Abstract: An electrode for the electrosurgical end effector of a surgical instrument is manufactured by laser etching or roughening an area of the electrode's surface. This provides an area to which an insulating stop may be attached. Beneficially, the roughened area provides a good bond between the insulating stop and the electrode, allowing a greater potential use-life for the surgical instrument. Compared to conventional methods, using a laser reduces costs, increases manufacturing flexibility and allows precise control over the creation of the roughened area.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to intravascular electrophysiology catheters which utilize electrodes on flexible electronic circuit(s) to facilitate reduced assembly complexity and cost. In one example embodiment, a distal tip assembly of an electrophysiology catheter is disclosed. The distal tip assembly including a catheter shaft, flexible circuitry, and a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft includes an outer surface with a trench extending into the outer surface, and the flexible circuitry is inserted into the trench and coupled to the catheter shaft. The flexible circuitry includes one or more electrodes configured and arranged to sense electrophysiological characteristics of tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for treating the skin by heating at least one discrete skin volume, comprising at least one treatment tip reversibly connectable to at least one applicator. The treatment tip comprises one or more electrodes, with the electrodes having one or more spaced apart protruding conducting elements. The protruding conducting elements are characterized by dimensions of height A and hypotenuse B, where the ratio A/B is in a predetermined range, and the protruding conducting elements penetrate the skin surface at discrete locations. The electrodes are configured to apply energy to skin volumes around the discrete locations so as to heat the skin volumes. The applicator comprises an energy generator configured to apply energy to the skin volumes by means of the electrodes and the spaced apart protruding conducting elements.

Abstract: A testing device for an electrosurgical generator, including a first connection port and a second connection port for connecting the testing device to a patient circuit of the electrosurgical generator and including an apparatus for producing a direct voltage between the first connection port and the second connection port. The testing device is characterized in that an HF current path of the patient circuit, running from the first connection port to the second connection port, extends through the testing device and in that the apparatus for producing a direct voltage is fed by an HF current flowing through the HF current path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating cryogenic treatments are disclosed which comprise devices and methods for delivering controlled treatment of a cryoablative agent. In one variation, such devices may generally comprise an elongate probe having a distal tip and a flexible length, at least one infusion lumen positioned through or along the elongate probe, wherein the infusion lumen defines one or more openings along its length, and a liner expandably enclosing the probe. An inflow reservoir or canister valve may be fluidly coupled with a reservoir or canister containing the cryoablative agent and a modulation control unit may also be fluidly coupled with the inflow reservoir or canister valve and in fluid communication with the at least one infusion lumen. Additionally, a warming element may also be thermally coupled with the reservoir or canister.

Abstract: A timing system during an ablation procedure having a time to isolation includes an automated timer that receives a first time setting. The first time setting provides a maximum time that the ablation procedure can continue without reaching the time to isolation. A catheter system including the timing system can also include a control system that is configured to automatically stop the ablation procedure if the first time setting expires without reaching the time to isolation. The operator can input the first time setting via a graphical display of the catheter system. The automated timer can generate an expiration signal if the first time setting expires without reaching the time to isolation. The automated timer can further receive a second time setting from the operator that provides a maximum time that the ablation procedure can continue after reaching the time to isolation.

Abstract: A surgical end effector may comprise first and second jaw members. The second jaw member may comprise an offset proximal supply electrode that is positioned to contact an opposing member of the first jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. The second jaw member may also comprise a distal supply electrode that is positioned distal of the offset proximal electrode and is aligned with a conductive surface of the first jaw member when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. When the first and second jaw members are in the closed position, the proximal supply electrode may be in contact with the opposing member and the distal supply electrode is not in contact with the conductive surface of the first jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument according to an embodiment may include: a shaft; a seal member disposed in a support body; and a pressing member including a pressing surface in contact with and pressing a surface of the seal member on a side of the shaft, wherein the pressing member is pressed by the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving microcirculation by suppressing and cancelling the negative effects of electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and computers connected to wireless networks on microcirculation. The apparatus generates frequencies that are synchronized and in opposed amplitudes to the detected electromagnetic radiation frequencies, thereby suppressing and cancelling the negative effects of the electromagnetic radiation frequencies on microcirculation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for mapping and treating tissue during a medical procedure. In some cases, a device includes a mesh of wires with sensors coupled thereto. The mapping device can be coupled to an expandable treatment element. Alternatively, the treatment device can be a separate device, and advanced through an access lumen in the mapping device. The expandable treatment element can include multiple segments. The sensors can be used to map a tissue area and monitor the tissue during a medical procedure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various embodiments of systems to facilitate the cutting of tissue structures and other tissue structures percutaneously.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various embodiments of systems to facilitate the cutting of tissue structures and other tissue structures percutaneously.

