Abstract: A pig segment for actively propelling a pig in elongated hollow bodies, preferably in gas and oil pipelines. The segment includes a drive comprising at least one motor, at least one supporting element by which the pig segment can be supported on an inner surface of the hollow body, and at least one bearing element that is movable along a longitudinal axis of the pig segment by the motor. The supporting element is pivotably arranged on the bearing element such that the supporting element can adopt a supporting position In the supporting position, a supporting force is produced relative to a force exerted on the bearing element in a longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a pig with a pig segment of this type.

Abstract: For the coagulation of tissue there are known instruments, in particular probes, that are designed to deliver argon gas into a space between an electrode within the probe and the tissue. In some cases the intention is to coagulate tissues situated at the side of the outlet of the probe. The invention provides an apparatus for coagulating tissue in which the distal end of the electrode projects out of the gas-delivering device or probe, and at said distal end a guiding device for directing and guiding the gas or plasma is disposed in such a way that at least part of the flowing gas or plasma is deflected into a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pig segment for actively propelling a pig in elongated hollow bodies in particular, preferably in gas and oil pipelines, said segment having a drive comprising: at least one motor; at least one supporting element by means of which the pig segment can be supported on an inner surface of the hollow body; and at least one bearing element that can be moved along a longitudinal axis of the pig segment by means of the motor. The supporting element is pivotably arranged on the bearing element such that said supporting element can adopt a supporting position, in which position a supporting force is produced relative to a force exerted on the bearing element in a longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a pig with a pig segment of this type.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps for efficiently severing of hollow organs, in particular vessels. The electrosurgical forceps have a first branch and a second branch for gripping the hollow organ. The forceps have at least one neutral electrode on the second branch, at least one first coagulation electrode and a second coagulation electrode that is disposed on the first branch for applying a first HF current by means of the coagulation electrode, and at least one cutting device, which is arranged between the coagulation electrodes in order to sever the hollow organ in a cutting region. The cutting device has a cutting electrode for applying a second HF current between the cutting and neutral electrodes. The coagulation electrodes are arranged spaced apart from one another in such a way that the first HF current does not flow through or only a minor amount of the same flows through the cutting region.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery, the instrument including two gripping parts which can be brought together into a gripping direction or moved apart counter to the gripping direction. At least one gripping part includes three or more electrically conductive sections, electrically insulated relative to each other. Each electrically conductive section may be separately connected to a high frequency (RF) current generator such that each electrically conductive section can be configured in various electrical configurations by the RF current generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for coagulating tissue, including a gas-delivering device for delivering a plasma comprised of an ionized inert gas from the outlet of the gas-delivering device, an electrode adapted to supply a high-frequency current that projects out of the gas-delivering device and a guiding device disposed at a distal end of the electrode. The relative configuration of the outlet of the gas-delivering device and the guiding device are such that the plasma (and an electric arc) can be directed in any direction 360° with respect to the outlet of the gas-delivering device. The plasma is directed along a path of least electric resistance, thus causing the plasma to be directed to a tissue to be treated, regardless of a position of the tissue relative to a rotational position of the outlet of the gas-delivering device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an injection device and a dosing device. These devices are designed such that a predetermined amount of an adhesive or an adhesive containing filler can be injected into a sealing section of the blood vessel. The blood vessel can then be cut at the filled point and is sealed on both sides.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps for efficiently severing of hollow organs, in particular vessels. The electrosurgical forceps have a first branch and a second branch for gripping the hollow organ. The forceps have at least one neutral electrode on the second branch, at least one first coagulation electrode and a second coagulation electrode that is disposed on the first branch for applying a first HF current by means of the coagulation electrode, and at least one cutting device, which is arranged between the coagulation electrodes in order to sever the hollow organ in a cutting region. The cutting device has a cutting electrode for applying a second HF current between the cutting and neutral electrodes. The coagulation electrodes are arranged spaced apart from one another in such a way that the first HF current does not flow through or only a minor amount of the same flows through the cutting region.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument and a method for separating a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue that is to be treated. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for guiding a probe head on to a biological tissue to be treated, and gas conduits for delivering coolant gas. The probe head is designed so that, in order to collect a tissue sample, a limited region of the tissue is cooled by means of the gas delivered and is separated from the surrounding tissue in a state in which it is frozen on the probe head. The instrument includes a support tube or hose in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be counter-supported during separation of the tissue sample.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument for separating a tissue sample from a biological tissue to be treated, for purposes of biopsy. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for bringing a probe head up to the biological tissue and a gas line for supplying cooling gas from a gas source of a cryosurgical apparatus to the probe head. The probe head cools a limited tissue region, by means of the supplied gas, for obtaining a tissue sample. The tissue sample can be separated from the surrounding tissue when frozen onto the probe head. The instrument has a support tube in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be supported by means of the support tube during the separating of the tissue sample. The instrument also includes an accelerating device that provides a predefined force for the separating process.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery, the instrument including two gripping parts which can be brought together into a gripping direction or moved apart counter to the gripping direction. At least one gripping part includes three or more electrically conductive sections, electrically insulated relative to each other. Each electrically conductive section may be separately connected to a high frequency (RF) current generator such that each electrically conductive section can be configured in various electrical configurations by the RF current generator.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument for obtaining a tissue sample with a probe, including the probe including a probe head onto which the tissue sample is frozen and a probe shank for guiding the probe head to the tissue sample, a supply means for supplying a fluid into an expansion chamber configured such that supplied fluid expands therein for cooling the probe head, and a removal means connected to the expansion chamber for removing the expanded fluid therefrom via at least one opening on a distal end of the probe to remove the expanded fluid to an outer region outside the probe. A method for cooling a probe head of a cryosurgical probe including supplying a fluid to an expansion chamber near the probe head, expanding the fluid so that heat energy is withdrawn from the probe head, and removing the expanded fluid in a distal region of the probe.

