Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a movement sensing device for controlling the electrosurgical output thereof, is disclosed. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated housing, an electrically conductive element supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrically conductive element connectable to a source of electrosurgical energy, and a sensor disposed within the housing and in electrical connection with the electrosurgical generator. The sensor detects movement of the electrically conductive element and communicates a signal to the electrosurgical generator relating to the movement of the electrically conductive element. The source of electrosurgical energy supplies electrosurgical energy in response to the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to intravascular thrombectomy systems and methods for ablating a blockage and preventing the introduction of emboli into the blood stream during and after surgery performed to reduce or ablate the blockage in a blood vessel. The system includes a catheter sleeve having electrodes disposed proximate a distal end portion thereof, either at the distal end itself or axially spaced along the length of the catheter sleeve. The system further includes a capture element which is expandable to span the lumen of the vessel. The capture element is deployable downstream of the blockage. The electrodes of the catheter sleeve may be placed on one side of the blockage or on either side of the blockage.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument (10) for sealing tissue includes a handle (14) having an elongated tube (13) affixed thereto. The tube includes first (15) and second (16) jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces (39, 40) attached to a distal end (12) thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle (14) includes a fixed handle (50) and a handle (52) which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members (15, 16) from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop (33, 90, 95) is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces (39, 40).

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal treatment of a tissue mass having an elongated housing having a proximal and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, and further including at least two electrodes supported at its distal end and mounted for rotation to facilitate entry and passage through a tissue mass. A drive shaft may be disposed within the elongated housing and operatively engageable with the electrodes for causing their rotational movement. The apparatus may include an electrode gear and a drive shaft gear in cooperative engagement whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes corresponding rotation of the electrodes. Preferably, a motor is operatively connected to the drive shaft causing its rotational movement. Desirably, the distal end of the electrodes are threaded. A method for thermally treating a tissue mass is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical safety apparatus for use in connection with an energizable surgical device prevents inadvertent activation of a surgical tool. The energizable surgical device may include an electrosurgical system, a laser scalpel, an ultrasonic aspirator, and combinations thereof. An activation circuit is in connection with the source of energy and in connection with the handpiece. The activation circuit has two states: the first state disconnects the source of energy from the handpiece, the second state connects the source of energy to the handpiece. A sensing element is connected to the activation circuit. The sensing element signals the activation circuit to convert the activation circuit from the first state to the second state. The activation circuit may remain in the second state for a preestablished period of time followed by a reversion to the first state. The activation circuit may include a relay which may be connected to operate accessories including smoke evacuators, lights, videos or irrigators.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter, such as a balloon catheter, and a method for use thereof, the catheter comprising an elongate shaft having an inflation lumen extending therethrough, an implement, such as a dilation balloon, connected to and located at the distal portion of the shaft and communicating with the lumen, a small profile core wire extending through at least the dilation balloon and having a distal portion that extends distally from the dilation balloon through a distal core wire opening located distally of the balloon, and further in which the core wire is movable relative to the elongate shaft to allow withdrawal of the elongate shaft and the balloon while leaving the core wire positioned intravascularly, and a tip member connected to the core wire in a region thereof distal of the location at which the core wire extends distally of the core wire opening, the tip member having a profile larger than the opening.