Abstract: A reflux trap for use in a plasma generator and delivery system to prevent back flow of fluid and debris from a patient during a surgical procedure including a trap housing having a proximal diffuser chamber and a distal deflection chamber with a collection area separated by a baffle disposed within the trap housing including a diffuser member disposed in the proximal diffuser chamber to diffuse gas through a gas flow aperture to the surgical site on the patient and a deflection member disposed in the distal deflection chamber to deflect fluid and debris away from the gas flow aperture to the collection area to prevent fluid and debris from migrating into the proximal diffuser chamber to isolate the plasma generator against back flow of fluid and debris from the patient.

Abstract: An electrical leakage detection method and system for use with laparoscopic electrosurgical instruments are provided. The present disclosure provides for an electrosurgical unit for providing electrosurgical energy at an active output thereof and for controlling the flow of the energy through the active output; an active electrode coupled to the active output for transmitting electrosurgical energy to a patient in an electrosurgical procedure; a first sensor disposed at a distal end of the active electrode and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end; a second sensor disposed at a proximal end of the active electrode and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end; and a comparison circuit coupled to the first and second sensors for receiving the first and second signals and determining a difference value, the difference value being indicative of leakage current.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device to generate a plasma stream and method to perform endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery within a patient's body comprising an electrosurgical generator coupled to a electrical power source to supply power to the electrosurgical device and a plasma generator including an electrode operatively coupled to the electrosurgical generator to receive electrical energy therefrom and concentrically disposed within an inner noble gas conduit to form a plasma channel coupled to a noble gas source to feed noble gas to the inner noble gas conduit and an outer electronegative gas conduit disposed in surrounding coaxial relation relative to the inner noble gas conduit to cooperatively form an electronegative gas channel therebetween coupled to a gas source to feed electronegative gas to the electronegative gas channel or an outer aspiration conduit disposed in surrounding coaxial relation relative to the inner noble gas conduit to cooperatively form an aspiration channel therebetween coupled to a negat

Abstract: A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway. A circuit in the sleeve is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a switchbox of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the switchbox. The switchbox cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.

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: Ablation probes are provided for perfusing the tissue, while the tissue is ablated. The ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft and an ablative element, such as a needle electrode. The ablation probe further comprises a lumen that extends through the probe shaft, which will be used to deliver an fluid to the distal end of the probe shaft for perfusion into the surrounding tissue. The ablation probe further comprises a porous structure that is associated with the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the lumen. For example, the distal end of the shaft, or the entirety of the shaft, can be composed of the porous structure. Or, if the ablative element is an electrode, the electrode can be composed of the porous structure. Because the pores within the porous structure are pervasive, the fluid will freely flow out into the tissue notwithstanding that some of the pores may become clogged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical apparatus to generate a dual plasma stream to perform electrosurgery on a surgical site on a patient. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure generates a hot gas jet to a surgical site by generating two plasma beams that are electrically up to 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Since each beam uses the other beam to establish plasma currents at a load, the combined dual plasma stream can be used on non-conductive surfaces, e.g., a tissue at the surgical site. Furthermore, by applying different flow rates to the plasma beams, various scanning effects by the hot gas jet can be achieved.

Abstract: Forceps for performing endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery include a body assembly, a tube assembly, and a pair of handles that pivot with respect to the body. The tube assembly is removably attached to the body assembly. The tube assembly includes a hollow tube and a tip assembly. The tip assembly includes an electrode or a blade for performing the surgery. The tip assembly and the blade are connected to the body and the handles by a cable. As the handles pivot, the cable slides within the tube to move the blade. When a different tube assembly (i.e., a bipolar or a monopolar electrode) or another style of tip assembly are desired, the installed one is removed and replaced by a new tube assembly or tip assembly as desired.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system to generate a pulsed plasma stream and method thereof are provided. The system includes an electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrical power source to supply power for the electrosurgical system; a plasma generator including a noble gas conduit and an electrode disposed with the noble gas conduit, the electrode operatively coupled to the electrosurgical generator to selectively receive electrical energy therefrom such that the electrode at least partially ionizes a carrier gas feed to the noble gas conduit to create a plasma discharge; and a flow controller coupled to the noble gas conduit to pulse the flow of the carrier gas from a gas source to the noble gas conduit such that when the electrode is energized pulses of plasma discharge are generated at the surgical site.

