Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for using the bipolar electrosurgical instrument. The instrument includes particular patterns of electrically conductive portions and electrically non-conductive portions on the interior surfaces of the shearing members such that the electrical current is localized in the tissue to be treated without causing a short circuit in the instrument. Other advantages of the device include an improved cutting ability aided by the localized electrical current and reduced manufacturing costs as compared to similar, prior art devices.

Abstract: Non-insulated surgical instruments are referenced to the electrical potential of a patient during minimally invasive electrosurgery to prevent unintentional patient burns, should the surgical instruments become accidentally energized during the electrosurgical procedure. An auxiliary safety electrode separate from the primary return electrode is attached to the patient at a location separate from the attachment point of the primary return electrode. Each non-insulated surgical instrument is preferably attached to the auxiliary electrode by a separate electrical conductor. The electrical conductor transfers to the auxiliary electrode any electrical energy which is accidentally applied to the instrument during the course of the electrosurgical procedure. The size of the auxiliary electrode is sufficient to safely disperse the electrical charge without burning the patient.

Abstract: An insufflation needle apparatus which creates a pneumoperitoneum during the preparation of a patient for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. The insufflation needle apparatus is characterized by a helical needle having a central helical passageway for gas therethrough. The helical needle is associated with a guide support member which maintains the helical needle in position for insertion into a patient while at the same time permitting free rotation of the helical needle about the central longitudinal axis of the support member independent of movement of the support member. In this manner, an upward traction force can be exerted on the support member to gently pull the wall of a patient's body cavity upwardly away from vulnerable internal organs while at the same time a downward force can be exerted on the helical needle while it is rotated in order to penetrate the peritoneum with the needle.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument including four shearing members is disclosed. The shearing members are movable to an open position for grasping tissue, a closed position for desiccating tissue by application of electrical current and a cutting position for shearing tissue. The electrical current may be applied in an X-shaped pattern to thereby localize desiccation to the maximum extent possible. A method of using the bipolar electrosurgical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: An self-releasing suction and irrigation apparatus for providing surgical suction and irrigation to a body cavity such that, upon obstruction of the suction port by body tissue, the resulting increased vacuum pressure is automatically vented, thereby releasing the suction hold on the obstructing tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the suction apparatus has a soft, flexible tip made from an elastomeric material that is releasably attached to a rigid tube. The flexible tip is designed to deform under a predetermined threshold vacuum pressure. A vent through the wall of the deformable portion of the tip is substantially closed during normal operating pressures, but opens in response to the deformation of the tip at the threshold vacuum pressure, thereby venting the interior of the tip and reducing the vacuum pressure. Rounded lips form sharp channels at the suction port to maximize the flow of fluids into the port while minimizing the likelihood of tissue obstruction.

Abstract: A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first second insulated switch wires all provided with a short insulated or bare portion. The cable is received in a main member having a first holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent uninsulated portions thereof on one lateral side and spaced from one another as well as a second holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent the uninsulated portions thereof on the other lateral side so that the uninsulated portions span between the first and second holding mechanisms and are spaced longitudinally from one another. A blade receiver receives an electrode blade and is then electrically connected to the contact wire. A switch device selectively connects one of the uninsulated portions of the switch wires to the contact wire during operation. The first and second holding mechanisms preferably include channels and a cover includes projections which hold the wires in place.

Abstract: A cannula holder is provided to maintain a cannula in a fixed position on body tissue while also allowing the cannula to be reoriented with respect to an incision. The cannula holder comprises a pad having a large surface area with integral finger shaped projections extending from the pad. The fingers form a V shaped projection from the pad. There are concave regions formed on the outer circumference of the pad adjacent to the fingers for allowing the fingers to bend around the outer surface of a cannula. A means for securing the cannula holder to a patient's skin is provided by an adhesive layer that is attached to the pad. This adhesive layer is also on the fingers so that the fingers may be adhesively attached to the cannula. A removable paper layer is provided to cover the adhesive layer to prevent the adhesive layer from drying or accidently securing to objects.