Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes. A Hall effect sensor carried by the working end is used to generate a signal that indicates a dimension of the uterine cavity or a frame-open parameter of the working end.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument, comprising a cryoprobe having ducting through which a compressed cooling fluid, such as a cooling gas, flows, for cooling a least part of the cryoprobe. The ducting has an expansion channel having a channel cross-section that enlarges progressively in the flow, direction over a predetermined length such that the compressed cooling gas gradually decompresses, at least partially, beyond a predetermined length on its flow path through the expansion channel while simultaneously cooling down.

Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein one or both of the first and second jaws can include a plurality of electrodes each comprised of a positive temperature coefficient material having a different switching temperature. The electrical resistances of the electrodes can increase significantly once the temperature of the electrodes exceed their switching temperatures and, owing to the increased electrical resistance, the flow of current through the electrodes can be reduced and/or prevented. In various circumstances, the different switching temperatures of the electrodes can allow some of the electrodes to switch off before the other electrodes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for the treatment of biological tissue. The electrosurgical generator comprises a generator part which supplies a high-frequency (“HF”) treatment current with an HF voltage set according to a voltage control signal. A measuring device detects the HF treatment current and the HF voltage and generates corresponding current and voltage signals. The current signal and the voltage signal are fed to a conversion device which forms a real current signal corresponding to the real component of the HF treatment current. A regulation device compares the real current signal with a pre-settable target value and generates the voltage control signal on the basis of the comparison. The real component of the treatment current is determined and the generator part is adjusted so that said real component approximates to a pre-determined target value.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical forceps including first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another, the jaw members relatively movable from a first, open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second, clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween with a predetermined clamping force, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface. The system also includes an electrosurgical generator configured to operatively couple to the electrosurgical forceps and to supply electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A kit for penetrating the cardiac septum and for implanting a transeptal lead, including a lead for the detection/stimulation of a left heart cavity. This kit includes a screw lead (16) and a radio-frequency puncture generator (32). The lead includes: a lead body with a deformable sheath (18); a proximal end having an electrical connector (20) for coupling to an implanted medical device housing; a distal end having a lead head (22) with an electrode including a projecting conductive helical screw (24) for penetrating into the septum (10) due to a screw movement applied from the proximal end of the lead, and a conductor (26) connecting the electrode to the electrical connector, the electrode including the screw.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical instruments and systems for applying energy to tissue. Variations of the systems and methods described herein include ablating, sealing, and extracting tissue with high pressure flows of fluids that in part utilizes a vapor-to-liquid phase change of flow media to apply thermal energy to the tissue.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: Electrode placement and connection systems are described which allow for the electrical connection and maintenance of one or more electrodes positioned on a substrate which is subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. Electrodes may also be formed on flexible circuit assemblies integrated within or along the hood. The circuit assemblies may also provide structural support to the hood during delivery and/or deployment. Such a system may include an imaging hood having an aperture through which transparent fluid is flowed and one or more electrodes positioned along or about the hood. As the hood is configured between a low-profile and opened configuration, these electrodes may remain electrically coupled despite the mechanical stresses subjected to the electrodes and the connections thereto.

Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein at least one of the electrodes can comprise a conductive material positioned within a non-conductive, or high-resistance, material. In use, current flowing through the conductive material can heat the conductive material and cause it to evaporate and leave behind the non-conductive material. In such circumstances, the current flowing through the electrode may cease or may be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A clip-over disposable assembly includes a switch assembly and a disposable body. The disposable body includes a first disposable member, a second disposable member including first and second wall portions, and a third disposable member. The first wall portion defines a first aperture therethrough and a first cavity configured to receive therein a first portion of the switch assembly. The third disposable member includes a third wall portion, wherein a body of the second disposable member and the third wall portion define an opening configured to allow a shaft of a hemostat-style surgical instrument to pass therethrough. The second wall portion and the third wall portion cooperatively define a chamber in communication with the opening and configured to receive therein at least a portion of the shaft of the hemostat-style surgical instrument, wherein the at least a portion of the shaft is received in the chamber from an off-axis position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for signal detection are described. In one example, a detection assembly includes a signal detector. The signal detector is configured to receive a sensor signal having a peak magnitude and a first frequency and generate an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the peak magnitude of the sensor signal and having a second frequency less than the first frequency of the sensor signal.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: A surgical clamp including a pair of jaws, which may be used to ablate or create lesions in tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, the jaws are movable between an articulated position in which the jaws are separated and not parallel to one another, an opened position in which the jaws are separated and substantially parallel to one another, and a closed position in which the jaws are adjacent and substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Methods of treating the sacroiliac region of a patient's body by delivering energy are described. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one probe into the sacroiliac region, the probe comprising at least one energy delivery device: positioning the at least one energy delivery device adjacent material to be treated; and delivering energy through the at least one energy delivery device to create a longitudinal strip lesion; wherein the at least one energy delivery device remains in a substantially static position during creation of the strip lesion. In some embodiments, energy may be delivered to treat at least two branches of the sacral nerves or to create an intra-articular lesion.

Abstract: A treatment system comprises an outer sheath and an end effector. The end effector has a plurality of cutting features, at least a portion of which are configured to debride a tissue surface when the end effector is actuated. The cutting features may also be configured to harvest tissue. A medical fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the end effector, such that the end effector may deliver a medical fluid to a target site such as a fistula. The medical fluid may include harvested tissue cells and a scaffold material. A vacuum cannula may be positioned coaxially within the interior cavity of the end effector, and an RF probe may be positioned co-axially within the interior cavity of the vacuum cannula. The vacuum cannula and RF probe may be used together to seal a fistula in which medical fluid has been dispensed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering energy to lung tissue, for example to cause lung volume reduction by generating a flow of vapor and introducing the flow of vapor into the lung where the vapor delivers thermal energy sufficient to modify lung tissue.