Abstract: A drill pin and a method of fixating tissue to bone is described herein. A method of fixating tissue to a bone with a fixation button is described that includes advancing a drill pin from a first surface of a bone to a second surface of the bone to form a tunnel.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone for implantation of a component of an orthopedic implant device. The system includes a forming tool having a sleeve member that is selectively received within a handle member. The sleeve member has a guide slot that is sized to receive axial passage of at least a portion of a guide. The guide slot and/or sleeve member may be positioned and/or configured to facilitate at least linear and/or rotational displacement of the forming tool about, or relative to, the guide, and thereby provide a degree of freedom in the location at which the forming tool may form a shape or opening in the bone relative to one or more reference axes. The handle member may include a connection member that is structured to be operably coupled to a bone preparation device that is structured to facilitate the displacement of bone material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupler assembly for a tibial cutting guide, the assembly including an aligning coupler having a first side coupled to an aligning member by sliding and a second side slid in an adaptor groove of the tibial cutting guide, and a handle slidably coupled to the aligning coupler. More particularly, the present invention relates to a coupler assembly for a tibial cutting guide, the assembly enabling an aligner and a cutting guide to be easily coupled and decoupled through an adaptor without specific operation because when the handle is slid to the cutting guide, the handle is fixed to the cutting guide, and the cutting guide and the adaptor are locked, and when the handle is slid in the opposite direction from the cutting guide, the handle is separated from the cutting guide, and the cutting guide and the adaptor are unlocked.

Abstract: A patient matched instrument for a patient's femur is disclosed. The instrument includes a body having a cutting slot and a patient matched surface that mates with the patient's trochlear groove, a first leg portion extending from the body, a second leg portion extending from the body; and each leg portion has a contacting pad for tangential contact with the patient's femoral medial and lateral condyles.

Abstract: A sterilizable disposable surgical instrument is formed by an implant for bone fusion as well as an implant sleeve surrounding the implant for bone fusion. The implant has a distal implant section, a proximal implant section, and a coupling section with a polygonal cross-section profile between the distal and proximal implant section. The implant sleeve has a protective cap and a handle, which can be connected to one another. A first bore is configured in the protective cap in the longitudinal direction and receives the proximal implant section of the implant. A second bore is configured in the handle running in the longitudinal direction and receives the distal implant section of the implant for bone fusion. A coupling region having a through-opening is configured in the second bore in the handle, into which the coupling section of the implant for bone fusion engages in an integral and force-locking manner.

Abstract: A clot removal device has a segment that has two main struts that serve as a frame for holding a plurality of secondary struts. Each of the two main struts has a proximal end that is connected at a proximal point of the segment and extends along a generally circumferential path, with each main strut terminating at a separate connecting point that is distal from the proximal point. The connecting points are connected to each other to form a generally tubular structure defining an inner lumen. The plurality of secondary struts forms a lattice of cells, with each cell surrounded by four secondary struts. Two generally straight distal struts are connected to the lattice of cells at a distal end of the segment, and are connected to each other to form a distal point. A distal opening is defined by the cells adjacent the distal struts, the distal opening communicating with the lumen and terminating at the proximal point.

Abstract: A device for removing a clot from a blood vessel. The device can have a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The device can have a shaft. An outer expandable body can be included that is radially expandable from a first radially expanded state to a second radially expanded state in the deployed configuration. An inner body can be included, wherein the outer expandable body and the inner body are fixedly coupled to a distal region of the shaft, the outer expandable body radially surrounding at least a portion of the inner body in the second radially expanded state. A capture net can be coupled to a distal portion of the inner body and including a proximal mouth.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an occlusion, such as a blood clot, within a lumen or passageway of a patient. More particularly, a system and method for rapidly restoring blood flow through an occlusion including a self-expanding, tubular member through which blood may flow when in an expanded state. The tubular member has a structure configured to engage the occlusive material, thereby allowing for extraction of at least a portion of the occlusive material. The system may further employ a material extraction member that is deployed distally of the tubular member.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: A combination (2290) of an annular rotary knife blade (2300) and blade housing assembly (2400) for a power operated dermatome (2000). The rotary knife blade includes an inner wall (2310) defining an interior region (2301) and including a lower tissue-directing surface (2370) adjacent a cutting edge (2360) and a radially recessed upper portion (2380). The blade housing assembly includes a blade housing (2410) having a first end (2412) and an axially spaced apart second end (2414) and an inner wall (2416) and a radially spaced apart outer wall (2418). The blade housing includes a blade housing cover (2450) extending from the inner wall into the blade interior region. The blade housing cover includes a shield (2470) extending along the recessed upper portion of the rotary knife blade inner wall and having an inner surface (2472) adjacent and continuing the lower tissue-directing surface of the rotary knife blade inner wall.

