Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: Methods and systems provided for determining a phase state and/or for determining a degree of subcooling in a fluid. An exemplary method for operating a refrigeration cycle includes flowing a refrigerant through a metering device and calculating a pressure differential of the refrigerant across the metering device. Further, the method includes determining whether the refrigerant is a saturated liquid based on the pressure differential. The method includes, when the refrigerant is not a saturated liquid, cooling the refrigerant upstream of the metering device.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described herein relates to wettable materials that can be used to expose a liquid phase to a gas phase. An example method includes: providing a material including a polymeric substrate and at least one of: a silicate coating disposed over the polymeric substrate; or a polar mineral additive dispersed within the polymeric substrate at a loading from about 1% to about 25%, by weight; and using the material in a chemical process in which the material is at least partially covered by a liquid phase and the liquid phase is exposed to a gas phase.

Abstract: Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: Surgical tools and methods are disclosed. The surgical tool has a first tip disposed relative to an axis and a second tip. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the first and second tips operate as scissors, wherein the surgical tool is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration, at least in part, by rotation of the first tip about the axis.

Abstract: A system for packaging a kit for a radiofrequency ablation procedure protects a radiofrequency ablation kit without compromising its sterile barrier system through the hazards of handling, distribution, and storage. The system includes: an introducer tray configured to hold at least one introducer; a probe tray configured to hold at least one radiofrequency ablation probe; an outer carrier tray, a pouch configured to hold a tubing kit; and a dispenser carton. The introducer tray and the probe tray are held within the outer carrier tray, and the outer carrier tray and the pouch are configured to be held within the dispenser carton. A method of packaging a radiofrequency ablation kit is further described.

Abstract: A system for packaging a kit for a radiofrequency ablation procedure protects a radiofrequency ablation kit without compromising its sterile barrier system through the hazards of handling, distribution, and storage. The system includes: an introducer tray configured to hold at least one introducer; a probe tray configured to hold at least one radiofrequency ablation probe; an outer carrier tray, a pouch configured to hold a tubing kit; and a dispenser carton. The introducer tray and the probe tray are held within the outer carrier tray, and the outer carrier tray and the pouch are configured to be held within the dispenser carton. A method of packaging a radiofrequency ablation kit is further described.

Abstract: A system for packaging a kit for a radiofrequency ablation procedure protects a radiofrequency ablation kit without compromising its sterile barrier system through the hazards of handling, distribution, and storage. The system includes: an introducer tray configured to hold at least one introducer; a probe tray configured to hold at least one radiofrequency ablation probe; an outer carrier tray, a pouch configured to hold a tubing kit; and a dispenser carton. The introducer tray and the probe tray are held within the outer carrier tray, and the outer carrier tray and the pouch are configured to be held within the dispenser carton. A method of packaging a radiofrequency ablation kit is further described.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator and an adapter connected to the electrosurgical generator. The adapter is configured to selectively transmit one or more energy outputs from the electrosurgical generator to an end effect device. At least one of the electrosurgical generator and the adapter are configured to be controlled by one or more control device. An electrosurgical system can include a control device connected to an electrosurgical generator. The control device can be configured to selectively transmit control instructions to the electrosurgical generator. The control device can be configured to receive a control signal from a user. An electrosurgical apparatus can include a pair of blades configured to deliver at least mechanical and electrical energy to tissue. Each blade can include a portion configured to protrude to the other side of a central plane.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve may include a jacket configured to cover at least one of gaps, spaces, or interfaces in a frame or between one or more leaflets attached to the frame.

Abstract: Surgical tools are disclosed that include a first handle having a first recess, a second handle having a second recess, a first tip disposed in the first recess and extending distally, and a second tip disposed in the second recess and extending distally. The first tip has a first external surface and a first internal surface. The second tip has a second external surface and a second internal surface. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as scissors. The first internal surface can be moved adjacent to the second internal surface to permit rotation of the first tip relative to the first recess and permit rotation of the second tip relative to the second recess. The rotation of the first tip and the second tip transitions the surgical tool between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve may include a jacket configured to cover at least one of gaps, spaces, or interfaces in a frame or between one or more leaflets attached to the frame.

Abstract: Surgical tools are disclosed that include a first handle having a first recess, a second handle having a second recess, a first tip disposed in the first recess and extending distally, and a second tip disposed in the second recess and extending distally. The first tip has a first external surface and a first internal surface. The second tip has a second external surface and a second internal surface. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as scissors. The first internal surface can be moved adjacent to the second internal surface to permit rotation of the first tip relative to the first recess and permit rotation of the second tip relative to the second recess. The rotation of the first tip and the second tip transitions the surgical tool between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve may include a jacket configured to cover at least one of gaps, spaces, or interfaces in a frame or between one or more leaflets attached to the frame.

Abstract: Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: Surgical tools are disclosed that include a first handle having a first recess, a second handle having a second recess, a first tip disposed in the first recess and extending distally, and a second tip disposed in the second recess and extending distally. The first tip has a first external surface and a first internal surface. The second tip has a second external surface and a second internal surface. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as scissors. The first internal surface can be moved adjacent to the second internal surface to permit rotation of the first tip relative to the first recess and permit rotation of the second tip relative to the second recess. The rotation of the first tip and the second tip transitions the surgical tool between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.