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: 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: A surgical instrument comprising a jaw assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor-driven drive system configured to manipulate 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 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: 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 electrosurgical system comprises a return electrode that includes a conductive element and a return conductor that forms a capacitive electrical connection with the conductive element. The conductive element is completely encompassed by one or more pads so that the conductive element is not exposed and so that the return electrode does not include an externally exposed electrical connection.

Abstract: An instrument includes a body having an interior conduit and a conductor extending within the interior conduit. A shaft extends distally out of the body and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A sliding conductor extends within the shaft and a contact portion of the sliding conductor extends between the conductor of the body and an exterior portion of the shaft. An end portion of the contact portion is at least partially disposed within an opening of the shaft. A locking mechanism that selectively secures the shaft in the retracted and extended positions includes a locking nut that is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and compression flanges with contact pads that flex toward the shaft when the locking nut is in a locked position to secure the shaft in the extended or retracted positions.

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 and a conductor extending within the interior conduit. A shaft extends distally out of the body and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A sliding conductor extends within the shaft and a contact portion of the sliding conductor extends between the conductor of the body and an exterior portion of the shaft. An end portion of the contact portion is at least partially disposed within an opening of the shaft. A locking mechanism that selectively secures the shaft in the retracted and extended positions includes a locking nut that is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and compression flanges with contact pads that flex toward the shaft when the locking nut is in a locked position to secure the shaft in the extended or retracted positions.

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.