Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring electrosurgical systems are disclosed. In one variation, an electrosurgical monitoring apparatus includes at least two monitoring channels. Each of the monitoring channels in this embodiment are configured to monitor fault current between at least two separate conductive components of an electrosurgical system, and the at least two monitoring channels are each configured to send a control signal so as to control an application of power to an electrosurgical device responsive to the fault currents.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and safety system comprises a safety shield having an inner surface and an outer surface, an active conductor having a first end adapted to connect with an electrode and a second end adapted to connect with an electrosurgical generator, the electrosurgical generator including contact quality monitoring circuitry, an insulator surrounding the active conductor and disposed between the active conductor and the safety shield, and a circuit interruption device in electrical communication with the safety shield. The circuit interruption device is adapted to couple to the contact quality monitoring circuitry of the electrosurgical generator and disable the flow of current to the electrode upon the occurrence of a fault condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the leakage current of capacitive components. A switch that grounds a terminal of a component being tested is closed while the component is charged to a desired test voltage. When this charging is complete, the switch opens so that the diode terminal is at the same potential as the input amplifier's virtual ground. An accurate and fast measurement of the leakage current of the component can be measured.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring electrosurgical systems are disclosed. In one variation, an electrosurgical monitoring apparatus includes at least two monitoring channels. Each of the monitoring channels in this embodiment are configured to monitor fault current between at least two separate conductive components of an electrosurgical system, and the at least two monitoring channels are each configured to send a control signal so as to control an application of power to an electrosurgical device responsive to the fault currents.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure are disclosed. The method includes applying an active electrode to a patient and placing a return electrode on the patient so as to create a current path in tissue of the patient between the active electrode and the return electrode. A conductive element, which is operatively coupled to the active electrode, is coupled to a reference voltage with a low impedance path and a voltage is imparted to the active electrode so as to generate current in the current path. Any undesirable current flow that would otherwise flow from the active electrode to the reference voltage through the patient is limited to reduce a risk of harm to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the leakage current of capacitive components. A switch that grounds a terminal of a component being tested is closed while the component is charged to a desired test voltage. When this charging is complete, the switch opens so that the diode terminal is at the same potential as the input amplifier's virtual ground. An accurate and fast measurement of the leakage current of the component can be measured.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure are disclosed. The method includes obtaining information indicative of at least one physical characteristic of the patient and generating a reference voltage that is derived, at least in part, from the information. The reference voltage is coupled to a body of the electrosurgical apparatus, and the reference voltage is generated to a level so as to limit any difference between a voltage of the patient and a voltage of the body of the electrosurgical apparatus. In variations, the reference voltage is varied on an ongoing basis so as to adapt the reference voltage to one or more changing physical characteristics of the patient.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the mandrel. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The tubular body is moveable to position the helical coil into selective engagement with the mandrel, whereby rotation of the mandrel installs the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. In addition, the mandrel slides axially within the bore of the tubular body to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the mandrel. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The tubular body is moveable to position the helical coil into selective engagement with the mandrel, whereby rotation of the mandrel installs the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. In addition, the mandrel slides axially within the bore of the tubular body to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a safety shield for use in laparoscopic or like electrosurgical procedures designed to receive a plurality of electrosurgical instrument inserts. The electrosurgical inserts are designed so as to provide quick and easy attachment to the electrosurgical apparatus while still providing enhanced resistance to rotation forces encountered during an electrosurgical procedure, and to distribute actuation forces occurring during use. The safety shield includes a crimped portion for transferring forces that occur during operation of an articulating instrument inserted therein to a handle assembly of the electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument has a seal that reduces or prevents electrical current from flowing between the active electrode and shield assemblies. The electrosurgical instrument further includes a connector assembly for receiving a mating cable connector and providing a fail-safe interconnection therewith.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a punch coaxially disposed in a bore of the mandrel, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the punch. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The mandrel is movable from a position retracted from the helical coil insert, to a position engaging the helical coil insert, and to a position installing the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. The punch slides axially in the bore of the mandrel to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a punch coaxially disposed in a bore of the mandrel, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the punch. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The mandrel is movable from a position retracted from the helical coil insert, to a position engaging the helical coil insert, and to a position installing the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. The punch slides axially in the bore of the mandrel to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a punch coaxially disposed in a bore of the mandrel, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the punch. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The mandrel is movable from a position retracted from the helical coil insert, to a position engaging the helical coil insert, and to a position installing the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. The punch slides axially in the bore of the mandrel to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a safety shield for use in laparoscopic or like electrosurgical procedures designed to receive a plurality of electrosurgical instrument inserts. The electrosurgical inserts are designed so as to provide quick and easy attachment to the electrosurgical apparatus while still providing enhanced resistance to rotation forces encountered during an electrosurgical procedure, and to distribute actuation forces occurring during use. The safety shield includes a crimped portion for transferring forces that occur during operation of an articulating instrument inserted therein to a handle assembly of the electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument has a seal that reduces or prevents electrical current from flowing between the active electrode and shield assemblies. The electrosurgical instrument further includes a connector assembly for receiving a mating cable connector and providing a fail-safe interconnection therewith.

