Abstract: A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway. A circuit in the sleeve is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a switchbox of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the switchbox. The switchbox cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.

Abstract: A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway with a limit switch or photocell upstream. A circuit is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a controller of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact and assessed by the software is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the controller. The controller cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus applies electrical current to skin, preferably for skin tightening procedures. A housing includes a substantially flat edge, disposable on the skin. The housing stores a plurality of electrodes which are movable through an opening defined by the edge. A vacuum is applied in the housing such that the edge seals with the skin. The electrodes pierce the skin perpendicularly and apply an RF electric current to heat primarily the subcutaneous layer. A coolant is applied to cool the outer layer of the skin.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for sealing and cutting tissue includes forceps and a power supply. The forceps include jaws that are pivotal about a pin and at least one blade disposed between the jaws. A shaft connects a handle to the jaws for moving the jaws while also conducting electric current from the power supply through the jaws. A wire, routed through the shaft and through a hole in the pin, connects a knob to the blade for moving the blade. In a bipolar configuration, the wire also conducts the electric current through the blade.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly for use in electrosurgery includes an elongated sheath movable in a longitudinal direction. The assembly includes a pair of jaws, with each jaw having a plurality of teeth for grasping tissue and a support element supporting the plurality of teeth. The support element is disposed partially within the sheath and extends to a distal end disposed outside of the sheath. The support element includes a first portion extending from the distal end and delineating a first region. The support element further includes a second portion extending from the first portion and delineating a second region. The second portion is curved to engage with the sheath such that the jaws move towards one another as the elongated sheath moves towards the distal end. The teeth extend from the first region into the second region.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and a tool cartridge. The tool cartridge includes electrically conductive movable tools, such as jaws and a blade, for cutting tissue. The jaws and blade each are connected to a transmission to facilitate movement. Multiple sheaths are used to encompass and protect the transmissions. Slidable grips are disposed outside of the sheaths and operatively connected to the transmissions that are disposed within the sheaths. At least one lever is supported by the handle assembly and engagable with the grips to facilitate movement of the grips, and thus, the tools.

Abstract: Methods and devices for attaching hair weaves to a wearer's existing hair are described. A hair extension/weave portion (e.g., a system comprised of a plurality of natural and/or synthetic hair strands) may be attached to an attachment strip member via a base member with a suture, such as a thread or stitch. The attachment strip member may be formed of a flexible material, such that it can conform to the contours of the wearer's head/scalp. Holes may be provided on the attachment strip member so to allow the attachment of one or more clip members thereto. The clip members, having the attachment strip member and hair extension portion attached thereto, may then be inserted into the wearer's existing hair so as to secure the hair extension system thereto. The clip members, and thus the hair extension system, may then be easily removed from the wearer's existing hair when desired.

Abstract: A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway with a limit switch or photocell upstream. A circuit is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a controller of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact and assessed by the software is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the controller. The controller cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and a tool cartridge. The tool cartridge includes electrically conductive movable tools, such as jaws and a blade, for cutting tissue. The jaws and blade each are connected to a transmission to facilitate movement. Multiple sheaths are used to encompass and protect the transmissions. Slidable grips are disposed outside of the sheaths and operatively connected to the transmissions that are disposed within the sheaths. At least one lever is supported by the handle assembly and engagable with the grips to facilitate movement of the grips, and thus, the tools.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly having a housing. A tool cartridge is receivable in the housing. The tool cartridge includes a first jaw and a second jaw for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw is hingably movable between an open position and a closed position. A first jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the first jaw. A sheath encompasses at least part of the longitudinal portion of the jaw connection wire. A grip is disposed around at least part of the sheath. A piston is disposed within the sheath and operatively connected to the grip such that the grip and piston move in relation to one another. The jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the piston for moving the first jaw in response to movement of the grip.

Abstract: Methods and devices for attaching hair weaves to a wearer's existing hair are described. A hair extension/weave portion (e.g., a system comprised of a plurality of natural and/or synthetic hair strands) may be attached to an attachment strip member via a base member with a suture, such as a thread or stitch. The attachment strip member may be formed of a flexible material, such that it can conform to the contours of the wearer's head/scalp. Holes may be provided on the attachment strip member so to allow the attachment of one or more clip members thereto. The clip members, having the attachment strip member and hair extension portion attached thereto, may then be inserted into the wearer's existing hair so as to secure the hair extension system thereto. The clip members, and thus the hair extension system, may then be easily removed from the wearer's existing hair when desired.

