Abstract: A radiowave current electrode having a shank for connection to a source of radiowave current or electrosurgical RF energy and at one end an active radiowave current electrode, the active end being shaped to perform a radiowave current procedure involving the application of the RF energy from an electrically conductive active surface of the active end to tissue to modify the tissue, the active surface having a plurality of spaced outwardly-projecting regions each shaped such that its outermost region is equal to or narrower than its innermost region, and such that more of the RF energy emanating from the active surface and passing to the tissue occurs via the outwardly-projecting regions. As a further feature, an adjacent section of the active end is coated with a substantially transparent insulating layer consisting essentially of a parylene plastic to render it inactive.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that is capable of generating high-quality RF energy carriers at one of three different frequencies and combining any of the three carriers with any one of four electrosurgical mode waveform modulations and selectively supplying the modulated carriers to either a monopolar or a bipolar handpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the first carrier frequency is in the range of about 3.8-4.0 MHz, the second carrier frequency is in the range of about 1.7-2.0 MHz, and the third carrier frequency is in the range of about 400-600 KHz.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrode and handpiece that is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface of a patient being treated to improve the skin appearance. Harmful burning is avoided by sensing and displaying skin and electrode temperature. Continuous electrode contact and electrode motion relative to the skin is achieved by providing a rolling cap over a dome-shaped electrode, and by spring biasing the electrode for up and down motion, and by providing side-to side motion of the electrode manually or by motor.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrode that is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface of a patient being treated to improve the skin appearance. Harmful burning is avoided by employing one of the following four features: pre-applying to the skin a thermal gel, a known thermally and electrically-conductive material, using low radio-frequency power at 3.8-4 MHz, relying on the natural cooling provided by a highly conductive electrode material, and continuously moving the electrode while in contact with the skin. Preferably, all four features are combined in carrying out the cosmetic procedure of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the highly conductive electrode material is an alloy comprised mainly of silver with a small percentage of ingredients added to strengthen the silver alloy electrode and preserve its luster and the active surface of the electrode is configured as a section of a sphere, or as dome shaped.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for spinal procedures comprises an elongated tubular member configured to fit within and be extended down a standard sized cannula. The instrument comprises a proximal end including a handle for the surgeon and supplied with fittings for connection to a source of irrigation fluid and a source of suction. The distal end of the instrument has an active end comprising a slightly-flexible curved wire electrode that extends in the plane of the tubular member. Beyond the wire electrode is an exit port for irrigation fluid, and in front of the electrode is a receiving port for suction. The wire electrode is thus flanked in front by the exiting irrigation fluid and behind by the suction, with the result that fluid flow is drawn by the suction across the wire electrode creating pressure forces that direct removed tissue to the suction entrance and its removal from the surgical site.

Abstract: An electrode and procedure for removing skin lesions or blemishes comprising an electrode with a flat blunt active end which is applied to the skin lesion or blemish, while RF electrosurgical currents are applied to the electrode, in an up and down tapping motion in such manner that contact between the skin and the active electrode end is intermittent. Preferably, after a small number of skin taps with the electrode end, the tapped area is wiped with a wet gauze or cloth, and the procedure of intermittent tapping with the RF electrode interrupted with wet wipes is continued until the blemish disappears.

Abstract: A procedure employing non-ablative radio-frequency energy for improving the appearance of eyelids or the performance of eyelid blepharoplasty, and the monopolar electrode used in the procedure. The electrode is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface when applied transconjunctivally on the inner surfaces of the upper or lower lids being treated. Preferably, the active end of the electrode forms a generally rectangular upward-facing platform. While RF electrosurgical currents are applied to the electrode, the platform surface is moved back and forth across and in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar or unipolar electrosurgical handpiece having an extendable and retractable active electrode end and housed in a relatively inexpensive body comprising an activating handle for use in various electrosurgical procedures. The housing comprises slidable axially-aligned body sections coupled to rigid axially-spaced arms of the actuating handle, the arms extending both below and above the common axis of the body sections and comprising concave portions configured to receive fingers of the user. The arrangement allows the user to use 2, 3 or 4 fingers and thumb to operate the handpiece both in a normal and an inverted position.

