Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated housing and an electrode located adjacent the distal end of the housing. The electrode can be connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. At least one actuator is included which electrosurgically energizes the electrode. The apparatus also includes a relatively small gas cylinder which contains a pressurized gas consisting of inert gas and which is selectively seated in the housing. Upon actuation of the actuator, gas is dispersed under pressure from the gas cylinder to the electrode and is ionized prior to the distribution of the gas into the operating field.

Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator.

Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A floating connector adapted for use with microwave surgical instruments is presented. The disclosure provides for the use of cost-effective and readily available non-floating connectors in a floating housing which can compensate for dimensional variations and misalignments between the connectors. Multiple connectors of varying types can therefore be used within a single support housing without requiring the costly precision manufacturing processes normally associated with such multiple connector assemblies. The floating connector is suitable for use with electrical connections as well as fluidic connections.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument provides pressurized gas to a surgical site and includes a hand-held applicator having a housing with proximal and distal ends and a tube defined therethrough. The tube is adapted to connect to a source of pressurized gas and is configured to selectively deliver a volume of pressurized gas to a surgical site. An actuator is also included which is configured to selectively regulate the volume of pressurized ionizable gas flowing through the tube. The actuator selectively regulates the flow of the gas through the tube. The actuator is positionable from a first position which allows a first predetermined volume of pressurized ionizable gas to flow through the tube for dissection purposes to at least one subsequent position which allows a different volume of pressurized ionizable gas to flow through the tube for coagulation purposes.

Abstract: A pressure safety system is provided for use with electrosurgical instruments providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site. The pressure safety system includes a series of three cascaded pressure change members to control the pressure of gas delivered to a patient. Pressure safety apparatus for use with electrosurgical instruments providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site are also provided. Electrosurgical instruments utilizing the pressure safety system and apparatus are also provided. The instruments include a hand-held applicator, a portable actuator assembly and the pressure safety system to control the pressure of gas delivered to a patient.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site includes a hand-held applicator having proximal and distal ends, a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent the distal end of the hand-held applicator. A portable actuator assembly is included that is capable of receiving a source of pressurized ionizable gas therein. The actuator controls the delivery of the gas and energy to the hand-held applicator. A pressure safety connects to the portable actuator and to the hand-held applicator. A pressure safety system having two or more cascaded pressure change members connects between the input port and the output port, the pressure change members are configured to regulate pressurized gas into the environment until the portable actuator assembly exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue are provided which include first and second shaft portions pivotably associated with one another. Each shaft portion has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween and a slot formed through the sealing surface thereof. The forceps includes a cutting mechanism operatively associated with the first and second jaw members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting element disposed within the slot of the at least one jaw member, the cutting element being movable from a first position wherein the cutting element is retracted within the at least one jaw member and a second position in which the cutting element at least partially projects from a sealing surface of the at least one jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical device for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is provided and includes a handle assembly including a housing having a distal end and a proximal end; a tissue engaging member supported in and extending from the distal end of the housing of the handle assembly; at least one conduit having a first end operatively associated with the tissue engaging member and a second end extending from the housing of the handle assembly; and a strain relief member supported on the at least one conduit and connected to the housing, wherein the strain relief member and the housing are configured to enable poly-axial movement of the strain relief member with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: An ablation electrode system includes a handle assembly; a needle electrode assembly supported in and extending from the handle assembly. The needle electrode assembly includes an outer tube having at least a conductive distal tip and defining a cavity therein; and an inner tube disposed at least partially within the cavity of the outer tube and defining a lumen therein. The ablation electrode assembly includes a hub assembly fluidly connected to the needle electrode assembly. The hub assembly defines a first chamber and a second chamber; wherein the proximal end portion of the inner tube is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the proximal end portion of the outer tube is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The ablation electrode assembly includes a first fluid conduit fluidly connected to the first chamber; and a second fluid conduit fluidly connected to the second chamber.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a connector for electromechanically connecting an electrosurgical cable to a flexible circuit board of a surgical instrument. The connector includes a fixed portion having a cavity defined therein which includes a wire guide block. A series of wire slots are defined within the wire guide block wherein each wire slot is dimensioned to receive a respective conductive wire disposed within the electrosurgical cable. The connector also includes a cap portion designed for selective, friction-fit engagement with the cavity of the fixed portion. The cap portion includes a series of detents which define a corresponding series of slots therebetween for wedging the conductive wires of the cable against a series of corresponding terminal contacts disposed on the flexible circuit board.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a connector for electromechanically connecting an electrosurgical cable to a flexible circuit board of a surgical instrument. The connector includes a fixed portion having a cavity defined therein which includes a wire guide block. A series of wire slots are defined within the wire guide block wherein each wire slot is dimensioned to receive a respective conductive wire disposed within the electrosurgical cable. The connector also includes a cap portion designed for selective, friction-fit engagement with the cavity of the fixed portion. The cap portion includes a series of detents which define a corresponding series of slots therebetween for wedging the conductive wires of the cable against a series of corresponding terminal contacts disposed on the flexible circuit board.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A method of mass manufacturing a plurality of electrodes coated with a non-stick layer is disclosed for reducing eschar buildup and the like on the working tip of an electrode during electrosurgical procedures and facilitating ease of cleaning the tip. The plurality of electrodes are mass manufactured for connection to an appropriate electrical power source. One preferred method of mass manufacturing a plurality of electrodes includes the steps of: simultaneously coating at least a portion of a stock material with a non-stick layer; and forming the plurality of electrode blanks having the non-stick layer. The plurality of electrode blanks may be subjected to further finishing. Preferably, the plurality of electrode blanks are formed having the non-stick layer as the material is advanced through a stamping operation. Also, the material may be configured and dimensioned in the form of a tree to provide a plurality of electrode blanks with a non-stick layer.

Abstract: A design and method of manufacture is disclosed for an electrosurgical electrode with a silicone coating. The coating resists the buildup of eschar. The silicone material is thick enough in the flat area of the blade to withstand the electrosurgical voltage without breakdown. The electrosurgical current path is primarily through the blade edges and tip. The flat of the blade remains insulated under most conditions. The relatively thick coating also provides high tear strength and added durability. The composition of the electrode coatings may include silicone elastomers in the form of adhesives, dispersions, or liquid rubbers. The coating composition may also contain adhesion promoters, heat stabilizers, plasticizers, release enhancers, crosslinking agents, and colorants. Several methods of manufacture are illustrated by way of examples.