driven member is lodged in the at least one positioning groove.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.

Abstract: A high-frequency knife conduit line and opening hole opening communicate allowing fluid to flow between a rod-shaped electrode outer peripheral surface and the opening hole inner peripheral surface. The guide hole is smaller than the opening and is further toward a radial inner side than the opening outer edge and further toward a radial outer side than the rod-shaped electrode. The fluid is released from the opening to the outside of the sheath over the whole circumference of the rod-shaped electrode on the radial outer side while an electrode portion protrudes toward the sheath distal end portion separating a larger-diameter portion from a supporting member. The fluid is injected to the larger-diameter portion front through the guide hole as the opening hole and the guide hole communicate while the electrode portion is pulled back toward the sheath proximal end portion so that the larger-diameter portion abuts against the supporting member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating chronic pain occurring secondarily to subacromial impingement syndrome in a human body. A system is provided to deliver percutaneous electrical stimulation through at least one electrode to neurological motor points of the posterior and middle deltoid muscles to mediate such pain. One-time, continued and/or periodic dosing of treatment methods according to the present invention may result in a change to central nervous system maladaptive neuroplasticity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and has at least one jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member(s) is movable between open and clamping configurations. A probe extends through the shaft and operably couples to the housing. The probe includes a cutting blade at a distal end thereof adjacent the jaw member(s) to treat tissue of interest. The jaw member(s) and cutting blade are configured such that heat damage to tissue adjacent tissue of interest that has been treated by the cutting blade is reduced and/or eliminated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate relatively flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible member includes at least a first working channel. A first and second electrode extends from a working channel at the distal end of the flexible member. The first and second electrodes are adapted to be endoscopically located in a tissue treatment region. The first and second electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator to receive an irreversible electroporation electrical waveform sufficient to ablate tissue located between the first and second electrodes. The waveform parameters of the irreversible electroporation electrical waveform are determined based on image information received from the tissue treatment region.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly having a distal engagement member and configured to supply ultrasonic energy. A waveguide defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal engagement member configured to threadingly engage the distal engagement member. The waveguide is configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy therealong to a distal end thereof for treating tissue. A torque member is coupled to the transducer assembly and is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The torque member is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and relative to the waveguide to threadingly engage the transducer assembly and the waveguide to one another. The torque member includes a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled thereto and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, each finger extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis to define a moment arm that facilitates the engagement of the transducer assembly and the waveguide.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a control unit having a control system and a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure treatment system further includes a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source and a component module to augment treatment. The component module is configured to communicate with the control system of the control unit, and the component module includes a first mounting region configured to be coupled to a complimentary mounting region of the control unit. The component module further includes a second mounting region identical to the complimentary mounting region of the control unit to allow a second component module to be coupled to the first component module.

Abstract: A cutting device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A distal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal arm includes an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface defining a blunt tip. At least one proximal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft at a position proximal to the distal arm. The at least one proximal arm having an inner surface defines a cavity including a cutting portion configured to cut tissue.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device has an outer sleeve with a distal window and an inner cutting sleeve which moves past the window to cut tissue. The inner cutting sleeve has a lumen which may have a larger proximal diameter than distal diameter. A perimeter of the window may comprise a dielectric material. A distal edge of the inner sleeve may be displaced inwardly.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes a sheath having electric insulation; and an electrode unit provided at a distal end portion of the sheath. The electrode unit includes a rod-shaped electrode that is provided to extend in an axis direction of the sheath and is capable of being arranged in a state where the electrode protrudes from the distal end portion of the sheath and is exposed to the outside; and a chip that is fixed in a state where a distal end portion of the electrode is inserted into a concave portion provided in a proximal end surface so as to extend in the axis direction, has a greater external diameter than the external diameter of the electrode, and is formed from a single electric insulation material. The concave portion is formed with a smaller-diameter portion that allows the distal end portion of the electrode to be inserted thereinto.

