Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, includes a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections, and one or more sources of radio frequency output power coupled to the output stage. A controller causes the system to supply a first coagulating RF waveform to the output connections or a second cutting RF waveform to the output connections. The first RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections. In a first mode of operation the controller supplies the first coagulating RF waveform, and in a second subsequent mode of operation the controller supplies the second cutting RF waveform for a first predetermined period of time followed by the first coagulating RF waveform for a second predetermined period of time, both periods being in excess of 1 second.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument with opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first and second jaw member include, respectively, a cutting electrode and at least a first sealing electrode separated therefrom by an insulating member, and at least a second sealing electrode. The generator includes an energy source for producing at least a cutting RF waveform, first, second and third output connections connected to the cutting electrode, first sealing electrode and second sealing electrode, respectively, and a switching circuit rapidly alternating between a first condition to direct the cutting RF waveform between the first and second output connections and hence the cutting and first sealing electrodes, and a second condition to direct the cutting RF waveform between the first and third output connections, and hence the cutting and second sealing electrodes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue comprises an elongate tube (3) having a proximal end and a distal end, and having a distal end face (12). The tube comprises one or more first apertures (14) located at the distal end face (12) and one or more second apertures (13) located along the periphery of the tube between the proximal and distal ends. The tube provides a conduit though which ionizable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube, and includes at least one electrode (4) for ionizing the ionizable gas exiting either the first or second apertures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue comprises an elongated tube (3) having a proximal end and a distal end, and constituting a conduit though which ionizable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube. The tube (3) includes one or more apertures (9) in the tube such that the ionizable gas is capable of exiting the tube in a plurality of different directions. The tube includes at least one electrode (4) for ionizing the ionizable gas exiting the one or more apertures, and a shield (11) associated to with the tube (3) and movable so as to obscure at least part of the one or more apertures (9) so as to vary the direction or directions in which the ionized gas exits the tube.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated tube having a tubular wall and a proximal end and a distal end, and constituting a conduit though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube. The tube includes one or more apertures in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube. A braided tubular component is associated with the wall of the tube, and is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, such that the braided tubular component can form part of an electrode assembly for ionising the ionisable gas exiting the one or more apertures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, includes a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections, and one or more sources of radio frequency output power coupled to the output stage. A controller causes the system to supply a first coagulating RF waveform to the output connections or a second cutting RF waveform to the output connections. The first RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections. In a first mode of operation the controller supplies the first coagulating RF waveform, and in a second subsequent mode of operation the controller supplies the second cutting RF waveform for a first predetermined period of time followed by the first coagulating RF waveform for a second predetermined period of time, both periods being in excess of 1 second.