Abstract: A system for noise and vibration management of a smoke evacuation system includes a pump that compresses air and produces a pressure differential within an airflow path. The pump may be a sealed, positive displacement pump. The system includes vibration absorption mechanisms disposed between inner and outer housings, as well as on the outside surface of the outer housing. Methods of controlling and regulating a motor of the system to preserve the lifespan of the motor and maintain consistent airflow rates throughout the smoke evacuation system include varying a supply of electrical current to the motor so that it can operate at variable performance levels. Orifices are opened and closed in order to relieve resistance pressures within the airflow path due to clogging and blockages.

Abstract: A system for noise and vibration management of a smoke evacuation system includes a pump that compresses air and produces a pressure differential within an airflow path. The pump may be a sealed, positive displacement pump. The system includes vibration absorption mechanisms disposed between inner and outer housings, as well as on the outside surface of the outer housing. Methods of controlling and regulating a motor of the system to preserve the lifespan of the motor and maintain consistent airflow rates throughout the smoke evacuation system include varying a supply of electrical current to the motor so that it can operate at variable performance levels. Orifices are opened and closed in order to relieve resistance pressures within the airflow path due to clogging and blockages.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the operation of a surgical suturing instrument using machine learning in a surgical suite is disclosed. The method comprises gathering data during surgical procedures, wherein the surgical procedures include the use of a surgical suturing instrument comprising a suturing needle configured to be mechanically advanced through a suturing stroke, analyzing the gathered data to determine an appropriate operational adjustment of the surgical suturing instrument, and adjusting the operation of the surgical suturing instrument to improve the operation of the surgical suturing instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has dual zone smoke evacuation for providing efficient capture and evacuation of smoke generated during an electrosurgical procedure. A hand piece with a proximal and a distal end is coupled to a front piece having a distal opening leading into an interior conduit. An extendable section is at least partially disposed within the interior conduit and extends distally out of the distal opening of the front piece. The extendable section is selectively translatable within the interior conduit. A negative pressure source enables the capture and evacuation of smoke through both the extendable section and the interior conduit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a jaw assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor-driven drive system configured to open the jaw assembly. The surgical instrument also comprises a control system configured to control the drive system and, also, control a power supply system configured to supply electrical power to electrodes defined in the outer surface, or outer surfaces, of the jaw assembly. In use, the surgical instrument can be used to apply mechanical energy and electrical energy to the tissue of a patient at the same time, or at different times. In certain embodiments, the user controls when the mechanical and electrical energies are applied. In some embodiments, the control system controls when the mechanical and electrical energies are applied.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation device that evacuates smoke from a surgical site and filters the smoke from the air. The smoke evacuation device can include a fluid trap for removing moisture from the smoke. The smoke evacuation device can also include a filter with a compression mechanism for compressing a filter medium. The smoke evacuation device can also include features for controlling flow parameters, noise, and vibrations of the device. A remote activation device can also be used to activate the smoke evacuation device upon detection of certain system parameters.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of pressurized fluid delivery devices for use in medical procedures. In particular, a fluid delivery pump comprises at least one compressive member configured to apply a force to a fluid reservoir. The at least one compressive member is associated with a flexible envelope, such that the flexible envelope may move the compressive member. The flexible envelope may be substantially air-tight so that it may be pressurized. When a negative pressure is created inside the flexible envelope, the flexible envelope may change volume, applying a force to the at least one compressive member. The at least one compressive member may then apply a force to the fluid reservoir and the fluid is forced out of the reservoir.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered electrosurgical wave generator is usable in performing electrically driven medical procedures. The wave generator can be small and lightweight to enable a user to carry and use the wave generator in non-operating room type settings. The wave generator can include a control unit that generates output signals in each of a cutting mode, coagulation mode, and a bipolar mode. The control unit can use a single circuit structure to generate the output signals for the cutting, coagulation, and bipolar modes. The output signals can be generated solely from a voltage produced by an incorporated battery within the generator.

Abstract: A fluid trap for minimizing the escape of contaminated fluids from the fluid trap when an orientation of the fluid trap changes during removal or transport includes a front cover, a rear cover coupled to the front cover, and an interior chamber defined by the front and rear covers. The front cover defines an inlet port extending a first distance into an interior chamber of the fluid trap. The rear cover defines an exhaust port extending a second distance away from the rear cover of the fluid trap and positioned above the inlet port when the fluid trap is in an upright position. The interior chamber has a maximum fluid volume defined as the lesser of a fluid reservoir volume, a front cover volume, and a rear cover volume.

Abstract: Cable connection systems allow for an electrosurgical return electrode to be simultaneously connected to multiple ESUs. The cable connection systems can include individual return cables for simultaneous connection to each of the ESUs. The cable connection system can also include a junction that joins, connects, or associates the return cables in a manner that allows for the multiple ESU cables to be electrically connected to the return electrode at a single connection point on the return electrode.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation device that evacuates smoke from a surgical site and filters the smoke from the air. The smoke evacuation device can include a fluid trap for removing moisture from the smoke. The smoke evacuation device can also include a filter with a compression mechanism for compressing a filter medium. The smoke evacuation device can also include features for controlling flow parameters, noise, and vibrations of the device. A remote activation device can also be used to activate the smoke evacuation device upon detection of certain system parameters.

Abstract: Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.

Abstract: A universal fluid system connector creates an airtight seal between a variety of smoke evacuation system receptacles and various hoses. The universal connector includes a body, a seal having a plurality of radially extending flexible fins, and a swivel. A plurality of fins on the seal are disposed along the length of the body with the outer edges of the fins forming a frustoconical shape. The fins also include one or more flexion zones of various stiffness and one or more flexible fin extensions. The fins deform against the inner wall of a receptacle and form an airtight friction fit between the universal connector and the receptacle, regardless of the taper angle, size, threads, or other features of the receptacle. The swivel facilitates rotational movement between the universal fluid system connector and an associated hose.

Abstract: Surgical systems are disclosed. Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.

Abstract: Surgical systems are disclosed. Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.

Abstract: An instrument includes a body having an interior conduit. A shaft extends distally out of the body and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A locking mechanism that selectively secures the shaft in the retracted and extended positions includes grooves in the body and a locking nut having pins that travel through the grooves to move the locking nut between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking mechanism also includes compression flanges that flex towards and apply pressure/friction to the shaft when the locking nut is in the locked position and release/reduce the pressure/friction from the shaft when the locking nut is in the unlocked position. The compression flanges restrict the movement of the shaft when the compression flanges are flexed towards, and apply pressure to the shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to various monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical scissor instruments. A monopolar electrosurgical scissor instrument includes one scissor blade that has an electrically conductive tapered edge, where the tapered edge is insufficiently sharp to shear or otherwise mechanically cut tissue. The scissors also include another electrically insulated scissor blade movably mounted to the first scissor blade. The second scissor blade includes a flat contact surface that is aligned with the tapered edge of the first scissor blade. The scissors further include a scissor body that includes a conductor that transfers electrical energy from an energy source to the tapered edge of the first electrically conductive scissor blade to electrically cut interlaying tissue located between the first electrically conductive scissor blade and the second electrically insulated scissor blade.