Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly has electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. An electrically conductive cutting element is disposed on at least one of the electrodes and is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held between the electrodes to effect a tissue cut.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for removing tissue includes a shaft and a cutting member. The shaft extends to a distal end and defines a lumen configured to communicate with a vacuum source. The cutting member is supported at the distal end of the shaft. The cutting member is adapted to couple to an electrosurgical energy source and is configured to form an annular loop. The cutting member is selectively transitionable from a first configuration, wherein the annular loop includes a first diameter to one or more additional configurations, wherein the annular loop includes a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The annular loop is configured to sever tissue within the annular loop.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an RF output stage configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue via at least one active electrode configured to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue; sensing circuitry configured to measure impedance of tissue; and a controller.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members each including one or more tissue-contacting plates. One or both jaw members is movable relative to the other between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting plates. The tissue-contacting plates are adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between. One of the jaw members includes an insulative member extending towards the other member. The insulative member includes a plurality of crests each defining a blunt apex and a proximally-facing sharpened edge. The blunt apexes contact tissue upon approximation of the first and second jaw members to grasp tissue, while the proximally-facing sharpened edges facilitate tissue cutting in a ripping fashion upon proximal translation of the end effector assembly relative to tissue.

Abstract: An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.

Abstract: A method of surgery includes grasping tissue between tissue-contacting surfaces of first and second jaw members of an end effector assembly, supplying energy to at least one of the tissue-contacting surfaces to treat tissue grasped therebetween, and translating and/or manipulating the end effector assembly to cut tissue in a ripping fashion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an RF output stage configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue via at least one active electrode configured to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue; sensing circuitry configured to measure impedance of tissue; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine occurrence of a tissue reaction as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid; generate a target impedance trajectory as a function of measured impedance and desired rate of change based on the tissue reaction determination, wherein the target impedance trajectory includes a plurality of target impedance values; and drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the output of the electrosurgical generator to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance for at least a predetermined minimum time period.

Abstract: An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.

Abstract: An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.

Abstract: An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.

Abstract: The systems and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide optimal tissue effect during an electrosurgical procedure. A system and method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is provided including sensing an impedance of target tissue; generating electrosurgical energy in a first phase at a first power level until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a first threshold impedance; generating a plurality of pulses of electrosurgical energy in a second phase at a second power level, each pulse being generated until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a second threshold impedance set for that pulse; and generating at least one high-voltage pulse in a third phase at a third power level for a predetermined duration to divide the target tissue.

Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical system that may include an end effector assembly configured to conduct energy through tissue to treat tissue, the end effector assembly including at least one limited-use portion, the limited-use portion configured to degrade during use, and a control system configured to monitor degradation of the limited-use portion.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. The first jaw member includes a cutting electrode adapted to connect to the source of energy to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members, while the second jaw member including a first insulative member positioned to oppose the cutting electrode. The first insulative member is configured to guide the cutting electrode into alignment with the first insulative member upon approximation of the jaw members to thereby align the jaw members relative to one another upon approximation of the jaw members.

Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.

Abstract: An end effector of a forceps includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue. Each jaw member includes a tissue sealing plate that is selectively energizable. The tissue sealing plates are configured to conduct energy therebetween and though tissue to seal tissue. A knife includes a distal surface and an upper surface. The knife is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The distal surface is configured for dynamic tissue cutting upon translation of the knife from the retracted to the extended position. The upper surface is configured for static tissue cutting with the knife in the extended position. The knife is selectively energizable and is configured to conduct energy between the knife and one or both of the tissue sealing plates and through tissue to electrically cut tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an RF output stage configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue via at least one active electrode configured to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue; sensing circuitry configured to measure impedance of tissue; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine occurrence of a tissue reaction as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid; generate a target impedance trajectory as a function of measured impedance and desired rate of change based on the tissue reaction determination, wherein the target impedance trajectory includes a plurality of target impedance values; and drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the output of the electrosurgical generator to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance for at least a predetermined minimum time period.