Abstract: A disposable pre-filled syringe has a protecting tube, a medication filling tube, a separating plug, a pushing module, and a needle module. The medication filling tube is made of material stable in chemical property and is mounted in the protecting tube. The separating plug is mounted in an end of the medication filling tube. The pushing module is slidably inserted into the medication filling tube opposite to the separating plug. The needle module is mounted on an end of the protecting tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an injection syringe, the injection syringe including a body having an injection needle fitted thereon, the device including a plunger rod including a distal plunger part slidably movable in the body of the syringe, and a proximal triggering part, configured to trigger the displacement of a protection sheath, from an injection position, wherein the needle is uncovered, towards a safety position, wherein the needle is covered by the sheath. The proximal triggering part is able to move relative to the distal plunger part once the distal plunger part is at the distal end of its stroke, to trigger the displacement of the protection sheath.

Abstract: A dose measuring device for a drug delivery device is provided. The dose measuring device includes a main body and a dial sleeve coupled to the main body to spirally move, the dose measuring device including a housing provided to be removable from the main body, a rotation ring received in the housing to rotate, an encoder installed in the housing to detect the amount of rotation of the rotation ring, and an auxiliary sleeve provided to be removable from the dial sleeve and to spirally move together with the dial sleeve in the housing, in which the rotation ring is bound to the auxiliary sleeve to rotate together with the auxiliary sleeve and is fixed in the housing in a longitudinal direction of the main body.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device, comprising: a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a piston rod, a drive member, the drive member being moveable in a proximal direction with respect to the housing and with respect to the piston rod for setting a dose of a drug, at least one stop member which is provided on one of the piston rod and the drive member and which is radially moveable with respect to the one of the piston rod and the drive member on which it is provided, and at least one interaction member which is provided on the other one of the piston rod and the drive member. Furthermore, a piston rod for a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hemostasis valve device which allows a wire or a catheter to be inserted into the left or right coronary artery via the femoral artery or an arm artery when a Cardiac Catheterization or Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty operation is performed, wherein two independent sealing members are opened and closed by press and release actions of push buttons coupled to a body and the rotation of a fastening tube, respectively, so that the leakage or blood or the inflow of outside air is simply and effectively blocked during the operation, and a drug influx tube for allowing a medicine such as a thrombolytic drug to flow into a patient during the operation pivots and is adjusted in a stepwise manner within a certain range of angles according to body conditions or movements of the patient.

Abstract: An instillator for injection of a Ringer's solution temporarily stores Ringer's solutions or others, and couples a precise flow regulator onto an instillation container, thereby allowing the solutions to be administered more accurately, preventing accidents from happening because the regulator is out of a patient's reach, and allowing a connected tube to be easily arranged. The instillator includes an instillation container, a solution inflow tube with a penetration needle and a solution guide passage, and a lower stopper with a solution drainage passage and a tube connector, wherein a drainage guide plate with a drainage hole is inserted into the container to discharge a solution downwardly, a precise flow regulator is coupled onto the plate to be rotated from side to side, and an instillation hole communicating with the tube connector is formed in the regulator.

Abstract: An access port includes a first and a second resilient element, each having a first face and a second face. A first slit and a second slit are defined in the first and second resilient elements, respectively. The first face of the first resilient element abuts the first face of the second resilient element. The lengthwise direction of the second slit is transverse to the lengthwise direction of the first slit. The first and second resilient elements are configured to assume at least a first position wherein the first and second slits are substantially closed, thereby preventing a passage of a fluid therebetween and at least a second position wherein a member projects through the first and second slits, thereby allowing the member to pass through the access port.

Abstract: A device and system for controlling pressure via fluid exchange in the body is presented. The device and system may be used to control intraocular eye pressure. The system is comprised of four main components: a cannula, a sensor, a controller and a pump. The system works to engage in a fluid exchange which slowly increases/decreases intraocular pressure until a desired level is reached. Once the desired level is reached, the intraocular pressure is held steady and any external pressure perturbations are removed.

Abstract: A system for aspirating fluids from a body by means of negative pressure has: a drainage line for removing the fluid from the body, a fluid collection container connected to the drainage line and used to collect the aspirated fluid, a pump by which the negative pressure used to aspirate the fluid is generated in the drainage line, and an auxiliary line whose end near the body is in fluidic communication with an end, near the body, of the drainage line. In the system, a closed circuit is present or can be generated which interconnects this pump, the auxiliary line, the drainage line and the fluid collection container and through which air or a liquid can be pumped. This system prevents and removes obstructions in the drainage line and also permits a relatively accurate measurement of the negative pressure in the body cavity.

