Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a light guide configured to convey light energy, a lens configured to focus the light energy into a light beam, a mounting tube, a jaw assembly coupled to the mounting tube, and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw member non-movably secured to the mounting tube, a second jaw member movably secured to the mounting tube, and a window secured to the first jaw member and forming a tissue contacting surface. The window is oriented in a plane oblique to a longitudinal axis of the mounting tube and forms a liquid-tight seal between tissue and the lens. The handle assembly is coupled to the jaw assembly to move the second jaw member between an open position in which the second jaw member is spaced part from the window and a closed position.

Abstract: A sphincter assist device includes a plurality of interconnected and adjacent links which define a ring. Each link includes a body section and a latch cam. The body section includes a first set of side beams and a first set of snap arms. The latch cam includes a post extending from the body section and a cam disposed at an end portion of the post. The cam is engagable with the first set of snap arms of an adjacent link. Translation of the cam displaces the first set of snap arms and the first set of side beams to transition the sphincter assist device between open and closed configurations. The first set of snap arms, in combination with the first set of side beams, exert a positive non-linear force profile on the cam, thus defining a non-linear force profile of the sphincter assist device between the open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A surface ablation system includes an electrosurgical generator, and elongated shaft, a plug, and a circuit assembly. The elongated shaft includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The plug is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. The circuit assembly is supported on the plug and in electrical communication with the electrosurgical generator. The circuit assembly includes spaced-apart traces positioned in arrays about the plug. Each of the traces is configured to emit electrosurgical energy along the arrays to treat tissue positioned adjacent to the traces.

Abstract: An end effector for a wristed surgical instrument includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member coupled to the first jaw member by a pivot pin, an actuation string, and a blade supported between the first and second jaw members. The first and second jaw members are positioned to pivot and articulate about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin. The blade is secured to the actuation string and movable relative to the first and second jaw members to sever tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members in response to actuation of the actuation string.

Abstract: A trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a slider block configured such that moving the manipulation portion in a first direction relative to a housing of the surgical instrument translates the slider block along a longitudinal axis relative to the housing. Another trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a coupling sphere rotatably captured within a cavity of a retention portion of the trigger such that movement of a manipulation portion of the trigger relative to the housing translates the coupling sphere along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue includes determining whether tissue is present between first and second jaw members. In a case where it is determined that tissue is present between the first and second jaw members, the method further includes determining whether activation has been initiated. In a case where it is determined that activation has been initiated, the method further includes supplying electrosurgical energy to the first and second jaw members to seal the tissue and, if it is determined that sealing is complete: stopping the supply of electrosurgical energy; activating a thermal cutting element to supply thermal energy to cut the sealed present tissue; determining if thermal cutting is complete; and, in a case where it is determined that the thermal cutting is complete, stopping and the supply of thermal energy.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each proximal flange defines an aperture extending therethrough configured to receive a pivot assembly including first and second pivot pins. The second proximal flange includes a U-shaped cross section having first and second legs defining a slot therebetween. A guard is disposed between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members and includes a U-shaped cross section with first and second legs configured to receive the proximal flange of the first jaw member and seat within the slot of the second jaw member. The guard is configured to eliminate gaps between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members during angular rotation of the first and second jaw members between a first, spaced apart position to a second, closer position.

Abstract: A tissue resection device includes a handpiece and an end effector assembly extending distally from the handpiece. The end effector assembly includes an outer shaft defining a longitudinal axis and including a window defined therethrough towards a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly further includes an inner member rotationally disposed within the outer shaft. The inner member includes a proximal body portion and a distal cutting portion. The proximal body portion is coaxially disposed on the longitudinal axis and rotatable thereabout. The distal cutting portion includes an offset portion that is radially offset from the longitudinal axis and is configured to orbit about the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the distal cutting portion is a thermal cutting element configured to heat in response to application of electrical energy thereto.

Abstract: A tissue-treating portion of a surgical instrument includes a body defining a cavity and a light-energy transmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body. The light-energy transmissible sphere is capable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the body. The light-energy transmission cable extends through the body to a position spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere, in turn, is configured focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

Abstract: A trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a slider block configured such that moving the manipulation portion in a first direction relative to a housing of the surgical instrument translates the slider block along a longitudinal axis relative to the housing. Another trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a coupling sphere rotatably captured within a cavity of a retention portion of the trigger such that movement of a manipulation portion of the trigger relative to the housing translates the coupling sphere along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each proximal flange defines an aperture extending therethrough configured to receive a pivot assembly including first and second pivot pins. The second proximal flange includes a U-shaped cross section having first and second legs defining a slot therebetween. A guard is disposed between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members and includes a U-shaped cross section with first and second legs configured to receive the proximal flange of the first jaw member and seat within the slot of the second jaw member. The guard is configured to eliminate gaps between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members during angular rotation of the first and second jaw members between a first, spaced apart position to a second, closer position.

