Abstract: An electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element moveable along a linear cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through the cutting element and to tissue adjacent the cutting element. The cutting element may be formed of a sharp or non-sharpened material. During surgical procedures the electrosurgical cutting device is able to simultaneously cut tissue and cauterize, or fuse, the tissue in areas adjacent the incision through the application of electrical energy. The effect is a reduced amount of bleeding associated with surgical procedures and an enhanced ability to control and eliminate bleeding. Optionally, the electrosurgical cutting device may also include a supply of surgical staples which are deployed simultaneously with the cutting action and delivery of electrosurgical energy to adjacent tissue.

Abstract: An adapter unit for a mechanical tissue cutting implement such as a shaver, morcellator or the like includes a mounting block from which an electrically insulating sheath extends. The sheath fits over the cannula or shaft of the cutting implement, and is secured in alignment and attached so that the cutting tip, for example, the tool and its window in the cannula tip, are exposed through the sheath. A conductor, which may be a conductive layer, extends along the length of the sheath and is exposed to form a distal electrode at the tip in close proximity to the opening, constituting one electrode of a bipolar electrode arrangement at the exposed tool. The other electrode is provided by electrical connection to the implement itself, so that a high current density path is formed through tissue in the cutting region.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a handle and a body which position and close a jaw about a tissue site for simultaneously cutting and sealing relatively large tissue structures. The jaw includes an electrosurgical cutting member, which may be a blade or wire, against which tissue is biased along a cut line, and a clamping assembly that clamps a region adjacent to or surrounding the cut line. The clamping assembly includes sealing electrodes for heating the region and welding tissue along the side of the cut as the cutter parts the tissue. The clamping assembly preferably has first and second clamping jaws extending in parallel to grip the tissue as tension is released by the cut, allowing dependable and complete sealing of the cut ends over an extended time while the tissue is immobilized.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an electrode assembly having an electrode mechanically interlocked with a non-conductive body to as to form a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, complimentary surface features of the respective electrode and the non-conductive body interlock the components of the electrode assembly. In another embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a generally spherical electrode that is rotatable with respect to a non-conductive hood. A gap is formed between an outer surface of the electrode and an inner surface of the hood.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having an active electrode with a portion that is coated with an insulative material. An exposed portion of the electrode is effective to treat tissue while the insulative coating minimizes energy dissipation into surrounding isotonic solution.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes a rotary, tissue affecting device in the form of one or more rotating blades, a rotating drill, or a rotating shaving/abrading device that serves as an active, energy delivering electrode. The active electrode effectively cuts tissue at the surgical site without relying solely upon the mechanical cutting action of the tissue affecting device. The rotary surgical device can be in a form such that it is suitable for use in open or closed surgery.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a roller electrode segmented into conductive and non-conductive portions. When the electrode is rolled over a treatment site, the region of the electrode that contacts the site receives current from an energy source and the non-contacting region of the electrode is isolated from the energy source. The electrode is well suited for use in an isotonic fluid environment, without resulting in significant current dissipation since the non-contacting portion is isolated from the energy source. The roller electrode has a substantially cylindrical shape and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis along which a bore extends. A conductor carrying current from the energy source is disposed through the bore such that, when the electrode is urged against a treatment site, the conductor delivers current to the contacting region of the roller electrode and is isolated from the non-contacting region.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system having a visual indicator is provided. In a first embodiment, the electrosurgical system includes an active electrode coupled to a power supply for providing electrosurgical energy from the power supply to a tissue area and a return electrode separated from the active electrode, the return electrode being adapted to receive a current flowing through the tissue. The electrosurgical system further includes a lamp in electrical communication with the active and return electrodes, wherein the neon bulb is illuminated when the current flowing through the tissue exceeds a predetermined threshold. In a further embodiment, the electrosurgical system includes a second lamp illuminated when a voltage through the tissue is greater than a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, a monopolar electrosurgical device includes a visual indicator for indicating conditions at an area of affected tissue.

