Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to articulate an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can comprise at least one electromagnet which can be selectively activated, or polarized, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate a second magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet and/or an iron core, for example, mounted to the end effector. In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to open and/or close an end effector of the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to advance and/or retract a firing bar, cutting member, and/or staple sled within the surgical instrument in order to incise and/or staple tissue positioned within an end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical buttress includes a body portion and a band disposed on each of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The surgical buttress is configured to attach to an end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus. The body portion, having perforations disposed thereon, overlies the working surface of one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. A resilient portion extends transversely beyond the side edges of the first or second jaws. Each band remains attached to the end effector following the firing thereof. The proximal band is removably attachable to a hook feature disposed on one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. The surgical buttress can be made from suitable degradable or non-degradable materials. One embodiment contemplates a detachable and disposable single use loading unit. A method of attaching the surgical buttress to a surgical apparatus is also envisioned.

Abstract: Innovative and effective snap connector for sutureless vascular anastomosis is disclosed. The jas is made of material that can be absorbed by the human body which promotes faster and more effective healing, has three simple and easy to use parts, and takes on average less than two minutes to assemble. Use of the jas is effective at obtaining a proper seal, reducing potential complications that can arise from long operation times or more complicated application systems, reduces time in surgery, and reduces time for patient's to heal post-surgery.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for restricting the blood flow of an area in a subject. The device includes a restrictor, a bolt and a strip. The restrictor includes a cylindrical body having one open end, one closed end, and a passage there through, in which the inner surface of the cylindrical body towards the open end is treaded; and a protrusion disposed on the outer surface of the closed end of the body. The strip is preferably made of an elastic material and is coupled to the protrusion of the restrictor at one end, while allowing the other end (i.e., the free end) to circumvent the area before passing through the passage of the cylindrical body to form a loop that can be tightened to restrict the blood flow of the area in the subject.

Abstract: A vascular occluder includes first and second conical members disposed in opposing relation and which have tooth-shaped wide ends. The conical members are coupled to one another by a coupling element, which may be a cannula or rod. The conical members are formed of a membrane which has a thickness which increases towards the narrow ends and decreases towards the toothed elements. The toothed elements are preferably self-supporting within a vessel and avoid folds within the occluder membrane, which may otherwise result in leakage of blood around the device. The device may be provided with a supporting frame which may be at least partially embedded within the membrane. The membrane is preferably made of silicone.

Abstract: This invention can be embodied in a device for occluding a cerebral aneurysm comprising a series of proximally-and-distally-connected coil loops. This invention can further comprise a stretchable mesh which spans the interiors of these loops. These loops (and the stretchable mesh) overlap to create a coil-and-mesh mass within the aneurysm sac which occludes the aneurysm.

Abstract: This invention is an aneurysm occlusion device with a sequence of shape-changing embolic members which travel through a lumen into an aneurysm sac. The longest axes of these members are substantially parallel to the lumen as within the lumen and longest axes of these members are substantially parallel to the circumference of the neck of the aneurysm after the member exit the lumen. This device can fill a greater percentage of an aneurysm sac, better reduce blood circulation into the aneurysm sac, and better conform to an irregularly-shaped aneurysm sac than coils or single hollow mesh structures.

