Abstract: A microwave ablation system is provided. The microwave ablation system includes a power source. A microwave antenna is adapted to connect to the power source via a coaxial cable feed including an inner conductor defining a portion of a radiating section of the microwave antenna, an outer conductor and dielectric shielding. The inner conductor loops back around and toward the outer conductor of the coaxial cable feed such that a distal end of the inner conductor is operably disposed adjacent the dielectric shielding. The inner conductor includes one or more reactive components disposed thereon forming a reactively-loaded loop configuration configured to maximize delivery of microwave energy from the power source to tissue such that a desired effect to tissue is achieved.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical probe connected to a control console, wherein the probe is capable of coagulating and ablating tissue depending on a selected operating mode. Before operating the system, probe-specific data stored in a memory device associated with the probe is read by a processing device in the console. The data includes source impedance values specific to a coagulation or cutting mode of operation. A constant duty cycle value for a modulated cutting mode also is provided. Depending on the operating mode selected, an RF generator adjusted to have a predetermined source impedance value provides a voltage value to the probe. During the duty-cycled mode, the RF generator generates an instantaneous voltage value output for a duty cycle portion that is less than 100% of a time period, which value is no less than a maximum continuous average voltage value for the electrosurgical probe.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle is selectively movable to actuate a pair of first and second opposable jaw members pivotably connected to each other at a distal end of the shaft. The jaw members are moveable from an open position to a closed position and are each adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. A first linkage is disposed at least partially within the shaft and is operably coupled between the first jaw member and a second linkage disposed proximal to the first linkage. Selective movement of the handle rotates the second linkage in a first direction, thereby rotating the first linkage in an opposite second direction to move the jaw members between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the jaw members are configured in a releasably locked configuration when in the closed position.

Abstract: Tissue ablation is carried out using insertion tube having at least one ablation electrode, a first temperature sensor disposed on the distal portion sufficiently proximate the ablation electrode to detect heat generated during the ablation procedure, a second temperature sensor disposed on the distal portion sufficiently distant from the ablation electrode to be unable to detect the heat, and electronic logic circuitry linked to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and programmed to compute a temperature differential between respective temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor when conveying the electromagnetic energy. Satisfactory contact status between the ablation electrode and the target tissue is indicated when the temperature differential exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous and mini-invasive valve removal are provided. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing a valve, said device comprises a catheter, two mesh umbrellas coupled thereto, a cauterizing mechanism operable to excise a valve from a vessel, and a mechanical drill operable to grind said excised valve to allow for removal of the ground excised valve by way of an enclosure created by the two mesh umbrellas. In another embodiment, a temporary stent valve is positioned near the valve to be excised to avoid aortic insufficiency during valve excision.

Abstract: A mechanism for authenticating a physiological sensor is disclosed. When a sensor is connected to a monitor, the monitor examines whether a first sensor-specific usage identifier of the connected sensor is consistent with a second sensor-specific usage identifier thereof. The first and second sensor-specific usage identifiers are indicative of the cumulative usage of the connected sensor, but may nevertheless be unequal. The first sensor-specific usage identifier is maintained in the sensor and the second sensor-specific usage identifier in a host memory external to the sensor. The use of the connected sensor is allowed when the examining indicates that the said two identifiers of the connected sensor are consistent, and rejected when the identifiers are inconsistent. The two identifiers are further updated in response to the use of the connected sensor in the patient monitor, thereby to keep the said identifiers consistent and updated for a subsequent use attempt of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of performing an ablation procedure includes the steps of inserting an antenna assembly into tissue and supplying energy thereto for application to tissue. The method also includes the step of causing contact between a first material and at least one other material disposed within the antenna assembly to thermally regulate the antenna assembly. According to another embodiment, an ablation system includes an energy delivery assembly. A first chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold a first chemical. Another chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold at least one other chemical. The first chamber and the other chamber are configured to selectively and fluidly communicate with each other to cause contact between the first chemical and the at least one other chemical to cause an endothermic reaction and/or an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A treatment instrument for endoscope includes a first and a second forceps members having a conductive electrode part; a forceps rotation axis that supports the forceps members so that they can rotate relative to each other, a first and a second link members being connected via a rotation axis to the forceps members respectively, and make the forceps members open and close, a link support member supporting the forceps members in a state where they are separated at a predetermined interval when they are opened and closed, an operation part connecting to the link support member, and opens and closes the forceps members by moving the link members, and a power supply wire, one end thereof being connected to the electrode part by being attached to the forceps rotation axis, and another end thereof being connected to a current supply means providing a current to the electrode part.

