Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures.

Abstract: A surgical tool system includes an electrosurgical tool for sealing and transecting tissue and a tactile feedback system integrated onto a handle of the tool that generates relevant feedback in at least the form of haptic effects to the user. The tactile feedback alerts the user of tissue properties, i.e., when tissue located within jaws of the tool is completely sealed, when the tissue is ready to be cut, the cutting rate or speed, the quantity of tissue located within jaws of the tool, and whether a blood vessel is fully located within jaws of tool. In addition, the tactile feedback alerts the user to the operating status of energy application during the procedure.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument and method for treating varicose veins. In one embodiment, an elongate catheter has a distal working end that carries an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising at least one electrode with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) surface and/or an electrode with a pressure sensitive variable resistance to provide a smart surface for controlling Rf current flow at the interface of electrosurgical surface and the tissue. The electrode surface then can limit or modulate Rf energy delivery through the surface in response to the temperature of the surface or the engagement pressure of the surface against the engaged tissue. In operation, the smart electrosurgical surface prevents arcing at the electrode-tissue interface, and thus controls ohmic heating to prevent tissue desiccation, charring and emboli formation.

Abstract: A hemostatic forceps (20) includes a pair of forceps elements (forceps cups (1)) constituted of a conductive metal and configured to serve as high-frequency electrodes and configured to be able to change into a state where front portions of the pair of forceps cups (1) are open, and a state where the pair of forceps cups (1) are close. A sawtooth portion (15) having a plurality of concavo-convex structures which constitute a sawtooth-shape is provided on at least one of respective closing-side surfaces (17) of the pair of forceps cups (1). The sawtooth portion (15) is provided with an electrically insulative coating over its bottom portion (21), but not on a top portion (22) thereof, and hence the top portion (22) is conductive.

Abstract: System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection.

Abstract: A monopolar electrosurgical instrument including a pair of diverging shanks with a pair of uninsulated tips formed respectively on the distal ends thereof, a housing secured to one of the shanks and having a button disposed therein, a metal wire extending adjacent the one shank so that depression of the button bends the metal rod to energize the instrument.

Abstract: A disposable open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed in the present disclosure. The disposable open electrosurgical forceps comprise a pair of first and second shaft members containing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic blend material having fiber strands of at least 2 millimeters in length. Each shaft member includes a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members also includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.

Abstract: A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue is disclosed that includes an electrosurgical forceps. The forceps includes a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. The system also includes one or more sensors that determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members and a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod. The pressure applicator is configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A high-frequency current treatment tool of the present invention includes a pair of clamp pieces which clamps an object, and an electrode which is provided on one of the clamp pieces. Each of the clamp pieces has a clamp face which faces with each other. A first clamp face being one of the clamp faces has a chevron shape protruding toward a second clamp face being another of the clamp faces, and having a ridge portion formed along a longitudinal direction of the first clamp face. The electrode is arranged along the ridge portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a dismantlable medical forceps system having a first grip having a movable grip part, a first force transmission element designed to transmit a first maximum force has a first connection element. A second force transmission element is designed to transmit a second maximum force greater than the first maximum force, the second force transmission element has a second connection element. The first grip has a coupling device for selectively force-fitting to the first or second connection elements of the first or second force transmission elements to the movable grip part. The first connection element has a first cross-section. The second connection element has a second cross-section different from the first cross-section. The coupling device has a first seat designed for a force-fit connection to the first connection element and a second seat designed for a force-fit connection to the second connection element.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. At least one of the jaws is moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the jaw members. A cutting assembly is disposed within a cavity defined within the first jaw member. The cutting assembly includes a cutting member that is rotatably coupled to the first jaw member and configured to rotate with respect to the first jaw member about a longitudinal axis thereof to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic surgery includes a shaft having active and inactive portions, the active portion being reciprocable relative to the inactive portion. First and second operative elements are pivoted to the inactive portion of the shaft along substantially the same longitudinal plane. A handpiece includes an active and inactive branch hinged together, movement of the active and inactive branches of the handpiece together or apart shifting the active portion of the shaft relative to the inactive portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of manufacture for an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes providing a pair of jaw members. A step of the method includes forming one or more seal plates positionable on one of the pair of jaw members. Etching a dam along a side of the one or more seal plates is a step of the method, wherein the etched dam inhibits the flow of a plastic on the one or more seal plate such that a height of the plastic with respect to the at least one seal plate during an overmolding process may be controlled. The method includes positioning the one or more seal plates on the one of the pair of jaw members; and overmolding the seal plate to one or more of the pair of jaw members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly defining a feed-in side. The end effector assembly includes first and second rotatable gear members positioned adjacent one another to define a gap therebetween. When the first and second gear members are rotated, tissue positioned adjacent the feed-in side of the end effector assembly is engaged by the first and second gear members and is fed into the gap between the first and second gear members for one or both of sealing and dividing tissue disposed between the first and second gear members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The generator is further adapted to supply an electrical signal having at least one substantially constant value to tissue to determine initial tissue impedance response. The generator includes sensor circuitry adapted to continuously monitor initial tissue impedance response, wherein the initial tissue impedance response includes one of an initial impedance, an impedance drop, an impedance minimum and a first impedance rise. The generator also includes a microprocessor adapted to generate at least one tissue parameter based as a function of the initial impedance, the impedance drop, the impedance minimum and the first impedance rise. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue for treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument for cutting and/or coagulating a tissue to be treated, comprising at least one cutting electrode for conducting a high-frequency (“HF”) current through the tissue for carrying out a cutting process and comprising power supply devices for supplying the HF current at least to the cutting electrode. The design of the electrosurgical instrument is improved so that the cutting process can be carried out with an increased reliability while prolonging the serviceable life of the cutting electrode at the same time.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A jawed surgical instrument fitted at the distal end of a jaw head which is affixed at the distal end of a longitudinally elongated stem and which supports two mutually oppositely displaceable jaw parts, the jaw head being connectable by means of an actuation bar to one of two drive elements of a manipulating unit that are mutually oppositely displaceable in the stem direction, the other of the drive elements being connected to the stem. The jaw head comprises at least one electrode designed for tissue surgery and is electrically connected by means of the actuation bar to a cable issuing from the bar, the actuation bar and the jaw head being detachably connected to the manipulating unit wherein the actuation bar and the jaw head are detachably connected transversely to the stem direction or in the proximal direction parallel to the stem to the manipulating unit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector.

