Abstract: Provided herein is a load sensing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a load cell adapted to receive a force, an input/output interface, and an adjustable attachment mechanism adapted to reversibly attach a surgical device. In another embodiment, the load cell detects the amount of force applied during the deployment of the surgical device in a patient and outputs a force value representative thereof via the input/output interface. Also provided herein are methods of making and using load sensing devices.

Abstract: An ablation balloon to be used for bladder diseases.

Abstract: A high-flow low-pressure irrigation system for directing a fluid to and recovering the fluid from an area within a body, the irrigation system comprising a sheath defining a sheath lumen and a flexible catheter disposed in and through the sheath lumen. The catheter defines a catheter lumen and comprises a plurality of apertures at a distal portion that curls in a pigtail configuration. The fluid is directed and outputted to the body area through the catheter lumen and the apertures, and the outputted fluid is recovered and returned through the sheath lumen.

Abstract: A medical device is provided. The medical device includes a sheath with an extended distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a lumen defined therethrough. A handle is fixedly connected to the proximal end portion of the sheath, the handle includes an operator that is translatable between a first position and a second position. A flow path is defined within the handle in fluid communication with the proximal end portion of the sheath, wherein the operator is configured to substantially block the flow path in a second position and allow flow therethrough in a first position. The flow path includes a portion that is configured to communicate with a remote source of suction. The handle additionally includes a second inlet portion configured to receive a tool therethrough and allow the tool to extend through the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a urological procedure. The apparatus includes a sheath capable of insertion into a passageway within a patient. A filter is provided that includes a mesh that retains any particulate matter that is entrained with the liquid and allows the liquid to pass therethrough. The filter may be removeably attached to receive flow from an outlet of the sheath.

Abstract: A medical device is provided. The medical device includes a sheath with an extended distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a lumen defined therethrough. A handle is fixedly connected to the proximal end portion of the sheath, the handle includes an operator that is translatable between a first position and a second position. A flow path is defined within the handle in fluid communication with the proximal end portion of the sheath, wherein the operator is configured to substantially block the flow path in a second position and allow flow therethrough in a first position. The flow path includes a portion that is configured to communicate with a remote source of suction. The handle additionally includes a second inlet portion configured to receive a tool therethrough and allow the tool to extend through the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a urological procedure. The apparatus includes a sheath capable of insertion into a passageway within a patient. A filter is provided that includes a mesh that retains any particulate matter that is entrained with the liquid and allows the liquid to pass therethrough. The filter may be removeably attached to receive flow from an outlet of the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for cooling a body part during surgery that includes a surgical cooling solution generator for producing a surgical cooling solution such as an ice slush from a working solution, a surgical cooling solution transport system for transporting the surgical cooling solution, an applicator configured for receiving the surgical cooling solution from the supply line and having a first mode and a second mode for respectively routing the surgical cooling solution to the recycle line for recycling, and for routing the surgical cooling solution to a surgical delivery interface. The applicator comprises an intake port for receiving the surgical cooling solution, a recycle port for transmitting a portion of the surgical cooling solution for recycling, and a surgical delivery interface for transmitting a portion of the surgical cooling solution to a body cavity.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a plurality of electrodes for forming a plurality of bipolar circuits usable for affecting a patient's tissue during a surgical operation. At least one of said electrodes is operable as an active electrode in one of said bipolar circuits and as a return electrode in another one of said bipolar circuits.

Abstract: A surgical device providing multiple functions including aspiration, irrigation, traction, filtration, dissection and compression of tissue, the surgical device comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a mobilization tip operatively attached at the distal end of the elongate shaft for manipulating tissue, and a valve assembly operatively connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft for selectively delivering and removing an irrigation fluid to and from a surgical site through the elongate shaft. The surgical device is operable with one hand. The surgical device is dimensioned according to its use in either open or minimally invasive surgery. The mobilization tip comprises a traction-enhancing material formed of reticulated foam or from a woven or braided fabric. The mobilization tip further includes a porous filter for preventing biological matters from being inadvertently drawn into the aspiration holes or windows at the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A high-flow low-pressure irrigation system (10) for directing a fluid to and recovering the fluid from an area within a body, the irrigation system (10) comprising a sheath (37) and a flexible catheter (20) disposed in the sheath (37). The catheter (20) comprises a plurality of apertures (26) at a distal pigtail portion (28). The fluid is directed through the apertures (26) and recovered through the sheath (37). Renal applications include alkaline irrigation for dissolution or uric acid stones, chemo-dissolution of cystine stones, irrigation with chemotherapy drugs after ureteroscopic tumor management, antibiotic irrigation for severe infection (e.g. fungal and bacterial), and irrigation of thrombotic agents (Alum Or direct delivery of Amicar for renal bleeding).

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a handle with a hollow elongate configuration and an electrosurgical assembly having ends disposed within the hollow handle and forming a continuous loop moveable by operation of the handle between an enlarged state and a contracted state. An electrosurgical element included in the assembly has an outer surface and axis and a lumen extending along the axis. Transverse portions of the element define a plurality of slots extending transverse to the axis and providing fluid communication between the lumen and the outer surface of the element. The element includes an insulated backbone and a plurality of ribs disposed to extend in space relationship to each other transverse to the backbone. A method of manufacture includes the step of creating slots in the element to define the ribs in the backbone.