Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a power supply operatively coupled to an end effector. The end effector has a pair of jaws for effectuating an action on tissue positioned therebetween. The power supply is configured to input a first signal and a second signal to a buck-boost converter. The buck-boost converter is configured to transmit an output to an H-bridge circuit. The H-bridge circuit is configured to pass a signal to a resonant LC transformer circuit. The power supply is configured to transmit a power signal. The pair of jaws are operatively coupled to the power supply to receive the power signal, the power having no more than 80 Volts RMS, and less than 2 Amps RMS. The power is configured to seal the tissue positioned between the pair of jaws in 3 seconds or less.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a power supply operatively coupled to an end effector. The end effector has a pair of jaws for effectuating an action on tissue positioned therebetween. The power supply is configured to input a first signal and a second signal to a buck-boost converter. The buck-boost converter is configured to transmit an output to an H-bridge circuit. The H-bridge circuit is configured to pass a signal to a resonant LC transformer circuit. The power supply is configured to transmit a power signal. The pair of jaws are operatively coupled to the power supply to receive the power signal, the power having no more than 80 Volts RMS, and less than 2 Amps RMS. The power is configured to seal the tissue positioned between the pair of jaws in 3 seconds or less.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. A method of providing power to an electrosurgical instrument includes generating a non-sinusoidal driving voltage having a substantially constant driving frequency; providing the non-sinusoidal driving voltage to a series LC circuit having a resonant frequency of substantially twice the substantially constant driving frequency and configured to present an impedance that limits current spikes and voltage transient spikes during load fluctuations; generating a quasi-sinusoidal current in the series LC circuit from the non-sinusoidal driving voltage; and providing the quasi-sinusoidal current to an electrical output, wherein the electrical output is configured for coupling to an electrical input of a bipolar tissue-sealing surgical instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a power supply operatively coupled to an end effector. The end effector has a pair of jaws for effectuating an action on tissue positioned therebetween. The power supply is configured to input a first signal and a second signal to a buck-boost converter. The buck-boost converter is configured to transmit an output to an H-bridge circuit. The H-bridge circuit is configured to pass a signal to a resonant LC transformer circuit. The power supply is configured to transmit a power signal. The pair of jaws are operatively coupled to the power supply to receive the power signal, the power having no more than 80 Volts RMS, and less than 2 Amps RMS. The power is configured to seal the tissue positioned between the pair of jaws in 3 seconds or less.

Abstract: A surgical system and method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer the electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument, and a power control circuit for controlling the delivery of radio frequency energy to the tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to: deliver the radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less, wherein the non-pulsing power is held constant, the output current is held under 2 Amperes RMS, and the output voltage is held under 100 Volts RMS, the non-pulsing power further causing the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. A method of providing power to an electrosurgical instrument includes generating a non-sinusoidal driving voltage having a substantially constant driving frequency; providing the non-sinusoidal driving voltage to a series LC circuit having a resonant frequency of substantially twice the substantially constant driving frequency and configured to present an impedance that limits current spikes and voltage transient spikes during load fluctuations; generating a quasi-sinusoidal current in the series LC circuit from the non-sinusoidal driving voltage; and providing the quasi-sinusoidal current to an electrical output, wherein the electrical output is configured for coupling to an electrical input of a bipolar tissue-sealing surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. A method of providing power to an electrosurgical instrument includes generating a non-sinusoidal driving voltage having a substantially constant driving frequency; providing the non-sinusoidal driving voltage to a series LC circuit having a resonant frequency of substantially twice the substantially constant driving frequency and configured to present an impedance that limits current spikes and voltage transient spikes during load fluctuations; generating a quasi-sinusoidal current in the series LC circuit from the non-sinusoidal driving voltage; and providing the quasi-sinusoidal current to an electrical output, wherein the electrical output is configured for coupling to an electrical input of a bipolar tissue-sealing surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical system and method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer the electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument, and a power control circuit for controlling the delivery of radio frequency energy to the tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to: deliver the radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less, wherein the non-pulsing power is held constant, the output current is held under 2 Amperes RMS, and the output voltage is held under 100 Volts RMS, the non-pulsing power further causing the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