Abstract: A high-frequency surgical PFO closure apparatus used to treat patent foramen ovale in the heart includes first and second electrodes which grasp living tissue of the patent foramen ovale; a high-frequency power supply section which supplies high-frequency power to the living tissue via the electrodes; an impedance measuring section which measures an impedance value by supplying high-frequency power to the living tissue; a grasping condition determining section which determines, based on the measured impedance value, a grasping condition regarding how the living tissue is grasped in blood by the electrodes; and a control section which controls high-frequency power supply at a predetermined power level needed to treat the patent foramen ovale, according to a result of the determination.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and device for transmural ablation using an electrosurgical device having a pair of angled clamping jaws designed to be disassembled outside the patient and reassembled within the patient in a series of method steps. This disassemble and reassemble design of the electrosurgical device fits within the narrow gap between ribs of the patient, and offers unusual opportunities to work in difficult to access areas such as the thoracic cavity. Once the surgery has been performed, the electrosurgical device can be disassembled in the patient and removed one piece at a time, or removed as a unit.

Abstract: Surgical systems; devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members that are movable relative to one another. A drive assembly operably couples to a handle assembly associated with the housing and is configured to impart movement of a respective jaw member when the handle assembly is actuated. A spring component operably associated with each of the jaw members is configured to provide a sealing force at the jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided. The endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. A rotatable sheath operably couples to the shaft and includes a camming member. A drive assembly includes a drive rod that operably couples to the rotatable sheath. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. Actuation of the drive assembly causes the drive rod to rotate within the shaft and rotate the rotatable sheath such that the movable jaw member moves from an initial position to a subsequent position.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. One of the jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure in operative communication with a cam slot operably disposed on one of the first and second jaw members. The driving structure includes a detent.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing tissue separation using modulated or duty cycle controlled waveforms on desiccated tissue, where the desiccated tissue has a high electrical impedance. In bipolar electrosurgical procedures, tissue separation is separated with the application of an electrical signal. When tissue does not completely separate and becomes desiccated, generator may generate a duty cycle controlled waveform with specified duty cycle and frequency or modulated waveform. Modulated waveform is generated by adding or multiplying one or more waveforms together. Modulated or duty cycle waveforms create power pulses with higher voltages and a low RMS value. Power pulses drive power and create heat in the high impedance tissue. The creation of heat helps to mobilize water content adjacent to the desiccated tissue. The heating and mobilization of water induces motion into the tissue and aids in the complete separation of tissue while keeping the RMS power low.