Abstract: An implantable embolic device having a stretch-resistant member passing therethrough that also serves as a tether for connecting the device to a delivery system. The stretch-resistant member is attached at a proximal and distal end of the device and extends proximally to the delivery device. The proximal attachment point serves to isolate a distal, stretch resisting segment of the member from axial tension placed on a proximal, connecting section of the member. Thus, the portion of the stretch-resistant member being used to connect the embolic device to a delivery device may be placed under tension without placing tension or distorting the implant.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to precondition, arterialize, and/or occlude a mammalian luminal organ. In an exemplary embodiment of a device for preconditioning, arterializing, and/or occluding a mammalian luminal organ of the present disclosure, the device comprises a frame comprising a plurality of struts, wherein at least one strut of the plurality of struts forms a local general perimeter or boundary of the device, and an expandable occluder coupled to the frame and comprising a membrane or other expandable material that can generally expand and/or unfold as device shifts from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: Bleeding from blood vessels located in difficult-to-compress regions of the body (especially the abdomen, pelvic or groin region) is controlled by the use of a portable, small-footprint belt-like device that contains multiple inflatable bladders. The inflatable bladders are selectively positioned and inflated over exsanguinating blood vessels, thereby exerting pressure to stop the bleeding. The device may also be used to provide perfusion support in low flow disease states such as hemorrhagic shock and cardiac arrest.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw with a complementary blade. The blade is formed with a void to receive a pin associated with the saw that releasably holds the blade to the saw. The blade and the pin have complementary tapered surfaces. When the tapered surface of the pin moves against the tapered surface of the blade, the blade is urged against a static surface of the saw.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece with a rotating spindle for receiving the coupling head of a cutting accessory. The spindle has a proximal bore with faces shaped to transfer torque to the cutting accessory. A distal bore extends forward from and the proximal bore to the distal end of the spindle. The distal bore is shaped so the outer perimeter of the bore is located radially outwardly from the proximal bore. One or more openings are formed in the spindle open into the distal bore. The openings are forward of the proximal end of the distal bore. A locking member is able to move in and out of each opening so as to move in and out of the distal bore. The locking members, when seated in the distal bore releasable hold the cutting accessory seated in the distal and proximal bores to the spindle.

Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a surgical drill can include a housing, a retracting enclosure slidably disposed within the housing and configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position and a retracting motor operatively connected to the retracting enclosure to move the retracting enclosure between the extended position and the retracted position. The drill can further include a drill motor including a motor shaft configured to connect to a drill chuck and disposed within the retracting enclosure such that the motor shaft can rotate relative to the retracting enclosure.

Abstract: A thickness gage including a transparent measurement tube configured to receive and be slidingly engaged over a tubular shaft of a retrograde reamer. The tubular shaft has linear graduation marks on its surface for identifying linear measures for use in measuring a thickness of a bridge bone gap. The linear graduation marks are located on the tubular shaft surface such that at least some of the linear graduation marks can be observed through the transparent measurement tube. Each linear graduation mark, when aligned with a proximal end of the measurement tube, provides a linear measure of the distance between a distal end of the measurement tube and a cutting member of the retrograde reamer positioned so that its central axis is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Such a distance corresponds to the thickness of the bridge bone gap.

Abstract: A surgical file instrument including a surgical file assembly having an elongated tubular member with a guide/shield supporting the blade of the surgical file and being formed on the distal end thereof, the guide/shield portion being generally planar shaped and having an elongated longitudinally extending dimple defining a rail for guiding said blade and keeping it central and preventing wobbling. The side edges of said guide/shield extend upwardly and bear against the underside of the blade for supporting the same.

Abstract: A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal surgery include a retractor with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and an opposite proximal end, The retractor defines a passage between the distal and proximal ends and a window opening into the passage adjacent to the distal end. The apparatus also includes a guide member extending laterally from the proximal end of the retractor and the guide member includes a body extending along an arc. The body defines a number of trajectories each intersecting the window of the retractor. The apparatus further includes an instrument removably mounted to the guide member and the instrument is movable along the guide member and securable to the guide member in any one of the number of trajectories so that the instrument can be moved along the selected trajectory through the window.

Abstract: An allergy skin testing device is disclosed that includes at least one central post having at least one sharp probe extending longitudinally from an end of the at least one central post, the at least one sharp probe being for administering an allergen to skin. For each central post, at least three dull probes substantially surround the at least one sharp probe, creating a “pain gate fence”, the at least three dull probes being for activating a pain gate effect affecting nerves of the skin while the at leat one sharp probe administers the allergen to the skin. The at least three dull probes extend further along the central post than the at least one sharp probe, so when all the probes are pressed against the skin using a gripping portion, the plurality of dull probes press into the skin before the at least one sharp probe penetrates the skin.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to an intravascular device having an elongated member coupled to and extending between a handle and an angled distal portion. The distal portion is moveable between a first configuration having a first shape configured for intravascular delivery and a second configuration having a second shape, different than the first shape, that is configured for intravascular delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustic treatment of tissue are provided. Acoustic energy, for example ultrasound energy, under proper functional control can penetrate deeply and be controlled precisely in tissue. Some aspects provide a method configured for removal of at least a portion of an object, such as a foreign material, in tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an elongated portion, an end effector, a drive beam and a force applier is provided. The housing includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The elongated portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member has a cavity defined therein. Actuation of the first actuator causes distal translation of the drive beam to move the first jaw member relative to the second jaw member toward the approximated position, which applies a fist force against tissue disposed between the jaw members. Actuation of the second actuator causes distal translation of the force applier such that at least a portion of the force applier moves into the cavity of the first jaw member and applies an additional force against tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: A handling device for a micro-invasive surgical instrument includes a gripping device, a shaft coupling, and a rod coupling. The gripping device is configured to guide and hold the handling device. The shaft coupling is configured to detachably couple a proximal end of a shaft to the handling device. The rod coupling is configured to slide in the handling device between an assembly position and a range of working positions to detachably couple a proximal end of a transmission rod to the handling device. The transmission rod is disposed in the shaft. The shaft coupling is configured to block the proximal end of the shaft in a predetermined position in which the proximal end of the shaft holds the rod coupling in the range of working positions.

