Abstract: An electrosurgical device can have a housing and an electrode defining an energizable surface at least partially positioned externally of the housing. The electrode can move longitudinally relative to the housing. A shank of the electrode can be positioned within the housing and configured to urge against an energizable element in the housing. The energizable element can have a longitudinally movable electrical coupler configured to electrically couple with the shank portion when the shank portion urges against the energizable element. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device can have a housing and an electrode defining an energizable surface at least partially positioned externally of the housing. Such a device can have a first circuit and a second circuit. The housing can define a handpiece. The first circuit can be configured to selectively direct energy to a power element. The power element can be configured to selectively electrically couple to the electrode. The second circuit can have a selectively operable handpiece accessory. The handpiece can also have a device configured to direct suitable energy from the first circuit to the second circuit to power the second circuit. In some embodiments, the second circuit can be configured to selectively interrupt the first circuit. For example, the second circuit can interrupt the first circuit when a cumulative duration of operation of the second circuit exceeds an upper threshold duration. Methods of operating such handpieces are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic imaging device (27) includes an optical objective (28) for collecting optical radiation from an object, the objective having an optical axis, and an image sensor (24), including a matrix of optical detectors arranged in a plane that is substantially non-perpendicular to the optical axis, the image sensor having a lateral dimension in the plane. A turning mirror (38) has an optical surface that is positioned so as to reflect the radiation collected by the objective in order to form a focused image in the plane of the image sensor, while a maximum distance from the optical surface to the plane of the image sensor is substantially less than the lateral dimension of the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical probe, for example, a medical endoscope, having a removable lens cell. In an embodiment, the optical probe has an elongated tube with a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion terminating at a distal end. The elongated tube defines an axial lumen wherein a lens cell holder is disposed proximal the distal portion. The lens cell holder has an axial holder bore for at least partially containing the lens cell within and removably coupled with the holder bore.

Abstract: A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion (12), and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulating member (15), the bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly extending around the circumference of the distal edge of the tube (8). When a pulsed electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13) and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a core of severed tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. Temperature sensors (60) can be used to measure the temperature at the distal end of the tube (8), and to vary the duty cycle of the pulsed cutting voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes an invasive probe having opposite distal and proximal ends. The probe includes a transmitter, which is arranged to transmit an energy field, and a receiver, which is arranged to receive the energy field, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed at the opposite ends of the probe. A control unit is adapted to determine an orientation of the distal end relative to the proximal end responsively to the energy field received by the receiver.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument and a user alert means (78). The electrosurgical instrument includes an elongate body (1) having a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3), and a pair of jaws (12) carried by the elongate body and disposed at the distal end. An actuator mechanism (5) at the proximal end of the elongate body (1) is movable by the user of the instrument to open and close the jaws (12). The instrument includes first and second electrodes (13), (14) carried by the jaws (12), and at least one strain gauge (75) adapted to provide a signal representative of the closure force applied by the jaws (12). The strain gauge (75) sends signals to the user alert means (78), the user alert means supplying the user of the instrument with an indication (82) of the closure force being applied by the instrument.

Abstract: A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion (12), and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulating member (15), the bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly extending around the circumference of the distal edge of the tube (8). When a pulsed electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13) and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a core of severed tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. Temperature sensors (60) can be used to measure the temperature at the distal end of the tube (8), and to vary the duty cycle of the pulsed cutting voltage.

Abstract: A medical retrieval basket device, comprising a plurality of basket wires forming a basket, the basket including a wire collector at its distal end, the wire collector having a substantially rigid body for receiving the wires, the wire collector securing the wires at the distal end of the basket so as to provide a substantially tipless basket.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation system is provided in which a novel system of connecting and/or supporting a pump to a fluid source reduces the possibility that the pump will become disconnected from the fluid source by requiring that the pump be supported by a support to establish fluid connection.

