Abstract: The present disclosure describes an instrument for measuring the dielectric properties of biological tissue. The instrument includes a top electrode assembly and a bottom electrode assembly, the top electrode assembly including a top electrode and at least one shaft adjustably positionable to move the top electrode relative to the bottom electrode assembly, the bottom electrode assembly including a bottom test plate and a bottom electrode. The instrument also includes a testing cylinder coupled to the shaft and having an inner cavity defined therein that houses the top electrode and which is designed to enclose the bottom electrode therein. The testing cylinder is configured to reduce at least one of electric current, magnetic current, stray radiative RF fields and external capacitive leakage currents during activation of the top and bottom electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to EBS methods for stimulation of the vagus or vagal nerve for weight loss and the like. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the method of weight loss includes the steps of percutaneously placing at least one EBS needle at a predetermined location of the body in close proximity to the vagus nerve; and energizing at least a distal tip of each EBS needle to treat the vagus nerve at the location of the distal tip of the EBS needle.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of weight loss involving acupuncture includes the steps of placing a plurality of EBS acupuncture needles at a plurality of predetermined locations of the body corresponding to acupuncture meridians; and energizing each of the plurality of EBS acupuncture needles to treat the body at the location of the EBS needle insertion.

Abstract: A mammal undergoing an energy-based therapy is treated by administering at least one vasoconstrictive agent to the mammal prior to or during the procedure. The at least one vasoconstrictive agent is added in amounts sufficient to reduce or prevent vasodilation. This treatment method increases or promotes the size of the coagulation zone created after energy-based therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: A closed-loop control system has a user interface for allowing a user to select at least one pre-surgical parameter. The system also has a sensor module for continually sensing at least one of electrical and physical properties proximate a surgical site and generating at least one signal and a control module for continually receiving the selected parameter from the user interface and the at least one signal from the sensor module. The system processes the signal in accordance with the parameter using at least one of a microprocessor, computer algorithm and a mapping. The control module generates a corresponding control signal relating to the signal from the sensor module, and provides the control signal to the generator. The control module has number of loop control modules with a first loop control module providing a ratio of a real time parameter value to a desired parameter value. The real time parameter value is from the signal from the sensor module.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.

Abstract: A closed-loop control system is disclosed for use with an electrosurgical generator that generates electrosurgical energy. The closed loop control system includes a user interface for allowing a user to select at least one pre-surgical parameter, such as the type of surgical instrument operatively connected to the generator, the type of tissue and the desired surgical effect. A sensor module is also included for continually sensing at least one of electrical and physical properties proximate a surgical site and generating at least one signal relating thereto. The system also includes a control module for continually receiving the at least one selected pre-surgical parameter from the user interface and each of the signals from the sensor module, and processing each of the signals in accordance with the at least one pre-surgical parameter using at least one of a microprocessor, computer algorithm and a mapping.