Abstract: Circumcision device including a housing (10) comprising a handgrip part (13) and a control member (15), a guide part (20) comprising a stem (21) and a shearing template (23) fixedly arranged on a distal end of the stem (21), said shearing template having a concave distal surface (23a) and a side surface (23b) tapered in the proximal direction, a pair of arms (30, 30?), each having a distal end provided with a semi-annular blade (31, 31?), each arm being rotatable about an axis (y, y?) perpendicular to the extension direction of the stem (21), between an open position and a shearing position in which the semi-annular blades (31, 31?) are closed to form a ring perpendicular to the extension axis of the stem (21) and have a cutting edge (32, 32?) which engages the side surface (23b) of the shearing template (23), and an actuating mechanism (40) for controlling rotation of the arms (30, 30?) in response to an actuation of the control member (15).

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic cutting element including a blade arm having a primary vibration plate and a blade portion fixed to one end of the primary vibration plate, a counter mass arm including one or more secondary vibration plates, a holding member to which vibration ends of the blade arm and the counter mass arm are respectively connected and which holds the blade arm and the counter mass arm in parallel, and a driving portion being a piezoelectric actuator that imparts ultrasonic vibrations to at least one of the primary vibration plate or the secondary vibration plate, in which the blade arm and the counter mass arm respectively bending-vibrate in a primary surface direction in a resonant mode in which the arms vibrate in mutually opposite phases as flexural vibrators.

Abstract: A medical device for grinding substance inside a body lumen includes a rotatable tubular drive shaft, a treatment member connected to the drive shaft, and a tubular member possessing an axially extending lumen that extends throughout the tubular member. The tubular member is mounted on the treatment member and surrounds a portion of the treatment member so that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the tubular member. The treatment member includes a shearing portion, and the tubular member includes a protrusion that projects toward the lumen of the tubular member. The protrusion is located axially in front of the shearing portion and interacts with the shearing portion during relative rotation between the treatment member and the tubular member to shear debris resulting from the grinding of the substance.

Abstract: A medical device for grinding substance inside a body lumen includes a rotatable tubular drive shaft, a treatment member connected to the drive shaft, and a tubular member possessing an axially extending lumen that extends throughout the tubular member. The tubular member is mounted on the treatment member and surrounds a portion of the treatment member so that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the tubular member. The treatment member includes a shearing portion, and the tubular member includes a protrusion that projects toward the lumen of the tubular member. The protrusion is located axially in front of the shearing portion and interacts with the shearing portion during relative rotation between the treatment member and the tubular member to shear debris resulting from the grinding of the substance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising: introducing a treatment member into a living body and positioning the treatment member adjacent substance in the living body to be ground; moving the treatment member in at least a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction about a central axis, which is different from an axis of rotation of the treatment member while the treatment member is positioned adjacent the substance to be ground in the living body to grind the substance; and shearing debris resulting from the grinding of the substance to reduce a size of the debris.

Abstract: An instrument system for minimally invasive surgery in the tissue of a patient, with an instrument shaft, having a distal end that can be inserted in the body of the patient and a proximal end that remains outside the body, with an inner channel extending axially and continuously in the instrument shaft, with at least one working channel extending axially and continuously in the instrument shaft, and with an obturator which can accommodate an optical system coaxially and can be inserted into the inner channel in such a manner that its transparent distal tip projects out from the beveled distal front end of the instrument shaft. The system can include a valve block at the proximal end of the instrument shaft, closing the inner channel and enabling sealed passage of the obturator or an optical system.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a tubular body, a proximal hub, and a plurality of tissue-engaging members. The tubular body includes a distally-facing surface. The proximal hub is disposed at a proximal end portion of the tubular body. The tubular body and the proximal hub cooperate to define a lumen extending therethrough. The plurality of tissue-engaging members extends distally from the distally-facing surface of the tubular body, is arranged annularly about the lumen, and is configured to engage tissue. A system includes the surgical device and a cannula and trocar assembly configured for insertion therethrough. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided with respect to inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue retractor a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings, and a member such as a sleeve is disclosed. The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. The sleeve can support the insert with respect to the retractor such that the insert and sleeve can be removed together with the retractor remaining in the incision. A method of using the insert is also described.

