Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a surgical ablation device. Two electrodes of an ablation device against the surface of tissue. The tissue impedance is measured between the electrodes. The electrodes are energized based on the measured tissue impedance. If the measured tissue impedance is between a first threshold impedance and a second threshold impedance, the electrodes are energized to output a substantially constant wattage. If the measured tissue impedance is greater than the second threshold impedance, the electrodes are energized to output a variable wattage, the variable wattage being inversely related to the impedance of the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical dissector comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A blunt dissection tip is positioned on the distal end of the elongate shaft. A light source emits a diffuse visible energy, such as white light, from the blunt tip. The shaft may take a variety of shapes, including being rigid, flexible, malleable, straight, bent, curved, articulated, and/or segmented. In addition, the shaft may include one or more functional components. The dissector can be used to locate the dissector tip by observing the visible energy passing through tissue. In addition, the visible energy passing through tissue may be used to differentiate tissue.

Abstract: A surgical dissector comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A blunt dissection tip is positioned on the distal end of the elongate shaft. A light source emits a diffuse visible energy, such as white light, from the blunt tip. The shaft may take a variety of shapes, including being rigid, flexible, malleable, straight, bent, curved, articulated, and/or segmented. In addition, the shaft may include one or more functional components. The dissector can be used to locate the dissector tip by observing the visible energy passing through tissue. In addition, the visible energy passing through tissue may be used to differentiate tissue.