Abstract: A steerable catheter system is provided including an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an outer surface. The outer surface includes at least one cavity configured to facilitate movement of the distal end relative to the proximal end so as to steer the elongated shaft. A catheter tip is attached to the distal end of the shaft. The catheter tip comprises a curved body having at least one RF cutting edge and at least one non-cutting area recessed from the at least one cutting edge.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends. An operating assembly is at a proximal region of the frame with a working assembly at a distal region of the frame. The working assembly has a tip with a leading free end to be engaged with a human body at an operation site. The working assembly has at least one cautery component that: a) contacts a human body at the cutting location; and b) is operable to generate a current that alters a contacted portion of the human body at the cutting location. An insulating material is located at least one of: i) at the leading free end; and ii) between the at least one cautery component and the leading free end so that current does not conduct from the at least one cautery component to body tissue during a medical procedure.

Abstract: Electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiment are electrosurgical wands including: an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end; an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing the aspiration aperture fluidly coupled to a first fluid conduit, the first fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, the discharge aperture fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit, and the second fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a first active electrode of conductive material on the distal end of the elongate housing, the first active electrode between the discharge aperture and the aspiration aperture; and a conductive plate that abuts the discharge aperture, at least a portion of the conductive plate disposed over the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment device includes a tubular body having a front end portion and a rear end portion; an operating handle having a high-frequency port and a main push rod extending through the body, the operating handle slidably fitted to the body; a front tube having a rear end portion connected to the front end portion of the body; an auxiliary push rod rotatably connected to the main push rod, the auxiliary push rod extending into the front tube; a wire fixed to the auxiliary push rod, the wire extending through the front tube; a rotary knob rotatably attached to the body, the rotary knob configured to rotate together with the auxiliary push rod and the wire; and an arc-shaped knife fixed to the wire and connected to the high-frequency port of the operating handle via the wire, the auxiliary push rod and the main push rod.

Abstract: Provided is a medical treatment device capable of eliminating inconvenience of manipulation in actual clinical use, and ensuring a visual field by introducing a curve in the vicinity of an electrode portion of an outer cylindrical tube.

Abstract: An introducer sheath for a medical device is provided. The sheath includes a deformable, elongate body disposed about a longitudinal axis. The body has proximal and distal ends and defines a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and configured to allow passage of the medical device therethrough. The body is configured to allow an electric current to pass radially between a space outside of the body and the lumen such that the position of the medical device within a patient can be monitored and electrogram readings from body tissues can be measured while the device is in the sheath. In some embodiments of the invention, the body may include a one or more apertures extending from the radially outer surface of the body to the lumen or a portion of the body may be made from a conductive and/or fluid permeable material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a cannula insertable into a patient and positionable adjacent abnormal tissue. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a microwave antenna that includes a distal end having a radiating section receivable within the cannula and positionable within a patient adjacent abnormal tissue. The microwave antenna is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for transmitting electrosurgical energy to the radiating section. A portion of the radiating section substantially encompasses a portion of the abnormal tissue and may be configured to apply pressure thereto. The microwave antenna is actuated to electrocautery treat tissue to reduce blood flow to the abnormal tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom including an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly has a wheel assembly opposing a jaw member and having a pair of opposing wheels configured to facilitate movement of the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. A drive rod is operably coupled at a proximal end to a movable handle and at a distal end to the wheel assembly. The movable handle is movable relative to a stationary handle to move the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. At least one electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is disposed on each of the wheel assembly and the jaw member and is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the wheel assembly and the jaw member to effect a tissue seal.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to various monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical scissor instruments. A monopolar electrosurgical scissor instrument includes one scissor blade that has an electrically conductive tapered edge, where the tapered edge is insufficiently sharp to shear or otherwise mechanically cut tissue. The scissors also include another electrically insulated scissor blade movably mounted to the first scissor blade. The second scissor blade includes a flat contact surface that is aligned with the tapered edge of the first scissor blade. The scissors further include a scissor body that includes a conductor that transfers electrical energy from an energy source to the tapered edge of the first electrically conductive scissor blade to electrically cut interlaying tissue located between the first electrically conductive scissor blade and the second electrically insulated scissor blade.

Abstract: A method and device for single-point identification of neural tissue during endoscopic spinal surgery including the use of an electrical switch that accepts separate inputs from a bipolar generator and an electrical nerve stimulator.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.