Abstract: Devices and related methods to engage tissue layers to access the space between the layers are provided. The access devices include engagement arms that can be deployed and retracted to easily engage the top tissue layer and allow it to be separated from the underlying layer. The engagement arms are coupled to an actuation rod that is in turn coupled to a switch or lever that allows a user to control the actuation from outside the patient. The engagement arms and coupling to the actuation rod are unique and compact to ensure the entire mechanism fits in a small diameter shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. Example surgical instruments include a cutting member being at least partially positioned within the outer member. A drive member coupled to the cutting member such that in response to only a rotational force applied to the drive member in a single direction, the cutting member (i) rotates and (ii) moves linearly in a back-and-forth motion. The drive member having a continuous helical groove including a first helical channel and a second helical channel that are blended at their ends. The first helical channel having a first helical angle that causes the cutting member to move in a first direction at a first linear speed and the second helical channel having a second helical angle that is smaller than the first helical angle that causes the cutting member to move in a second opposing direction at a second linear speed that is slower than the first linear speed.

Abstract: A platform device for material excision or removal from vascular structures for either handheld or stereotactic table use may comprise a work element or elements configured to selectively open and close at least one articulable beak or scoopula configured to penetrate and remove intra-vascular materials or obstructions, or follow a central lumen of another device or over a wire in a longitudinal direction. Flush and vacuum tissue transport mechanisms may be incorporated. A single tube or an inner sheath and an outer sheath which may be co-axially disposed relative to a work element may be configured to actuate a beak or beaks or scoopulas and provisions for simultaneous beak or scoopula closing under rotation may be incorporated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustic treatment of tissue are provided. Acoustic energy, for example ultrasound energy, under proper functional control can penetrate deeply and be controlled precisely in tissue. Some aspects provide a method configured for removal of at least a portion of targeted tissue, such as a scar, abscess, non-cancerous tumor, or fibrous knot, in a tissue of the body.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that rotatably supports an ultrasonic transducer assembly therein that may be selectively rotated by a motor housed therein. Various forms of blades are disclosed for attachment to the ultrasonic transducer assembly such that the blade may be selectively rotatable within a hollow outer sheath. The hollow outer sheath has at least one opening therein through which the blade tip may be exposed to tissue. Vacuum may be applied to the cutting implement or through the outer sheath to draw tissue through the opening(s) in the sheath and into contact with a portion of the blade.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, a waveguide extending distally from the housing, an end effector coupled to the distal end of the waveguide, an ultrasonic transducer retained within the housing, and a controller. The ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the proximal end of the waveguide and configured to produce mechanical motion for transmission along the waveguide to the end effector. The controller is configured to control an amplitude of the mechanical motion of the ultrasonic transducer in accordance with at least one amplitude value. The at least one amplitude value is adjusted according to an age of the ultrasonic transducer to compensate for aging of the ultrasonic transducer. Methods for controlling the amplitude of the mechanical motion of an ultrasonic transducer to compensate for aging of the ultrasonic transducer are also provided.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in a body lumen and comprises an elongated control member having a distal and a proximal end, and a radially expansible member disposed at or near the distal end and adapted for collection and/or shearing of matter (i.e. thrombus) from a wall of the body lumen (i.e. a vein or an artery). The radially expansible member has a proximal end and a distal end and is adjustable between a contracted orientation and an expanded orientation. The elongated control member comprising a proximal arm connected at or adjacent to the proximal end of the radially expansible member and a distal arm connected at or adjacent to the distal end of the radially expansible member such that movement of one arm relative to the other arm effects adjustment of the diameter or radial strength of the radially expansible member. The device comprises a control mechanism operatively connected to both arms and adapted to provide resistance to the movement of one arm relative to the other.