Abstract: A natural preservative composition obtained from plant materials provides antimicrobial activity for use as an antifungal agent. The antifungal agent is effective in inhibiting the growth of Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. The antimicrobial agent has a MIC as low as 0.03 ?l/ml capable of inhibiting and/or killing these organisms. The antimicrobial agent includes selective mixtures of Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula officinalis L., Mentha piperita L., Citrus Limon L., Hydrastis canadensis L. and Olea europaea L.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes an invasive probe having opposite distal and proximal ends. The probe includes a transmitter, which is arranged to transmit an energy field, and a receiver, which is arranged to receive the energy field, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed at the opposite ends of the probe. A control unit is adapted to determine an orientation of the distal end relative to the proximal end responsively to the energy field received by the receiver.

Abstract: An electronic imaging device (27) includes an optical objective (28) for collecting optical radiation from an object, the objective having an optical axis, and an image sensor (24), including a matrix of optical detectors arranged in a plane that is substantially non-perpendicular to the optical axis, the image sensor having a lateral dimension in the plane. A turning mirror (38) has an optical surface that is positioned so as to reflect the radiation collected by the objective in order to form a focused image in the plane of the image sensor, while a maximum distance from the optical surface to the plane of the image sensor is substantially less than the lateral dimension of the image sensor.

Abstract: An extract is derived from Pueraria candollei var. mirifica A Shaw. & Suvat. for topical and internal use in treating a subject. The extract is obtained by a sequential extraction process using a sequence of different solvents or mixtures of solvents in varying ratios and thereafter combining the liquid extracts. The liquid extract is then evaporated to dryness to obtain the extract. The extract is used in a topical composition that when applied to the skin reduces wrinkles without eye irritation.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating periodontal infections and gingivitis includes an extract of Centipeda cunninghami, coenzyme Q10, aloe vera and folic acid. The composition also contains additional plant extracts and nutrients that are effective in cell reproduction, wound healing and provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The composition is applied to the teeth and gums to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation of the gums.

Abstract: An optical probe, for example, a medical endoscope, having a removable lens cell. In an embodiment, the optical probe has an elongated tube with a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion terminating at a distal end. The elongated tube defines an axial lumen wherein a lens cell holder is disposed proximal the distal portion. The lens cell holder has an axial holder bore for at least partially containing the lens cell within and removably coupled with the holder bore.

Abstract: A medical imaging system including one or more medical devices, operational electronics associated at least one medical device, embedded software associated with operational electronics, and an alteration mechanism providing alteration of at least one of operational electronics and embedded software. In one aspect, a medical device has a configurable component and/or configuring software and has an alteration mechanism that provides alteration of the configurable component and/or the configuring software. In another aspect, a medical device has a programmable component and/or programming software, and has an alteration mechanism that provides alteration of the programmable component and/or the programming software.

Abstract: A medical retrieval basket device, comprising a plurality of basket wires forming a basket, the basket including a wire collector at its distal end, the wire collector having a substantially rigid body for receiving the wires, the wire collector securing the wires at the distal end of the basket so as to provide a substantially tipless basket.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a Veress needle, a dilating obturator, and a cannula. The Veress needle has a tubular safety obturator with an opening in its front section at a needle tip of the Veress needle. A guide with a guide slot can be positioned in a patient's vagina against the posterior fornix of the vagina to guide the Veress needle through the vaginal and peritoneal walls. A guide wire may be passed through the Veress needle and through the hole in the peritoneum wall formed by the Veress needle to guide the dilating obturator through the hole.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a Veress needle, a dilating obturator, and a cannula. The Veress needle has a tubular safety obturator with an opening in its front section at a needle tip of the Veress needle. A guide with a guide slot can be positioned in a patient's vagina against the posterior fornix of the vagina to guide the Veress needle through the vaginal and peritoneal walls. A guide wire may be passed through the Veress needle and through the hole in the peritoneum wall formed by the Veress needle to guide the dilating obturator through the hole.