Abstract: Woven structures and associated systems for weaving such structures are disclosed. Some disclosed innovations pertain to braided structures, such as braided wire structures, with axially asymmetric woven structures (or “directional meshes”) being examples. Other innovations disclosed herein pertain to methods of manufacturing woven structures, with automated methods of braiding directional meshes being examples. Some directional mesh embodiments can be configured and used as energizable electrodes for electrosurgical therapies, for example, bipolar vaporization therapies.

Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly is disclosed, the assembly having two, three or more electrodes configured to provide advantageous tissue removal and precision for conducting electrosurgical procedures, including improved ablation and coagulation of tissue. The electrodes are configured and arranged so that energy can be applied in a highly uniform and precise fashion, depending upon the application. In addition, the electrosurgical assembly allows flexibility in use by, in some embodiments, allowing selective switching of the active and return electrodes, and also selective switching between ablation and coagulation modes. In certain embodiments the invention includes one or more electrodes having the ability to undergo changes in shape.

Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly is disclosed, the assembly having two, three or more electrodes configured to provide advantageous tissue removal and precision for conducting electrosurgical procedures, including improved ablation and coagulation of tissue. The electrodes are configured and arranged so that energy can be applied in a highly uniform and precise fashion, depending upon the application. In addition, the electrosurgical assembly allows flexibility in use by, in some embodiments, allowing selective switching of the active and return electrodes, and also selective switching between ablation and coagulation modes. In certain embodiments the invention includes one or more electrodes having the ability to undergo changes in shape.

Abstract: Woven structures and associated systems for weaving such structures are disclosed. Some disclosed innovations pertain to braided structures, such as braided wire structures, with axially asymmetric woven structures (or “directional meshes”) being examples. Other innovations disclosed herein pertain to methods of manufacturing woven structures, with automated methods of braiding directional meshes being examples. Some directional mesh embodiments can be configured and used as energizable electrodes for electrosurgical therapies, for example, bipolar vaporization therapies.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for supplying radio frequency (RF) power to an electrosurgical instrument that has been introduced to the surgical site for cutting or vaporizing tissue immersed in a saline medium is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and equipment for tissue/vessel sealing is disclosed for the sealing, coagulation and transection of tissue during surgical procedures. The improvement is accomplished through better management of heat and moisture present during tissue treatment by having tissue grasping surfaces comprised of an outer non-conducting region and an inner conductive region, and including channels in the jaw assembly to direct steam and moisture away from surrounding tissue. The outer region follows the perimeter each jaw, isolating the treatment zone and preventing steam and excess heat from leaving the tissue treatment zone, reducing thermal margins and unintended patient burns. The outer region also prevents surrounding moisture from affecting the treatment zone and allowing more consistent results.

Abstract: An improved method and equipment for tissue/vessel sealing is disclosed for the sealing, coagulation and transection of tissue during surgical procedures. The improvement is accomplished through better management of heat and moisture present during tissue treatment by having tissue grasping surfaces comprised of an outer non-conducting region and an inner conductive region, and including channels in the jaw assembly to direct steam and moisture away from surrounding tissue. The outer region follows the perimeter each jaw, isolating the treatment zone and preventing steam and excess heat from leaving the tissue treatment zone, reducing thermal margins and unintended patient burns. The outer region also prevents surrounding moisture from affecting the treatment zone and allowing more consistent results.

Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly is disclosed, the assembly having two, three or more electrodes configured to provide advantageous tissue removal and precision for conducting electrosurgical procedures, including improved ablation and coagulation of tissue. The electrodes are configured and arranged so that energy can be applied in a highly uniform and precise fashion, depending upon the application. In addition, the electrosurgical assembly allows flexibility in use by, in some embodiments, allowing selective switching of the active and return electrodes, and also selective switching between ablation and coagulation modes. In certain embodiments the invention includes one or more electrodes having the ability to undergo changes in shape.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprises a handle (5), a body (1) joined to the handle, and a jaw assembly (12) joined to the body and arranged such that manipulation of the handle allows the opposed jaws of the jaw assembly to be opened and closed with respect to one another. A first of said opposed jaws (14) has at least a first coagulating electrode, and the other of said opposed jaws (13) has at least a second coagulating electrode and a cutting electrode (16) separated from the second coagulating electrode by an insulating member (17). The instrument is manipulated at the surgical site such that the jaws of the jaw assembly (12) are open with respect to one another, with the cutting electrode (16) and at least one of the first and second coagulating electrodes contacting tissue at the surgical site.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment—and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps are described that have jaws capable of being closed relative to one another, the jaws each supporting electrode structures especially shaped to enhance the ability of the instrument to desiccate/seal or cut tissue structures clamped between the opposed jaws. One of the opposed jaws has a generally arcuate cross-section with a raised central zone and the other electrode has a recess adapted to accommodate the raised central zone of the cooperating electrode. By appropriating the shaping the mating electrode surfaces, tissue structures placed between the jaws are stretched laterally as clamping occurs. The stretching action prevents bunching of the tissue and results in improved desiccation, sealing and cutting. A fine, uninsulated conductor disposed on the one jaw, but insulated from the electrode surface on that jaw, serves as a cutting electrode.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator (10) for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument (12) including at least three electrodes. The generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having at least a pair of output lines (60C), and a power supply (66) coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage. The generator also includes a controller (72) capable of varying a radio frequency signal supplied to the output lines, and a switching circuit (62) having three or more output connections (62A, 62B, 62C) each electrically connected with a respective one of the at least three electrodes. This switching circuit is operable to vary the connections between the output lines (60C) and the output connections (62A, 62B, 62C).

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling interstitial fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent collected by the sampler.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least three electrodes. The generator comprises an RF output stage having at least a pair of RF output lines, a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage, and a controller capable of varying the RF power signal supplied to the output lines. The system also includes a selection circuit having at least three output connections each in electrical connection with a respective one of the at least three electrodes. This selection circuit operates to vary the coupling between the RF output stage and the three or more output connections.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical hook probe includes an end effector that includes first and second electrodes placed in parallel, closely-spaced relationship, each being of a relatively large surface area and a conductive reciprocally movable hook member that is movable into and out of a space between the first and second electrodes. A switch mechanism is provided by which an RF current can alternatively be made to flow between the first and second electrodes during electrocoagulation and from the hook electrode to each of the first and second electrodes when the instrument is operating in its cut mode.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps are described that have jaws capable of being closed relative to one another, the jaws each supporting electrode structures especially shaped to enhance the ability of the instrument to desiccate/seal or cut tissue structures clamped between the opposed jaws. One of the opposed jaws has a generally arcuate cross-section with a raised central zone and the other electrode has a recess adapted to accommodate the raised central zone of the cooperating electrode. By appropriating the shaping the mating electrode surfaces, tissue structures placed between the jaws are stretched laterally as clamping occurs. The stretching action prevents bunching of the tissue and results in improved desiccation, sealing and cutting. A fine, uninsulated conductor disposed on the one jaw, but insulated from the electrode surface on that jaw, serves as a cutting electrode.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment—and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.