Abstract: The devices and method described herein allow for therapeutic damage to increase volume in these hyperdynamic hearts to allow improved physiology and ventricular filling and to reduce diastolic filling pressure by making the ventricle less stiff.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing bone marrow inside a bone is provided. The apparatus may include a penetrator assembly having a tissue penetrator and a hub. The tissue penetrator my have a hollow cannula disposed in fixed relation to the hub. The apparatus may also have a driver configured to insert a portion of the tissue penetrator into the bone and bone marrow, and a depth control mechanism configured to control the depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the bone and bone marrow. The depth control mechanism may have a sensor configured to detect a position of the bone and bone marrow. The depth control mechanism may also have a mechanical stop.

Abstract: Automatic dilator devices for generating minimally invasive access apertures for surgical procedures or endoscopic surveillance. The automatic dilators comprise a number of spreader tubes nested one inside the other. The devices deploy automatically by means of coupled mechanical mechanisms which insert one spreader after the other distally into the patient's tissue. Each spreader moves distally into the tissue by means of a screwing action, by which rotation is converted into linear motion of the neighboring spreader, immediately external to it, by means of interaction between a helical thread form on a surface of a spreader being engaged by a section of thread, or by one or more protrusions on the opposing face of the next spreader external to the rotating spreader. Such a combination of helical thread and follower enables a rotatory mechanism to be used to deploy one nested spreader tube after the other, by continuous rotary motion.

Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may be inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferably is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor. Dilating obturator structures having a rounded or semi-spherical tip and/or an optical window for visualizing brain tissue during expansion are contemplated.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an external fixator ring that includes a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces and upper and lower ring surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more apertures are defined in the inner or outer surface for receiving securing devices. The apertures in the inner or outer surface are adapted to provide rigid attachment for connection struts while allowing for a range of motion between the interconnected rings. In some other embodiments, the external fixator ring further comprises angled flanges extending radially from the inner or outer surface. The angle flanges each include a mounting surface, apertures are defined in the mounting surface of the angle flanges for receiving securing devices.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in spinal fixation to interconnect a longitudinal spinal rod, which is integrally formed with a body of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a collet, a body portion, a rod portion, and a locking cap. The anchor assembly is preferably configured so that in use, the bone anchor may be secured to the patient's vertebra prior to being received within the body portion. The anchor assembly enables a surgeon to implant the bone anchor without the body portion to maximize visibility and access around the anchoring site. Once the bone anchor has been secured to the patient's vertebra, the rod portion may be inserted into the rod-receiving channel of a second bone fixation element having a rod-receiving channel implanted at a second site and the body portion can be snapped-onto the bone anchor.

Abstract: A spine fixing apparatus including: a plate fixed to a spine; screws inserted into the spine by being coupled to the plate; a rotation member for rotary motion at a predetermined location between the screws; and sliding members provided at opposite sides of the rotation member and disposed between the rotation member and the screws. The rotation member can push the sliding members such that the sliding members rectilinearly move to cover upper surfaces of the screws. The spine fixing apparatus can facilitate the locking and unlocking of the screws by switching between lock and unlock modes, and can be firmly fixed to a spine. The plate has a window that enables an operator to identify a surgical region with naked eye. The window also allows the operator to easily bend the plate into a suitable shape for a patient's spine, and closely fix the plate to the spine.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes an elongated body dimensioned and configured to function as a spacer, for placement in a target interspinous process space, between two adjacent spinous processes, a distal anchor associated with a distal end of the body, and a proximal anchor mounted for longitudinal movement along the body between a first position spaced apart from the head and a second position approximated with the head, adapted to compress the two adjacent spinous processes, in conjunction with the distal anchor.

