Abstract: An electrosurgical connection unit for a surgical robot arm to connect an electrosurgical instrument attached to the arm to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical connection unit includes an input port connectable to the electrosurgical generator, the input port configured to receive a driving electrosurgical signal and output one or more activation signals; an output port connectable to the electrosurgical instrument, the output port configured to output the driving electrosurgical signal received on the input port; one or more activation switch units, wherein activation of an activation switch unit causes an activation signal to be output from the input port indicating a driving electrosurgical signal with a desired waveform is to be activated; and a control unit configured to selectively activate one of the one or more activation switch units in response to a control signal.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline, with its unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improves the ability of the wearable monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and the QRS interval signals indicating ventricular activity in the ECG waveforms. In particular, the ECG electrodes on the electrode patch are tailored to be positioned axially along the midline of the sternum for capturing action potential propagation in an orientation that corresponds to the aVF lead used in a conventional 12-lead ECG that is used to sense positive or upright P-waves.

Abstract: An electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal includes a housing with an electronic component. The electronic device may include a first wing and a second wing, each being integrally formed with the housing. An electrode is positioned on a bottom surface of each of the wings, the electrodes electrically connected to the electronic component. An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer may cover a portion of the bottom surfaces of the wings but generally does not cover the electrode or a bottom surface of the housing. A method of applying an electronic device to a mammal includes removing first and second adhesive covers from first and second wings of the electronic device to expose an electrode and an adhesive coated on a bottom surface of each wing.

Abstract: Forceps treatment systems are described in which a forceps apparatus may generally comprise a first handle and a second handle coupled to one another near or at respective proximal ends. A first paddle may be coupled to the first handle and define a first inner surface, a second paddle may be coupled to the second handle and define a second inner surface which is positioned in apposition to the first inner surface. Furthermore, a debriding member may extend proximally from the first and second handles and reduce and curve gently to define a debriding edge for debriding tissue in proximity to one or more meibomian glands. The forceps apparatus may be used in combination with a heat treatment for treating one or more meibomian glands in a subject.

Abstract: A non-invasive diagnostic assembly that includes an interface configured for connection to a diagnostic monitoring device; a plurality of electrodes configured for adhesion to a patient's skin at respective locations and electrically connected to the interface; and at least one adjustable connection segment having a concertina/accordion/ripple-shaped configuration connecting at least two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A method of reducing the likelihood of shivering comprises monitoring at least one physiological characteristic in a human or animal subject to detect preshivering and acting to reduce the likelihood of shivering when preshivering is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a physiological monitoring device. Some embodiments of the invention allow for long-term monitoring of physiological signals. Further embodiments may also allow for the monitoring of secondary signals such as motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a physiological monitoring device. Some embodiments of the invention allow for long-term monitoring of physiological signals. Further embodiments may also allow for the monitoring of secondary signals such as motion.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for nerve activity ablation and/or sensing includes one or more needles advanced through supported guide tubes (needle guiding elements) which expand to contact the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the needles to be advanced though the vessel wall into the extra-luminal tissue including the media, adventitia and periadvential space. The catheter also includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. Electrodes at the distal ends of the guide tubes allow sensing of nerve activity before and after attempted renal denervation. In a combination embodiment ablative energy or fluid is delivered to ablate nerves outside of the media.

Abstract: A position sensor includes a flexible substrate formed into a three-dimensional (3D) shape. At least first and second field-sensing coils are formed in first and second respective layers of the flexible substrate, such that in the 3D shape the first and second field-sensing coils have first and second respective axes that are not parallel to one another.

Abstract: An energy module connectable to a surgical instrument is disclosed. The energy module can include a circuit, which can include a first amplifier and a second amplifier coupled to a port of the energy module to which a surgical instrument is connectable. The first amplifier can be configured to generate a first drive signal at a first frequency range and the second amplifier can be configured to generate a second drive signal at a second frequency range. The circuit can be configured to control the amplifiers to deliver the first drive signal, the second drive signal, and/or a combination of the first and second drive signals to a surgical instrument connected to the port.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a shaft, an expandable frame, a membrane, a diagnostic electrode, a reference electrode, and a processor. The shaft is configured for insertion into an organ of a patient. The expandable frame is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The diagnostic electrode, which is disposed on an external surface of the expandable frame, is configured to sense diagnostic signals when in contact with tissue. The reference electrode is disposed on a surface of the expandable frame directly opposite the diagnostic electrode, wherein the reference electrode is electrically insulated from the tissue and is configured to sense interfering signals.

Abstract: An electrode is provided. The electrode includes a contact pad composed of boron-doped polycrystalline diamond (BDD); a fiber core composed of BDD extending longitudinally from the contact pad from a first end that is in direct contact with the contact pad to an opposing second end; and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cladding that coats and hermetically seals the contact pad and the fiber core. A first portion of the contact pad and a second portion at or near the second end of the fiber core are not coated and hermetically scaled by the PCD cladding. A method of fabricating the electrode is also provided.

Abstract: An instrument including a first arm, a second arm, and a blade. The first arm includes a lumen in communication with a source of irrigation fluid and one or more outlets in communication with the lumen for delivering the irrigation fluid to a surgical site. The instrument is switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the instrument is configured to deliver a first therapy current through a distal end of the first arm, a distal end of the second arm, or both. In the second configuration, a distal end of the blade extends beyond the distal end of the first arm and beyond the distal end of the second arm.

Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a second activation signal.

Abstract: A catheter configured to guide and support a balloon catheter for use in and around a pulmonary vein and its ostium, has an elongated shaft and a distal assembly, the elongated shaft including a proximal portion with a first flexibility and a distal portion including a second flexibility greater than the first flexibility, the distal assembly including an elbow portion and a generally circular portion generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, the generally circular portion including a third flexibility greater than the second flexibility. Single axis location sensors and sensing ring electrodes are carried on the generally circular portion.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing, an elongated shaft assembly, and a cam assembly. The housing includes a movable handle pivotally coupled to the housing. The elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the housing and extends distally to support jaw members at a distal end thereof. One or both of the jaw members is selectively moveable relative to the other jaw member between a spaced apart position for manipulating tissue and a closed position for compressing tissue therebetween. The cam assembly is supported in the housing and includes an eccentric cam cable and an eccentric cam. The eccentric cam cable is operably coupled to the movable handle and positioned to rotate the eccentric cam upon movement thereof, wherein rotation of the eccentric cam reduces an amount of force on the movable handle required to move the jaw members to the closed position to compress tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.1° C./sec and about 10.0° C./sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a main body fabricated from a conductive material, and a conductive blade extending inwardly from an inner surface of the main body. The blade has an edge configured to concentrate RF for cutting tissue.

Abstract: The present application relates to a monopolar electrode and a bipolar electrode that are used for electrosurgical instruments. The monopolar electrode and the bipolar electrode each include a conductive non-stick coating which is made by doping graphene and/or metal particles in a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) base material. The present application also relates to a preparation method of a composite material forming the conductive non-stick coating. Since PTFE itself can prevent adhesion, the conductivity of PTFE can be improved by doping various conductive materials. After the composite material coating formed thereby covers a metal electrode, it is ensured that the working region and work energy of an electrotome are not reduced, the electrical conductivity of the electrode can be guaranteed, not only the blood coagulation effect of the electrotome is not affected but also the adhesion of the electrode on a tissue can be reduced. Furthermore, the structure is simple, and manufacturing is easy.