Abstract: A system for determining the hydration status of an individual utilizes a light sources and a photodetectors to extract a plethysmographic waveform from an individual and applies feature extraction to extract features from said plethysmographic waveform from which the hydration status of the individual can be inferred or calculated. The system of preferably housed in a wearable housing.

Abstract: An inert gas enhanced electrosurgical apparatus is disclosed including a housing having at least one ridge formed therein. An electrode assembly has at least a portion thereof disposed within the housing. A support member has at least a portion thereof disposed within the housing and about at least a portion of the electrode assembly. The ridges of the housing are engageable with the support member such that a seal is formed therebetween. The housing can include a first opening adjacent a distal portion of the housing and a second opening adjacent a proximal portion of the housing. Ribs may be formed on an inner surface of the housing. An electrical spring contact may be disposed within the housing and configured to cooperate with the ribs to facilitate electrical communication with the electrode assembly. Wedge projections may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: An inert gas enhanced electrosurgical apparatus is disclosed including a housing having at least one ridge formed therein. An electrode assembly has at least a portion thereof disposed within the housing. A support member has at least a portion thereof disposed within the housing and about at least a portion of the electrode assembly. The ridges of the housing are engageable with the support member such that a seal is formed therebetween. The housing can include a first opening adjacent a distal portion of the housing and a second opening adjacent a proximal portion of the housing. Ribs may be formed on an inner surface of the housing. An electrical spring contact may be disposed within the housing and configured to cooperate with the ribs to facilitate electrical communication with the electrode assembly. Wedge projections may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaws without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: An instrument for suction and electrosurgery has an elongate body molded of a polymer. A main flow passage extends through the length of the body. A hollow metal aluminum tube extends from the body and attaches to electrosurgical power and is in fluid communication with the passage. The tube extends from the body to the patient passing energy thereto. An open distal end on the body receives the tube on a shelf thereacross to engage and hold the tube. The shelf has opposed tapered camming surfaces and an edge axially spaced proximally within the opened distal end. The edge engages with a spade connector on an insulated cable coupled to the power during insertion of the tube to fold back the spade connector as the tube is received.