Abstract: An end effector for use and connection to a robot arm of a robotic surgical system, wherein the end effector is controlled and/or articulated by at least one cable extending from a respective motor of a control device of the robot surgical system, is provided. The end effector includes a jaw assembly defining a longitudinal axis and including a pair of jaws. Each jaw includes a proximal portion pivotally connected to the distal hub assembly; and a distal portion extending distally of the proximal portion thereof. The end effector additionally includes an actuation cable having a distal end operatively connected to the pair of jaws and a proximal end operatively connected to the at least one motor. In use, axial translation of the actuation cable results in one of an opening and a closing of the jaw assembly.

Abstract: An end effector for use and connection to a robot arm of a robotic surgical system, wherein the end effector is controlled and/or articulated by at least one cable extending from a respective motor of a control device of the robot surgical system, is provided. The end effector includes a jaw assembly defining a longitudinal axis and including a pair of jaws. Each jaw includes a proximal portion pivotally connected to the distal hub assembly; and a distal portion extending distally of the proximal portion thereof. The end effector additionally includes an actuation cable having a distal end operatively connected to the pair of jaws and a proximal end operatively connected to the at least one motor. In use, axial translation of the actuation cable results in one of an opening and a closing of the jaw assembly.

Abstract: Devices and methods for thermal ablation of hypertrophied tissue, such as turbinates, with a resistive heating element adapted for insertion into the tissue. The device uses DC current to heat the resistive heating element, and is operated at relatively low voltage levels and low current levels. The device is easy to operate, and may be applied for predetermined time periods without feedback control, using a timing circuit or computerized control system. The resistive heating element is covered with a thin, non-stick, coating that is thermally conductive, such as Xylan®, Teflon® or other fluoropolymer or suitable material.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: A device for handling tissue; including: a main body; a pair of opposing arms connected to the main body, the opposing arms having working surfaces thereon; a heating element disposed on one of the working surfaces; and a resistive element wired in parallel with the heating element.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of a mammalian body in which the conductivity of the tissue is characterized. The amount of a conductive liquid to supply to the tissue is determined as a function of the conductivity of the tissue and injected into the tissue over an interval of time. Electromagnetic energy is supplied to the tissue to form a lesion in the tissue. A computer-readable memory and a radio frequency generator and controller utilizing such method are further provided.

Abstract: A woven mesh heater generates a heat emitting surface which provides for uniform spatial distribution of heat and which is self-regulated in the preferred embodiment. The heater is particularly useful in joining together polyethylene pieces. The heater is produced from woven mesh and inserted between polyethylene pieces to be joined. Upon energization with a power source, the heater heats the polyethylene pieces to a temperature so that the pieces melt and fuse together. The heater is formed from a mesh of interleaved conductive wires and resistive wires. Electrical paths are established through the mesh by spot welding at intersection, or crossover, points of the conductive and resistive wires. The spot welding produces an electrical connection between the conductive and resistive wires at the welds. In this way, equal distance and therefore equal resistance paths are obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a mounting assembly comprising an electronic module and a rack for receiving the module. The assembly includes an actuator arranged to cause the module to slide along the rack into engagement with an end stop, and subsequently to actuate means arranged to force a surface of the module against a surface of the rack, for example to make a heat sink link. The actuator preferably comprises a shape memory alloy element.