Abstract: Steady flow hydrodynamic performance testing is performed on a valved prosthesis mounted in a test conduit. The system is configured with prescribed test condition inputs into control software. Upon test initiation, a steady flow pump is activated and automatically adjusts its flow based on the software logic to meet the prescribed first test condition. During forward flow pressure drop testing, the flow pump is automatically adjusted to achieve and hold a particular flow rate. During back flow leakage testing, the steady flow pump is automatically adjusted to achieve and hold a particular differential pressure across the test prosthesis while a flow rate of the leakage flow is measured. After a first test condition has been achieved, the system control software then automatically adjusts the pump flow rate to meet a second test condition. This process then continues until all conditions set by software inputs are evaluated.

Abstract: Steady flow hydrodynamic performance testing is performed on a valved prosthesis mounted in a test conduit. The system is configured with prescribed test condition inputs into control software. Upon test initiation, a steady flow pump is activated and automatically adjusts its flow based on the software logic to meet the prescribed first test condition. During forward flow pressure drop testing, the flow pump is automatically adjusted to achieve and hold a particular flow rate. During back flow leakage testing, the steady flow pump is automatically adjusted to achieve and hold a particular differential pressure across the test prosthesis while a flow rate of the leakage flow is measured. After a first test condition has been achieved, the system control software then automatically adjusts the pump flow rate to meet a second test condition. This process then continues until all conditions set by software inputs are evaluated.

Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.

Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.

Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: System and method for controlling delivery of energy to divide tissue are disclosed. The system comprises an electrosurgical instrument having an electrically energizable cutting element which communicates electrical energy to the tissue and a generator to supply the energy to the electrosurgical instrument which supplies the energy to the tissue in a first pulse to react the tissue, in slow pulses to create a desiccation line until impedance at the tissue has reached a threshold, and in rapid pulses to divide tissue across the desiccation line.

Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control module configured to process the sensor signal using a processor, an algorithm, and a map having one or more predetermined values. The control module is further configured to compare the sensor signal to a predetermined level to determine reliability of the sensor signal and to signal an electrosurgical generator in response to a reliable sensor signal such that the electrosurgical generator enters energy control mode, wherein the electrosurgical generator matches an output of the control signal with a predetermined value from the map.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue is provided. The assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces extending along a length thereof. Each tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to effect a tissue seal. An insulator is disposed adjacent to the at least one the electrically conductive sealing surfaces. The jaw members include an electrically conductive cutting element which effectively cuts tissue within pre-defined cutting zone between the jaw members. The polarity of the cutting element and electrically conductive sealing surfaces may be manipulated depending upon whether tissue sealing or tissue cutting is desired.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. At least one channel is included in the insulator which is configured to deliver fluid between the jaw members.

Abstract: A directional flow valve in a cardiovascular prosthesis test system includes a regurgitant flow passage. Forward flow from a pump through the valve is unrestricted and allowed to pass freely through the directional flow valve. Regurgitant flow is allowed across the directional flow valve to reduce a negative pressure gradient across the prosthetic device. The volume of regurgitant flow is controllable by changing a size of the regurgitant flow pathway.

Abstract: Prostheses are fatigue tested using an apparatus under simulated physiological loading conditions. A fluid housing defines an entrance chamber having fluid outflow ports and an exit chamber having opposing fluid inflow ports and a central flow conduit in communication with the entrance chamber and the exit chamber. A plurality of housing tubes into which prosthesis are deployed may extend between the fluid outflow and inflow ports. Alternatively, tubular prostheses may be connected directly between the inflow and outflow ports. A reciprocating linear drive pump having a flexible diaphragm is provided to cyclically pressurize fluid through a common closed loop within the fluid housing and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthesis being tested. The test system is capable of rotation independent of the motor drive for accurate diameter measurements of all test samples at elevated frequencies.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. A rigid structural support is included which is configured to support the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface and includes at least one flow channel defined therein.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. A rigid structural support is included which is configured to support the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface and includes at least one flow channel defined therein.