Abstract: A dressing assembly for use with a reduced pressure treatment system, the dressing assembly develops a directed force under reduced pressure. The directed force may be a radial force or a closing force. The dressing assembly includes a shaped dressing bolster having a shaped extremity that is operable to evenly deliver the radial force and to distribute reduced pressure. Numerous shapes may be used for the shaped extremity. The dressing assembly may further include an over-drape to assist in creating a seal over the shaped dressing bolster and against a portion of a patient's epidermis.

Abstract: Manifold structures, systems, and methods are disclosed that include using longitudinal members and one or more shaped projections to cause microstrain at a tissue site. In one instance a manifold structure includes a plurality of spaced longitudinal members and at least one shaped projection coupled to at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members for creating a microstrain at a tissue site. The at least one shaped projection includes a columnar member having a distal end and includes an enlarged member positioned at the distal end of the columnar member. The columnar member has a first outer diameter (D1) and the enlarged member has a second outer diameter (D2). The second outer diameter of the enlarged member is greater than the first outer diameter of the columnar member (D2>D1). Other systems, methods, and structures are presented.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising silicone adhesives and one or more absorbent fillers such as hydrocolloids is disclosed. The adhesive composition is particularly well suited for use in negative pressure wound therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drainage bag support apparatus that has a trunk belt, one or more support straps, and additional means to connect the trunk belt and the support straps together, to adjust the support strap, and to attach a drainage bag. The apparatus of the present invention allows one to adjust and lock the length of the support strap, to change the positions of the trunk belt and the support straps, and to use one or more drainage bags. Methods of using the drainage bag support apparatus include securing the trunk belt around an individual and securing one or more drainage bags to the drainage bag support apparatus. Kits that provide the components of the drainage bag support apparatus to be used along with at least one drainage bag are also described herein.

Abstract: A portable body fluid collection device that includes an apparatus for controlling the collection of body fluids and at least one strap associated with the apparatus for controlling the collection of body fluids. The strap can be worn by a patient to support the weight of the automated body fluid drain control apparatus. The apparatus for controlling the collection of body fluids includes a drainage tube and a fluid collection chamber in fluid communication with the drainage tube. The fluid collection chamber includes a first valve, and the fluid collection chamber is configured such that when a predetermined amount of fluid is collected in the collection chamber before a first predetermined period of time elapses, the collection chamber ceases collecting fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter kit comprising a catheter and a urine bag stored in a package wherein flow is prevented between the catheter and urine bag when stored but enabled when the kit is used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for urinary drainage. The assembly comprises a urinary drainage device for collecting urine from a body opening and a collecting bag for collecting the urine. The collecting bag comprises a compartment between sheets of a foil material and an inlet into the compartment, which inlet is connected to the device such that a urinary flow can be established in a flow path from the device through the inlet and into the compartment. The collecting bag further comprises a flow promoting element arranged between the sheets and having flow promoting properties. The collecting may also comprise suction means for providing suction through a flow path in the collecting bag.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance includes a dual-chamber pouch, which can continuously drain liquids from body waste, while collecting solids in the pouch. The ostomy appliance can also include a flat output tap including a lumen, the size of which can be increased by applying pressure.

Abstract: An ostomy base plate includes an adhesive for attaching the ostomy base plate to a surface of skin, an inner edge defining a hole sized for receiving a stoma, and a backing layer. The adhesive is disposed on a proximal side of the backing layer. The ostomy base plate has a pulling tab attached at an outer edge of the ostomy base plate. The pulling tab forms an angle with the backing layer of less than 90° when no force is applied to the pulling tab.

Abstract: Propylene-based polymer compositions are provided comprising propylene and from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of one or more C2 and/or C4-C12 ?-olefins. The polymer compositions have a triad tacticity greater than about 90%, a heat of fusion less than about 75 J/g, and a melt flow rate (MFR) greater than or equal to about 25 g/10 min (230° C., 2.16 kg). Further, the polymer compositions are reactor grade compositions comprising a reactor blend of a first polymer and a second polymer, preferably where both of the first and second polymers are prepared using the same catalyst system. Meltspun nonwoven fabrics, such as meltblown or spunbond fabrics, comprising such polymer compositions are also provided, as well as processes for forming the nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: A laminate with micro-texture having attachment lines oriented in a primary direction and mechanically activated in the primary direction.

