Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector, which includes first and second jaws pivotably coupled together. The first jaw includes a first electrode, and the second jaw includes a second electrode. The jaws may be used to clamp a portion of patient tissue and apply a non-therapeutic, or low voltage, radio frequency (RF) signal to the tissue. Based on the measured response of the current and voltage passing through the tissue, the apparatus can determine various characteristics of the clamped tissue, such as whether the tissue comprises body fluids, blood vessels, tendons, intestines, and/or fat. Once it is determined that the clamped tissue is the correct tissue type, the apparatus may then apply a therapeutic RF signal (e.g., a signal capable of sealing or cauterizing the tissue).

Abstract: An apparatus configured for use with an end effector of a surgical instrument, comprising: (a) a housing, wherein the housing includes a first housing portion defining a first gap, wherein the first gap is configured to receive a jaw of the end effector; and (b) a lubricant application member positioned within the first gap, wherein the lubricant application member is configured to be loaded with a lubricant for applying the lubricant to a tissue clamping surface of the jaw when the jaw is received within the first gap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument that includes an energized feature operable to apply ultrasonic energy or RF energy to tissue. The method includes forming at least one of a microscopic surface pattern or a nanoscopic surface roughness into a base surface of the energized feature to produce at least one recessed portion. The method also includes applying a hydrophobic coating that includes at least one of silicone, titanium nitride, chromium nitride, or titanium aluminum nitride to at least the recessed portion of the energized feature after forming at least one of the microscopic surface pattern or the nanoscopic surface roughness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument having a housing, an end-effector, and a user interface. The end-effector includes a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer and to a pole of an electrical generator. The clamp arm includes a clamp jaw pivotally movable about a pivot point, an electrode defining a surface configured to contact tissue and apply electrical energy to the tissue in contact therewith and configured to couple to an opposite pole of the electrical generator. The user interface includes a first activation button switch to activate a first energy source and a second button switch to select an energy mode for the activation button switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a right ventricular transit time for a patient. An echodense contrast is injected into a patient. A first representative region, representing the right ventricle of the patient, is selected. A second representative region, representing the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, is selected. Respective first and second time series of intensity values for the first and second representative regions are generated via echocardiography. The right ventricular transit time is determined from the first and second time series of intensity values. The right ventricular transit time is displayed to a user.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a catheter. The catheter includes a catheter body having a temperature-controlled anchor element thereon that is configured to attach the catheter body to tissue by forming a congealed adherence layer between the anchor element and the tissue. The catheter also includes an ablation element connected to the catheter body. The ablation element is axially spaced apart from the anchor element. The ablation element is configured to ablate tissue when the anchor element is attached to the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a right ventricular transit time for a patient. An echodense contrast is injected into a patient. A first representative region, representing the right ventricle of the patient, is selected. A second representative region, representing the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, is selected. Respective first and second time series of intensity values for the first and second representative regions are generated via echocardiography. The right ventricular transit time is determined from the first and second time series of intensity values. The right ventricular transit time is displayed to a user.

Abstract: Described herein is a bioreactor system and modules capable of developing physiologically relevant fluid-induced shear stresses and regionally specific flow patterns to scaffold specimens and which can couple these stresses to cyclic flexure and/or stretch states. Methods of use of the bioreactor system and module also are provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a bioreactor system and modules capable of developing physiologically relevant fluid-induced shear stresses and regionally specific flow patterns to scaffold specimens and which can couple these stresses to cyclic flexure and/or stretch states. Methods of use of the bioreactor system and module also are provided.