Abstract: A morcellator is described which may be operated with one hand, thus providing semi-automatic functionality, for the reduction of solid tissue into smaller pieces, which may then transported and emptied into a specimen bag. The morcellator eliminates the need for stand-alone grasping forceps that are currently used to grasp and pull the tissue against a sharp rotating tubular conduit. The grasping, cutting and transporting of the tissue may be accomplished via the handheld morcellator which provides triggers and control buttons, thus eliminating conventional handheld graspers and foot switches. The surgeon can now hold the scope and visualize the morcellation arena, thus eliminating the need for a second surgeon presently used for this purpose. Moreover, the ability to perform morcellation single handedly, while holding the scope, improves control and avoids wasted time compared to the procedure when it is done by two surgeons.

Abstract: An endoscopic hand instrument includes a tubular member having a throughbore extending between a first open end and a second open end, the throughbore including a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, a collet member received within the throughbore, the collet member including at least two biasable arm members, the collet member being biased such that the two arm members extend radially outward into the first portion of the throughbore, the two arm members including an area defining an aperture, and a tip assembly having an engagement member, the engagement member being received between the two arm members and into the aperture, the tip assembly engaging the tubular member so as to force the two arm members into the second portion of the throughbore such that the two arm members are prevented from extending radially outward.

Abstract: Reposable endoscopic forceps systems are described. The forceps systems may be provided with one or more reposable elements that are intended to be interoperable therewith in various different combinations. By way of a non-limiting example, the reposable elements of the forceps system may be, without limitation: (1) a threaded reposable tip insert wherein the associated tube and adaptor are retained as reusable elements and may thus be permanently attached to a handle; (2) a cartridge system, including a jaw assembly operably associated therewith, a retaining tube, an activation shaft, and an adaptor; and (3) a threaded tip insert and a detachable tube, thus allowing thorough cleaning of both the insert and the tube.

Abstract: Scissor systems are described. The scissor systems are provided with a secondary, lower parallel jaw member that supports a stand alone blade or jaw member against a reinforced blade or jaw member continuously through the cutting action, while simultaneously maintaining continuous interference, i.e., shear action, and sharply reducing the probability of skewing or spreading.

Abstract: A trocar system is described. The trocar system allows for penetration into the patient's laparoscopic cavity while also allowing visualization once an imaging device (e.g., a laparoscope) is inserted into the hollow shaft of the trocar. Attached to a distal end of the trocar shaft is a tip portion, which may be comprised of a transparent material, and which allows for general visualization upon penetration into the patient's laparoscopic cavity. The tip may include a conical shape with at least one blade (e.g., preferably at least two blades) protruding longitudinally along a peripheral surface thereof. The blades may be comprised of a metallic material, e.g., preferably similar to the trocar shaft material, and may be securely attached (e.g., preferably welded) to the trocar shaft. The transparent tip may be caged by the blades and the trocar's shaft and may also be glued to the blades and trocar shaft as well.

Abstract: A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway. A circuit in the sleeve is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a switchbox of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the switchbox. The switchbox cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.

Abstract: Forceps include a body, a surgical device, and a pair of handles. The surgical device is removably disposed within the body. The handles are pivotally attached to the handle body for articulating jaws on the surgical device, or grasping the forceps. The forceps accept monopolar, bipolar, or both monopolar and bipolar surgical devices. Wires are disposed within the surgical device for performing various types of electro-surgery. Additional wires are provided within the surgical device for providing the user with the ability to monitor various aspects of the surgical procedure. Spring contacts touch rings surrounding the surgical device for maintaining electrical contact with the surgical device while allowing the surgical device to rotate within the body.

Abstract: Forceps for performing endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery include a body assembly, a tube assembly, and a pair of handles that pivot with respect to the body. The tube assembly is removably attached to the body assembly. The tube assembly includes a hollow tube and a tip assembly. The tip assembly includes an electrode or a blade for performing the surgery. The tip assembly and the blade are connected to the body and the handles by a cable. As the handles pivot, the cable slides within the tube to move the blade. When a different tube assembly (i.e., a bipolar or a monopolar electrode) or another style of tip assembly are desired, the installed one is removed and replaced by a new tube assembly or tip assembly as desired.