Abstract: A knee arthroplasty system may have a femoral joint prosthesis with a femoral bone engagement surface with an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a distal portion that connects the anterior portion to the posterior portion. A first femoral anchoring member may protrude from the distal portion, and may be connected to the anterior portion with a primary femoral web. A tibial resection guide may have a base member and a guide member with a slot that guides a cutting blade to resect the tibial plateau. The guide member may slide along an arcuate path relative to the base member.

Abstract: A drill for driving a drill bit into a solid object such as bone. The drill includes a rotor with a bore that transmits rotational movement to the drill bit. The drill bit extends through the rotor bore. A probe extends forward from the drill to measure bore depth. The probe is moveably mounted to the drill so as to extend into the rotor bore. As the drill and drill bit advance forward the probe remains static. As a result of the advancement of the drill the rotor extends over the proximal end of the probe.

Abstract: A targeting kit comprises (i) a mounting arrangement for releasably mounting the targeting kit on an implant, (ii) first and second guide members having an elongate shape with a bore running along its longitudinal axis (iii) a holding arrangement for holding the first and second guide members, the holding arrangement being adjustable between a release condition, in which the positions of the first and second guide members are adjustable, and a holding condition, in which the first and second guide members are in a fixed position, and (iv) a bridging arrangement between the mounting arrangement and the first and second guide members, to space the first and second guide members with respect to the mounting arrangement, the bridging arrangement being adjustable between a release condition, in which the position of the mounting arrangement is adjustable, and a holding condition, in which the first and second guide members are fixedly spaced.

Abstract: A knee arthroplasty system may have a femoral joint prosthesis with a femoral bone engagement surface with an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a distal portion that connects the anterior portion to the posterior portion. A first femoral anchoring member may protrude from the distal portion, and may be connected to the anterior portion with a primary femoral web. A tibial resection guide may have a base member and a guide member with a slot that guides a cutting blade to resect the tibial plateau. The guide member may slide along an arcuate path relative to the base member.

Abstract: A method of surgically preparing a proximal end of a tibia includes inserting an intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument into a medullary canal of the tibia, securing an attachment device to the intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument, attaching a cutting block to the attachment device, resecting the proximal end of the tibia using the cutting block to form a surgically-prepared surface, positioning a tibial base trial on the surgically-prepared surface, and inserting a keel punch through a slot defined in the tibial base trial and into the surgically-prepared surface of the tibia.

Abstract: A targeting guide is disclosed includes a handle extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal handle defines one or more burr holes extending from a first side of the handle to a second side of the handle. A head is coupled to a distal end of the longitudinal handle. The head defines a plurality of guide holes sized and configured to receive a k-wire therethrough.

Abstract: Methods of declotting vascular access technologies, such as vascular access assemblies that facilitate hemodialysis, are provided. The methods can include disposing a catheter within a patient to access a vascular access assembly within the heart of the patient. The catheter can be coupled to the vascular access assembly such that a clot can be evacuated from within the vascular access assembly via the catheter.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device is provided. The specimen retrieval device includes a housing including an outer shaft extending distally therefrom. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes at least one tissue engaging device configured to engage tissue and at least one spring. A pouch is coupled to the inner shaft and the at least one spring. The pouch includes an open proximal end and a closed distal end and is movable from a first configuration for deployment from the outer shaft to a second configuration for receiving tissue therein. The at least one tissue engaging device is positionable within the pouch and movable along the inner shaft for engaging tissue and pulling the tissue within the pouch.

Abstract: Pixel array medical devices, systems and methods are described for skin grafting and skin resection procedures. The procedures involve applying a scalpet array to a target skin site. The scalpet array comprises scalpets positioned on an investing plate. Skin pixels are circumferentially incised at a target skin site by applying a load via the scalpet array onto subjacent skin surface that includes the target skin site. Incised skin pixels are captured on an adherent substrate, where the incised skin pixels are extruded through the scalpet array. Bases of incised skin pixels extruded through the scalpet array are then transected.

