Abstract: Various embodiments provide a microwave amplification apparatus for an electrosurgical instrument. The microwave amplification apparatus comprises: a cable assembly; a proximal launch portion, and a distal amplification portion. The proximal launch portion is connected to a proximal end of the cable assembly, and comprises: a DC source configured to launch a DC signal along the cable assembly, and a microwave source configured to launch a microwave signal along the cable assembly. The distal amplification portion is connected to a distal end of the cable assembly, and comprises: a power amplifier configured to receive the microwave signal as an input signal to be amplified. The distal amplification portion is configured to apply the DC signal as a drain voltage across the power amplifier. The power amplifier has an output that is connectable to deliver an amplified microwave signal to a structure that is configured to deliver microwave energy into biological tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an electrosurgical system for treating biological tissue. The system comprises: an electrosurgical generator configured to supply pulsed microwave energy; and an electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a flexible coaxial cable arranged to convey the pulsed microwave energy; and a radiating tip portion connected at a distal end of the coaxial cable and configured to receive the pulsed microwave energy. The radiating tip portion has a maximum outer diameter that is 1.0 mm or less, and wherein the maximum outer diameter of the radiating tip portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the coaxial cable. Also, the radiating tip portion comprises: a proximal coaxial transmission line for conveying the pulsed microwave energy; and a distal needle tip mounted at a distal end of the proximal coaxial transmission line, the distal needle tip being arranged to deliver the pulsed microwave energy into biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument calorimeter for measuring an electromagnetic energy output of an electrosurgical instrument powered by a generator, comprising a calorimeter cell for containing an absorption material configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation, at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the absorption material, and a support structure configured to hold the electrosurgical instrument in such a position that electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electrosurgical instrument is absorbed by the absorption material.

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Sterilisation systems suitable for clinical use for generating a flow of hydroxyl radicals, comprising: a coaxial transmission line comprising an inner and outer conductor; an end cap mounted on a distal end of the coaxial transmission line, wherein the end cap comprises an outlet aperture; a fluid conduit extending from a fluid inlet to the outlet aperture; and a plasma generating region at a proximal end of the outlet aperture, wherein the plasma generating region contains a first electrode electrically connected to the inner conductor, and a second electrode electrically connected to the outer conductor, wherein the fluid conduit defines a fluid flow path through the device aligned with a feed direction in which fluid is receivable through the fluid inlet, and wherein the first electrode and second electrode oppose each other in a transverse direction across the longitudinal fluid flow path in the plasma generating region.

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: An enunciation system (ES) enables users to gain acquaintance, understanding, and mastery of the relationship between letters and sounds in the context of an alphabetic writing system. The ES enables the user to experience the action of sounding out a word, before their own phonics knowledge enables them to sound out the word independently; its continuous, unbroken speech output or input avoids the common confusions that ensue from analyzing words by breaking them up into discrete sounds; its user-controlled pacing allows the user to slow down enunciation at specific points of difficulty within the word; its real-time touch control allows the written word to be “played” like a musical instrument, with expressive and aesthetic possibilities; and its highlighting of the letter cluster that is responsible for the recognized phoneme enunciated by the user as it occurs allows the user to more easily associated the letters with the sounds.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a microwave amplification apparatus for an electrosurgical instrument. The microwave amplification apparatus comprises: a cable assembly; a proximal launch portion, and a distal amplification portion. The proximal launch portion is connected to a proximal end of the cable assembly, and comprises: a DC source configured to launch a DC signal along the cable assembly, and a microwave source configured to launch a microwave signal along the cable assembly. The distal amplification portion is connected to a distal end of the cable assembly, and comprises: a power amplifier configured to receive the microwave signal as an input signal to be amplified. The distal amplification portion is configured to apply the DC signal as a drain voltage across the power amplifier. The power amplifier has an output that is connectable to deliver an amplified microwave signal to a structure that is configured to deliver microwave energy into biological tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an electrosurgical system for treating biological tissue. The system comprises: an electrosurgical generator configured to supply pulsed microwave energy; and an electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a flexible coaxial cable arranged to convey the pulsed microwave energy; and a radiating tip portion connected at a distal end of the coaxial cable and configured to receive the pulsed microwave energy. The radiating tip portion has a maximum outer diameter that is 1.0 mm or less, and wherein the maximum outer diameter of the radiating tip portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the coaxial cable. Also, the radiating tip portion comprises: a proximal coaxial transmission line for conveying the pulsed microwave energy; and a distal needle tip mounted at a distal end of the proximal coaxial transmission line, the distal needle tip being arranged to deliver the pulsed microwave energy into biological tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for treating biological tissue that comprises: an electrosurgical generator to supply microwave energy; a surgical scoping device having a steerable insertion cord for insertion to a treatment site; and an electrosurgical instrument dimensioned to fit within an instrument channel that is located within the insertion cord. The electrosurgical instrument comprises: a flexible coaxial cable arranged to convey the microwave energy; and a radiating tip portion connected at an end of the coaxial cable and configured to receive microwave energy. The radiating tip portion comprises: a coaxial transmission line for conveying the microwave energy; and a needle tip mounted at an end of the proximal coaxial transmission line, wherein the electrosurgical instrument is slidable within the instrument channel to extend the needle tip beyond an end of the instrument channel to puncture biological tissue; the needle tip is arranged to deliver the microwave energy into biological tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps instrument in which an energy conveying structure for efficiently transferring electromagnetic energy (e.g. microwave energy and/or radiofrequency energy) from a coaxial cable to electrodes on the forceps jaws is incorporated into a compact jaw opening structure. The jaw opening structure may be dimensioned to be suitable for insertion down the instrument channel of a endoscope or other scoping device. Alternatively, the device may be configured as a laparoscopic device or be used in open procedures. The instrument may be used as a tool to perform new minimally invasive surgical techniques such as Natural Orifice Transluminal Endosurgery (NOTES) or the like.

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to