Abstract: An electrical ablation device may generally comprise first and second electrodes coupled to an energy source operative to generate and deliver a first sequence of electrical pulses and a second sequence of electrical pulses to tissue having a necrotic threshold, wherein the first sequence of electrical pulses delivers a first energy dose that is less than the necrotic threshold to induce thermal heating in the tissue and the second sequence of electrical pulses delivers a second energy dose equal to or greater than the necrotic threshold to induce cell necrosis in the tissue by irreversible electroporation. The first sequence of electrical pulses may each be independently characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse width, and a first frequency. The second sequence of electrical pulses may be characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse width, and a second frequency.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for delivering energy to tissue having a necrotic threshold may generally comprise an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes, a central electrode positioned intermediate the plurality of electrodes, and a controller configured to not only apply a first sequence of electrical pulses to the electrode array to induce thermal heating in the tissue and reduce the necrotic threshold of the tissue but also apply a second sequence of electrical pulses to the central electrode to induce cell necrosis in the tissue by irreversible electroporation. Electrical ablation devices and methods of using the same are also described herein.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system may generally first and second electrodes coupled to an energy source operative to generate and deliver pulses of a biphasic radio frequency (RF) waveform to treat undesirable tissue in a patient. The pulses may induce non-thermal cell death in the patient's tissue while causing no or minimal muscle contractions in the treated patient. The pulses may be grouped in bursts wherein the pulses within a burst repeat at a particular pulse frequency.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus may generally comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and a non-conductive tip at the distal end, a conductive sheath at least partially surrounding a portion of the elongated body intermediate the proximal end and the tip, and an electrical conductor electrically connected to the conductive sheath. The ablation apparatus may comprise a first electrode having a first diameter and a plurality of second electrodes each having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. Methods of using the ablation apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy to tissue having a necrotic threshold may generally comprise inserting an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes into the tissue, inserting a central electrode into the tissue, positioning a ground pad proximal to the tissue, applying a first sequence of electrical pulses to the electrode array less than the necrotic threshold to induce thermal heating in the tissue, applying a second sequence of electrical pulses to the central electrode equal to or greater than the necrotic threshold to induce cell necrosis in the tissue by irreversible electroporation, and applying a ground potential to the ground pad. Electrical ablation devices and systems and methods of using the same are also described herein.

Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment region. The apparatus can comprise an electrode ring having an interior perimeter and an electrode probe having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the electrode probe can be structured to axially translate relative to the interior perimeter of the electrode ring. The electrode ring and the electrode probe can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of the electrode ring and the electrode probe is energized by an energy source. Further, the energy source can be a Radio Frequency (RF) energy source, a pulsed energy source, an irreversible electroporation energy source, or a pulsed irreversible electroporation energy source. A current from the energy source can be selected to non-thermally ablate tissue in the tissue treatment region.

Abstract: A module for attachment to a medical instrument to scan the anatomy with a beam of radiation. The module comprising a housing suitable for insertion in the anatomy that includes a window and a fastener to attach the housing to a medical instrument, an oscillating reflector within the housing that directs a beam of radiation onto the anatomy, and a collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a retractable sheath. At least one of the electrodes can comprise an insulative jacket extending along the length thereof which can comprise a tissue stop for limiting the progression of the electrode into tissue. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a displaceable arc guard positioned between the electrodes. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an electrode including a flexible mesh configured to conform to the tissue against which it is positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment region. The apparatus can comprise an electrode ring having an interior perimeter and an electrode probe having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the electrode probe can be structured to axially translate relative to the interior perimeter of the electrode ring. The electrode ring and the electrode probe can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of the electrode ring and the electrode probe is energized by an energy source. Further, the energy source can be a Radio Frequency (RF) energy source, a pulsed energy source, an irreversible electroporation energy source, or a pulsed irreversible electroporation energy source. A current from the energy source can be selected to non-thermally ablate tissue in the tissue treatment region.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a retractable sheath. At least one of the electrodes can comprise an insulative jacket extending along the length thereof which can comprise a tissue stop for limiting the progression of the electrode into tissue. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a displaceable arc guard positioned between the electrodes. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an electrode including a flexible mesh configured to conform to the tissue against which it is positioned.

Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical energy to tissue of a patient includes a handle, a first conductor, and a second conductor. The surgical instrument further includes a first electrode with a first distal portion, a second electrode with a second distal portion, and a third electrode with a third distal portion, wherein each distal portion is configured to contact the tissue. The second distal portion surrounds the first distal portion and the third distal portion surrounds the second distal portion. A first gap is defined between the first distal portion and the second distal portion. A second gap is defined between the second distal portion and the third distal portion. The first electrode includes a sharp end configured to penetrate the tissue and the second distal portion includes a plurality of projections extending toward third distal portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handpiece, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handpiece, an end effector disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft, and a firing beam. The end effector has a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable toward and away from the second jaw to capture tissue. The end effector further comprises a preheating element and an electrode. The preheating element is configured to provide heat to the captured tissue, thereby increasing electrical conductivity of the tissue. The electrode is configured to seal the captured-preheated tissue by providing RF energy to the tissue. The firing beam is configured to sever the sealed tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system may generally first and second electrodes coupled to an energy source operative to generate and deliver pulses of a biphasic radio frequency (RF) waveform to treat undesirable tissue in a patient. The pulses may induce non-thermal cell death in the patient's tissue while causing no or minimal muscle contractions in the treated patient. The pulses may be grouped in bursts wherein the pulses within a burst repeat at a particular pulse frequency.

Abstract: A method for promoting wound healing at a wound site includes subjecting the wound site to electrical pulses to promote wound healing during at least one of the stages of wound healing. The method may further include closing the wound site by sutures or staples prior to and or after applying the electrical pulses that promote wound healing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an electrical ablation device, includes an elongate member having therealong disposed a first electrode extending along an axis. A first expandable portion extends along the axis and defines a first perimeter of the first electrode and has an associated first diameter with respect to the axis. The first expandable portion includes a first framework selectively expandable to transition the first expandable portion from a contracted state to an expanded state. The first framework is selectively contractible to transition the first expandable portion from the expanded state to the contracted state. When the first framework is expanded, the first diameter is expanded and the first expandable portion is transitioned from the contracted state to the expanded state. When the first framework is contracted, the first diameter is contracted and the first expandable portion is transitioned from the expanded state to the contracted state.