Abstract: A tampon (1) having a nonpermeable cap (5) is placed over a distal end (4) of the tampon. The nonpermeable cap has a tubular wall (6) that surrounds the distal end of the tampon and rests inside the vagina (15). The tubular wall is pushed outward against the walls (16) of the vagina as the tampon expands with the absorption of fluid. The nonpermeable cap prevents liquids from escaping from the vagina or outside fluids being absorbed by the distal end of the tampon and into the vagina.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.

Abstract: A removable clip for connection with a catheter for a remote surgical procedure is provided. The clip includes a body and an arcuate concave surface configured to rest upon a central portion of the body and opposed first and second legs that each extend therefrom. A ramp surface extends from the body portion, the ramp surface with a portion that extends at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis through the concave surface. A portion of the ramp surface is configured to extend within an aperture within a side wall of a catheter when the clip is fixed to the side wall of the catheter.

Abstract: An accessory for a syringe is disclosed, including a body with a proximal end having at least one zone for application of an injection force in order to apply a force for discharging a product from the syringe, and a distal end having a bearing element for bearing against a needle mounted on the mouth of the syringe with a force that includes a radial component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the syringe and directed towards the centre of the syringe. An assembly including such an accessory and a syringe is also disclosed.

Abstract: An “MRI-safe” implantable infusion apparatus and method that includes a flow actuated valve (FAV) that closes to prevent a free flow of infusate to a patient during an MRI procedure, and a release mechanism that opens the valve so that the device may return to normal operation following the MRI procedure. In this manner, patient safety is improved and the inconvenience of having to empty the pump reservoir before undergoing an MRI procedure may be avoided.

Abstract: Sterile micron-sized gold particles contained in capped vials, a kit of part including the vial and a liquid capable of suspending the particles, as well as their preparation, medical devices or medicaments prepared by their preparation as well as uses thereof in treating inflammation. Also, gold coated implants preferably for use in combination with the medical devices.

Abstract: A hub assembly is provided for accommodating a medical professional to grip and manipulate two components of a catheter hub and move one component longitudinally relative to the other, then removably engaging the two components of the catheter hub to restrict movement there between. The two catheter hub components include a proximal hub and a distal hub. The proximal hub and the distal hub are configured to removably engage with one another. The proximal hub is affixed to a first catheter member, such as a multi-lumen catheter, while the distal hub is affixed to a second catheter member, such as a sheath. The first catheter member and the second catheter member are cooperatively engaged and concentric with one another. Relative movement of the proximal and distal hubs translates into relative movement of the first and second catheter members.

Abstract: The device infuses a compound subcutaneously or intradermally over an extended period of time. The delivery is from a conventional prefilled syringe with a staked cannula with the device adhered to the injection site and the syringe positioned substantially parallel to the injection site. The cannula is formed by a mechanism integral to the device to provide the cannula distal section substantially perpendicular to the syringe axis. The compound delivery is based on springs or other mechanisms. The approach offers a low cost mechanical system for the infusion of high volume, viscous compounds. The activation of the patch infuser required a few simple steps by the user. A single lever is used to trigger all device functions.

Abstract: An improved intravenous therapy system is disclosed. Said improved intravenous therapy system comprising an opaque shell and an opaque line shell. Said opaque shell wrapped around an IV compartment. Said opaque line shell wrapped around an IV line. Said IV compartment comprises an IV fluid. Said IV line delivers said IV fluid to a patient.

Abstract: Introducer sheath (10,30,40) having a flexible kink-resistant distal tip portion (26,32,42). A multilayer sheath structure is used, with an inner tube (12) such as PTFE having a coil (14) of wire wound therearound. A first length of outer tubing (20) such as of nylon is inserted over most of the coil-wound inner tube (12) in a manner exposing a distal length of coil-wound inner tube. A second length of outer tubing (22) with a softer durometer than first outer tubing length (20), is inserted over the exposed coil-wound inner tube and extends for a slight distance beyond the end of the coil. During heat application, the outer tubing lengths (20, 22) are melted to bond to each other and to flow between the spacings of the coil turns to bond to the roughened outer surface of the inner tube (12). The distal tip region corresponding to the second tubing length is flexible and is kink-resistant due to the coil (14).