Abstract: An impedance feedback electrosurgical system is useful with electrosurgical tools to maintain a substantially constant level of current within the tissue in contact with the tool. The system comprises active and return electrodes associated with an electrosurgical tool, an impedance monitoring device and a power control unit. Energy sufficient to affect tissue is delivered through the active electrode to tissue and to the return electrode. The impedance measuring device is in circuit with the return electrodes and measures the impedance of tissue. A signal representative of tissue impedance is communicated from the impedance measuring device to the power control unit. The power control unit adjusts the energy applied to tissue to maintain tissue impedance within a preselected and desired range.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element moveable along a linear cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through the cutting element and to tissue adjacent the cutting element. The cutting element may be formed of a sharp or non-sharpened material. During surgical procedures the electrosurgical cutting device is able to simultaneously cut tissue and cauterize, or fuse, the tissue in areas adjacent the incision through the application of electrical energy. The effect is a reduced amount of bleeding associated with surgical procedures and an enhanced ability to control and eliminate bleeding. Optionally, the electrosurgical cutting device may also include a supply of surgical staples which are deployed simultaneously with the cutting action and delivery of electrosurgical energy to adjacent tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical tissue penetrating probe (e.g., a trocar) for use with surgical procedures such as a laproscopy. The trocar has a stylet disposed within the housing member, having an active electrode disposed on a distal end thereof to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue in contact with the stylet. A return electrode is disposed on the housing member to form part of a return electrical path to the delivery electrosurgical energy. The invention also provides an electrosurgical trocar system having an impedance monitor and associated power regulating circuitry to control the amount of electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue so that the measured tissue impedance is maintained within a preselected range.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element movable along a cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through one or more energy delivering electrodes associated with a tissue affecting portion of the tool to tissue adjacent the electrodes. One or more additional electrodes, such as return electrodes, form a second pole of the bipolar electrical connection are also associated with the tissue affecting portion and are electrically isolated from the energy delivering electrode. Various combinations of electrically conductive and electrically isolated elements associated with the tissue affecting portion of the device can be used as the two poles of the bipolar system.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical tissue penetrating probe (e.g., a trocar) for use with surgical procedures such as a laproscopy. The trocar has a stylet disposed within the housing member, having an active electrode disposed on a distal end thereof to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue in contact with the stylet. A return electrode is disposed on the housing member to form part of a return electrical path to the delivery electrosurgical energy. The invention also provides an electrosurgical trocar system having an impedance monitor and associated power regulating circuitry to control the amount of electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue so that the measured tissue impedance is maintained within a preselected range.

Abstract: A diagnostic impedance measuring system having an elongate tissue-penetrating probe member with a plurality of axially spaced reference electrodes disposed about a distal portion of the probe. The reference electrodes measure the impedance of the biological tissue adjacent each electrode. A first comparator element compares the measured impedance of at least a first and a second of the reference electrodes, and the comparator generates a first signal indicative of the impedance difference between the two electrodes. A second comparator element compares the measured impedance between either the first or second electrode and one additional electrode, and generates a second signal indicative of the impedance difference between the two electrodes. A third comparator element compares the first and second signals and generates a third signal indicative of the impedance difference between the two signals.

Abstract: A clip applicating device deploys surgical clips to ligate ducts and/or vessels during surgical procedures. While the clip is deployed the device simultaneously delivers electrosurgical energy to the affected tissue through the clip. This causes the clip and the adjacent tissue to be fused together, resulting in more secure surgical clips. The clipping device may be configured either as a bipolar or a monopolar instrument.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical clip is provided having two opposed prong members which are connected by a bridge member. The surface of the prong members are preferably coated with a conductive material while the bridge member is made of a highly resistive material which serves to electrically isolate the prong members from each other. One conductive prong member is adapted to serve as an active electrode through which electrosurgical energy is delivered to tissue while deploying the clip. The other conductive prong member serves as a return electrode, communicating through a conductor wire with an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting blade movable along a linear cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through the cutting blade and to tissue adjacent the cutting blade. During surgical procedures the electrosurgical cutting device is able to simultaneously cut tissue and cauterize, or fuse, the tissue in areas adjacent the incision through the application of electrical energy. The effect is a reduced amount of bleeding associated with surgical procedures and an enhanced ability to control and eliminate bleeding. Optionally, the electrosurgical cutting device may also include a supply of surgical staples which are deployed simulaneously with the cutting action and delivery of electrosurgical energy to adjacent tissue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for carrying out multiple simultaneous transfers of fluid. The method and apparatus are particularly directed toward immunoassays wherein immunologically active compounds, such as antigens and haptens, are detected through their associated antibodies. The device relies on the ability to transfer fluids, such as biological samples and reagents, between a reservoir and an associated receptacle. By providing a receptacle having a port at its lower end and which is otherwise hermetically sealed, such fluid transfer can be effected by immersing the port beneath the surface of the fluid in the reservoir and manipulating the pressure on the remaining surface area outside the port. The transfer of biological fluids at positive pressure provides enhanced fluids flow characteristics, particularly reduction or elimination of the tendency of these fluids to froth or bubble.