Abstract: Systems, instruments or devices, and methods or procedures are described in which a scalpet array is applied to a target site with the use of a pattern. The scalpet array comprises scalpets positioned on a device. Skin pixels are incised at the target site via application of a load through the scalpet array. A recipient site is prepared by positioning the pattern at the recipient site and applying the scalpet array to generate skin defects. The incised skin pixels are applied at the skin defects of the recipient site.

Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes a housing, a shaft rotatable relative to the housing and defining a proximal end portion disposed within the housing and a distal end portion distally-spaced from the housing, a cutting member operably associated with the distal end portion of the shaft, a turbine disposed within the housing and operably associated with the proximal end portion of the shaft, and a fluid outflow tube operably associated with the housing. The fluid outflow tube is adapted to connect to a suction source to enable the suctioning of fluid and resected tissue proximally through a lumen of the shaft, an interior of the housing, and into the fluid outflow tube. The turbine is configured such that proximal fluid flow across the plurality of fins of the turbine urges the turbine to rotate, thereby rotating the shaft relative to the housing to enable tissue resection with the cutting member.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical device includes a main body, a buffer assembly and a cutter bit. The main body includes an inner tube and an outer tube, wherein the inner tube is disposed in the outer tube. An end of the buffer assembly is connected to the inner tube. The cutter bit is connected to another end of the buffer assembly, wherein the cutter bit has a cutting portion. When the cutting portion is in contact with an object, the buffer assembly is adapted to enable the cutter bit to move relatively to the inner tube to decrease a cutting force between the cutting portion and the object, and is adapted to enable the cutting portion to be tilted with a surface of the object.

Abstract: A method for reducing or removing biofilm on a target tissue or prosthesis surface includes providing a coupling space or antechamber between the operative tip or end of an ultrasonic probe and a target treatment surface, the space or antechamber being fillable with a liquid irrigant to transmit ultrasonic vibration and facilitate extraction of biofilm fragments including potentially pathogenic particles. A second phase of treatment in the case of organic tissue involves the attachment of one or more ultrasonic transducers to a patient over or near a surgical treatment site after surgery is terminated. Each applied ultrasonic transducer is used to vibrate the patient's tissues at the treatment site to disrupt biofilm formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for ultrasound-assisted manipulation at the female reproductive organs of large mammals, such as rhinoceros, elephant and hippopotamus, and to the use of said assembly. The assembly comprises a support pipe with an end element and a handle piece, a guide pipe provided in the support pipe, a puncture needle, an ultrasound head support provided at the distal end of the support pipe and having accomodators for an ultrasound head and the distal end of the guide pipe, wherein the axis of the ultrasound head and of the distal end of the guide pipe is in each case angled with respect to the horizontal axis of the support pipe such that the position of the tip of the puncture needle is in the ultrasound scan range of the ultrasound head.

Abstract: A system for establishing an anchorage in an operation site of a human or animal patient with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and vibration energy. The system includes a transmitting piece connected or connectable to an energy source for generating vibration energy, and a housing with an opening. The transmitting piece is arranged moveably within the housing, the opening being adapted to the transmitting piece for a distal portion of the transmitting piece to be able to protrude from the opening. The system also includes a driver being activatable for exerting a compression force on the transmitting piece, and a thermoplastic element arranged to be compressible between the transmitting piece and a counter element by the compression force. Furthermore, the system is equipped for shock-free initial positioning and pre-pressing of the transmitting piece against the thermoplastic element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses single level fusion systems and methods of use. The single level fusion systems include a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector to secure the first fastener to the second fastener. The method of assembling a single level fusion system including obtaining a first fastener, a second fastener, and a connector, securing the first fastener to the connector, and securing the second fastener to the connector. Methods of using the single level fusion systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A friction fit compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a planar split retaining ring and a shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled and the receiver and insert may include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.

Abstract: A control instrument 100 for a guidewire comprising a first component moveable from a first position, in which the guidewire can move axially relative to the first component, to a second position in which the guidewire is fixed relative to the first component and a second, rotatable, component, wherein rotation of the second component causes the first component to move axially, only when the first component is in its second position, thereby moving the guidewire move axially.

