Abstract: Electro-surgical instrument and attachments for converting a mechanical surgical instrument into an electro-surgical instrument are disclosed for applying electrical current to tissue, such as a blood vessel, to seal or cauterize the tissue. A cover element is slidable over a distal end of a component of a mechanical surgical instrument, such as a forceps. Each cover element defines a single pocket or cavity and a single aperture or opening at one end thereof for receiving and surrounding the distal end of the component and an electrically conductive element attached to an outer surface of the cover element. RF energy can be applied to tissue through the electrically conductive elements. After the procedure, the cover elements can be slidably removed from the forceps member and are disposable.

Abstract: A combination tissue coagulation and cutting apparatus, system and method for coagulating and cutting tissue. A clamp element includes first and second clamp members having respective first and second porous electrodes, such as sintered metal electrodes. A portion of tissue, such as a blood vessel, is held between the porous electrodes, and fluid from a fluid source can pass through the porous electrodes. The tissue portion can be coagulated when electrical current is applied to the first and second porous electrodes, and an adjustable cutting element that is associated with the clamp members is positioned to cut a segment or all of the coagulated tissue portion. In this manner, the same surgical instrument is used to coagulate and cut tissue.

Abstract: Electro-surgical instrument and attachments for converting a mechanical surgical instrument into an electro-surgical instrument are disclosed for applying electrical current to tissue, such as a blood vessel, to seal or cauterize the tissue. A cover element is slidable over a distal end of a component of a mechanical surgical instrument, such as a forceps. Each cover element defines a single pocket or cavity and a single aperture or opening at one end thereof for receiving and surrounding the distal end of the component and an electrically conductive element attached to an outer surface of the cover element. RF energy can be applied to tissue through the electrically conductive elements. After the procedure, the cover elements can be slidably removed from the forceps member and are disposable.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for obtaining a sample of tissue with low power electrosurgical energy. The systems can include an apparatus for obtaining a sample of tissue from a patient having a cannula having a distal opening for receiving the sample of tissue. A wire, located proximate to the distal opening, can delivery energy to ablate tissue such that damage to the tissue sample is minimized.