Abstract: Video visualization systems with customizable image sensor specifications on a per-frame basis. A system includes an image sensor comprising a pixel array that reads out a plurality of data frames over a plurality of frame periods, wherein each of the plurality of frame periods comprises a blanking period and a readout period. The system includes a controller that synchronizes operations of the image sensor with a variable pulse cycle of an emitter. The controller calculates register values for an applied gain for the image sensor on a per-frame basis. The controller calculates a duration of each of the plurality of frame periods on a per-frame basis.

Abstract: Video visualization systems with customizable image sensor frame rates to output multiple imaging modalities. A system includes an image sensor and an emitter. The system includes a controller that synchronizes operations of the emitter and the image sensor to output a video stream comprising data from one or more of a plurality of possible imaging modalities including color video imaging data, fluorescence video imaging data, and multispectral video imaging data. The controller selects a frame rate for the image sensor to output a video stream comprising two or more requested imaging modalities requested by a user, and further based on a minimum required frame rate for each of the two or more requested imaging modalities.

Abstract: Advanced systems for endoscopic visualization systems and tool tracking. A system includes a tool configured for insertion into a light deficient environment and an endoscope configured to provide visualization of the light deficient environment. The system includes a source of electromagnetic radiation that emits pulses of electromagnetic radiation according to a pulse cycle, and further includes a controller that instructs the source to pulse according to the pulse cycle. The system is such that a sensor disposed within the tool outputs a data frame comprising information for determining a position of the tool relative to the endoscope.

Abstract: Advanced systems for endoscopic visualization with illumination for color visualization and advanced visualization. A device for connecting optical and electrical components of an imaging system includes a first fiber optic ferrule dedicated to receiving a first emission of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a first source, and a second fiber optic ferrule dedicated to receiving a second emission of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second source. The device includes a data connection component configured to receive bidirectional data communications. The imaging system is such that the first source is tuned to pulse a different waveband of electromagnetic radiation than the second source.

Abstract: In various embodiments, surgical devices and methods are provided. One such surgical device includes a ferromagnetic heater assembly. The ferromagnetic heater assembly includes an electrical conductor, a ferromagnetic heater, and an encapsulant. The electrical conductor has a first leg, a second leg, and a bend between the first and second legs. The bend is located at a distal tip of the electrical conductor, and the first and second legs are spaced apart from one another between the distal end and a proximal end of the electrical conductor. The ferromagnetic heater is disposed on the first leg of the electrical conductor. The encapsulant at least partially surrounds the ferromagnetic heater and a portion of the second leg opposite the ferromagnetic heater, and a surface of the ferromagnetic heater is at least partially exposed by the encapsulant.

Abstract: Endoscopic visualization with variable frame rate of an image sensor on a per-frame basis. A system includes an emitter comprising a plurality of electromagnetic sources and an image sensor comprising a pixel array that detects electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller that synchronizes operations of the emitter and the image sensor. The controller instructs the image sensor to accumulate electromagnetic radiation and read out data according to a variable frame cycle comprising a plurality of frame periods. The system is such that a duration of each of the plurality of frame periods is adjustable on a per-frame basis.

Abstract: Endoscopic visualization with customizable image sensor readout on a per-frame basis. A system includes an emitter comprising a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources, an image sensor comprising a pixel array that detects electromagnetic radiation with a plurality of pixels, and a controller that synchronizes operations of the emitter and the image sensor. The controller sets readout configurations for the image sensor on a per-frame basis based at least in part on an acceptable resolution and a desired exposure of a resultant data frame, wherein the readout configuration for at least a portion, but fewer than all, of the plurality of frame periods comprises a binning configuration for the pixel array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving data characterizing a plurality of images of a surgical region that includes a first target tissue. The plurality of images include a plurality images associated with visible light images, a plurality of images associated with a first wavelength and a plurality of images associated with the second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The method also includes generating a first scene by at least overlaying a first set of images of the plurality of images. The first set of images are temporally contiguous and include a first image associated with the first wavelength, a second image associated with visible light, and a third image associated with the second wavelength. The image further includes generating a second scene by at least overlaying a second set of images of the plurality of images. The second set of images are temporally contiguous.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving data characterizing a plurality of images of a surgical region that includes a first target tissue. The plurality of images include a plurality images associated with visible light images, a plurality of images associated with a first wavelength and a plurality of images associated with the second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The method also includes generating a first scene by at least overlaying a first set of images of the plurality of images. The first set of images are temporally contiguous and include a first image associated with the first wavelength, a second image associated with visible light, and a third image associated with the second wavelength. The image further includes generating a second scene by at least overlaying a second set of images of the plurality of images. The second set of images are temporally contiguous.

Abstract: A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete.

Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to an active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.

Abstract: A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete.

Abstract: In various embodiments, surgical devices and methods are provided. One such surgical device includes a ferromagnetic heater assembly. The ferromagnetic heater assembly includes an electrical conductor, a ferromagnetic heater, and an encapsulant. The electrical conductor has a first leg, a second leg, and a bend between the first and second legs. The bend is located at a distal tip of the electrical conductor, and the first and second legs are spaced apart from one another between the distal end and a proximal end of the electrical conductor. The ferromagnetic heater is disposed on the first leg of the electrical conductor. The encapsulant at least partially surrounds the ferromagnetic heater and a portion of the second leg opposite the ferromagnetic heater, and a surface of the ferromagnetic heater is at least partially exposed by the encapsulant.

Abstract: Electrical impedance monitoring of a tissue or an organ for perfusion or viability has been limited by sensitivity and baseline shifts. An apparatus and method are described which improve sensitivity by making the intervening tissue between pairs of electrodes a determinant component of electrical resonance. Such sensitivity further enhances detection of the pulsatile component of blood flow within a tissue. Baseline shift can be monitored and compensated due to resonance shift. The method is adaptable to sufficiency of perfusion monitoring or viability, imaging by 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional electrical impedance tomography, monitoring of tissue ablation by thermal or chemical methods, and thermoplasty of tissues to alter their form and functionality.

Abstract: A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete.

Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses on or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.

Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.

Abstract: A sealing and/or cutting instrument having a thermally active surface or element which may be used to seal and then cut tissue, ducts, vessels, etc., apart. The instrument may include a thermally active surface or element comprised of a conductor covered with a ferromagnetic material. The instrument may contact tissue with one or more surfaces comprised of a non-stick material. A sensor in communication with the instrument may be used to monitor a therapeutic procedure and signal when sealing and/or cutting of a tissue is complete.

Abstract: A cooling system for a surgical handpiece may provide fluid flow to the surgical tip and to the internal electronic components to prevent temperatures that may damage or make the patient or surgeon uncomfortable. Tip directed gas further controls the tip-tissue interface by displacing blood or serum from the incision point, increasing precision and diminishing coagulum build-up. In the alternative, cooling fluid may be used to quench tissue being treated.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit may be used to adjust for manufacturing and design tolerances in a surgical instrument. The matching circuit may match the load of a thermal element with the impedance of a power source used to deliver electrical energy to the surgical instrument. The matching circuit may include capacitors, inductors, coaxial cables, varactors, transformers, resistors, and/or combinations thereof. The matching circuit may also comprise a circuit board or flex board layers which may be modified to adjust the impedance of the load.