Abstract: A bone screw extension assembly for use in placing a connecting rod percutaneously into tissue of a patient comprises a multi-axial bone screw and a screw extension releasably coupled to yoke of the bone screw. The screw extension includes coaxially disposed outer sleeve and inner sleeves that are rotatable relative to each other. A screw engaging member projects radially from the distal end of the inner sleeve and is configured to engage an extension coupling surface on the outer sleeve upon relative rotation of the inner and outer sleeves. A securement member including cooperative surfaces is defined adjacent the distal end of the inner and outer sleeves that is operable upon relative rotation of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve to radially secure the sleeves together to thereby maintain the engagement of the screw engaging member and the bone screw.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. The driver is coaxial with the respective guide tool and rotatingly mateable thereto. The driver includes a stem and a nut-type fastener, the stem receivable in the guide tool. The fastener allows for rotation of the bone screw without rotating the attached guide tool.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for the treatment of fractures of long bones. The nail presents a body having a proximal area and a distal area and a longitudinal axis, and is adapted to be inserted in the medullary canal of said long bone. Furthermore, the nail presents at least two through holes formed at the proximal zone of said body. The nail includes a pair of fastening elements each having a first and a second end, in which each fastening element is adapted to be housed in a respective hole of the body of the nail at the respective first end.

Abstract: Intramedullary nails, systems, and methods. The intramedullary nail may include a generally elongate body extending from a first, distal end to a second, proximal end. The distal end may include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the distal end intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the distal end of the nail. The proximal end may also include one or more openings configured to receive one or more bone anchors that extend transversely through the proximal end of the intramedullary nail, and thereby configured to secure the proximal end of the nail. In some embodiments, the proximal opening may contain one or more relief cuts.

Abstract: A femur fixation apparatus includes an intramedullary nail, a lag screw that is inserted through the intramedullary nail, and an adjuster 4 fitted in the intramedullary nail. The adjuster includes a sliding part unrotatable and slid-movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the intramedullary nail and a rotation part rotatably connected to the sliding part. A lower end of the rotation part is formed with an inward flange part and a cutout. An engaging part of an engaging protrusion formed to the sliding part is inserted into the rotation part via the cutout from the radial direction, and the engaging part is supported by the inward flange part from the bottom, rotatably connecting the sliding part to the rotation part.

Abstract: Variable angle holes in bone plates that are structured to facilitate the formation of axial compression or tension of a bone, or which can assist in bone distraction. The variable angle hole can extend about a central axis and includes an inwardly extending wedge wall. The variable angle hole can be sized to receive insertion of a fixation element at a location at which a central longitudinal axis of the fixation element is axially offset from the central axis of the variable angle hole by an offset distance at least when the fixation element is initially driven into bone at least in a transverse direction. The wedge wall can be configured to be engaged by a portion of the fixation element in a manner that axially displaces at least one of the bone plate, the fixation element, and/or bone(s) in a direction that can generally reduce or increase the offset distance.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.

Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A method and system for performing bone fusion and/or securing one or more bones, such as adjacent vertebra, are disclosed. The screws include a threaded tip connected to a main shaft and a threaded outer sleeve that rotates relative to the outer shaft until locked down. Independent rotation of the threaded outer sleeve relative to the threaded distal tip allows compression or distraction to modify the gap between the vertebral bodies. The screws are passed from the inferior to superior vertebra or superior to inferior, for example, through a trans-pedicular route to avoid neurological compromise. At the same time, the path of screw insertion is oriented to reach superior or inferior vertebra. An intervertebral cage of the system is configured for lateral expansion from a nearly straight configuration to form a large footprint in the disc space. The screws and cage may be combined for improved fixation with minimal invasiveness.

