Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, a return lead, an electrical insulator, a center pin, and an active lead. The center pin extends from the base portion and through a lumen of the electrical insulator. The active lead is securely fixed to the base portion and extends between the base portion and a distal portion of the center pin such that a portion of the active lead extends around the distal portion of the center pin and first and second segments of the active lead are spaced apart from the return lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a body portion and a tool portion extending distally from the body portion. The tool portion defines a longitudinal axis. The tool portion includes a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal of an electrosurgical energy source, first and second electrical insulators disposed on a first surface of the return lead, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal of the electrosurgical energy source. The first electrical insulator is disposed distal of the second electrical insulator. The active lead extends through the first and second electrical insulators such that the active lead and the first surface of the return lead define a gap therebetween. Upon activation of the electrosurgical energy source, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut the tissue.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an active electrical connector and a return electrical connector configured to operably engage a distal end of an electrosurgical instrument shaft, the housing encapsulating an elongated return electrode and a pair of insulative tubes configured to house a wire-like active electrode. The elongated return electrode includes a clevis at a distal end thereof and operably engages to the return electrical connector at a proximal end thereof. The wire-like active electrode operably engages at one end to the active electrical connector. A donut-like insulator is operably engaged to the clevis of the elongated return electrode and is configured to support the wire-like active electrode therearound. A tensioning mechanism is configured to operably engage an opposite end of the wire-like electrode and tension the wire-like active electrode about the donut-like insulator during assembly.

Abstract: A trans-anastomotic insertion device includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a central portion. The distal portion has a blunt distal end, a width that decreases from its distal end to its proximal end, and longitudinal ribs that provide rigidity to the distal portion. The central portion has a circular configuration and includes a proximally facing surface that includes protrusions that are positioned to be received within staple pockets of a reload assembly of a stapling device. The proximal portion includes a central post that includes splines that are received between splines on a shell housing of a stapling device. The configuration of the insertion device provides added strength to the insertion device to resist high torsional forces that may be applied to the insertion device during insertion of a surgical device through an incision into a body cavity.

Abstract: An auxiliary return system for use with a bipolar electrosurgical device includes a tissue guard defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough between the open proximal end and the open distal end. A ground plate is disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the lumen and is operably coupled to a first end of a ground wire extending from the tissue guard. A coupling is included having a bore defined therein for receiving a cable from an electrosurgical device therethrough, the cable including active and ground leads. The coupling has a flange extending therefrom defining a receptacle therein configured to operably receive a plug connected to a second end of the ground wire. The receptacle is configured to provide electrical continuity between the ground lead disposed within the cable and the plug coupled to the ground wire which, in turn, provides electrical continuity to the ground plate.

Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, a return lead, an electrical insulator, a center pin, and an active lead. The center pin extends from the base portion and through a lumen of the electrical insulator. The active lead is securely fixed to the base portion and extends between the base portion and a distal portion of the center pin such that a portion of the active lead extends around the distal portion of the center pin and first and second segments of the active lead are spaced apart from the return lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical clip applier includes an endoscopic assembly and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a trigger, a drive bar, and a ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly includes a first rack, a second rack, a pawl housing engageable with the first rack, and a second pawl engageable with the second rack. In a first position, the pawl housing is in registration with the first rack to prohibit reversal of a direction of movement of the trigger until the pawl housing is disposed beyond a proximal end or a distal end of the first rack. In a second position, the pawl housing is out of registration with the first rack to permit reversal of the movement of the trigger after the second pawl is disposed distally beyond a distal end of the second rack or proximally beyond a proximal end of the second rack.

Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, a return lead, an electrical insulator, a center pin, and an active lead. The center pin extends from the base portion and through a lumen of the electrical insulator. The active lead is securely fixed to the base portion and extends between the base portion and a distal portion of the center pin such that a portion of the active lead extends around the distal portion of the center pin and first and second segments of the active lead are spaced apart from the return lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: An auxiliary return system for use with a bipolar electrosurgical device includes a tissue guard defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough between the open proximal end and the open distal end. A ground plate is disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the lumen and is operably coupled to a first end of a ground wire extending from the tissue guard. A coupling is included having a bore defined therein for receiving a cable from an electrosurgical device therethrough, the cable including active and ground leads. The coupling has a flange extending therefrom defining a receptacle therein configured to operably receive a plug connected to a second end of the ground wire. The receptacle is configured to provide electrical continuity between the ground lead disposed within the cable and the plug coupled to the ground wire which, in turn, provides electrical continuity to the ground plate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator having active and return terminals, an electrosurgical instrument including an active electrode, a return instrument including a return electrode, an active plug configured to connect to the active terminal of the generator, a return plug configured to connect to the return terminal of the generator, an active cable extending from the return plug to the electro surgical instrument, a return cable extending from the return plug to the return instrument, a connector cable extending from the active plug to the return plug, and a mechanical switch mechanism disposed within the return plug. The mechanical switch mechanism has a disengaged position in which the active plug is electrically disconnected from the active cable and an engaged position in which the active plug is in electrical communication with the active cable.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing, a movable handle, a plunger, and a linkage. The movable handle is pivotably mounted to the housing. The plunger is disposed at least partially within the housing. Distal translation of the plunger relative to the housing is configured to affect a function of the surgical instrument. The linkage is disposed at least partially within the housing. A first portion of the first linkage is pivotable about the movable handle. A second portion of the first linkage is slidable relative to the plunger. A third portion of the linkage includes a stepped portion configured to selectively engage the plunger.

