Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the tissue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one aperture located therein. The proximal end of the tube receives a supply of pressurized ionizable gas and is disposed within a working channel of the endoscope. At least one electrode ionizes the gas prior to the gas exiting the aperture of the tube and an agitator causes the gas to exit the tube with predetermined flow characteristics. In one embodiment, the agitator includes a helically-shaped baffle disposed within the tube. In another embodiments, the agitator can include a rotatable baffle having apertures disposed therethrough for causing the gas to exit the tube in a swirl-like manner. Alternatively, a pair of elongated ribbons can be disposed within the tube which, under flow conditions, will cause turbulence within the gas flow.

Abstract: A sterilization system applies power to a plasma within a chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a power feedback control system for controlling the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system includes a current monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a voltage monitor adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma within the chamber. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module comprising a programmable digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is adapted to receive and process the first signal and the second signal by multiplying the current and the voltage and producing a third signal indicative of the product of the current and the voltage.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing an article is provided that includes use of a low frequency (LF) gas discharge plasma. The method includes placing the article in a vacuum chamber and evacuating the vacuum chamber to a predetermined pressure. Gas or vapor species are introduced into the vacuum chamber, and a low frequency plasma is generated within the vacuum chamber, the low frequency plasma having a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency plasma is maintained for a time period sufficient to substantially remove gas or vapor species from the article. The sterilization system includes a vacuum chamber coupled to a vacuum pump and a vent, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The sterilization system further includes a second region within the vacuum chamber, the second region including a region between the first and second electrodes, and a first region within the vacuum chamber, the first region being in fluid communication with the second region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power feedback control system for controllably maintaining a predetermined average power value of a power applied to a plasma of a sterilization system. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The power feedback control system includes a power monitor including a current monitor and a voltage monitor. The current monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma. The voltage monitor is adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma. The power monitor is adapted to produce a third signal in response to the first signal and second signal. The third signal is indicative of the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a fourth signal in response to the third signal from the power monitor and to a reference signal corresponding to the predetermined average power value.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the tissue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for sterilizing an article is provided that includes use of a low frequency (LF) gas discharge plasma. The method includes placing the article in a vacuum chamber and evacuating the vacuum chamber to a predetermined pressure. Gas or vapor species are introduced into the vacuum chamber, and a low frequency plasma is generated within the vacuum chamber, the low frequency plasma having a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency plasma is maintained for a time period sufficient to substantially remove gas or vapor species from the article. The sterilization system includes a vacuum chamber coupled to a vacuum pump and a vent, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The sterilization system further includes a first region within the vacuum chamber, the first region including a region between the first and second electrodes, and a second region within the vacuum chamber, the second region being in fluid communication with the first region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization system that includes a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting a power applied to a low frequency plasma within a vacuum chamber of the sterilization system to remove gas or vapor species from the article. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency power feedback control system includes a power monitor adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the power applied to the low frequency plasma within the vacuum chamber. The low frequency power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the power applied to the low frequency plasma to maintain a substantially stable average power applied to the low frequency plasma while the article is being processed.

Abstract: A sterilization system and method applies low frequency power to a plasma within a vacuum chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a switching module adapted to pulsate the low frequency power applied to the plasma and a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting the low frequency power applied to the plasma. A power monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the low frequency power applied to the plasma within the vacuum chamber. A power control module is adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller is adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the low frequency power applied to the plasma to maintain a substantially stable average low frequency power applied to the plasma while the article is being processed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for igniting plasma in a surgical system is disclosed. A corona discharge is generated on a surgical handpiece which is used to ignite a plasma arc for surgical operations. The advantages include greater reliability and repeatability of plasma arc ignition. The apparatus comprises a handpiece incorporating an active electrode, a passage for ionizable gas, and a corona return electrode. The corona return electrode has a terminus on the holder and near the distal end of the holder. The corona return electrode is electrically connected to the return path of the electrosurgical generator. A non-uniform electric field is generated between the active electrode and the corona return electrode of sufficient strength so that a corona is formed near the active electrode. A separate return electrode may be on the patient, or the apparatus may be configured for bipolar electrosurgical operation by carrying the return electrode on the handpiece.

Abstract: A smoke extraction device for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The smoke extraction device includes an elongated body portion defining a first lumen having first and second ends. The first end of the first lumen is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum. A channel portion defining a second lumen is connected to the body portion. The channel portion defines a second lumen and includes an inlet opening which communicates with the first and second lumens. An attachment member is operatively secured to the elongated body portion. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the smoke extraction device to a surgical instrument having a distally extending tool member. The attachment member is positioned on the elongated body such that when the smoke extractor device is releasably secured to a surgical instrument, the inlet opening of the channel portion is positioned below the tool member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube which extends through a working channel of an endoscope. A pressurized ionizable gas is supplied to the proximal end of the tube and is forced at a rate of greater than 1 liter per minute therethrough. The tube also includes at least one aperture located along the periphery of the tube and an angularly disposed surface located within the tube for redirecting the gas through the aperture and at the tissue. At least one electrode ionizes the gas prior to the gas exiting the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for igniting plasma in a surgical system is disclosed. A corona discharge is generated on a surgical handpiece which is used to ignite a plasma arc for surgical operations. The advantages include greater reliability and repeatability of plasma arc ignition. The apparatus comprises a handpiece incorporating an active electrode, a passage for ionizable gas, and a corona return electrode. The corona return electrode has a terminus on the holder and near the distal end of the holder. The corona return electrode is electrically connected to the return path of the electrosurgical generator. A non-uniform electric field is generated between the active electrode and the corona return electrode of sufficient strength so that a corona is formed near the active electrode. A separate return electrode may be on the patient, or the apparatus may be configured for bipolar electrosurgical operation by carrying the return electrode on the handpiece.

Abstract: A surgical system has a multiple electrode electrosurgical capability in combination with a gas plasma capability for delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue or bodily fluids of a patient. The system includes a holder, a source of electrical energy, electrodes connected to the source of electrical energy, one or more passages carried on the holder for transporting ionizable gas, and a source of ionizable gas of a selectable flow rate. The gas passages may include at least one electrode extending toward the operative site. The gas passages may include a part that creates a vortex in the gas flow. The electrodes may be coaxially placed in the gas passages. The system may also be configured such that two electrodes are each shrouded by the ionized gas so that the electrosurgical energy is conducted to the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site by passing along conductive pathways in the ionized gas from each electrode. There may also be a dielectric barrier between the conductive pathways.

Abstract: A workcell for making parts in a vertical orientation from rigid sheet material capable of self-support on edge includes a plurality of CNC machines for performing machining operations on said sheet material in a vertical orientation. The CNC machines receive machine control data from a cell controller which, in turn, receives nest order packages from a factory system. The parts data from which the factory system constructs the nest order packages comes from the original engineering parts definition in a central data storage system which is the ultimate parts design authority of the assembly for which the parts are to be made. The rigid sheet material is transferred in a vertical orientation to and between the CNC machines in at least one automated handling cart. The cart has a transfer mechanism for transferring sheets of the rigid sheet material on edge between the cart and the CNC machines.