Abstract: A pair of cooperating catheters, chosen from an inner catheter and two possible outer catheters, are used together to provide rapid access to the Left heart for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. The pair of catheters can be used to carry out an electrographic determination of the location of the Fossa Ovalis on the septum. Features on the Catheter system permit quick and reliable confirmation of the catheter location via echo or x-rays. Once across the septum the inner catheter is removed from the outer catheter and a standard intervention may be carried out through the lumen of the outer catheter.

Abstract: The present application provides external bone fixation systems. The systems include one or more pairs of bone fixation platforms in the form of rings or partial rings. The platforms may be coupled to corresponding bone segments. The pair of platforms are configured to accept a plurality of struts extending therebetween. The struts are configured to attach to the platforms via joints that provide three degrees of rotation. The struts are also configured such that their longitudinal length extending between the joints/platforms can be incrementally adjusted while attached to the platforms. The struts are further configured such that their total range of length adjustment can be increased by coupling at least one add-on component to the struts in situ. The lengths of each of the plurality of struts may be adjusted to arrange the platforms, and thereby the bone segment coupled thereto, in particular relative positions and orientations.

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.

Abstract: A bone plate for treating acromioclavicular dislocations includes a shaft including a lateral portion sized and shaped to be positioned along a superior aspect of a lateral clavicle, the shaft including a plurality of openings extending therethrough for receiving bone fixation elements therein and a hook member extending from the shaft so that, in an operative position, the hook member is hooked under an acromion and the lateral portion of the shaft is positioned on the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle, the lateral portion of the shaft being substantially rounded so that the hook member is movable in one of an anterior direction and a posterior direction while the shaft maintains contact with the superior aspect of the lateral clavicle without any portion of the lateral portion of the shaft protruding beyond a surface of the lateral clavicle.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to connectors that connect bone screws with fusion rods for use in stabilizing surgery such as spinal fusion surgery, and to bone screw systems comprising such connectors. In particular, the present invention relates to poly axial screw systems configured to provide a stable but adjustable angular placement. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention relate to tulip connectors which have a head and a collet, that are configured to rotatably and pivotably lock onto the ball head of a poly axial screw shaft into a manually adjustable locked position, to methods achieving this locked position with or without using a tulip assembly tool, and to the tulip assembly tool that has outer hooks to grab the tulip head and a center dowel to push the collet down into the locked position.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion with a capture structure thereon, a retaining and articulating structure, a compression structure and a receiver for holding the capture structure, retaining and articulating structure, compression structure and a rod. The receiver includes arms that define a channel for receiving the rod. The arms have inner surfaces with a discontinuous flange form thereon for mating with a cooperating continuous flange form of a closure structure for capturing the rod within the receiver. The shank capture structure and the retaining and articulating structure are threadably attached and secured to one another with a buttress stop. In operation, the compression structure is disposed within the receiver between the shank upper portion and a rod but presses only upon the retaining and articulating structure.

