Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that is capable of generating high-quality RF energy carriers at one of three different frequencies and combining any of the three carriers with any one of four electrosurgical mode waveform modulations and selectively supplying the modulated carriers to either a monopolar or a bipolar handpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the first carrier frequency is in the range of about 3.8-4.0 MHz, the second carrier frequency is in the range of about 1.7-2.0 MHz, and the third carrier frequency is in the range of about 400-600 KHz.

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 electrosurgical instrument can selectively provide electrosurgical energy to an energizable electrode. The instrument can include an interface configured to issue one or more waveform command signals corresponding to a selected therapeutic result; waveform generation circuitry configured to deliver in response to the one or more wave form command signals, a corresponding one or more waveforms selected from a first, a second, and a third waveform, each of the first, second and third waveforms being different from the other of the first, second and third waveforms. The instrument can include a variable output voltage supply configured to supply a selected electrical current to a corresponding output, and an output driver circuitry configured to combine at least one or more of the waveforms with the respective high-voltage electrical current to generate an electrosurgical current suitable for achieving the therapeutic result when applied to a treatment site by the energizeable electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device can have a housing and an electrode defining an energizable surface at least partially positioned externally of the housing. The electrode can move longitudinally relative to the housing. A shank of the electrode can be positioned within the housing and configured to urge against an energizable element in the housing. The energizable element can have a longitudinally movable electrical coupler configured to electrically couple with the shank portion when the shank portion urges against the energizable element. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode especially useful for RF skin tightening procedures is characterized by an active front that is conical in part with the conical surface having a cone angle that is shallower than the corresponding angle in known electrodes. Preferably, the electrode of the invention has a conical section whose surface forms an angle greater than 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the electrode, and the outside diameter of the conical section is greater than 50% of the overall outside diameter of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device can have a housing and an electrode defining an energizable surface at least partially positioned externally of the housing. Such a device can have a first circuit and a second circuit. The housing can define a handpiece. The first circuit can be configured to selectively direct energy to a power element. The power element can be configured to selectively electrically couple to the electrode. The second circuit can have a selectively operable handpiece accessory. The handpiece can also have a device configured to direct suitable energy from the first circuit to the second circuit to power the second circuit. In some embodiments, the second circuit can be configured to selectively interrupt the first circuit. For example, the second circuit can interrupt the first circuit when a cumulative duration of operation of the second circuit exceeds an upper threshold duration. Methods of operating such handpieces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrode and handpiece that is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface of a patient being treated to improve the skin appearance. Harmful burning is avoided by sensing and displaying skin and electrode temperature. Continuous electrode contact and electrode motion relative to the skin is achieved by providing a rolling cap over a dome-shaped electrode, and by spring biasing the electrode for up and down motion, and by providing side-to side motion of the electrode manually or by motor.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrode that is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface of a patient being treated to improve the skin appearance. Harmful burning is avoided by employing one of the following four features: pre-applying to the skin a thermal gel, a known thermally and electrically-conductive material, using low radio-frequency power at 3.8-4 MHz, relying on the natural cooling provided by a highly conductive electrode material, and continuously moving the electrode while in contact with the skin. Preferably, all four features are combined in carrying out the cosmetic procedure of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the highly conductive electrode material is an alloy comprised mainly of silver with a small percentage of ingredients added to strengthen the silver alloy electrode and preserve its luster and the active surface of the electrode is configured as a section of a sphere, or as dome shaped.

Abstract: An electrode and procedure for removing skin lesions or blemishes comprising an electrode with a flat blunt active end which is applied to the skin lesion or blemish, while RF electrosurgical currents are applied to the electrode, in an up and down tapping motion in such manner that contact between the skin and the active electrode end is intermittent. Preferably, after a small number of skin taps with the electrode end, the tapped area is wiped with a wet gauze or cloth, and the procedure of intermittent tapping with the RF electrode interrupted with wet wipes is continued until the blemish disappears.

Abstract: A procedure employing non-ablative radio-frequency energy for improving the appearance of eyelids or the performance of eyelid blepharoplasty, and the monopolar electrode used in the procedure. The electrode is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface when applied transconjunctivally on the inner surfaces of the upper or lower lids being treated. Preferably, the active end of the electrode forms a generally rectangular upward-facing platform. While RF electrosurgical currents are applied to the electrode, the platform surface is moved back and forth across and in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: Incorporating into an electrosurgical handpiece a device configured to disable the handpiece when a built-in usage time period expires. Preferably, the device comprises a timer in the form of an activating battery with a known discharge rate such that the battery voltage gradually reduces in value with use. The battery in turn is coupled to a circuit which monitors the battery voltage and operates a switch which decouples the handpiece electrode from the electrosurgical current source when the battery voltage falls below a preset value. This effectively disables the handpiece preventing reuse.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece comprises a handle, a nose piece for threaded engagement with the handle at a first end for cooperating with a collet to grip an electrode, and a detachable cable connector at the opposite second end, the latter being characterized by a rotatable connection such that when the handle is rotated by the user, the cable will maintain its rotary position and thus not encumber rotation of the handle to a desired position. The electrosurgical handpiece may also comprise a nose piece with at least one set of circumferentially-spaced grooves, preferably two axially-spaced sets, which the surgeon can use with his fingers for one-handed orientation of the electrode position.

Abstract: An intelligent selection system for operating an electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that depends primarily on the surgical procedure to be employed. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters can be controlled by the handpiece chosen by the surgeon to perform the procedure. Each handpiece is customized to activate when operated one of several preset operating modes of the electrosurgical instrument.