Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising an input port and a dynamic impedance matching network capable of determining a mismatch at the input port and dynamically changing the RF match by using at least one matching element that includes at least one voltage tunable dielectric capacitor. The matching network may be a “Pi”, a “T”, or “ladder” type network and the apparatus may further comprise at least one directional coupler capable of signal collection by sampling a portion of an incident signal, a reflected signal or both.

Abstract: An instrument is described for the penetration of body tissue with a hollow shaft, the point of which is formed as a conical, beveled, or tapered window. An optic with a lighting unit is brought to the point through the hollow shaft. The optic ends at an axial distance behind the summit of the point. An advancing element having a cutting edge extends along the point. The instrument can be inserted while viewing the structure to be penetrated. In so doing, the structure adjacent the point can be observed over substantially the entire surface area thereof. Preferably, a second optic is run to the summit of the point, which in addition enables improved observation of the area lying directly in front of the point.

Abstract: A medical needle for endoscopic surgery has an external cannula tube in which a protective element is mounted so that it can be shifted axially against a spring. The distal, front protective surface of the protective element in a forward position projects beyond the sharp tip of the cannula tube and in a rear position is behind this tip. The protective surface of the protective element is transparent and can be observed through an optical system installed in the protective element.

Abstract: A flexible collapsible bag is introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove larger portions of tissue from the abdominal cavity through a threaded casing introduced into the abdominal wall. The bag has a side opening through which the tissue can be moved into the bag. The bag has an end opening which remains extracorporeal to the threaded casing in the abdominal wall. After partially pulling out the bag, the side opening is located outside of the threaded casing, and the tissue, which is tightly enclosed by the portion of the bag remaining in the abdominal cavity, is cut into pieces, as by cutting filaments having portions at the bottom of the bag and extending extracorporeally through the threaded casing and the end opening of the bag.

Abstract: A flexible bag is introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove larger portions of tissue from the abdominal cavity through a threaded casing introduced into the abdominal wall. The bag features a side opening through which the tissue can be moved into the bag. The end opening of the bag remains extracorporeal to the threaded casing. After pulling out the bag the side opening is located outside of the threaded casing and the tissue is tightly enclosed by the portion of the bag remaining in the abdominal cavity and is accessible for cutting up the tissue form outside, through the threaded casing.

Abstract: An instrument for penetrating body tissue has a rigid hollow shaft having at its distal end a penetrating point, which is at least partly transparent and which is conical, beveled or tapered; a hollow sleeve may surround the shaft. The instrument includes or can be associated with lighting and viewing elements. There may be provided a helical element at the penetrating point, having surfaces converging outwardly to a line. In another embodiment, the point comprises plural, flat, angularly related surfaces converging to a line, the point being at least partly transparent, as by being of opaque material having one or more openings closed by a transparent window. In a further embodiment, the point has a conical distal end and has along its side at least one and preferably two blade members which is/are at or rearwardly of the apex or distal end of the conical tip, and have surfaces converging to a linear edge coaxial with the axis of the point.

Abstract: An instrument is described for the penetration of body tissue with a hollow shaft, the point of which is formed as a conical, beveled, or tapered window. An optic with a lighting unit is brought into the point through the hollow shaft. The optic ends at an axial distance behind the summit of the point. The instrument can be inserted within view. In so doing, the entry of the point can observed over the entire surface area thereof. Preferably, a second optic is run to the summit of the point, which in addition enables improved observation of the area lying directly in front of the point.

Abstract: An instrument is described for the penetration of body tissue with a hollow shaft, the point of which is formed as a conical, beveled, or tapered window. An optic with a lighting unit is brought into the point through the hollow shaft. The optic ends at an axial distance behind the summit of the point. The instrument can be inserted within view. In so doing, the entry of the point can be observed over the entire surface area thereof. Preferably, a second optic is run to the summit of the point, which in addition enables improved observation of the area lying directly in front of the point.