Abstract: An external adjustment device includes at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis with a first handle extending linearly at a first end of the device and a second handle at a second end of the device, the second handle extending in a direction substantially off axis to the first handle. The external adjustment device further includes a motor mounted inside the first handle and a first button located in the proximity to one of the first handle or the second handle, the first button configured to be operated by the thumb of a hand that grips the one of the first handle or second handle. The first button is configured to actuate the motor causing the at least one permanent magnet to rotate about the axis in a first direction.

Abstract: A rod reducer including a housing defining an opening, a body member defining an opening and a slot, a shaft disposed through the opening of the housing and coupled to the opening of the body member, an anvil including a linkage extending therefrom, the linkage coupled to the body member and the anvil, a plurality of arm members, and a biasing element disposed between the body member and the anvil. A pin of the linkage is slidably disposed within the slot, and the biasing element is configured to bias the anvil distally with respect to the body member. Rotation of the shaft translates into linear movement, relative to the housing, of the shaft, the body member, and the anvil. The arm members are coupled to the housing and movable towards a parallel configuration as the anvil is advanced away from the housing to engage a bone screw.

Abstract: A distal locking intramedullary nail is provided. The distal locking intramedullary nail includes a distal tip and a hollow inner portion. The distal tip includes two or more blades secured by, and rotatable about, a pin. The hollow inner portion has an internal threading for receiving an inner shaft having a threaded portion. Twisting of the inner shaft, with the threaded portion engaged with the internal threading of the hollow inner portion of the distal locking intramedullary nail, causes a distal end of the inner shaft to advance distally through the hollow inner portion of the distal locking intramedullary nail and to impact a proximal end of the two or more blades, thereby causing the two or more blades to rotate about the pin and to engage an inner wall of a patient's medullary canal.

Abstract: A plate for treating a bone includes a plate body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and being sized, shaped and contoured to be positioned along a desired surface of a bone. The plate also includes a slotted opening extending through the plate body and defined by a first portion sized and shaped to permit a head portion of a bone fixation element fixed to the bone to be passed therethrough and a second elongated portion extending along the longitudinal axis from the first portion in communication with the first portion, the second portion sized to prevent the head portion of the bone fixation element from being passed therethrough so that, when the head portion of the bone fixation element is received through the first portion, the plate is slidable relative thereto such that the second portion engages the head portion of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: A modular head pedicle screw assembly has a bone screw, a tulip, a locking split ring and a saddle. The locking split ring is internal of the tulip positioned in a recess of an inner surface of the tulip. The saddle has a proximal end for engaging a rod and a distal end for receiving the bone screw. The saddle has an exterior surface positioned between the ends. The outer surface is sized to move axially inside the tulip. The saddle expands the locking split ring in an initial pre-loaded position and upon insertion of the tulip over the bone screw, the saddle moves proximally disengaging the locking split ring simultaneously causing the locking split ring to relax to an unexpanded condition while providing tactile and audible feedback to the surgeon and locking the bone screw into the tulip.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes a pedicle screw washer. The pedicle screw washer includes a body, an aperture for receiving a pedicle screw, a first securing member extending from the body spaced from the aperture and dimensioned to engage a first side of a transverse process of a vertebra, and a second securing member extending from the body spaced from the aperture and dimensioned apart from the first securing member to engage a second opposed side of the transverse process of the vertebra.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controllably variable fluid flow are disclosed that provide the ability to modify the effective cross-sectional area of the fluid delivery conduit available for fluid flow. Accordingly, selective control of these configurations allows fluid flow to be regulated as desired while the fluid delivery pressure remains the same. Additional configurations provided herein allow for the selective manipulation of a footprint or therapeutic pattern achievable with the medical device during a single procedure, negating the need for the removal and insertion of multiple devices to achieve the same variations in treatment geometry or characteristics.

Abstract: An elongated electrode includes a proximal conductor, a tubular member, and a treatment portion. The tubular member defines a channel therethrough and has proximal and distal end portions. The proximal end portion receives the proximal conductor within a portion of the channel and defines a hole through an inner and outer surface of the tubular member in fluid communication with the channel. The treatment portion is coupled to the distal end portion of the tubular member and includes a base and an arm extending distally from the base. The base defines a port in fluid communication with the channel of the tubular member. The arm is in electrical communication with the proximal conductor and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.