Abstract: A surgical system and associated method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument, and a power control circuit. The surgical instrument is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument. The power control circuit controls the delivery of radio frequency energy to tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to deliver radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less. The non-pulsing power has no less than 7 Watts and no more than 35 Watts, and further causes the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

Abstract: A surgical system and associated method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument, and a power control circuit. The surgical instrument is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument. The power control circuit controls the delivery of radio frequency energy to tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to deliver radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less. The non-pulsing power has no less than 7 Watts and no more than 35 Watts, and further causes the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

Abstract: A surgical system and associated method for sealing the passageway of a fluid-carrying vessel with a diameter up to 5 millimeters comprises an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a pair of end effectors disposed at a distal end of the surgical instrument. The system also includes a power control circuit for controlling the delivery of radio frequency energy to the vessel through the end effectors, wherein the delivery of the radio frequency energy to the vessel comprises, raising the output current to a range below 1.75 Amperes RMS and the output voltage to a range below 135 Volts RMS. Radio frequency energy is applied to the vessel for a period of time while the power is held approximately constant.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. A method of providing power to an electrosurgical instrument includes generating a non-sinusoidal driving voltage having a substantially constant driving frequency; providing the non-sinusoidal driving voltage to a series LC circuit having a resonant frequency of substantially twice the substantially constant driving frequency and configured to present an impedance that limits current spikes and voltage transient spikes during load fluctuations; generating a quasi-sinusoidal current in the series LC circuit from the non-sinusoidal driving voltage; and providing the quasi-sinusoidal current to an electrical output, wherein the electrical output is configured for coupling to an electrical input of a bipolar tissue-sealing surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing power to an electrosurgical instrument. In particular, a power supply is disclosed in which non-sinusoidal (e.g., pulsed) constant frequency voltage having a variable amplitude is passed to an LC circuit to produce a quasi-sinusoidal current in the LC circuit. The constant driving frequency can be one half the resonant frequency of the LC circuit allowing the LC circuit to operate as an impedance, and thus limit current spikes and arcing. The frequency and phasing of the driving voltage also enables the LC circuit to discharge energy back into a power provider of the power supply so that energy does not build up in the LC circuit. These features result in less severe current spikes and arcing, as well as reduced cutoff times.

Abstract: A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laparoscopic repair, and wound closure.

Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer and a portal member positionable within a longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition and a second compressed condition. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member that may be disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The restraining member is adapted to expand and compress the portal member to cause the portal member to transition to the compressed condition.

Abstract: A surgical system and associated method for sealing the passageway of a fluid-carrying vessel with a diameter up to 5 millimeters comprises an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a pair of end effectors disposed at a distal end of the surgical instrument. The system also includes a power control circuit for controlling the delivery of radio frequency energy to the vessel through the end effectors, wherein the delivery of the radio frequency energy to the vessel comprises, raising the output current to a range below 1.75 Amperes RMS and the output voltage to a range below 135 Volts RMS. Radio frequency energy is applied to the vessel for a period of time while the power is held approximately constant.

Abstract: A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laproscopic repair, and wound closure.

Abstract: A method for determining the depth, direction, and/or angle of an instrument inserted into a cavity in which a user compares the light output of a light source assembly at a distal end of the instrument with known light outputs for that light source assembly. The instrument may include a plurality of light source assemblies having light outputs of different colors and intensities. The instrument may be an introducer that enables a port, e.g., a foam port, to be accurately positioned within an incision.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object. The imaging system includes a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state. The system also includes first means for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, and second means for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode, different from the first imaging mode, to capture a second image. The first imaging mode is selected from the group: x-ray mode and radio isotopic mode. The second imaging mode is selected from the group: bright-field mode and dark-field mode. A removable phosphor screen is employed when the first image is captured and not employed when the second image is captured. The phosphor screen is adapted to transduce ionizing radiation to visible light. The phosphor screen is adapted to be removable without moving the immobilized object. The system can further include means for generating a third image comprised of the first and second image.