Abstract: A connection element between bars in a spinous reconstruction system comprising: a main body; at least a first and a second housing seat for a respective first and a second bar, arranged inside said main body; a tightening means for locking the first bar and the second bar in an operative position with respect to the main body, and for preventing relative movements between the first and said second bar, wherein the connection element comprises an interference means for at least restraining the free sliding of said first bar or said second bar inside the respective housing seat. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for reconstructing a spinous process, the device comprising a main portion having at least a first engaging hole; one fixing bar transversely insertable into the engaging hole; and said main portion having at least one through-seat for inserting ligaments to be reconstructed. Other aspects are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An occipital plate for occipito-cervical fixation, comprising: a substantially flat plate provided with at least one fixation area connectable to the skull of a patient and at least one pair of through slots extending length-wise away from each other; and at least one pair of clamps slidably constrained each in a respective slot to move along a medial-lateral adjustment direction and provided with respective seats for receiving a support bar, wherein each receiving seat has an opening for insertion of the respective support bar accessible laterally and longitudinally along an insertion direction substantially parallel to a lying plane of the plate. Other aspects are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A posterior vertebral plating system comprising a plate and a plurality of attachment members. The plate has a plurality of holes extending through the plate from an upper surface to a lower surface, and the plate is configured to extend along the posterior side of at least two vertebrae adjacent at least one boney structure of each of the vertebrae. The holes are spaced in such a way that a first plurality of holes is positionable over a boney structure of a first vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the first vertebra and a second plurality of holes is positionable over boney structure of a second vertebra to define a plurality of fixation points to the second vertebra. The attachment members are insertable through the holes of the plate and into the boney structure of a corresponding vertebra to fix the plate to the vertebra.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Abstract: An implant apparatus for use in uniting a pair of bone segments, the apparatus including a first stem configured to be implanted in an intramedullary cavity of a first bone segment; a second stem configured to be implanted in an intramedullary cavity of a second bone segment; and a connector for connecting the first stem to the second stem, the connector including a first connector segment and a second connector segment, wherein the first connector segment and the second connector segment are coupled together at a lap joint connection.

Abstract: “The embodiments disclosed provide an expandable osseointegration bone fixation apparatus configured to be attached to an affected or fractured bone. The apparatus includes an elongated housing containing a cylindrically shaped intraosseous insert have an expansion mechanism. The insert further includes a set of inwardly angled tapers designed to be attached to a diaphyseal bone where a set of diametrically opposed congruent inserts are configured to incrementally expanded in opposite directions and cause an incremental force against the inside surface of the housing to increase compression to the affected bone.

Abstract: A plating system is described that uses various configurations of bone fixation implants that are configured to be attached to one or more portions of bone. The bone fixation implant may include at least one structural portion (e.g., a wire, plate, mesh, etc.) that includes metal and a polymer body at least partially surrounding the at least one structural portion. The polymer body may define an engaging surface that is configured to engage an attachment member that is applied to the bone fixation implant to fix the bone fixation implant to the bone, such that direct contact between the metal of the structural portion and the attachment member is prevented. Overlying muscle and tissue may be secured to the bone fixation implant to encourage incorporation of the tissue structure into the implant and promote stabilization and healing.

Abstract: A cervical plate and one or more locking assemblies that help prevent screw backout without impinging on therapeutically valuable settling of the screws. In some cases, the locking assembly is configured to be permanently attached to the plate, to be securely but efficiently locked, to be readily unlocked for revision surgery, and/or to reduce the possibility of operator error in installation by providing simplified visible and tactile indicia of the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing and affixing two separated bone segments, the system having a bone plate with a pair of positioning slots, and a pair of elongated manipulating members with anchoring structures, the anchoring structures sized to pass through the positioning slots and for advancement into the bone segments. The bone plate is loosely mounted to the bone segments across the separation gap and a manipulating member is screwed into each bone segment through a positioning slot. The manipulating members are then used to reposition the bone segments by moving them together longitudinally within the slots. Fixation bone screws are inserted into the bone segments through screw receiving apertures to securely affix the bone plate to the repositioned bone segments. The manipulating members are then removed.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes a plastically deformable bone fixation body having a screw receiving aperture extending therethrough. The shape of the aperture is defined by a side wall having a first threaded portion, a second smooth walled portion extending from the first threaded portion, and a third smooth walled portion extending from the second portion. The aperture has a step change in cross section between the second and third portions defining a lip. The second and third portions are connected by a lip face extending substantially normal to the aperture length with the edge of the lip face defining the lip. The device further includes at least one bone fixation screw having a shaft and a head. The shaft engages with the first threaded portion of the aperture and the head abuts the lip with an abutment force being directed substantially radially outwards so producing a tight fit.

Abstract: A support plate, for supporting the two parts of a tibia after a tibial osteotomy, is generally in the shape of a T with a stem having top and bottom ends and a cross piece extending across the top end of the stem. The support plate has a rear surface arranged to contact the tibia. The rear surface of the stem is convex in its central longitudinal plane over a first region of the plate, and the rear surface of the cross piece is concave in its transverse plane.