Abstract: An insertion tool 48 is used to insert a threaded coil insert 26 into a threaded opening 22 of a support structure 20. The tool 48 includes a rotatable mandrel 50 having a first slot 62 for receiving a blade 76, the forward end of which is formed with a drive hook 94. The drive hook 94 is located in an end opening 64 of the mandrel 50 and is selectively movable through a second slot 66 formed in the mandrel. The first slot 64, the second slot 66 and the end opening 64 are in communication. The blade 76 is formed with a nib 78 which is normally biased into a chamber 112, but is selectively precluded from doing so by selective movement of a bushing 110 which is attached to an axially movable sleeve 102. As the threaded insert 26 is placed on a threaded end of the mandrel 50, the sleeve 102 is moved rearward to move the bushing 110 from engagement with the nib 78 whereby the biased nib moves into the chamber 112.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a safety shield for use in laparoscopic or like electrosurgical procedures designed to receive a plurality of electrosurgical instrument inserts. The electrosurgical inserts are designed so as to provide quick and easy attachment to the electrosurgical apparatus while still providing enhanced resistance to rotation forces encountered during an electrosurgical procedure, and to distribute actuation forces occurring during use. The safety shield includes a crimped portion for transferring forces that occur during operation of an articulating instrument inserted therein to a handle assembly of the electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument has a seal that reduces or prevents electrical current from flowing between the active electrode and shield assemblies. The electrosurgical instrument further includes a connector assembly for receiving a mating cable connector and providing a fail-safe interconnection therewith.

Abstract: A monitor to provide substantially real-time estimates of fluid absorption rate and tissue loss rate in a patient during a surgical procedure. The monitor estimates fluid source flow rates and waste fluid flow rates based on weight changes per unit time or direct reading fluid flow rate meters. Tissue loss flow rates are estimated based on tissue concentration measurable in waste irrigation fluid using an optical comparator, and are used to correct waste fluid flow rates. Correct waste fluid flow rates are used in turn to obtain estimated fluid absorption rates.

Abstract: A safety shield for use in laparoscopic or like electrosurgical procedures where the shield surrounds the active electrode and extends from a trocar or the like to the field of view of the surgical procedure. The shield is connected to the return lead via a low impedance path which includes monitor circuitry for determining whether the shield current is associated with an abnormal condition. The shield may also serve as a structural element of the instrument and be connected to the instrument body so that the instrument is maintained at or near patient potential. Moreover, a unitary connector is provided whereby connection to the active electrode and shield may be made by a single connector. Attached to the connector is a cable in which both the active and shield conductors are contained for at least a distance sufficient to minimize clutter in the operative site.