Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument end effector includes an active electrode received by an insulating material, the active electrode including a primary suction aperture which provides access to a primary fluid channel extending from the active electrode, through the insulating material, to a lumen. The lumen is arranged to carry fluid to and from a surgical site when in use. The end effector further includes at least one additional fluid channel providing alternative access to the primary fluid channel from the active electrode, wherein the at least one additional fluid channel bypasses the primary suction aperture.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to reduce conductivity between an RF electrosurgical portion and a cutting portion. This reduces improves the efficiency and consistency of the generated RF field, with higher current densities nearest the target tissue, improving the performance of the RF electrosurgical instrument. The conductivity may be reduced using a layer of insulating material, a projecting insulating portion or a cutting portion constructed from an insulating material. Further, by providing a lubricous insulating layer shedding may be reduced, increasing the usable life of the cutting portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an RF electrosurgical generator, an electrosurgical instrument, and a pump. The radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical generator includes: an output socket for providing a RF output signal to an electrosurgical instrument according to an operating mode of the generator; and an output port arranged to output and return a loop signal for controlling a pump, wherein the generator is configured to generate the loop signal based at least in part on the operating mode of the generator. A method of controlling a pump in an electrosurgical system includes generating a loop signal at an electrosurgical generator based at least in part on an operating mode of the generator; outputting the loop signal to a loop cable; sensing, using a sensing device, the loop signal from the loop cable; and controlling the pump based on an output of the sensing device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end-effector located on the end of a rotatable shaft, the shaft projecting from a handle. A thumbwheel is provided at the proximal end of the handle, which controls the rotation of the shaft, and hence the rotational orientation of the end-effector. The end-effector is capable of grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a switch located on the upper surface of the proximal end of the handle. The switch is oriented on the handle to be generally above the thumbwheel, in a relative position to the thumbwheel so that both the thumbwheel and the switch may be activated by the user's thumb, without the user having to alter his grip on the handle. In one embodiment of the invention the switch is therefore vertically oriented above the thumbwheel.

Abstract: A handpiece for a surgical instrument having a valve position sensing circuit arranged to detect the position of a valve arranged to control the flow of fluid through the suction lumen of the instrument. The distal end of the handpiece is arranged to couple to a cutting accessory. The handpiece comprises: a housing; a suction lumen within the housing extending from the distal end of the handpiece to a proximal end of the handpiece; a valve arranged to control the flow of fluid through the suction lumen; and a valve position sensing circuit arranged to detect a position of the valve. The valve position sensing circuit can be used to alert a surgeon if the valve is closed when it would be preferable for it to be open. For example, if the motor is overheating, the in-joint temperature is too high, or the RF component is activated.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is disclosed, having a first electrode having a planar face, a second electrode; an electrically insulative body, a fluid channel, a conductive wire, and a tubular seal. The tubular seal prevents saline from extending into a gap between the wire and the electrically insulative body of the instrument. The tubular seal is disposed around the wire, and extends between the wire and the body.

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a microwave ablation applicator which includes a shaft assembly and an antenna assembly located within the shaft assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly comprises an elongate shaft which extends from a first end to a second end thereof, and which defines therein a hollow inner volume and a longitudinal axis of the antenna assembly, and an applicator tip mounted on the second end of the elongate shaft. The shaft assembly further includes a coolant delivery tube having a side wall which defines an elongate hollow interior.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical instrument, configured to be releasably connected to a hand-piece. The electrosurgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft, an end effector at a distal end of the elongate shaft, and an electrical connector interface. The electrical connector interface has at least one female electrical socket configured to receive in use at least one male electrical pin of the hand-piece. Prior to first use, the at least one female electrical socket is sealed from an exterior of the electrosurgical instrument by a pierceable sealing layer. The sealing layer is configured to be pierced by the at least one male electrical pins on first use. A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system comprising the electrosurgical instrument, the hand-piece and an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system for controlling an electrosurgical instrument and in particular, to an electrosurgical system which can be configured, by a user, to split control functions between a plurality of control devices such that each device is configured to exclusively control a function of an electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: An improved drive shaft for controlling an end effector of surgical instrument having advantages over the prior art, specifically, the drive shaft includes two separate elongate elements, each including a flange at its proximal end for restricting the lateral movement of the drive shaft when installed within an outer shaft of the instrument. The dimensions of the flanges are such that they fit within the outer shaft with minimal clearance. This allows the drive shaft to be moved longitudinally within the outer shaft to actuate an end effector whilst minimizing any lateral movement. This consequently prevents the end effector from tilting as it is actuated. The drive members are arranged so that the flanges extend in opposite directions perpendicular to the length of the drive shaft. This helps to improve ease of assembly and provides space within the outer shaft for features such as connection wires and the like.

