Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: A tubing set attaches to an electrosurgical instrument having one or more tines to provide irrigation. The tubing set includes a length of tubing having a connector fitting on the proximal end to connect to a fluid source. A distal end of the tubing connects to a nose piece that attaches to the tine of the electrosurgical instrument, thereby providing irrigation to the instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: A cable assembly interconnects an electrosurgical instrument and source equipment for power and fluid transfer. The cable assembly includes a unitary tubular assembly forming a lumen(s) and an insulating sheath(s) for an electrically conducting cord that are integrally interconnected via a web arrangement in a continuum of material. The web arrangement has a thickness sufficient to allow the lumen(s) and sheath(s) to be pulled apart upon application of a pulling force in a direction transverse to the direction of elongation of the tubular assembly.

Abstract: Dilatation procedures and catheter instrument for treating patients having acquired aortic stenosis, typically in which there are calcific deposits on the leaflets of the aortic valve. A dilatation balloon introduced into the stenosed aortic valve via the aorta while the blood circulation of the patient is maintained by the heart via the aortic valve, is inflated to grossly deflect the leaflets of the valve in a manner avoiding blocking the outer portions of the commissures of the valve. This inflating step enables substantial flow of blood through the outer portions of the commissures during systole despite the presence in the valve of the large inflated balloon. By prolonging the inflation for at least 30 seconds, over a large multiplicity of heart beats the calcific deposits are disturbed to increase the pliability of the leaflets and the degree of their opening, in an action found not to produce emboli.