Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion that is configured to control an operation of the electronic apparatus and a heat-activated mechanical switch including, for example, a shape-memory material. The shape-memory material has a property such that the shape-memory material assumes a predetermined shape when the electronic apparatus is heated to a transition temperature. The shape-memory material disables the apparatus by acting on the circuit portion when the shape-memory material assumes the predetermined shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure insert at least the portion of the surgical instrument that is to be cleaned into a vessel containing a liquid and applying ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid within the vessel to generate cavitation bubbles in the liquid. The bubbles formed by cavitation of the liquid are very effective at removing debris from the surgical instrument, particularly from crevices and difficult-to-reach areas of the surgical instrument. The liquid also can be heated by a heating element of the vessel or by activating a heat-generating transducer of the surgical instrument being cleaned, or both.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion that is configured to control an operation of the electronic apparatus and a heat-activated mechanical switch including, for example, a shape-memory material. The shape-memory material has a property such that the shape-memory material assumes a predetermined shape when the electronic apparatus is heated to a transition temperature. The shape-memory material disables the apparatus by acting on the circuit portion when the shape-memory material assumes the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A tissue morcellating device (1) is provided for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient. The morcellating device (1) comprisies a hollow tube (3) having a distal end portion, and tissue cutting means (5) located at the distal end of the tube, such that, when relative movement is initiated between the tube and the tissue, a core of severed tissue is formed within the tube for removal from the body cavity of the patient through the hollow tube. The hollow tube (3) is provided with a stop mechanism (7) which is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the hollow tube (3), the stop mechanism being provided with a shoulder (8) for limiting the longitudinal insertion of the tube into the patient's body.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a tubular member (8), a surgical instrument (1) and a sealing assembly (23). The surgical instrument (1) is locatable within the tubular member (8), the tubular member having a distal end locatable at a surgical operation site which is supplied with pressurised gas, and a proximal end remote from the surgical operation site. The surgical instrument (1) has a distal end locatable at the surgical operation site. The sealing assembly (23) is provided at the proximal end of the tubular member (8) to seal the tubular member with respect to the proximal end portion of the surgical instrument (1) to prevent gas escaping from the surgical operation site through the proximal end of the tubular member. The sealing assembly (23) is constituted by a diaphragm (26) whose peripheral edge portions (26a) are fixed to the tubular member (8). The central portion (26b) of the diaphragm (26) is formed with a slit (27) through which the surgical instrument (1) passes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting blade (1) comprises a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), and an electrical insulator (4) separating the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes have dissimilar characteristics (cross-sectional area, thermal conductivity etc.) such that the first electrode (2) is encouraged to become an active electrode and the second electrode (3) is encouraged to become a return electrode. The spacing between the first and second electrodes (between 0.25 mm and 3.0 mm) and the peak voltage supplied to the electrodes (2 and 3) are both selected such that arcing does not occur directly between the electrodes, but between the first electrode and the tissue at the target site. The arrangement is such that, in use, a thermal differential of at least 50° C. is established between the first and second electrodes (2 and 3), such that the second electrode is maintained below a temperature of 70° C.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting blade (1) comprises a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), and an electrical insulator (4) separating the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes have dissimilar characteristics (cross-sectional area, thermal conductivity etc.) such that the first electrode (2) is encouraged to become an active electrode and the second electrode (3) is encouraged to become a return electrode. The spacing between the first and second electrodes (between 0.25 mm and 3.0 mm) and the peak voltage supplied to the electrodes (2 and 3) are both selected such that arcing does not occur directly between the electrodes, but between the first electrode and the tissue at the target site. The arrangement is such that, in use, a thermal differential of at least 50° C. is established between the first and second electrodes (2 and 3), such that the second electrode is maintained below a temperature of 70° C.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate hollow probe having first and second apertures (4 and 5) at its distal end portion. An elongate drive shaft disposed within the probe (1) and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis within the probe. A cutting tool (2, 34) is located at the distal end of the drive shaft, and is positioned adjacent to the first aperture (4). A bipolar electrosurgical device (3) is located at the distal end of the probe (1) in the region of the second aperture (5). The electrosurgical device includes an active electrode (13) and a return electrode (11) separate and insulated therefrom. A motor (6) is provided for rotating the drive shaft; and suction means is provided for selectively providing a source of suction at either the first apertures (4) or the second aperture (5).

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate hollow probe (1) having first and second apertures (4 and 5) at its distal end portion. An elongate drive shaft is disposed within the probe (1) and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis within the probe. A cutting tool (2, 34) is located at the distal end of the drive shaft, and is positioned adjacent to the first aperture (4). A bipolar electrosurgical device (3) is located at the distal end of the probe (1) in the region of the second aperture (5). The electrosurgical device includes an active electrode (13) and a return electrode (11) separate and insulated therefrom. A motor (6) is provided for rotating the drive shaft; and suction means is provided for selectively providing a source of suction at either the first aperture (4) or the second aperture (5).

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting blade (1) comprises a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), and an electrical insulator (4) separating the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes have dissimilar characteristics (cross-sectional area, thermal conductivity etc.) such that the first electrode (2) is encouraged to become an active electrode and the second electrode (3) is encouraged to become a return electrode. The spacing between the first and second electrodes (between 0.25 mm and 3.0 mm) and the peak voltage supplied to the electrodes (2 and 3) are both selected such that arcing does not occur directly between the electrodes, but between the first electrode and the tissue at the target site. The arrangement is such that, in use, a thermal differential of at least 50° C. is established between the first and second electrodes (2 and 3), such that the second electrode is maintained below a temperature of 70° C.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator to which the active and return electrodes (18, 20) of an electrosurgical instrument (12) are connected. In use the electrodes are immersed in electrically-conductive fluid to complete a conduction path between them. The electrodes (18, 20) are located on a shaft (16) of the instrument which extends from a handle (14). The shaft is covered in a translucent flexible sheath (50) comprising a tube (60) having a large proximal opening (62) to enable insertion of the instrument within the sheath, and a narrower distal opening (64) through which the distal end of the instrument shaft projects, thereby to expose the active electrode (18) to the electrically-conductive fluid.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate hollow probe (1) having first and second apertures (4 and 5) at its distal end portion. An elongate drive shaft is disposed within the probe (1) and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis within the probe. A cutting tool (2, 34) is located at the distal end of the drive shaft, and is positioned adjacent to the first aperture (4). A bipolar electrosurgical device (3) is located at the distal end of the probe (1) in the region of the second apertures (5). The electrosurgical device includes an active electrode (13) and a return electrode (11) separate and insulated therefrom. A motor (6) is provided for rotating the drive shaft; and suction means is provided for selectively providing a source of suction at either the first aperture (4) or the second apertures (5).