Abstract: A medical probe, including an ablation electrode and a first conductor connected to the ablation electrode. The first conductor is configured to convey ablation energy to the ablation electrode. The probe also includes a second conductor which is connected at a junction to the first conductor so as to form a thermocouple at the junction.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train for powering the drive train and a plurality of series-connected DC power source connected to the motor for supplying electrical power to the motor. The handle also comprises a power source selection switch for connecting, when in a first state, all of the DC power sources to the motor, and, when in a second state, a subset of the DC power sources to the motor. Also disclosed are means for actuating a RF electrode in the end effector and means for indicating actuation of the RF electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia are disclosed. The apparatus includes an applicator piece carrying a set of electrodes shaped and positioned to create a substantial electric field in the volume of hyperplasia and a pulse generator adapted for delivery of electrical pulses above the upper electroporation limit for the neoplastic cells. The amplitude, duration and number of the electrical pulses are generally selected to cause necrosis of a significant fraction of the volume of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The apparatus may include a high frequency system for heating the prostatic tissue and a cooling system for cooling the urethra. The combined action of heating and cooling may increase the temperature of the prostate cells to 45 degrees C. to 55 degrees C., while keeping the urinary tract at a temperature 15 degrees C. to 20 degrees C.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the first electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, the second electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode have a blade portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor. A balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. The device also includes an electrically-conductive cylinder coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure, and a dielectric structure disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder, wherein the dielectric structure longitudinally extends from the distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member.

Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through a target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response. The processing unit is configured to identify the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property.

Abstract: An ablation catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen therethrough. A helical structure associated with the catheter distal portion carries a plurality of independently operable electrodes and is transformable between a low-profile configuration wherein a straightening element is positioned in the lumen and an expanded configuration wherein the straightening element is at least partially retracted from the spiral structure. When the helical structure is in the expanded configuration, a laterally offset tip portion extends distally therefrom.

Abstract: An actuation system is disclosed for actuating an ablation instrument for an ablation process in a tissue volume. In at least one embodiment, the actuation system includes: an input interface for image data of the tissue volume; an identification unit for identifying a target tissue using the image data; a model production unit for producing process models and/or refined fine process models of expected ablation developments, which is linked to a value derivation unit for deriving model measured values from a process model and/or to a value determination unit for determining measured values representing the ablation progress; a command derivation unit for deriving control commands on the basis of process models and/or for deriving refined control commands on the basis of fine process models; a comparator for comparing measured values and an instrument interface for transmitting control commands and/or refined control commands to the ablation instrument.

Abstract: A hernia repair system includes a surgical mesh, one or more electrosurgical instruments, and one or more return electrodes. The one or more electrosurgical instruments are configured to position the surgical mesh adjacent tissue in an underlying tissue site. The one or more return electrodes are positionable adjacent the tissue and externally relative to the underlying tissue site. The one or more electrosurgical instruments and the one or more return electrodes are configured to selectively apply an effective amount of pressure and electrosurgical energy to the surgical mesh such that upon the application of electrosurgical energy and pressure, the surgical mesh seals to one side of the tissue at the underlying tissue site.

Abstract: A high-frequency surgical testing device for testing a neutral electrode during treatment, particularly during monopolar coagulation of biological tissue using a high-frequency current. The neutral electrode includes at least one first electrically conductive electrode segment having a first cable for connecting to a high-frequency generator, and a second electrically conductive electrode segment having a second cable for connecting to a high-frequency generator, the first and second electrode segments contacting the tissue. The test device includes an encoding element having a code for describing the neutral electrode and a measurement device for capturing the code describing the neutral electrode. The test device allows an identification of the neutral electrode to ensure safety.

Abstract: A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.

Abstract: A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.