Abstract: A surgical shaving instrument (1) comprises a main body (2), a hollow elongate shaft (4) extending from the main body (2). The elongate shaft (4) defines an elongate inner open volume through the shaft. A tip portion (18) extends from the distal end region of the elongate shaft (4). A driveshaft extends through the elongate shaft (4) from the main body (2) to the distal end region of the elongate shaft (4). A cutter head (12) is attached to the driveshaft and located in the tip portion (10), the cutter head (12) extends at least partially out of the tip portion (18). The aperture of the tip portion (18) is defined by an inner edge, and a portion of the inner edge defines a fixed shaver blade (40) for the instrument, the fixed shaver blade (40) having a cutting angle which is substantially constant along the inner edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive shaft for a bipolar surgical instrument, the drive shaft comprising an elongate body defining a first axis, and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the elongate body comprising: a first portion defining a first open channel extending along a portion of the length of the elongate body; and a second portion distinct from the first portion, the second portion defining a second open channel extending along a portion of the length of the elongate body, wherein both the first and second portions are aligned with one another and extend parallel to the first axis, and wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion so as to define a recessed blade track therebetween, the recessed blade track extending parallel to the first axis. The present invention further provides a bipolar surgical instrument incorporating such a drive shaft.

Abstract: A monopolar ionisable gas plasma coagulation applicator includes: an elongate shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and defining a hollow inner volume and a longitudinal axis of the applicator; an applicator tip mounted on the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the applicator tip defines an aperture extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and an electrode extending through the inner volume and with the applicator tip, the electrode includes an open channel having an electrode tip, wherein the electrode tip is received within the hollow inner volume of the shaft and the aperture of the applicator tip to define a gas flow channel defined by the electrode and the elongate shaft and by the electrode and the applicator tip, the gas flow channel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis within the elongate shaft and extending outwards along the longitudinal axis within the applicator tip.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring tissue temperature during microwave ablation of such tissue is disclosed. The method includes applying a predetermined correction value to a temperature measurement to provide a corrected temperature value.

Abstract: A microwave ablation antenna assembly (20) incorporates a choke assembly (40) having a dielectric element (42) and a conducting element (48). The conducting element (48) is chosen from a group of elements of fixed length, but with differing electrical lengths for providing cancellation properties for different wavelengths of microwave energy.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a microwave tissue ablation process, particularly the determination of an ablation size estimate during microwave ablation of such tissue. The method includes applying a correction value to the determined temperature value, so as to provide a corrected temperature value.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that includes a hollow elongate shaft having a first axis and extending from a proximal end region to a distal end region. The instrument includes a tip portion at the distal end region that has a cavity. The cavity includes a base surface and a first retention surface extending away from the base surface in a direction towards the distal end region. The instrument also includes a conductor extending within the shaft and an electrode in the cavity and in electrical communication with the conductor. The electrode includes a first electrode element and a second electrode element in electrical connection and located adjacent one another. The second electrode element abuts and extends adjacent the first retention surface to restrain the movement of the electrode in a direction towards the outer surface of the tip portion and the proximal end region of the shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of several different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a pair of curved jaw members and a blade assembly having a cutting blade at its distal end. The trigger mechanism is arranged to drive the blade assembly longitudinally within the elongate shaft such that the cutting blade protrudes between the jaw members. In order to help the trigger mechanism push the blade assembly around the curved jaws, the distal end of the blade has a graduated flexibility such that it can more easily bend to the shape of the jaw members.

Abstract: A jaw member for an electrosurgical instrument is manufactured by providing a jaw housing (1) having a longitudinal jaw section (2), and an electrically conductive plate (11) including one or more passages (14) therein. The electrically conductive plate is disposed on the jaw section of the jaw housing, and placed into a mold (15). A flowable insulating material (18) is injected into the mold to secure the electrically conductive plate to the jaw housing, such that the flowable material (18) flows through the one or more passages (14) to form one or more stop members (21) that project a predetermined distance from the electrically conductive plate.

Abstract: A microwave ablation antenna assembly includes an elongate body that extends from a first end to a second end thereof, and which defines therein a hollow inner volume and a longitudinal axis of the antenna. The ablation antenna assembly includes an applicator tip portion mounted on the second end of the elongate body, an elongate coaxial conductor assembly for connection to a source of microwave energy, a dipole tip portion that extends from the feed point of the coaxial conductor assembly towards the applicator tip, and a choke assembly with first and second choke conductors.