Abstract: A water jet surgical instrument including a supply line for supplying a cutting fluid and a discharge nozzle for forming and discharging a fluid jet, wherein the fluid jet has a predetermined spread angle and/or a predetermined emergence energy. A jet shaping device is arranged relative to the discharge nozzle such that the fluid jet is able to be adjusted by the jet shaping device with regard to the spread angle and/or emergence energy thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an injection device and a dosing device. These devices are designed such that a predetermined amount of an adhesive or an adhesive containing filler can be injected into a sealing section of the blood vessel. The blood vessel can then be cut at the filled point and is sealed on both sides.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument including a protective tube, to be inserted into a working channel of an endoscope, and an electrode disposed within the protective tube. The electrode is movable in a distal direction and a proximal direction inside the protective tube by a control element. By being moved in the distal direction, the electrode can be brought into a deployed position in which the electrode at least partially protrudes from a distal end of the protective tube. The distal end of the protective tube has a closure element with an opening for the passage of the electrode. The opening of the closure element has a maximum internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the protective tube and is used for guiding and/or cleaning the electrode.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument for separating a tissue sample from a biological tissue to be treated, for purposes of biopsy. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for bringing a probe head up to the biological tissue and a gas line for supplying cooling gas from a gas source of a cryosurgical apparatus to the probe head. The probe head cools a limited tissue region, by means of the supplied gas, for obtaining a tissue sample. The tissue sample can be separated from the surrounding tissue when frozen onto the probe head. The instrument has a support tube in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be supported by means of the support tube during the separating of the tissue sample. The instrument also includes an accelerating device that provides a predefined force for the separating process.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument comprising an electrode means connected to a high-frequency generator for generating a high-frequency current at a distal end of the instrument with at least first and second electrodes for forming electric arcs therebetween. The surgical instrument further comprises a pipe, a tubular probe or a similar gas supply means with at least one lumen for supplying argon or a similar inert gas at least into a space between the first and second electrodes so that the arcs can be formed in a protective gas atmosphere. The first and second electrodes are arranged relative to one another in such away that the tissue can be heated in a currentless manner at least partly by heat generated by the arcs. A bipolar instrument prevents the tissue damage normally seen with monopolar surgical instruments and thus allows treatment to be carried out as simply and efficiently as possible. A method for electrosurgical treatment of tissue using the bipolar surgical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bipolar instrument and a method for endoscopically controlled shortening and/or fragmentation of a stent located in the gastrointestinal tract, in the tracheobronchial system or in other hollow organs. The instrument includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged at a distal end of the instrument and connected to and receiving current provided by a power source, and protective means connected to the electrode means. At least one wire of the stent can be severed at a particular location by the instrument. The protective means separates the wire from tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, tracheobronchial system or other hollow organs and/or secures the wire to the instrument during the severing of the wire. The instrument and the method minimize damage to tissue and risk to the patient during machining of stents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryosurgical instrument and a method for separating a tissue sample from surrounding tissue of a biological tissue that is to be treated. The cryosurgical instrument comprises a probe for guiding a probe head on to a biological tissue to be treated, and gas conduits for delivering coolant gas, wherein the probe head is designed in such a way that, in order to collect a tissue sample, a limited region of the tissue can be cooled by means of the gas delivered and can be separated from the surrounding tissue in a state in which it is frozen on the probe head. The instrument is intended to permit reliable removal of a tissue sample without damaging the tissue and to ensure a high degree of safety for the patient. To this end, the instrument has a support means in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be counter-supported during separation of the tissue sample.

Abstract: When a surgical instrument is inserted into an operating duct of an endoscope, the operator must know when the distal end of the instrument emerges from the distal end of the operating duct and thus reaches the visible zone of the viewing device of the endoscope. The invention provides a device for this purpose that comprises a generator to produce a measurement signal, devices to connect the measurement signal to the operating duct and/or instrument and/or the endoscope, and a measuring apparatus which measures a positional effect that the instrument exerts upon the measurement signal depending upon its position and which generates a display signal dependent upon the effect.