Abstract: A trans-anastomotic insertion device includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a central portion. The distal portion has a blunt distal end, a width that decreases from its distal end to its proximal end, and longitudinal ribs that provide rigidity to the distal portion. The central portion has a circular configuration and includes a proximally facing surface that includes protrusions that are positioned to be received within staple pockets of a reload assembly of a stapling device. The proximal portion includes a central post that includes splines that are received between splines on a shell housing of a stapling device. The configuration of the insertion device provides added strength to the insertion device to resist high torsional forces that may be applied to the insertion device during insertion of a surgical device through an incision into a body cavity.

Abstract: A handle assembly for actuating an end effector includes a feedback mechanism for providing an audible and/or tactical response to indicate to the user that the handle assembly is fully actuated. The feedback mechanism may include a hammer member configured to strike a surface of the handle assembly to create the audible and/or tactical response.

Abstract: A handle assembly for actuating of a surgical end effector is provided. The handle assembly includes a friction reducing mechanism. The friction reducing mechanism may be mounted within a housing of the handle assembly and engage a drive member of the handle assembly. Alternatively, the friction reducing mechanism may be disposed on the drive member. The friction reducing mechanism instead or also includes a bearing member disposed between a trigger member and the housing of the handle assembly.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an active electrical connector and a return electrical connector configured to operably engage a distal end of an electrosurgical instrument shaft. The housing encapsulates a pair of elongated ground plates and a pair of insulative tubes configured to house first and second ends of a wire-like active electrode. The wire-like active electrode operably couples at the first end to the active electrical connector. The elongated ground plates each include a tip at a distal end thereof configured to mutually support a donut-style insulator configured to support the wire-like active electrode therearound. A tensioning mechanism is configured to operably engage the second end of the wire-like active electrode. The tensioning mechanism cooperates with a tensioning tool to tension the wire-like active electrode about the donut-like insulator during assembly.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an active electrical connector and a return electrical connector configured to operably engage a distal end of an electrosurgical instrument shaft, the housing encapsulating an elongated return electrode and a pair of insulative tubes configured to house a wire-like active electrode. The elongated return electrode includes a clevis at a distal end thereof and operably engages to the return electrical connector at a proximal end thereof. The wire-like active electrode operably engages at one end to the active electrical connector. A donut-like insulator is operably engaged to the clevis of the elongated return electrode and is configured to support the wire-like active electrode therearound. A tensioning mechanism is configured to operably engage an opposite end of the wire-like electrode and tension the wire-like active electrode about the donut-like insulator during assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary return system for use with a bipolar electrosurgical device includes a tissue guard defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough between the open proximal end and the open distal end. A ground plate is disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the lumen and is operably coupled to a first end of a ground wire extending from the tissue guard. A coupling is included having a bore defined therein for receiving a cable from an electrosurgical device therethrough, the cable including active and ground leads. The coupling has a flange extending therefrom defining a receptacle therein configured to operably receive a plug connected to a second end of the ground wire. The receptacle is configured to provide electrical continuity between the ground lead disposed within the cable and the plug coupled to the ground wire which, in turn, provides electrical continuity to the ground plate.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a first shaft and a second shaft telescopically movable relative to the first shaft. The second shaft supports an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes a tissue specimen bag supported by a first bag arm and a second bag arm. The first and second bag arms open the tissue specimen bag when the second shaft is in the deployed position. An insertion cap extends outwardly from the tissue specimen bag. The insertion cap retains the first and second bag arms at distal ends thereof. The insertion cap includes a release mechanism. The release mechanism releases the first and second bag arms from the insertion cap upon retraction of the second shaft from the deployed position.

Abstract: A tissue specimen bag includes a bag body and a support ring. The bag body has a closed end and an open end defining a mouth, and defines a channel circumferentially surrounding the mouth. The bag body further includes a plurality of cut-outs defined within the bag body and spaced-apart circumferentially about the mouth such that the channel is discontinuous. The support ring extends through the channel, is resiliently flexible, and is configured to bias the mouth towards an open condition. Portions of the support ring are exposed within the plurality of cut-outs to enable direct interfacing with the support ring without contacting the bag body. A tissue specimen retrieval system includes the tissue specimen bag and a grasper configured to grasp one of the exposed portions of the support ring without contacting the bag body to facilitate manipulation of the tissue specimen bag.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a body portion and a tool portion extending distally from the body portion. The tool portion defines a longitudinal axis. The tool portion includes a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal of an electrosurgical energy source, first and second electrical insulators disposed on a first surface of the return lead, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal of the electrosurgical energy source. The first electrical insulator is disposed distal of the second electrical insulator. The active lead extends through the first and second electrical insulators such that the active lead and the first surface of the return lead define a gap therebetween. Upon activation of the electrosurgical energy source, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut the tissue.