Abstract: A method for performing electrothermal therapy (ETT) includes inserting one or more electrodes into a target tissue, inserting one or more temperature sensors into the target tissue, selecting a pulse waveform for a plurality of electrical pulses, and delivering to the target tissue the plurality of electrical pulses having the selected pulse waveform through the one or more electrodes, wherein a delay between ones of the plurality of electrical pulses is selected based on a temperature reading from the one or more temperature sensors.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an electrocautery end effector powered by an electrocautery element, and an articulation connecting the electrocautery end effector to the shaft. The articulation comprises: a first joint driveable by a first pair of driving elements which permits the electrocautery end effector to rotate about a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and a second joint driveable by a second pair of driving elements which permits the electrocautery end effector to rotate about a second axis transverse to the first axis. The electrocautery element is constrained to move around the first axis and constrained to wrap at least one full revolution around the second axis. The path of the electrocautery element between the shaft and the second joint symmetrically opposes the path of a first one of the second pair of driving elements between the shaft and the second joint.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an electrocautery end effector powered by a first electrocautery element and a second electrocautery element, and an articulation. The articulation connects the electrocautery end effector to the shaft, and comprises a first joint driveable by a first pair of driving elements, the first joint permitting the electrocautery end effector to rotate about a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first joint comprises a pulley arrangement around which the first pair of driving elements and the first and second electrocautery elements are constrained to move, the first and second electrocautery elements having symmetrically opposing paths around the pulley arrangement. The first and second electrocautery elements are distinct from the first pair of driving elements.

Abstract: A tissue resecting device includes an outer sleeve having an axial bore extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and opening to an outer window near the distal end. An inner sleeve is rotatably received in the axial bore of the outer sleeve and has an axial channel adapted for communication with a negative pressure source. A distal housing is attached to a distal end of the inner sleeve and has an annular dielectric portion and a circumferentially adjacent annular metal portion having an inner window with circumferentially spaced-apart sharp cutting edges that opens to the axial channel. An active electrode is carried by the annular dielectric portion, and the inner window is circumferentially spaced-part from the active electrode so that the inner window and the active electrode rotate alternately into alignment with the outer window as the inner sleeve is rotated within the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices, instruments and systems, including applicator handles for use with pulse generators) for automatically and/or mechanically setting impedance matching for connecting the applicator handle with different electrode tips. These methods and apparatuses may be useful for applying therapeutic energy, including but not limited to short, high field strength electric pulses, while avoiding the risk of arcing or otherwise harming the tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus, including an elongated deflectable element, a distal assembly, a force sensor disposed between the elongated deflectable element and the distal assembly, and comprising a spring including a tube with at least one helical cut extending around a circumference of the tube, the at least one helical cut including deviations extending in a longitudinal direction of the tube, the deviations being configured to prevent overstretching and overbending of the spring.

Abstract: A reusable tip for minimally invasive surgical instruments can include an end effector, a two-part hub, and a yoke. The end effector can include one or more movable portions enabling the end effector to move between first (e.g., open) and second (e.g., closed) positions via manipulation of the yoke within the hub. The hub can include a proximal hub and a distal hub coupled together. The end effector can be coupled to the distal hub, which can be made of a metal to provide high strength and secure shape to the distal hub. The proximal hub can be made of an autoclavable insulation material capable of maintaining a removable coupling with a control shaft. The proximal hub can be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).