Abstract: Products containing a nicotine-polymer complex are provided herein, which can optionally further include one or more, different nicotine components. Certain such products are pouched products including an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition comprising a water-soluble component capable of being released through the water-permeable pouch. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing such products.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plasma catheter including a tubular member; a conductive cylindrical member; a first electrode; and a second electrode. The tubular member defines a longitudinal lumen therethrough and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The conductive cylindrical member is disposed at the distal portion of the tubular member. The first electrode is embedded in a first side of the tubular member and coupled to the conductive cylindrical member. The second electrode is embedded in a second side of the tubular member diametrically opposed to the first side. The second electrode is offset from the tubular member and aligned with a center axis defined by the conductive cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw member of an end effector includes providing a metal support base; engaging a plurality of ceramic stops to the metal support base; and coupling an insulative plate and a sealing plate to the metal support base by aligning the plurality of ceramic stops through a plurality of openings defined in the insulative plate and a plurality of openings defined in the sealing plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plasma catheter including a tubular member; a conductive cylindrical member; a first electrode; and a second electrode. The tubular member defines a longitudinal lumen therethrough and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The conductive cylindrical member is disposed at the distal portion of the tubular member. The first electrode is embedded in a first side of the tubular member and coupled to the conductive cylindrical member. The second electrode is embedded in a second side of the tubular member diametrically opposed to the first side. The second electrode is offset from the tubular member and aligned with a center axis defined by the conductive cylindrical member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes an end effector including first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue between the first and second jaw members to a closed configuration for grasping tissue for subsequent electrosurgical treatment thereof. One or more cutting electrodes are positioned on the first and/or second jaw members. The cutting electrode(s) includes one or more piezo-elements that are configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency when the cutting electrode(s) is energized to sever tissue.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw member of an end effector includes providing a metal support base; engaging a plurality of ceramic stops to the metal support base; and coupling an insulative plate and a sealing plate to the metal support base by aligning the plurality of ceramic stops through a plurality of openings defined in the insulative plate and a plurality of openings defined in the sealing plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plasma catheter including a tubular member; a conductive cylindrical member; a first electrode; and a second electrode. The tubular member defines a longitudinal lumen therethrough and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The conductive cylindrical member is disposed at the distal portion of the tubular member. The first electrode is embedded in a first side of the tubular member and coupled to the conductive cylindrical member. The second electrode is embedded in a second side of the tubular member diametrically opposed to the first side. The second electrode is offset from the tubular member and aligned with a center axis defined by the conductive cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw member of an end effector includes providing a metal support base; engaging a plurality of ceramic stops to the metal support base; and coupling an insulative plate and a sealing plate to the metal support base by aligning the plurality of ceramic stops through a plurality of openings defined in the insulative plate and a plurality of openings defined in the sealing plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plasma catheter including a tubular member; a conductive cylindrical member; a first electrode; and a second electrode. The tubular member defines a longitudinal lumen therethrough and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The conductive cylindrical member is disposed at the distal portion of the tubular member. The first electrode is embedded in a first side of the tubular member and coupled to the conductive cylindrical member. The second electrode is embedded in a second side of the tubular member diametrically opposed to the first side. The second electrode is offset from the tubular member and aligned with a center axis defined by the conductive cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw member of an end effector includes providing a metal support base; engaging a plurality of ceramic stops to the metal support base; and coupling an insulative plate and a sealing plate to the metal support base by aligning the plurality of ceramic stops through a plurality of openings defined in the insulative plate and a plurality of openings defined in the sealing plate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided. The electrosurgical forceps includes an end effector including first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue between the first and second jaw members to a closed configuration for grasping tissue for subsequent electrosurgical treatment thereof. One or more cutting electrodes are positioned on the first and/or second jaw members. The cutting electrode(s) includes one or more piezo-elements that are configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency when the cutting electrode(s) is energized to sever tissue.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting a circuit board during a soldering process. The pallet has a thermal mass that is varied to offset a thermal mass of the circuit board so as to minimize the difference in temperatures across the circuit board during the soldering process. The thermal mass of the pallet is varied by build up or removal of material of the pallet in selected areas, and/or through the use of materials having varying thermal properties. In addition, the total thermal mass of the pallet and the circuit board is maintained to stay within a set range in order to allow a soldering process to accommodate more than one type of circuit board with minimal to no adjustments in the process settings between boards. Construction of the pallet is preferably performed in an iterative process wherein temperature variations in the circuit board are measured during heating cycles and the pallet is modified in response to the differences in temperature at different areas.