Abstract: A method and system for performing bone fusion and/or securing one or more bones, such as adjacent vertebra, are disclosed. The screws include a threaded tip connected to a main shaft and a threaded outer sleeve that rotates relative to the outer shaft until locked down. Independent rotation of the threaded outer sleeve relative to the threaded distal tip allows compression or distraction to modify the gap between the vertebral bodies. The screws are passed from the inferior to superior vertebra or superior to inferior, for example, through a transpedicular route to avoid neurological compromise. At the same time, the path of screw insertion is oriented to reach superior or inferior vertebra. An intervertebral cage of the system is configured for lateral expansion from a nearly straight configuration to form a large footprint in the disc space. The screws and cage may be combined for improved fixation with minimal invasiveness.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener has a head and a shank. The shank has a leading end portion adjacent a distal tip and a trailing end portion adjacent a head. An intermediate portion is positioned between the leading and trailing end portions. At the intermediate portion, the shank increases in diameter. The leading end portion has a first thread which includes one or more self-tapping cutting grooves extending adjacent the distal tip and through a plurality of the first threads. The intermediate portion has second threads extending toward the head from the leading end portion. The second threads of the intermediate portion are larger in outer diameter than the first threads in the leading end portion. The intermediate portion has one or more cutting grooves traversing at each of a leading transition at the leading end portion and at a trailing transition.

Abstract: Some of the present line passing devices include an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end including a tip and an actuatable portion proximal to the tip, and a line passageway sized to receive a line and extending in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end, the line passageway extending through the distal end, a user-operable adjustment member movably coupled to the proximal end, and one or more wires coupled to the knob and to the actuatable portion, where the line passing device is configured such that, in response to movement of the knob, the one or more wires actuate the actuatable portion to angularly displace the distal end relative to the proximal end.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, comprising: (a) an elongate member, having a proximal portion and a distal portion; (b) an extracorporeal controller, coupled to the proximal portion of the elongate member, and comprising a user interface and control circuitry; and (c) an effector unit. The effector unit is coupled to the distal portion of the elongate member, defines a longitudinal axis, and has a contracted state and an expanded state. The effector unit comprises a plurality of electrodes, operable by the control circuitry, and disposed circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the effector unit; and an ultrasound transducer, operable by the control circuitry. In the expanded state, each electrode is disposed further radially outward from (i) the central longitudinal axis of the effector unit, and (ii) the transducer compared to the contracted state, and the transducer is oriented to direct ultrasound radially outwardly.

Abstract: An energy delivery device cooling system includes a reservoir connector assembly and an elongate member. The elongate member has first and second lumens in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first lumen includes an outflow port and the second lumen includes a return port each in fluid communication with the reservoir. The device further includes a tubing system having a first end and a second end. The first end connected in fluid communication with the outflow port and the second end in fluid communication with the return port. The second end configured to return a fluid to the reservoir. The tubing system connects to an energy delivery device to cool the fluid.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of cooling to produce selective disruption of visceral fat tissue in a non-infant human subject comprising infusing a cooled fluid into the abdominal or peritoneal cavity, or into other parts of the body containing visceral fat, to cool the proximal tissue sufficiently to selectively disrupt lipid-rich cells therein, for example, to promote subsequent damage and absorption of lipid-rich cells by the body without producing unwanted effects in non-lipid-rich cells; e.g., without injury to internal organ tissues that could otherwise produce life-threating risks. The cooled fluid can be infused using a catheter arrangement. The cooled fluid can be retained within the abdominal category for a particular duration, and then drained using the catheter arrangement. In certain embodiments, the cooled fluid can be simultaneously introduced into the abdominal cavity and drained therefrom.

Abstract: Ultrapolar telescopic and non-telescopic electrosurgery pencils with argon beam capability which are capable of using monopolar energy in a bipolar mode for cutting and coagulation and which are also capable of using an ionized gas for cutting and coagulation.

Abstract: An embolic agent and a piezoelectric substance are mixed together. The mixture can be delivered to a tumor or other object by a non-invasive method. The embolic agent prevents movement of the piezoelectric substance from the target location. Subsequent impulses applied to the target location cause ablation of the surrounding area due to the piezoelectric effect of the particles, promoting highly accurate and precise ablation without the need for more invasive procedures.

