Abstract: An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably attached about a pivot member and moveable from a first spaced position to a second grasping position. Each jaw member includes a jaw housing and a seal plate formed on an inner surface of the jaw member including at least two seal plate segments extending along a substantial portion of the length of the jaw members. An insulating member is positioned between adjacent seal plate segments and configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent seal plate segments. Each sealing plate segment is adapted to selectively connect to an electrosurgical energy source and form part of an electrosurgical energy delivery circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical instrument and methods for performing a diverticulum treatment. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a jaw assembly. The elongated member is operably coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly, while the jaw assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member. The jaw assembly includes a knife slot that is defined therewithin and is adapted to receive a knife blade to thereby cut tissue that is disposed between the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly is configured to approximate an esophageal tract and a diverticulum.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.

Abstract: A surgical system has a jaw assembly including a plurality of fasteners, an anvil and a drive beam for pushing an actuation sled. A drive screw imparts motion to the drive beam. An elongated body is configured to connect with the jaw assembly. A drive link connects a flexible drive shaft to the drive screw, the drive link being disposed off-axis. The jaw assembly and elongated body are separable from each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly defines staple forming depressions. One or both of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a first plurality of staples and a second plurality of staples. The first plurality of staples is initially positioned in alignment with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly for ejection from the cartridge assembly. The second plurality of staples is movably supported in the cartridge assembly from a first position misaligned with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly to a second position aligned with the staple forming depressions for subsequent ejection from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. A probe sensor detects a condition at the probe. The probe sensor has an idle condition when the probe is not inserted into the subject. A processor is operatively connected to the probe sensor and programmed to monitor a change in the condition of the probe sensor from the idle condition to determine whether the probe has been received in a probe cover and inserted into the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly having a distal engagement member and configured to supply ultrasonic energy. A waveguide defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal engagement member configured to threadingly engage the distal engagement member. The waveguide is configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy therealong to a distal end thereof for treating tissue. A torque member is coupled to the transducer assembly and is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The torque member is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and relative to the waveguide to threadingly engage the transducer assembly and the waveguide to one another. The torque member includes a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled thereto and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, each finger extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis to define a moment arm that facilitates the engagement of the transducer assembly and the waveguide.

Abstract: A catheter is provided which includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end and a sidewall defining at least one lumen. The catheter body has at least one side opening formed through the sidewall at a location spaced proximally from the distal end. The at least one side opening communicates with the at least one lumen. A recess extends along the sidewall and communicates with the at least one side opening such that the recess defines a fluid pathway into the side opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaft of a surgical instrument including forming a proximal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a first component of the surgical instrument, forming a distal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a second component of the surgical instrument and forming an intermediate segment of the shaft. The proximal segment is welded to a proximal end of the intermediate segment; and the distal segment is welded to a distal end of the intermediate segment. The proximal and distal segments are welded to the intermediate segment such that the one or more features thereof are aligned in a pre-determined orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: A compression sleeve configured for a conforming fit to a portion of a wearer's body, such as a leg. The compression sleeve includes at least one inflatable bladder. The sleeve has a periphery including at least six edges and is configured to wrap around the wearer's leg so that the bladder encircles the limb for applying compression therapy to the limb. The shape of the sleeve conforms to the limb of the wearer and keeps the sleeve in place on the limb.

Abstract: A vascular access system includes a vascular access device and a portable recirculation device. The vascular access device defines at least one lumen and is configured and dimensioned to be positioned within a blood vessel of a patient. The recirculation device includes a housing defining a channel having an inlet port and an outlet port for passage of blood through the channel. The channel includes a pump for circulating blood through the vascular access device.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter is provided which includes a catheter body having a proximal and a distal end and defining at least one lumen. The at least one lumen includes a distal opening and a side opening formed through a sidewall of the catheter body. The side opening communicates with the at least one lumen, and includes guiding structure positioned adjacent a distal side of the side opening configured to smoothly redirect blood flow into the at least one lumen. The guiding structure may be defined by a raised wall, or in the alternative, an angled distal wall of the side opening.

Abstract: A compression assembly is adapted for placement on a body part for imparting compression therapy to the body part. The compression assembly includes a bladder and a bladder support. The bladder support and bladder have corresponding connection structure for mounting the bladder on the bladder support. In certain embodiments, the bladder is held in tension when mounted on the bladder support. In certain embodiments, the bladder support includes protrusions adapted for push-in reception in openings on the bladder for mounting the bladder on the bladder support, the bladder support is adjustable in length, and the bladder is foldable for adjusting the length of the bladder. Removable mounting of the bladder on the bladder support enables selective disposal of the bladders and bladder supports and interchangeability of different types of bladders with particular bladder supports.

Abstract: A compression garment for applying compression therapy to a body part of a person. The compression garment includes a bladder including an inflatable chamber having a perimeter and an opening through which the inflatable chamber is inflated. A foam layer is positioned at least partially in the inflatable chamber for reducing a volume of gas required to inflate the inflatable chamber and extends at least partially outside the inflatable chamber for providing structural support to the compression garment.

Abstract: Medical devices and systems for treating a vascular condition are described. One such device includes a sheath, an elongate delivery member, and a lock. The sheath has a wall that includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen along the sheath. An access opening is in a proximal portion of the wall and is in fluid communication with the lumen. The delivery member is at least partially disposed within the lumen. The delivery member passes through the access opening. The lock is slidably disposed on an outer periphery of the wall. The lock slidably moves from a first position to a second position along a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The lock positioned in the first position restricts movement of the delivery member.

Abstract: A medical device detachment system receives an elongate delivery member, having a lumen, and an elongate core member. The system includes a housing, a user input mechanism for receiving a user input to effect detachment of a medical device, such as an embolic coil, from a distal end of the delivery member, and a grasping mechanism for grasping and moving a proximal end of the core member relative to a proximal end of the delivery member. The system also includes a first sensor detecting positioning of the proximal end of the core member within the housing, and a second sensor, detecting movement of the grasping mechanism. An indicator is connected to the first and second proximity sensors and provides feedback to a user.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. An IR emitter emits an infrared signal from the probe. And an IR detector detects the infrared signal emitted by the IR emitter. The detection of the IR signal by the IR detector indicates that the probe is received in a probe cover.

Abstract: A compression apparatus for providing a therapeutic compression pressure to a wearer's body. The apparatus includes an inflatable bladder formed from bladder material, a controller, and a pump operatively connectable to the bladder for pressurizing the bladder. The controller has a pre-therapeutic compression function for instructing the pump to pressurize the bladder to an elevated pressure above the therapeutic compression pressure and to maintain the elevated pressure for a period of time before depressurizing the bladder.