Abstract: A trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a slider block configured such that moving the manipulation portion in a first direction relative to a housing of the surgical instrument translates the slider block along a longitudinal axis relative to the housing. Another trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a coupling sphere rotatably captured within a cavity of a retention portion of the trigger such that movement of a manipulation portion of the trigger relative to the housing translates the coupling sphere along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: A structure of a surgical instrument configured for thermally cutting tissue. The structure includes a frame and a thermal cutting element. The frame includes a proximal flange portion and a distal body portion. The distal body portion includes a proximal section extending from the proximal flange portion, a distal section, and a center section extending between the proximal and distal sections. The distal body portion includes first and second distal body portion segments. The distal body portion segments are disposed a first distance apart from one another at the proximal section, a second distance apart from one another at the distal section, and a third distance apart from one another at the center section. The third distance is greater than the first and second distances. The thermal cutting element is disposed within the distal body portion of the frame and extends from the proximal section, through the center section, to the distal section.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a resectoscope and a generator. The resectoscope includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode movable relative to the fixed electrode, and first and second switches actuated in first and second positions of the movable electrode, respectively. The generator is configured to supply energy to the fixed electrode and/or the movable electrode when the movable electrode is moving from the first position to the second position and to inhibit the supply of energy when the movable electrode is moving from the second position to the first position. The generator is configured to determine a direction of movement of the movable electrode based upon signals received from the first and second switches.

Abstract: An access device configured for accommodating passage of an instrument with a curved end effector includes a housing assembly and a cannula member extending from the housing. The cannula member includes a length and a plurality of rigid portions alternating with a plurality of flexible portions. The cannula member is configured to maintain a circular cross-sectional profile when a force is applied to the cannula member from the outside and to flex to an oblong cross-sectional profile when a force is applied to the cannula member from the inside.

Abstract: A sphincter assist device includes a plurality of interconnected and adjacent links which define a ring. Each link includes a body section and a latch cam. The body section includes a first set of side beams and a first set of snap arms. The latch cam includes a post extending from the body section and a cam disposed at an end portion of the post. The cam is engagable with the first set of snap arms of an adjacent link. Translation of the cam displaces the first set of snap arms and the first set of side beams to transition the sphincter assist device between open and closed configurations. The first set of snap arms, in combination with the first set of side beams, exert a positive non-linear force profile on the cam, thus defining a non-linear force profile of the sphincter assist device between the open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A forceps includes an instrument housing, an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the instrument housing, and a rotation knob assembly. The rotation knob assembly is supported in the instrument housing and includes a rotation knob and an inner housing. The rotation knob is coupled to the shaft assembly and positioned to rotate about the inner housing to rotate the elongated shaft assembly relative to the instrument housing. The inner housing is coupled to the instrument housing and supports electrical contacts configured to transmit electrical energy through the rotation knob assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a first handle depending therefrom and an elongated shaft. An end effector is included having first and second jaw members each having an electrically conductive plate disposed thereon. The first jaw member includes one or more electrodes disposed at a distal end thereof. A second handle operably couples to the housing and is moveable relative to actuate the jaw members to grasp tissue disposed therebetween. A first switch is activatable to supply electrical energy to the electrically conductive plates to pre-coagulate tissue. A second switch is electrically coupled to the electrode and activatable to provide electrical energy to the one or more one electrodes. A third switch is configured to supply electrical energy to tissue disposed between the electrically conductive plates. An irrigation actuator is operable to selectively supply electrically conductive fluid to the first and second jaw members proximate the electrode(s).

Abstract: A method of treating liver tissue includes progressively grasping liver tissue, applying a first energy to the grasped liver tissue during the progressive grasping to permanently close parenchyma of the liver tissue, fully grasping the liver tissue, and applying a second energy to the fully grasped liver tissue to permanently close large vessels of the fully grasped liver tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having a first handle and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the elongated shaft and includes first and second jaw members, the first jaw member including a staple cartridge configured to house a series of staples therein. A second handle is operably coupled to the housing and is selectively moveable relative to the first handle to actuate the first and second jaw members between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue. A first switch is activatable to supply energy to one of the jaw members. A stapler mode switch is actuatable between an unactuated position wherein movement of the second handle moves the jaws to the second position and an actuated position wherein movement of the second handle moves the jaws to the second position and drives the staples through tissue.