Abstract: An adapter unit for a mechanical tissue cutting implement such as a shaver, morcellator or the like includes a mounting block from which an electrically insulating sheath extends. The sheath fits over the cannula or shaft of the cutting implement, and is secured in alignment and attached so that the cutting tip, for example, the tool and its window in the cannula tip, are exposed through the sheath. A conductor, which may be a conductive layer, extends along the length of the sheath and is exposed to form a distal electrode at the tip in close proximity to the opening, constituting one electrode of a bipolar electrode arrangement at the exposed tool. The other electrode is provided by electrical connection to the implement itself, so that a high current density path is formed through tissue in the cutting region.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a handle and a body which position and close a jaw about a tissue site for simultaneously cutting and sealing relatively large tissue structures. The jaw includes an electrosurgical cutting member, which may be a blade or wire, against which tissue is biased along a cut line, and a clamping assembly that clamps a region adjacent to or surrounding the cut line. The clamping assembly includes sealing electrodes for heating the region and welding tissue along the side of the cut as the cutter parts the tissue. The clamping assembly preferably has first and second clamping jaws extending in parallel to grip the tissue as tension is released by the cut, allowing dependable and complete sealing of the cut ends over an extended time while the tissue is immobilized.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an electrode assembly having an electrode mechanically interlocked with a non-conductive body to as to form a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, complimentary surface features of the respective electrode and the non-conductive body interlock the components of the electrode assembly. In another embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a generally spherical electrode that is rotatable with respect to a non-conductive hood. A gap is formed between an outer surface of the electrode and an inner surface of the hood.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having an active electrode with a portion that is coated with an insulative material. An exposed portion of the electrode is effective to treat tissue while the insulative coating minimizes energy dissipation into surrounding isotonic solution.

Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a catheter in a patient includes three sets of excitation electrodes, with one set disposed in each of three intersecting axes. A signal processor measures a voltage indicative of impedance between a detection electrode disposed on the catheter and each of the three sets of excitation signals in order to determine the X coordinate, Y coordinate and Z coordinate of the catheter. The detected position of the catheter is recorded and the detection of subsequent catheter positions is performed relative to the recorded catheter position. The difference between subsequent catheter positions and the recorded position relative to the X, Y and Z axes is displayed in order to facilitate repositioning of the catheter at the recorded position. Excitation electrode embodiments utilizing as few as four excitation electrodes are disclosed. The excitation electrodes may be surface, subcutaneous or intracardiac electrodes.

Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a catheter in a patient includes three sets of reference electrodes, with one set disposed on each of the mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z axes. A signal processor measures the differential voltage indicative of impedance between a detection electrode disposed on the catheter and each electrode of each of the three sets of reference electrodes in order to determine the X coordinate, Y coordinate and Z coordinate of the catheter. The detected position of the catheter is recorded and the detection of subsequent catheter positions is performed relative to the recorded catheter position. The difference between subsequent catheter positions and the recorded position relative to the X, Y and Z axes is displayed in order to facilitate re-positioning of the catheter at the recorded position. Optional EKG and/or respiratory sensors may be used to synchronize the catheter position detection in order to reduce detection inaccuracies due to EKG and/or respiratory artifacts.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes a rotary, tissue affecting device in the form of one or more rotating blades, a rotating drill, or a rotating shaving/abrading device that serves as an active, energy delivering electrode. The active electrode effectively cuts tissue at the surgical site without relying solely upon the mechanical cutting action of the tissue affecting device. The rotary surgical device can be in a form such that it is suitable for use in open or closed surgery.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a roller electrode segmented into conductive and non-conductive portions. When the electrode is rolled over a treatment site, the region of the electrode that contacts the site receives current from an energy source and the non-contacting region of the electrode is isolated from the energy source. The electrode is well suited for use in an isotonic fluid environment, without resulting in significant current dissipation since the non-contacting portion is isolated from the energy source. The roller electrode has a substantially cylindrical shape and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis along which a bore extends. A conductor carrying current from the energy source is disposed through the bore such that, when the electrode is urged against a treatment site, the conductor delivers current to the contacting region of the roller electrode and is isolated from the non-contacting region.

Abstract: An improved battery charger of the type having a housing with a source of electrical energy therein suitable for recharging units capable of being electrically recharged. The housing includes a plurality of cavities each arranged to accommodate a unit to be recharged, and each cavity has electrical contacts which are positioned to contact the terminals of the unit inserted into each cavity for delivering electrical energy to that unit. The improvement comprises a switch in each cavity which is activatable by insertion of the unit therein, the switch being separate from and free from direct contact with the electrical contacts, but electrically connected to the energy source which, in turn, energizes the electrical contacts for recharging the unit upon activation of the switch.

Abstract: A canister for a removable battery comprises a receptacle for receiving the battery therein. The battery is insertable so that its electrical terminals are upwardly facing and exposed for contact. A cover is provided for enclosing the battery in the receptacle and electrical contacts are associated with the cover for contacting the battery terminals when the cover is positioned over the receptacle with the battery inside. An electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical contacts inside the cover and provides means on the outside of the cover for an electrical connection in order to derive voltage from the battery.A battery pack unit in combination with the canister comprises a plurality of batteries electrically connected to each other and has electrical terminals in contact with the electrical contacts in the cover. The terminals are electrically connected to the batteries in order to provide a source of electrical current from the pack unit.