Abstract: Multi-electrode ablation systems, methods, and controllers are described. In one example, a multi-electrode ablation system includes a power supply configured to be coupled to a plurality of electrodes and a controller coupled to the power supply. The controller is configured to determine a thermal gain of each electrode of the plurality of electrodes. For each electrode of the plurality of electrodes, the controller sets a power limit based at least in part on said electrode's determined thermal gain. The power limit establishes a maximum power that may be dissipated through said electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is described. The device can include a housing, a channel, and an actuator. The channel can comprise an electrode forming a tip. The actuator can be mechanically coupled to the electrode and the housing. The actuator can be configured to move between a first position and a second position and can be further configured to transition the tip from a retracted position when the actuator is at the first position to an extended position when the actuator is at the second position. A movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position can close an electrical circuit comprising the electrode and a source of electrical energy to generate a flow of current through the electrode for heating the tip to an elevated temperature suitable for cauterizing tissue.

Abstract: A thermal energy treatment apparatus includes: an insulating substrate having a longitudinal axis; a heating element provided on the insulating substrate, the heating element including a heater configured to generate heat by energization, a resistance value of the heater having per unit length in a direction of the longitudinal axis being a first resistance value, and a connector configured to be conducted to the heater, a resistance value of the connector per unit length in the direction of the longitudinal axis being a second resistance value smaller than the first resistance value; and a controller configured to determine a state of the connector based on an index value of a temperature of the connector, and restrict an output value of energization of the heater based on the determined state of the connecting unit.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly to couple an electrosurgical device to treat tissue with an electro surgical unit includes a cartridge member to operate with a power delivery apparatus of the electro surgical unit and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electro surgical unit. An electrosurgical unit includes a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus arranged to operate with a cartridge member to be located in a cartridge receptacle of the electrosurgical unit. An electrosurgical device includes a first electrode spaced alongside the second electrode, with each electrode having a blade shaped member. Each blade shaped member has opposing sides bounded by edges, with the edges having a medial edge and a lateral edge. At least one fluid outlet is adjacent each blade shaped member, and each fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a fluid passage.

Abstract: A device (10) for tissue coagulation, in particular for fusion, encompasses an electric source (18), which is connected or which can be connected to electrodes (12, 13) for influencing biological tissue (11) with current. A control unit (22) controls the source (18) during phases I and II of the tissue fusion. These phases I and II correspond to operating phases I, II and III of the device (10). During operating phase I, a monitoring unit (23) determines the energy E1, which is applied into the tissue (11). In the subsequent operating phases II and III, the control unit (22) controls the source (18) by means of the determined energy E1. Such a device turns out to be particularly reliable and to be robust in use.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another. A first conductive lead is adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and a second conductive lead is adapted to connect to a second electrical potential. One of the first and second conductive leads extends through the pivot to connect to a respective jaw member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps incorporates a support element within an interior of a cup for supporting one or both tines at their proximal ends. The support element minimizes or prevents misalignment of the tips of the forceps during use.

Abstract: An end effector assembly (100, 200) of an electrosurgical forceps (10, 10?) includes first and second jaw members (110, 120 210, 220). At least one of the jaw members (110, 120, 210, 220) is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. At least one of the jaw members (110, 120, 210, 220) includes an electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125) defining an outer surface, a first electrically-insulative layer (116, 126) disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125), a second electrically-insulative layer (117, 127) disposed on another portion of the outer surface of the electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125), and an electrode (118, 128) disposed on the second electrically-insulative layer (117, 127) and electrically coupled to the electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125). The electrode (118, 128) defines a tissue-treating surface of the corresponding jaw member (110, 120, 210, 220).

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical device includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The jaw members include tissue-contacting surfaces that define a tissue grasping area. One of the jaw members includes an electrically-insulating body, an interior electrode, and an exterior electrode. The interior electrode is positioned interiorly of outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. A portion of the interior electrode forms part of the tissue-contacting surface. The exterior electrode is positioned exteriorly of the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. At least one portion of the exterior electrode: extends along the outer back surface of the body, is disposed within the body, and is positioned adjacent the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. The interior and exterior electrodes are configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area to seal tissue.

Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.