Abstract: An ablation device includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and a first array of electrodes at least partially disposed within the lumen, the first array of electrodes slidable relative to the cannula, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, wherein one of the electrodes has a flared deployed profile.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and a first array of electrodes at least partially disposed within the lumen, the first array of electrodes slidable relative to the cannula, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, wherein one of the electrodes has a flared deployed profile.

Abstract: A RF ablation device includes a probe assembly that has an elongate cannula having a lumen disposed interiorly of an external wall of the cannula. The elongate cannula includes a plurality of slots formed within the external wall that provide access to the lumen. The probe assembly includes an electrode member that is slidably disposed within the elongate cannula, the electrode member including a plurality of tines configured for passage through the plurality of slots. The slots are disposed in a staggered arrangement or pattern about the external wall of the cannula. The staggered arrangement of slots may be used in a monopolar or bipolar arrangement of the electrodes on the cannula. A bipolar arrangement of electrodes using the staggered configuration produces larger ablation areas in a shorter period of time as compared to prior designs.

Abstract: A trocar for use in surgical procedures including a cannula for maintaining a sealed working channel in a body wall and an obturator which creates the working channel through the body wall while protecting patients and medical personnel from harm is disclosed. A cannula converter which can be employed with the trocar to enable a surgeon to use surgical instruments having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the cannula without deflating a body cavity is further disclosed. A site stabilizer which can be used with the trocar to prevent the cannula from being inadvertently withdrawn from the body cavity during a surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trocar for use in surgical procedures including a cannula for maintaining a sealed working channel in a body wall and an obturator which creates the working channel through the body wall while protecting patients and medical personnel from harm is disclosed. A cannula converter which can be employed with the trocar to enable a surgeon to use surgical instruments having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the cannula without deflating a body cavity is further disclosed. A site stabilizer which can be used with the trocar to prevent the cannula from being inadvertently withdrawn from the body cavity during a surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptable seal for use in a trocar or trocar converter is provided. The seal comprises a membrane having a radially proximal edge and a radially distal edge, at least one lobe terminating at said band, and preferably a band located at the radially proximal edge. The seal is thus able to adaptably receive surgical instruments of various diameters. The seal may further comprise means for forming a fluid-tight seal between the upper surface and the lower surface of the seal when an elongated object is received through an aperture in the seal, and at least one trough or wall. A seal according to the present invention is able to accommodate radial movement of the surgical instrument within the cannula of a trocar. A trocar and a trocar converter also fall within the purview of the present invention.

Abstract: A trocar for use in surgical procedures including a cannula for maintaining a sealed working channel in a body wall and an obturator which creates the working channel through the body wall while protecting patients and medical personnel from harm is disclosed. A cannula converter which can be employed with the trocar to enable a surgeon to use surgical instruments having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the cannula without deflating a body cavity is further disclosed. A site stabilizer which can be used with the trocar to prevent the cannula from being inadvertently withdrawn from the body cavity during a surgical procedure is also disclosed.