Abstract: A urinary catheter of enhanced pushability, for indwelling introduction into a patient's urethra having an effecter within the longitudinal bore of the catheter near its distal end to facilitate an easy introduction of the catheter into the body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument or prosthesis and a surgical instrument or prosthesis so manufactured are described. A first material is injected into a first mould to form an interim component. Portions of the interim component define at least one channel. The maximum wall thickness of the interim component is less than a first threshold determined by the injection moulding properties of the first material. The maximum width of the at least one channel is less than a second threshold determined by the injection moulding properties of a second material. The second material is injected into a second mould containing at least part of the channel of the interim component so that the channel is at least partially filled with the second material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for making a first incision in an anterior capsule of a capsular bag, the first incision being less than or equal to approximately 3.5 mm in diameter and making a second incision in the anterior capsule, the second incision being less than or equal to approximately 3.0 mm in diameter. The first incision and the second incision are positioned off-center from a center portion of the anterior capsule. The method includes performing lens fragmentation of a lens in the capsular bag to yield lens material, inserting a first instrument into the first incision, inserting a second first instrument into the second incision and removing the lens material via one of the first instrument and the second instrument and through one of the first incision and the second incision. The tensile structure of the anterior portion of the capsular bag is maintained such that accommodation exists within the eye after insertion of the intraocular lens.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic laser device includes a pulsed laser configured to produce radiation focused along at treatment beam path. A variably adjustable beam deflector unit and a focusing lens system are disposed in the treatment beam path. The deflector unit is configured to focus the radiation in different target volumes. Measuring equipment is configured to determine a shape and position of optical interfaces along a detection beam path. A control unit is configured to control the laser and the deflector unit and to implement steps including determining a shape and position of an interface of a membrane of a capsular bag of an eye located in a treatment area using the measuring equipment, determining coordinates of a target volume such that, on irradiation of the target volume, a pressure wave runs from the target volume to the anterior or posterior membrane, and adjusting the deflector unit to the target determined volume.

Abstract: In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises a catheter having an elongated housing with a channel disposed therein. A laser delivery member is movable and at least partially disposed within the channel. A ramp is disposed within the housing at an angle to its central axis and proximate to its distal end. The ramp is adapted to move the distal end of the laser delivery member outwardly from the central axis of the housing. A guidewire biases the distal end of the laser delivery member generally inwardly toward the central axis of the housing. In some embodiments, without limitation, the offset of the central axis of the tip of the laser delivery member from the central axis of the housing is determined by adjusting the extent to which the laser delivery member travels on the ramp, and disposition of the laser delivery member on the guidewire maintains the offset tip substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing.

Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a cannula; a light guide within the cannula, configured to receive a light beam from the light source, to guide the light beam to a distal end of the light guide, and to emit the light beam at the distal end of the light guide; and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the cannula, the multi-spot generator having a faceted proximal surface with oblique facets, configured to receive the light beam emitted at the distal end of the light guide and to split the received light beam into multiple beam-components, and a distal surface through which the multiple beam-components exit the multi-spot generator, wherein the proximal surface of the multi-spot generator is micro-structured with a modulation length smaller than a wavelength of the light beam in order to reduce the reflectance of light back into the probe.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument including: a shaft having a closed distal end defining an expansion chamber and an open proximal end that receives an inflow of cryogen and to exhaust a flow of expanded cryogen; and a heat exchanger with a cryogen delivery tube that spirals around a core disposed along longitudinal axis thereof. The cryogen delivery tube, at least where it spirals, is in fluid tight contact with the inner surface of the shaft so as to form spiraling cryogen exhaust pathways that extend along a portion of a length of the cryosurgical instrument from the distal end of the shaft. The cryogen delivery tube forces a two-phase flow of cryogen to undergo phase separation by centrifugal forces and urges the liquid phase against the external walls of the spiral coil and the outer surface of the spiral gap. Heat exchanging, through boiling, occurs close to the external wall of the instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a distal tip for creating a lesion on tissue includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are parallel for the delivery of RF energy to tissue. A sensor electrode is provided parallel to and spaced away from the first electrode a different distance than the second electrode. When the sensor electrode and at least one of the first and second electrodes are in contact with tissue. The electrosurgical device can perform at least one of the following: ablating tissue, and sensing at least one selected from the group of voltage, tissue impedance, electrical conduction, conduction time, conduction velocity, and signal phase angle.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a surgical instrument capable of locally applying microwaves to a minute biological tissue. It has been found that microwaves can be transmitted to a tip of a tapered coaxial body (9) and that microwaves are radiated from the entire central conductor exposed in a major axis direction by decreasing a sectional area (preferably diameter) of a central conductor (1) and a sectional area (preferably inner diameter) of an external conductor gradually or in a step-by-step manner with a ratio between the sectional area (diameter) of the central conductor (1) and the sectional area (inner diameter) of the external conductor being set to be constant, thereby achieving the present invention.

