Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distal end electrode assembly for use in connection with electrosurgical devices, particularly those adapted for the modification, sculpting, resection, removal, or vaporization of tissue, configured for coagulation, cauterization or hemostasis purposes, or utilized for thermal treatment of normal and tumorous tissues. In the context of the present invention, mechanical fastening means, epoxies and other high-temperature adhesives connecting electrode(s) to insulator(s) are replaced with brazed joints to yield electrosurgical devices capable of safely and reliably operating at high power densities and elevated temperatures without thermal failure of the bonds between the electrode and the insulator.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone while maintaining suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture.

Abstract: In the context of endoscopic electrosurgery, there is a need for a sufficiently robust, rigid, and preferably aspirating electrosurgical device that may be repeatedly flexed in the field to allow access to a wide array of remote tissues using a single device and, more preferably, during a single minimally invasive procedure. The present invention addresses this significant need by providing the distal portion of the elongate tubular member of an electrosurgical device with a bend region having a non-uniform flexural strength along its length, such that one may bend the tubular member at said bend region not only to an initial small radius bend, but subsequently rebend the distal portion to other angles as needed, with all bends occurring in the same distal region. The flexural strength in the bend region may be reduced by, for example, notching the tube in the bend region, annealing the tube in the bend region, or reducing the wall thickness in the bend region, or any combination of these means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible single piece active element for use in connection with aspirating electrosurgical ablators, particularly those configured for bulk tissue vaporization. The active electrode elements of the present invention provide a simple construction suitable for use with a wide array of electrosurgical components and adjustable to wide range of angled positions to permit access to a variety of tissues, in an array of diverse environments and address a host of ablation needs. Additionally, the novel geometry and positioning of both ablation surface and aspiration ports permit aspiration flow to remove primarily waste heat rather than process heat, to thereby improve vaporization efficiency and reduce procedure time. Thus, active electrodes and ablation devices of the present invention maximize efficiency and adaptability while minimizing manufacturing cost and device profile.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.

Abstract: Conventional electrosurgical devices used in a conductive fluid environment have one or more electrodes at the active electrode potential, and one or more return electrodes at the return potential. The shape of the electric field and the current density for a given power setting are determined primarily by the configuration, size and relative locations of the active and return electrodes and of dielectric elements surrounding and separating the electrodes. Two potentials are supplied to the site by the electrosurgical power supply. Disclosed herein are mechanisms and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of an electrosurgical device in a conductive fluid environment that utilize an additional electrode (i.e., an auxiliary electrode) that designates a third potential between that of the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: In the context of bone surgery and in particular arthroscopic surgery, there is frequently a need for the application of “percussive force” to the distal end component(s) of a surgical device, i.e., repetitive percutient or striking force analogous to that of a hammer driving a nail. Disclosed herein are mechanisms and methods for automating and/or controlling the application of such a percussive force so as to avoid the present need in the art for a “third hand”. The present invention addresses the significant and long felt need by providing a powered percussive driver device that may be controlled directly by the primary surgeon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible single piece active element for use in connection with aspirating electrosurgical ablators, particularly those configured for bulk tissue vaporization. The active electrode elements of the present invention provide a simple construction suitable for use with a wide array of electrosurgical components and adjustable to wide range of angled positions to permit access to a variety of tissues, in an array of diverse environments and address a host of ablation needs. Additionally, the novel geometry and positioning of both ablation surface and aspiration ports permit aspiration flow to remove primarily waste heat rather than process heat, to thereby improve vaporization efficiency and reduce procedure time. Thus, active electrodes and ablation devices of the present invention maximize efficiency and adaptability while minimizing manufacturing cost and device profile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible single piece active element for use in connection with aspirating electrosurgical ablators, particularly those configured for bulk tissue vaporization. The active electrode elements of the present invention provide a simple construction suitable for use with a wide array of electrosurgical components and adjustable to wide range of angled positions to permit access to a variety of tissues, in an array of diverse environments and address a host of ablation needs. Additionally, the novel geometry and positioning of both ablation surface and aspiration ports permit aspiration flow to remove primarily waste heat rather than process heat, to thereby improve vaporization efficiency and reduce procedure time. Thus, active electrodes and ablation devices of the present invention maximize efficiency and adaptability while minimizing manufacturing cost and device profile.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.