Abstract: Forceps for performing endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery include a body assembly, a tube assembly, and a pair of handles that pivot with respect to the body. The tube assembly is removably attached to the body assembly. The tube assembly includes a hollow tube and a tip assembly. The tip assembly includes an electrode or a blade for performing the surgery. The tip assembly and the blade are connected to the body and the handles by a cable. As the handles pivot, the cable slides within the tube to move the blade. When a different tube assembly (i.e., a bipolar or a monopolar electrode) or another style of tip assembly are desired, the installed one is removed and replaced by a new tube assembly or tip assembly as desired.

Abstract: A return electrode detection and monitoring system and method thereof are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure provide for a combined universal recognition feature, that is to identify whether a return or neutral electrode coupled to an electrosurgical generator is a capacitive electrode or a split or non-split (solid) resistive electrode. Furthermore, the system and method will monitor both capacitive and resistive return electrodes when the electrosurgical generator is operating in the 4 Mhz range to notify an operator when the return electrode is not coupled enough which would effect power delivery to the patient and hence effect on the targeted tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly for use in electrosurgery includes an elongated sheath movable in a longitudinal direction. The assembly includes a pair of jaws, with each jaw having a plurality of teeth for grasping tissue and a support element supporting the plurality of teeth. The support element is disposed partially within the sheath and extends to a distal end disposed outside of the sheath. The support element includes a first portion extending from the distal end and delineating a first region. The support element further includes a second portion extending from the first portion and delineating a second region. The second portion is curved to engage with the sheath such that the jaws move towards one another as the elongated sheath moves towards the distal end. The teeth extend from the first region into the second region.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly having a housing. A tool cartridge is receivable in the housing. The tool cartridge includes a first jaw and a second jaw for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw is hingably movable between an open position and a closed position. A first jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the first jaw. A sheath encompasses at least part of the longitudinal portion of the jaw connection wire. A grip is disposed around at least part of the sheath. A piston is disposed within the sheath and operatively connected to the grip such that the grip and piston move in relation to one another. The jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the piston for moving the first jaw in response to movement of the grip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing surgical procedures includes a handle assembly and a power supply. The handle assembly is configured to accept a variety of surgical cartridges, each having a pair of clamping or cutting members, for clamping animal anatomy. Electrical power is supplied to the clamping or cutting members for perform electrosurgery.

Abstract: An electrical leakage detection method and system for use with laparoscopic electrosurgical instruments are provided. The present disclosure provides for an electrosurgical unit for providing electrosurgical energy at an active output thereof and for controlling the flow of the energy through the active output; an active electrode coupled to the active output for transmitting electrosurgical energy to a patient in an electrosurgical procedure; a first sensor disposed at a distal end of the active electrode and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end; a second sensor disposed at a proximal end of the active electrode and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end; and a comparison circuit coupled to the first and second sensors for receiving the first and second signals and determining a difference value, the difference value being indicative of leakage current.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and a tool cartridge. The tool cartridge includes electrically conductive movable tools, such as jaws and a blade, for cutting tissue. The jaws and blade each are connected to a transmission to facilitate movement. Multiple sheaths are used to encompass and protect the transmissions. Slidable grips are disposed outside of the sheaths and operatively connected to the transmissions that are disposed within the sheaths. At least one lever is supported by the handle assembly and engagable with the grips to facilitate movement of the grips, and thus, the tools.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus applies electrical current to skin, preferably for skin tightening procedures. A housing includes a substantially flat edge, disposable on the skin. The housing stores a plurality of electrodes which are movable through an opening defined by the edge. A vacuum is applied in the housing such that the edge seals with the skin. The electrodes pierce the skin perpendicularly and apply an RF electric current to heat primarily the subcutaneous layer. A coolant is applied to cool the outer layer of the skin.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a detachable tool assembly. The assembly includes a connection rod and a tool, such as a pair of jaws or an electrode. The instrument also includes a shaft operatively connected to a handle movable between operating positions and an ejected position. A tubular housing encloses the shaft and a collet. The collet is attached to the rod and movable between the positions. The fingers of the collet are flared apart in the ejected position but collapse to capture the connection rod in the operating positions. A tongue-and-groove arrangement provides a secondary coupling between the assembly and the housing when the handle is in the operating positions.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil for delivering high frequency cutting and coagulation signals from an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. A flexible, elongated, substantially solid pencil housing is provided having a cable receiving end and a blade electrode receiving end opposed from the cable receiving end. A mechanism is provided within the pencil housing for bending of the pencil housing between the cable receiving end and the blade electrode receiving end. Additionally, a mechanism is provided within the electrosurgical pencil for retaining a bent position of the pencil housing. The electrosurgical pencil of the present design may be a foot controlled electrosurgical pencil or may include a manually actuated switch within the pencil housing to form a hand controlled electrosurgical pencil.