Abstract: System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether a dose of energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of the energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after a dose of energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the results of the evaluation. The system includes at least a device for delivering a dose of energy to the wall of an artery; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display the results obtained using the said method.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes: a treatment section treating a living tissue; an energy generation section generating energy for providing ultrasound vibration or high-frequency current to the treatment section; a probe provided in the treatment section, for performing the ultrasound vibration; a liquid feeding unit supplying a liquid; a liquid feeding conduit feeding the liquid; a liquid feeding port, provided in the treatment section, for feeding the liquid toward the probe to feed the liquid to between the living tissue and the treatment section; a liquid feeding unit supplying the liquid to the liquid feeding conduit; an impedance detection section detecting an impedance of the living tissue is in contact with the treatment section; and a control section that controls the liquid feeding unit, after the stoppage of the output of the energy, so that as the impedance is larger, a predetermined period of time or a predetermined amount increases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of lesion size in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and integrates the force over an energization time of the ablation probe. The force-time integral can be calculated and utilized to provide an estimated lesion size (depth, volume and/or area) in real time. The force-time integral may also account for variations in the power delivered to the target tissue in real time to provide an improved estimation of the lesion size. In one embodiment, the force metric can be used as feedback to establish a desired power level delivered to the probe to prevent steam popping.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical forceps are provided with dual irrigating tubes that deliver irrigating liquid to the opposed surfaces of the tips of the forceps to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips. To reduce the manufacturing costs of the forceps and enable the forceps to be single use, disposable forceps, each tube of the dual irrigating tools is a plastic tube adhered along one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of forceps arms. Each tube also has a flat nozzle at the distal end of the tube that disburses irrigating liquid across the opposed surfaces of the forceps arm distal and tips.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes: a treatment section treating a living tissue; an energy generation section providing high-frequency current to the treatment section; a liquid feeding conduit feeding a liquid to the living tissue; a suction conduit suctioning the liquid; an energy control section that outputs a high-frequency output control signal for controlling the energy generation section; a first pump drive section that feeds the liquid from the liquid feeding conduit while the high-frequency current is output, according to a command of the high-frequency output control signal, and stops feeding of the liquid, according to a command of the high-frequency output control signal; and a second pump drive section that suctions the liquid from the suction conduit for a predetermined period of time or in a predetermined amount, according to a command for stopping the high-frequency output control signal, and stops suction of the liquid after the suction.

Abstract: A removable apparatus is provided for temporary implantation in a pulmonary vein for ablating atrial tissue surrounding the antrum of the pulmonary vein to treat atrial fibrillation in a subject. The apparatus comprises an electrically-insulated expandable support member and a retrieval mechanism. The support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion extending between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes at least one annularly disposed wing member, and has a free end defined by oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces. The at least one wing member includes at least one ablation element located at the free end thereof. The retrieval mechanism is for removing the support member and for energizing the at least one ablation element. The retrieval mechanism includes at least one electrically-conductive wire, which is separately connected to the at least one wing member.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an end effector, and outer beam, and an inner beam. The body comprises an actuator. The end effector is in communication with the body and has a first jaw and a second jaw. The outer beam is able to advance within the end effector such that the outer beam closes the second jaw toward the first jaw. The advancement of the outer beam is controlled mainly by the actuator. The inner beam is also able to advance within the end effector such that the inner beam transects tissue. The actuator is operable to control the advancement of the inner beam in at least two stages. The actuator advances the inner beam and the outer beam together in a first state. The actuator advances the inner beam while the outer beam remains stationary in a second stage.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. The first jaw member includes a cutting electrode adapted to connect to the source of energy to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members, while the second jaw member including a first insulative member positioned to oppose the cutting electrode. The first insulative member is configured to guide the cutting electrode into alignment with the first insulative member upon approximation of the jaw members to thereby align the jaw members relative to one another upon approximation of the jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and methods for severing and welding tissue, in particular blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a pair of relatively movable jaws at a distal end thereof. A first heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a first temperature and form a welded region within the tissue, while a second heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a second temperature and sever the tissue within the welded region. The first and second heating elements may be provided on the same or opposite jaws. A control handle provided on the proximal end of the elongated shaft includes controls for opening and closing the jaws, and may include an actuator for sending current through the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be electrically connected in series, and the first heating element may be bifurcated such that it conducts about one half of the current as the second heating element.