Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature.

Abstract: A vein harvesting device. The vein harvesting device includes a retractor and a drive shaft. The retractor includes an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis, and supports a first engagement structure including a plurality of first tines. The drive shaft includes an elongated portion, and is movable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the retractor such that the elongated portion of the drive shaft contacts the first engagement structure causing the plurality of first tines to move about the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an active electrode coupled to a source of electrosurgical energy. The active electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface on an exterior surface of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting surface of the active electrode may intimately engage tissue. A replacement electrode includes a tissue-contacting surface, and is located in an interior cavity of the instrument. A seal is formed between the active electrode and the interior cavity of the instrument such that the tissue-contacting-surface of the replacement electrode is isolated from contamination exposed to the exterior of the instrument. The active electrode is removable from the instrument to expose the tissue-contacting surface of the replacement electrode, and the replacement electrode is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy when the active electrode is removed.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an optical surgical instrument includes a jaw member and a plurality of optical elements positioned within a cavity of the jaw member. The jaw member has a tissue contacting surface. The jaw member has a proximal portion that is configured to secure a fiber optic cable thereto such that a distal end of the fiber optical cable extends into the cavity. The plurality of optical elements are arranged in a staircase-like manner that rises towards the tissue contacting surface as the plurality of optical elements extends distally within the cavity. The plurality of optical elements is configured to direct a beam of light exiting the fiber optic cable towards the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: An end effector assembly (114) includes a first jaw member (114a) having a first tissue contact surface (122) and a second jaw member (114b) having a second tissue contact surface (122). The second jaw member (114b) is pivotally coupled to the first jaw member (114a). The tissue contact surfaces (122) may include raised steps (122b) that define an exhaust channel (124). A longitudinally extending knife slot (214) may be defined in one or both of the tissue contact surfaces (122). One or more exhaust slots (216), which may be defined in one or both of the tissue contact surfaces (122), are in communication with the knife slot (214). The exhaust channel (124) and the exhaust slots (216) direct fluid away from the jaw members (114a, 114b) to minimize thermal damage risks associated with tissue sealing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.

Abstract: A battery autoclaving system is provided including a battery pack having a housing, a battery cell disposed within the housing, and an isolation region disposed between the housing and the battery cell. The isolation region may be formed at least partially from at least one of a thermal insulating material, a phase change material or any combination thereof. The system may include a temperature sensor adapted to sense at least one of a temperature of the battery cell temperature of the isolation region. The system may include and an autoclave configured to receive a temperature indication from the temperature sensor and to inhibit autoclaving when the temperature indication exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an attaching device having an end effector disposed at the distal end thereof. The end effector includes a support member, a wrist pivot pivotably coupling the end effector to the attaching device, and first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another and the support member. A first cable is operably coupled to the wrist pivot and configured to articulate the end effector relative to the attaching device. Second and third cables are operably coupled to the jaw members and configured to pivot the jaw members relative to the support member. A first actuation of the second and third cables collectively pivots the first and second jaw members relative to the support member. A second actuation of the second and third cables pivots the first and second jaw members relative to one another and the support member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure within lungs of a patient. The method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of surgical instruments and providing a housing. Attaching a flexible, elongated shaft with distal and proximal ends to the housing. Engaging at least one working end to the distal end of the housing, the working end including a plurality of tubes disposed therein that define a corresponding plurality of working channels for housing a corresponding plurality of surgical instruments. Controlling an actuator to engage at least one of the corresponding plurality of surgical instruments, wherein rotation of the working end with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft engages at least one of the plurality of surgical instrument with the actuator to deploy the at least one surgical instrument to the lung as needed during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing, an electrically-conductive tissue-treatment plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may include an inflatable bladder, a fluid line coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a knife coupled to the inflatable bladder. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include a fluid line, a knife, and a sealing member that defines a variable-volume sealed chamber within the longitudinally-extending channel of the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include at least one electromagnet, at least one electrical wire coupled to the at least one electromagnet, and a knife operably coupled to the at least one electromagnet.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly, a handle assembly, a first switch assembly, and a second switch assembly. The end effector includes first and second jaw members, at least one of the jaw members movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position and a second approximated position, at least one of the jaw members adapted to connect to a source of energy. The handle assembly includes a movable handle operably coupled to the end effector, and is movable between an initial stage, a first actuated stage, and a second actuated stage. The first switch assembly is activatable to supply a first energy to the end effector to seal tissue grasped, and the second switch assembly is activatable to supply a second energy to the end effector to cut tissue grasped.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes an elongate shaft defining an instrument axis. An end effector includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument includes a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of at least one of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members, and an actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.

Abstract: A drug-delivery cannula assembly includes a cannula housing adapted for receiving at least one obturator shaft of an obturator assembly therethrough, one or more cannulae, and a supply line coupled to the cannula housing. The cannula housing is adapted for receiving one or more obturator shafts of an obturator assembly therethrough. The one or more cannulae define a longitudinal axis and a passageway aligned with the longitudinal axis. The one or more cannulae each include a proximal end coupled to the cannula housing. The cannula housing is configured to fluidly-couple the one or more cannulae to a source of a drug delivery supply for supplying drugs via the supply line to the one or more cannulae.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable with respect to one another between an open position and a closed position. A knife channel having a body and a base is defined within each jaw member. A knife assembly includes a knife having a bifurcated distal end. The bifurcated end includes first and second cutting members each defining an opposed cutting surface and having a tab at a free end thereof for translation through the base of a knife channel. The knife is translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the cutting members are approximated when translated through the channels. The knife is also translatable into the channels when the jaw members are in the open position such that the cutting members are flexed apart when translated through the jaw members.

Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints.