Abstract: A catheter is provided that includes an elongated tubular body extending to a distal end. The tubular body has a first and a second lumen with a septum disposed therebetween. The tubular body includes a first wall that defines the first lumen and a second wall that defines the second lumen. A portion of the septum extends distally beyond the first lumen and the second lumen. The first wall includes a first wall extension that extends distally beyond the first lumen and is spaced apart from the portion of the septum. The first wall extension defines a concave surface facing the portion of the septum. Alternatively, the septum has a septum extension that extends distally beyond the first lumen and the second lumen. In alternate embodiment, the septum extension defines a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus having a flow monitoring system capable of detecting and identifying flow present within the administration feeding set loaded to the flow control apparatus is disclosed. The flow control apparatus comprises a single sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of fluid in the administration feeding set. A software subsystem may be operatively associated with the single sensor that is capable of identifying between upstream and downstream flow conditions present within the administration feeding set loaded to the flow control apparatus.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for performing at least one of sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member, the first jaw member attached to the shaft and being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions and a rotating assembly attached to the housing for rotating the jaw members about the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also attached to the housing for separating tissue grasped between the jaw members and a handle assembly is attached to the housing for actuating the drive rod assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof which are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including an electrically conductive sealing surface having a non-stick coating disposed thereon which is designed to reduce tissue adherence. A source of electrical energy is connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A longitudinally reciprocating knife is included which severs tissue proximate the seal. The vessel sealer and divider also includes a non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive surface of one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween.

Abstract: A probe cover for a tympanic thermometer probe comprises a generally tubular body having an opening for receiving the thermometer probe and an infrared transparent window at a distal end thereof. In one embodiment, a film support extends radially inward from the distal end of the body and supports an infrared transparent film spanning the window. The film support has an inner edge that is substantially free from corners turning in the plane of the window. A plurality of end ribs are spaced apart and disposed about an inner circumference of the distal end of the body to engage a distal end of the thermometer probe and form an insulating gap by preventing contact of the film by the thermometer probe. The insulating gap also extends proximally into spaces between the end ribs, reducing thermal contact between the thermometer probe and a circumferential inner surface of the probe cover.

Abstract: An adapter (10) utilized to interconnect a fluid container (88) and an administration feeding set (90) having a hollow retractable spike (52) and a sliding shaft seal (18) for maintaining a fluid-tight seal around spike (52). The sliding shaft seal (18) includes a conduit (77) which sealingly engages around the retractable spike (52) in fluid tight engagement when adapter (10) is biased by a spring (19) between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A low profile gastrointestinal tube feeding system having a securing member for securing a feeding set to a low profile gastrostomy tube disposed inside a visceral organ of a patient's body so that inadvertent removal of the feeding set from the gastrostomy tube is prevented. Also provided is a securing member that secures a connection member to an external retention member. Once the securing member has connected the connection member to the external retention member, neither the connection member nor the external retention member can be separated from one another until the securing member is first disengaged from either member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided which includes an electrosurgical energy source; a return pad including a conductive surface; and a return pad cable connector selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator. The return pad cable connector includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough, the conductive wire have a first end which connects to the electrosurgical energy source; and a connector operatively coupled to the cord. The connector includes a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad and is in electrical contact with a second end of the conductive wire, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon; and a non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode shroud including a hollow substantially cylindrical member having a first end portion and a second end portion; the first end portion defining an opening which is configured and dimensioned to receive an electrosurgical electrode assembly therein; the second end portion defining an opening which is configured and dimensioned to receive an electrode mounting portion of an electrosurgical instrument, wherein at least the second end portion is formed of a substantially translucent material. The electrosurgical electrode shroud may further include visual or tactile indicator on the second end portion for indicating a depth of penetration of the electrosurgical instrument within the second end portion when viewed by the surgeon through the translucent material.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed which minimizes the amount of tissue vaporized during a first half (positive half cycle) of an electrosurgical current cycle and minimizes the amount of current applied to tissue during a second half (negative half cycle) of the electrosurgical current cycle to control thermal spread. The circuit is preferably provided within an electrosurgical generator which is capable of controlling the amount of energy delivered to a patient during electrosurgery on a per arc basis.

Abstract: A qualifying connection for an instrument attaches to a source of electrosurgery energy and to the instrument and has first and second parts coupled to the instrument and the source, respectively. Optical couplings on the connection transmit invisible energy to identify the instrument and are proximate on the first and second parts. A light modifier on the first part is proximal to the second part for modification of radiation in the infrared wavelengths so infrared transmitters encode signals and non-contact coded proximity detectors on the second part are the coupled detectors. Mechanical attachments include conjugating male and female portions which physically extend between the parts and matingly engage. An identifying circuit couples to the second part and responds to invisible light optically communicated across the couplings for verifying the type of instrument connected by the cable to the source.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode and electrosurgical generator system utilizing the same are disclosed capable of controlling or limiting the current per arc in real-time during an electrosurgical procedure. The conductive electrosurgical electrode is configured for being connected to an electrosurgical generator system and has a non-conductive, porous ceramic coating that “pinches” or splits the arc current generated by the electrosurgical generator system into the smaller diameter pores of the coating, effectively keeping the same current and voltage, but creating several smaller diameter arcs from one larger diameter arc. This has the effect of separating the arc current, effectively increasing the current frequency, resulting in a finer cut or other surgical effect. That is, the non-conductive, porous ceramic coating enables a low frequency current to achieve surgical results indicative of a high frequency current, while minimizing or preventing thermal damage to adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A nozzle and electrode combination for use with an electrosurgical device is described. The nozzle includes a shroud defining a channel and a lumen which intersect to define an acute angle. An electrode is positioned within the channel and includes a distal end extending from a distal portion of the shroud and a proximal end extending from the proximal portion of the shroud. An end cap positioned adjacent the proximal portion of the shroud about the electrode is preferably overmolded to the shroud and the electrode. Preferably, a portion of the walls defining the channel and/or the lumen include conductive material which communicates with the electrode to eliminate electric potential within the shroud.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad clamp further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode shroud including a hollow substantially cylindrical member having a first end portion and a second end portion; the first end portion defining an opening which is configured and dimensioned to receive an electrosurgical electrode assembly therein; the second end portion defining an opening which is configured and dimensioned to receive an electrode mounting portion of an electrosurgical instrument, wherein at least the second end portion is formed of a substantially translucent material. The electrosurgical electrode shroud may further include visual or tactile indicator on the second end portion for indicating a depth of penetration of the electrosurgical instrument within the second end portion when viewed by the surgeon through the translucent material.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a flow control apparatus is disclosed that permits operation when a magnet-less administration feeding set is properly mounted to recess formed along the housing of the flow control apparatus. The administration feeding set comprises flexible patient tubing having a support member at one end and a mounting member including a magnetically-susceptible metallic component at the other end thereof. A sensing arrangement is provided by the flow control apparatus for sensing the proper engagement of the metallic component to the recess of the flow control apparatus. A control means permits operation of the flow control apparatus when the metallic member is properly engaged to recess, while terminating operation when the metallic member is improperly engaged to recess.