Abstract: Incorporating into an electrosurgical handpiece a device configured to disable the handpiece when a built-in usage time period expires. Preferably, the device comprises a timer in the form of an activating battery with a known discharge rate such that the battery voltage gradually reduces in value with use. The battery in turn is coupled to a circuit which monitors the battery voltage and operates a switch which decouples the handpiece electrode from the electrosurgical current source when the battery voltage falls below a preset value. This effectively disables the handpiece preventing reuse.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece comprises a handle, a nose piece for threaded engagement with the handle at a first end for cooperating with a collet to grip an electrode, and a detachable cable connector at the opposite second end, the latter being characterized by a rotatable connection such that when the handle is rotated by the user, the cable will maintain its rotary position and thus not encumber rotation of the handle to a desired position. The electrosurgical handpiece may also comprise a nose piece with at least one set of circumferentially-spaced grooves, preferably two axially-spaced sets, which the surgeon can use with his fingers for one-handed orientation of the electrode position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that provides additional features and benefits compared with known designs. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters, especially power level, can be preset by the surgeon before commencing the procedure. Five operating modes are available using a three-button fingerswitch handpiece and a 3-way footswitch, including three unipolar modes and two bipolar modes over a full range of power levels including a new turbo mode for treating heavy bleeders.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that is configured for use in MIS electrosurgical procedures, comprises a handpiece with a separable electrosurgical electrode in the form of a micro-fiber, comprising a long, thin, flexible, insulated wire. The combination is configured to cooperate with the cannula of an endoscope to reach interior tissue. The handpiece is constructed to allow the tip with the micro-fiber active end to be deflected to navigate the fiber end in diverse directions under control of the user, and also allows the deflected position to be releasably clamped with the same hand that manipulates the micro-fiber active end.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode for use in a surgical procedure includes an elongated body in the shape of a Freer elevator having a working end portion in the shape of a spoon at a distal end thereof. The working end portion is an active electrosurgical end capable of supplying electrosurgical currents when the electrode is operatively connected to an electrosurgical apparatus and the later is activated. An opposite proximal end of the body includes a means, such as a connector, for operatively connecting the electrode to the electrosurgical apparatus for supplying the electrosurgical currents to the working end portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that is capable of generating high-quality RF energy carriers at one of three different frequencies and combining any of the three carriers with any one of four electrosurgical mode waveform modulations and selectively supplying the modulated carriers to either a monopolar or a bipolar handpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the first carrier frequency is in the range of about 3.8-4.0 MHz, the second carrier frequency is in the range of about 1.7-2.0 MHz, and the third carrier frequency is in the range of about 400-600 KHz.

Abstract: An intelligent selection system for operating an electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that depends primarily on the surgical procedure to be employed. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters can be controlled by the handpiece chosen by the surgeon to perform the procedure. Each handpiece is customized to activate when operated one of several preset operating modes of the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: A unipolar electrosurgical electrode or probe that is configured for use in MIS electrosurgical procedures. The electrosurgical electrode comprises an elongated tubular member configured to cooperate with the small cannula of a mini-endoscope to reach interior tissue. The active end comprises a pair of jaws that can be normally closed and operative by the surgeon to open and close down on and grasp tissue to excise same. When energized, a unipolar discharge is generated at the working end of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for spinal procedures comprises an elongated tubular member configured to fit within and be extended down a standard sized cannula. The instrument comprises a proximal end including a handle for the surgeon and supplied with fittings for connection to a source of irrigation fluid and a source of suction. The distal end of the instrument has an active end comprising a slightly-flexible curved wire electrode that extends in the plane of the tubular member. Beyond the wire electrode is an exit port for irrigation fluid, and in front of the electrode is a receiving port for suction. The wire electrode is thus flanked in front by the exiting irrigation fluid and behind by the suction, with the result that fluid flow is drawn by the suction across the wire electrode creating pressure forces that direct removed tissue to the suction entrance and its removal from the surgical site.

Abstract: The invention is based on the use of polyisobutylmethacrylate instead of PMMA as an adhesive or spinal fill material for treating diseases of the spine. Polyisobutylmethacrylate has several advantages over PMMA, mainly less heat is developed during the in situ polymerization process. When using any spinal adhesive of fill material that is light activated, a tube can be used to transmit activating light to the light-activated adhesive or spinal polymerizable fill material at the surgical site. In addition, a mesh bag comprising optical fibers or similar light transmitting material can be employed to receive the injected light-activated fill, with the mesh bag, irradiated externally, for directing the light via the bag to the polymerizable fill.