Abstract: An improved electrode for use with an endoscope, used for simultaneously vaporizing, coagulating and cutting of tissue. The construction of the electrodes is such that the connecting end joins an elongated stem having a conductive center conductor, a majority of which is enclosed by a cover constructed from nonconductive material for the purpose of insulating the conductor from the endoscope conduit, telescope and resectoscope sheath. The cover may have an insulated saddle shaped extension for use in guiding a telescope. The conductor divides into two insulated conductive branches, and then exits the insulative cover forming a loop at a distal end of the electrode. The distal end portion of the conductive loop may angle away from the axial direction of the electrode, and the loop is completed with a straight conductive portion upon which an electrode tip is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of genes, enzymes and biological agents to tissue cells, including a method and apparatus wherein treatment fluids, including genes, enzymes and biological agents, are injected into a target area of a body providing selective attachment to the specific target cells without affecting normal tissue cells. The method is used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, bladder cancer, stomach, lung, colon, and brain cancer, etc. A hollow core needle is inserted into a body, the needle being visually guided by a selected imaging technique. A first embodiment utilizes an endoscopic instrument, wherein a probe is inserted into the body, guided by the endoscope to the vicinity of the target area. The hollow core needle is guided to the vicinity by a channel through the probe. A needle adjustment apparatus is used to extend or retract the needle and adjust needle tip orientation toward a target area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of genes, enzymes and biological agents to tissue cells, including a method and apparatus wherein treatment fluids, including genes, enzymes and biological agents, are injected into a target area of a body providing selective attachment to the specific target cells without affecting normal tissue cells. The method is used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, bladder cancer, stomach, lung, colon, and brain cancer, etc. A hollow core needle is inserted into a body, the needle being visually guided by a selected imaging technique. A first embodiment utilizes an endoscopic instrument, wherein a probe is inserted into the body, guided by the endoscope to the vicinity of the target area. The hollow core needle is guided to the vicinity by a channel through the probe. A needle adjustment apparatus is used to extend or retract the needle and adjust needle tip orientation toward a target area.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an elongated probe assembly providing passage for irrigation and evacuation, as well as for inserting surgical tools such as an endoscope, RF electrodes and cutting tools. The probe assembly has a light weight handle for accurate positioning of the probe. An irrigation port is connected by way of a tube assembly to an irrigation pump having a novel, inexpensive, replaceable cartridge. An evacuation port on the probe assembly is connected to a tube assembly leading to an evacuation pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a localized portion of body tissue including an endoscopic surgical instrument including a probe with a canal for guiding a hollow core needle assembly, the assembly having apparatus for extending and retracting a needle relative to the probe. According to the method, the needle is extended into body tissue to deliver a treatment fluid to a localized portion.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an elongated probe assembly providing passage for irrigation and evacuation, as well as for inserting surgical tools such as an endoscope, RF electrodes and cutting tools. The probe assembly has a light weight handle for accurate positioning of the probe. An irrigation port is connected by way of a tube assembly to an irrigation pump having a novel, inexpensive, replaceable cartridge. An evacuation port on the probe assembly is connected to a tube assembly leading to an evacuation pump.

Abstract: An improved electrode apparatus for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument provides an adjustable volume of tissue ablation and may be used with an RF energy source in either monopolar or bipolar output mode. The electrode apparatus may be used in any endoscopic surgical application, and provides a new method for any endoscopic treatment involving soft tissue ablation, including hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment of uterine fibroids/myomas.An improved electrode for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument providing for vaporization and coagulation, or cutting and coagulation of tissue. A field enhancement tip having outwardly projecting surfaces serves to provide an intense localized RF field for vaporizing of surface tissue and simultaneously coagulating the underlying tissue. An alternate electrode embodiment combines a cutting electrode tip followed by a coagulation tip to reduce bleeding.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument treatment device assembly for inserting an endoscope and hollow core electrode assembly through a single access conduit, including a curved electrode guiding sheath or bendable bellows mechanism to deflect the electrode at an angle to the primary axis of the instrument. The device assembly further includes an electrode/needle supply connector assembly through which treatment fluids, laser fiberoptics or microsurgical instruments can be inserted into and through the hollow core electrode. A connector assembly is included for connecting the electrode with an RF energy source for operation in monopolar mode, or for connection of the RF power supply active side to the electrode and RF supply passive side to an electrode guiding sheath additionally functioning as an electrical return path.

Abstract: An improved electrode apparatus for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument provides an adjustable volume of tissue ablation and may be used with an RF energy source in either monopolar or bipolar output mode. The electrode apparatus may be used in any endoscopic surgical application, and provides a new method for any endoscopic treatment involving soft tissue ablation, including hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment of uterine fibroids/myomas.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a housing, single access conduit formed in the housing, an irrigation port and an evacuation port, each port being connected through independent valves to the single access conduit. The single access conduit has a first end and a second end which is terminated in an aperture formed in the housing. A closure is provided for the aperture. A viewing device, such as an endoscope, is insertable through the aperture and the single access conduit, and is extended slightly beyond the first end. An electrode assembly having two or more retractable RF electrodes spaced a predetermined distance and angle apart, is also insertable through the aperture and the single access conduit, and is extendable beyond the first end. Each RF electrode is in electrical communication with a means for supplying R.F. energy and for continuously measuring impedance across the electrodes. Also, each RF electrode is extendable beyond and completely retractable into a guiding sheath.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument 20 includes an irrigation port 21 and an evacuation port 22. Each port, 21 and 22, is connected through independent valves 23 and 24, respectively to a single access conduit 25. The connection between the valves 23 and 24 and conduit 25 is along connector tubes 23a and 24a. The access conduit 25 leads from the valves and their respective valve conduits to a probe connector 26. This probe connector 26 is designed to receive one end, the locating end 27, of a surgical probe 28 which would be used during microsurgical procedures. The surgical instrument 20 also includes a port 31 which allows the surgeon to insert microsurgical instrumentation (not shown) along the access conduit 25 and the bore of the hollow probe 28 to exit from the end 32 thereof. The port 31 should provide a fluid-tight seal when no microsurgical instrumentation is being used with the surgical instrument 20.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument 20 includes an irrigation port 21 and an evacuation port 22. Each port, 21 and 22, is connected through independent valves 23 and 24, respectively to a single access conduit 25. The connection between the valves 23 and 24 and conduit 25 is along connector tubes 23a and 24a. The access conduit 25 leads from the valves and their respective valve conduits to a probe connector 26. This probe connector 26 is designed to receive one end, the locating end 27, of a surgical probe 28 which would be used during microsurgical procedures. The surgical instrument 20 also includes a port 31 which allows the surgeon to insert microsurgical instrumentation (not shown) along the access conduit 25 and the bore of the hollow probe 28 to exit from the end 32 thereof. The port 31 should provide a fluid-tight seal when no microsurgical instrumentation is being used with the surgical instrument 20.