Abstract: A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: A cooling member for a cautery surgical instrument such as a surgical forceps including a pair of elongate arms joined at an end so as to provide for resilient compressible movement of the arms between a normally open position and a squeezed closed position. The cooling member provides for conduction of heat away from an electrode tip and includes a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion spaced away from the first portion that transitions from the first diameter to at least one smaller diameter section. A socket is disposed within each arm of the forceps. The socket includes a longitudinal blind hole that is sized so as to releasably receive the smaller diameter section of the second portion, and a catch for engaging a portion of the arm.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smoothes out abusive tissue forces. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural swing of the surgeon's thumb, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly including an actuator mounted for manipulation through an actuation stroke. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating member extends at least partially through the elongate shaft, and is mounted for longitudinal motion through the elongate shaft in response to manipulation of the actuator through the actuation stroke. A drive mechanism includes a first rotating component coupled to the actuator about a first circumference to induce rotational motion in the first rotating component. A second rotating component is coupled to the first rotating component such that rotational motion in the first rotating component induces rotational motion in the second rotating component. The second rotating component is coupled to the reciprocating member about a second circumference such that rotational motion of the second rotating component induces longitudinal motion in the reciprocating member.

Abstract: Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezoelectric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. The handle can comprise a closure drive for closing the jaws and a firing drive which can be actuated independently of the closure drive. In various embodiments, a single trigger can be utilized to actuate both the closure drive and the firing drive, wherein a first range of motion of the trigger can actuate the closure drive and a second range of motion of the trigger can actuate the firing drive.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along an longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members, a reciprocating member, a shuttle and at least one cam pin. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots and first and second cam slots and may be pivotable towards one another about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The shuttle may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cam pin may be coupled to the shuttle and positioned within the first cam slot and the second cam slots.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable base component including a handle and an electrically activatable modular component removably coupled to the base component. The modular component includes an end effector operable from the handle to treat tissue. The end effector is responsive to manipulation of the handle. A first energy storage component is disposed onboard the base component and is electrically coupled to a source of electricity. A second energy storage component is disposed onboard the modular component and is electrically insulated from the first energy storage component. The second energy storage component is arranged such that a current may be selectively induced in the modular component by delivery of electrical energy to the first energy storage component.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a cutting slot defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting instrument therealong for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. An actuator advances the cutting instrument from a first position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts having a jaw connected thereto. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position and includes a blade slot extending therealong configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly is disposed within one shaft and is configured for translating the blade between retracted and extended positions. The blade extends at least partially through the blade slot in the extended position. The actuation assembly includes an actuator engaged to a belt disposed within the shaft. The belt is configured for rotation about at least one pulley. A blade holder having the blade connected thereto is engaged to the belt. The blade holder defines a pre-determined load limit that, when exceeded, disengages the blade holder from the belt. Translating the actuator proximally translates the blade distally to the extended position when the blade holder is engaged to the belt.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed enabling configuration of a control system for an electrosurgical generator system for creating new surgical applications without changing the underlying software system. The system includes an outer loop controller for generating a control signal in accordance with at least a first subset of sensor data from at least one sensor; an inner loop controller for generating a setpoint control signal which is provided to an RF stage in accordance with at least the control signal generated by the outer loop controller and a second subset of sensor data from the at least one sensor; and a configuration controller for generating configuration data and providing first and second configuration data sets of the configuration data to the inner loop and outer loop controllers, respectively, for configuration thereof to provide a type of control selectable from a variety of types of control.

Abstract: Forceps include a body, a surgical device, and a pair of handles. The surgical device is removably disposed within the body. The handles are pivotally attached to the handle body for articulating jaws on the surgical device, or grasping the forceps. The forceps accept monopolar, bipolar, or both monopolar and bipolar surgical devices. Wires are disposed within the surgical device for performing various types of electro-surgery. Additional wires are provided within the surgical device for providing the user with the ability to monitor various aspects of the surgical procedure. Spring contacts touch rings surrounding the surgical device for maintaining electrical contact with the surgical device while allowing the surgical device to rotate within the body.

Abstract: Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

Abstract: Methods of ablating tissue in an alimentary tract are provided. The methods include advancing an ablation structure into an alimentary tract while supporting the ablation structure with an endoscope. The methods further include a step of moving at least part of the ablation structure with respect to the endoscope and toward a tissue surface, before activating the ablation structure to ablate a tissue surface.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting electro surgical energy from a generator to an electrosurgical instrument are provided. The electrosurgical system includes a generator adapted to generate electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to the tissue. The active output terminals are operatively connected to one or more supply lines. The generator also includes one or more return output terminal which returns energy from the tissue. The return output terminals are operatively connected to at least one return line. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument operatively connected to the one or more supply lines and one or more return electrodes operatively connected to one or more return lines. The system further includes an electrosurgical cable including one or more supply lines and one or more return lines.