Abstract: Airflow provided through an air hose to the inlet port of an inflatable thermal device is controlled by a mechanical device disposed at an end of the air hose that is coupled to the inlet port. In response to coupling the end of the air hose to the inlet port, the mechanical device operates to open the end and permit air to flow through the air hose and the inlet port. In response to decoupling the end of the air hose from the inlet port, the mechanical device operates to block air from flowing through the end of the air hose.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: A medical forceps has a forceps shank and a forceps jaw which comprises at least one movable jaw part, wherein the jaw part has a curved linkage arm at its proximal end. The linkage arm is movably guided in a curved guide path of an insert which is inserted into at least one receiver at the distal end of the forceps shank.

Abstract: In apparatus for the treatment of tumors, comprising at least one generator having a power source, and at least two electrode needles for conducting current into, or out of, a tumor, a control arrangement is provided for limiting the current flowing through each electrode to a maximum value.

Abstract: A positioning system for use during surgical procedures comprising a belt assembly adapted to be positioned about a bodily surface of a patient. The belt assembly may comprise a single module, or a first module adapted to be attached to a second module. The modules may be adapted to permit attachment of a surgical instrument thereto. The modules may also include cushioned undersides. The system may also comprise a surgical instrument retention system including a saddle adapted to be positioned on a surgical instrument, straps adapted to secure the saddle to the surgical instrument, and a pulley cord coupled to the saddle so as to selectively position the surgical instrument upon movement of the pulley cord. The modules may also include an accessory adapted to fit securely within shaped openings formed therein. The accessory may comprise a base having a locking apparatus for locking a medical device to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode device for microwave surgery which is provided with a marker securely fixed to the central electrode, which marker can provide a magnetic susceptibility artifact of a uniform size and shape free of fluctuation among electrode devices. The electrode device comprise a central conductor body, a tubular insulator body which covers the central conductor body except its distal end, a tubular external electrode which covers the tubular insulator body except its distal end part, and a central electrode which covers the distal end part of the central conductor body. The central conductor body, the insulator body, the external electrode and the central electrode are made of a nonmagnetic material, and a cylindrical member made of a magnetic material is fit around the distal end part of the central conductor body.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument and method for use is provided. The instrument includes a handle at a proximal end, active and return electrodes at a distal end that are electrically insulated from one another, a shaft extending therebetween, and a converting element including an electrically conductive portion. The converting element is movable between a first position wherein the electrically conductive portion is in electrical contact with the active electrode and not the return electrode, and a second position wherein the electrically conductive portion is not in electrical contact with the active electrode.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided with a sleeve and a flexible material where, upon inflation of the balloon, the sleeve is slid over a ball joint, preventing the flexible material and tube from moving through a range of motion in order to prevent the tube from kinking and misaligning.

Abstract: Conduction volumetry is used to determine the hemo-dynamic performance of the heart under various pacing protocols to optimize cardiac output as a function of the pacing protocol.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and process for freezing or cauterizing a particular infected body area employing a transparent sleeve insertable through a small slit in the flesh of a patient and wherein the inserted end of the sleeve is provided with a cone-shaped tip having a plurality of segments normally self biased to close to define a dull pointed end susceptible for expansion when a solid, rigid probe is inserted through the sleeve. The end of the probe includes a conical or cone-shaped tip with a small extension or projection that causes expansion of the flaps on the tip of the sleeve. The extension on the end of the probe is placed in alignment position to locate the infected organ or area to be removed. Monitoring of the sleeve and probe insertion and location of the infected area is achieved by video camera. After removing the solid and rigid probe, a fiber optic tube is inserted into the sleeve whereby ambient light is conducted through the tube to the advancing end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for positioning diagnostic an therapeutic elements on the epicardium or other organ surface.

Abstract: A method of fusing biomaterial and tissue using radiofrequency energy includes the steps of: providing a vessel sealing instrument having opposing jaw members which are movable relative to one another to compress tissue therebetween. The vessel sealing instrument includes at least one stop member affixed thereto for regulating the distance between the opposing jaw members. The method also includes the steps of: providing a biomaterial; positioning the biomaterial in abutting relation to tissue; approximating the biomaterial and tissue between the jaw members; compressing the biomaterial and tissue between the jaw members under a working pressure within the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2; and energizing the jaw members with radiofrequency energy to effectively fuse the biomaterial and the tissue such that the biomaterial and the tissue reform into a single, fused mass.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for cutting and sealing tissue comprises first and second jaw members movable between open and closed positions so as to be capable of grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes first and second coagulating electrodes on its inner surface, and an insulating member separating the first and second electrodes. The first jaw member also includes a third cutting electrode on an outer surface separate from the inner surface, and the second jaw member has a tissue-contacting surface which is electrically insulating over its entire surface. The electrosurgical instrument is capable of selectively causing coagulation of tissue between the first and second electrodes, and/or the cutting of tissue contacted by the third electrode.

Abstract: A handpiece that includes a handpiece assembly, a handpiece housing and a cooling fluidic medium valve member. An electrode assembly is coupled to the handpiece housing. The electrode assembly has a least one RF electrode that is capacitively coupled to a skin surface when at least a portion of the RF electrode is in contact with the skin surface.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

Abstract: A high-frequency knife having a flexible sheath, an operation member, an electrode part, a handled operation section and a connector part. The electrode part is provided with a rod electrode part extending in an axial direction of a flexible sheath, and a plate electrode part. Three corner portions are provided on an external peripheral portion of the plate electrode part.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for occluding the lumen of a hollow organ by delivering radiofrequency energy to the inner wall of a hollow organ. The disclosure includes radiofrequency electrodes that expand, in a deployed condition, to contact the walls of the organ. In some embodiments, the electrodes substantially conform to the inner wall to enhance therapeutic contact. Methods are also disclosed for using these electrodes to totally or partially occlude a lumen, or remove or reduce a total or partial occlusion of a lumen.

Abstract: A reconfigurable surgical apparatus that includes a surgical instrument assembly that is formed with a hollow manipulation shaft. A linearly or rotationally movable prime mover is received within the shaft and is activated by an actuator located at a proximal end. A coupler is formed about a distal end of the shaft to have a capture ledge that is configured to releasably engage an interchangeable surgical tool that is formed with an anchor adapted to releasably mate to the capture ledge. The coupler may optionally incorporate a frangible portion that severs a portion of the coupler when the interchangeable surgical tool is removed from the apparatus to ensure single use operation of the tool.

Abstract: A medical cauterization snare assembly with a tubular member, an electrically conductive cauterization loop ejectable from a distal end of the tubular member, and a capture pouch also ejectable from the distal end of the tubular member. The pouch is attached to an auxiliary loop which has a size larger than that of the cauterization loop. Alternatively, the tubular member is formed at its distal end with a first port or opening and in a distal end portion with a second port or opening spaced from the first port or opening. The two ports or openings both face in a distal direction (i.e., away from the user). The cauterization loop is alternately ejectable from and retractable into the first port or opening, while the capture pouch is separately ejectable from the second port or opening. Alternatively, the capture pouch is attached to the cauterization loop, to only a proximal portion of the loop to divide the loop's area into a proximal section covered by the pouch and an open or uncovered distal section.