Abstract: An arthroscopic sealing cannula having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs is described herein. In particular, the present invention describes arthroscopic sealing cannulae in which the conventional thermal and chemical bonding means are eliminated and replaced with a mechanical joining system that utilizes mating fastener pairs integrally molded into the distal and proximal elements of a cannula so as to thereby provide a strong reliable joining of the elements. Such a mechanical system eliminates the need for costly capital equipment and specializing tooling as well as the material and environmental handling problems associated with conventional bonding techniques. Furthermore, in that the join may be readily confirmed through simple visual examination, the present invention also eliminates the need for complex, costly, and time-consuming validation procedures mandated by regulations in place to ensure proper integrity, strength, and reliability of the bond.

Abstract: Herein described is a novel cable assembly that is free from additional resistor, capacitor and inductor components and suitable for connecting a bipolar device to the monopolar active and return receptacles of a standard multipurpose electrosurgical generator. The cable assembly of the instant invention uses a conventional connector currently in use for either hand or foot control of electrosurgical pencils and a standard connector currently in use for dispersive electrodes; either single-foil (solid) or dual-foil (split) configuration connectors may be used. No resistors, capacitors, inductors transformers, or interface circuitry are incorporated in the cable or connectors distal to the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Described herein is a miniaturized dual-mode high-efficiency electrosurgical device that uses radio frequency (RF) energy to cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and/or form lesions in soft tissues by means of a current-dispersing active element, with or without the use of externally supplied liquids, when operating in a first mode and then uses energy and same active element to thermally cauterize and/or spot coagulate tissues as needed when operating in a second mode. The miniaturized dual-mode RF electrosurgical devices of the instant invention find particular utility in the field neurosurgery, more particularly in the removal of brain tumors.

Abstract: Minimally invasive endoscopic cutting instruments having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs are described herein. In particular, the present invention describes means for eliminating or modifying the distal end axial bearing surfaces so as to reduce manufacturing costs as well as the opportunity for galling and metal shedding. The present invention further describes an improved hub attachment method that may further or alternatively reduce overall manufacturing costs. The present invention yet further describes means and methods for improved bendability in the field, which, in turn, enables improved access to remote surgical targets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: Herein described is a novel cable assembly that is free from additional resistor, capacitor and inductor components and suitable for connecting a bipolar device to the monopolar active and return receptacles of a standard multipurpose electrosurgical generator. The cable assembly of the instant invention uses a conventional connector currently in use for either hand or foot control of electrosurgical pencils and a standard connector currently in use for dispersive electrodes; either single-foil (solid) or dual-foil (split) configuration connectors may be used. No resistors, capacitors, inductors transformers, or interface circuitry are incorporated in the cable or connectors distal to the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: In contrast to instruments of the prior art that require bulky, cumbersome and/or costly electrical connections and energy sources, instruments designed in accordance with the instant disclosure are both portable and self-powered. The electrosurgical instruments of the present invention are not limited to a particular use or construction and can be adapted for operation with or without a patient return electrode (sometimes referred to as return pad or plate), in dry or wet fields, in the presence of bodily fluids (such as blood saliva and more), electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids. They may further be optionally equipped or configured for irrigation and or aspiration of liquids, gases or cryogenics, either external, remote or on-board. The electrode component of the electrosurgical instrument of the present invention may be monopolar, bipolar, or multipolar and may optionally include one or more floating electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of electrosurgery, more particularly to electrosurgical devices and methods that employ high frequency voltage to cut, ablate and/or coagulate tissue in conductive fluid and semi-dry environments, even more particularly to ablation electrodes designed for the bulk removal of tissue by vaporization as opposed to the simple cutting of tissue or coagulation of bleeding vessels. Further to a need in the art, the present invention provides bipolar ablators of simple construction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high efficiency surgical devices and methods of using same using radio frequency (RF) electrical power and/or electrically heated filaments to destroy tumors, form lesions, denaturize, desiccate, coagulate and ablate soft tissues, as well as to drill, cut, resect and vaporize soft tissues. According to the principles of this invention, the electrosurgical instruments can be used with externally supplied conductive or non-conductive liquids, as well as without externally supplied liquids, a mode of operation often referred to as “dry field” environment.