Abstract: A plating system is described that uses various configurations of bone fixation implants that are configured to attach to one or more portions of a bone. An exemplary bone fixation implant includes a two-dimensional structure comprising a bone-engaging surface and a tissue-engaging surface. A plurality of openings is defined in the two-dimensional structure, and arranged across a length and a width of the bone fixation implant. At least some of openings are configured to receive an attachment member for securing the bone fixation implant to an underlying bone structure. The tissue-engaging surface is configured to engage an overlying tissue structure for encouraging incorporation of the tissue structure into the bone fixation implant to promote stabilization of the underlying bone structure during healing. In certain embodiments, at least 50% of the area defined by and/or between the length and the width of the two-dimensional structure is an opening.

Abstract: An anchor for a pedicle screw having an anchor body comprising a proximal end, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal end, and a through-hole through the anchor body from the proximal end to the distal end. The through-hole defines a long axis of the anchor, and is provided with undersized female threads in the proximal portion and a reduced inner diameter in the distal portion. The reduced inner diameter causes expansion of at least the distal portion of the anchor body when a screw is inserted into the through-hole. The anchor is further provided with a plurality of ridges on an exterior surface of the anchor body, the ridges configured to reduce the likelihood of pullout when the anchor is inserted into a vertebra and a screw is inserted into the through-hole.

Abstract: A flexible screw and method for non-rigid fixation between two bones. The flexible screw includes a head, and a body including a thread portion with a flexible shaft portion extending therebetween. The head has a diameter greater than that of the flexible shaft portion. The thread portion has a plurality of rigid threads while the flexible shaft portion has plurality of openings arranged in a pattern configuration. The openings extend at least partially through the flexible shaft portion. The flexible screw can be used for non-rigid fixation by inserting the thread portion in a first bone while the head is positioned on a distal side of an adjacent second bone. The flexible screw is tightened such that the flexible shaft portion extends in the joint between the first bone and the second bone. The flexible shaft portion provides stability while also adding back motility lost by the reduction in the size of the joint.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in sizing a bone staple implant for implantation into a patient's bone is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an elongated body having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. A first sizing plate is attached to and extending outwardly from the first longitudinal end, and a second sizing plate is attached to and extending outwardly from the second longitudinal end. The first sizing plate includes a first visible marking that identifies a width of a first bone staple implant, and the second sizing plate includes a second visible marking that identifies a width of a second bone staple implant. A system and a method for sizing a bone staple implant for implantation into a patient's bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In particular, various delivery tools, including a variety of sheath inserter tools, are provided. The tools can be used to position a tendon within a prepared bone hole, and to deliver a sheath into the bone hole.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intramedullary nail insertion system has a handle, a coupler, and a securement member. The handle has a body that includes a distal body end, and a proximal body end that is spaced from the distal body end along a proximal direction. Further, the handle defines an aperture that extends from the distal body end to the proximal body end. The coupler includes a distal coupler end having a first fastener that fastens to an intramedullary nail, and includes a proximal coupler end having a second fastener sized to be received through the distal body end in the proximal direction into the aperture of the handle. The securement member has a third fastener that fastens to the second fastener of the coupler so as to capture the handle body between the securement member and the intramedullary nail. The system can be assembled using a two-handed operation.

Abstract: A method for reshaping a nasal airway in a patient involves advancing an inflatable balloon of a reshaping device in an uninflated configuration into a nostril of the patient and between a nasal septum and a lateral wall of the nasal airway. The method then involves inflating the inflatable balloon to an inflated configuration to cause the inflatable balloon to contact nasal mucosa covering the nasal septum and the lateral wall, delivering energy from an energy delivery member attached to or inside of the inflatable balloon, and removing the reshaping device from the nasal airway.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method and device for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue with an electrosurgical device having an electrode and a channel wherein said channel has a port near a proximal end of said electrode, wherein the method comprises the steps of causing an inert gas to flow through said channel and exit said port, applying high-frequency energy to said electrode while said inert gas flows through said channel, wherein said high-frequency energy applied to said electrode continuously plasmatizes inert gas exiting said port, initiating an electrical discharge from said electrode through said continuously plasmatized inert gas to said tissue, cutting tissue with said electrode, maintaining said electrical discharge from said electrode through said plasmatized inert gas while cutting tissue with said electrode to cause coagulation of said tissue simultaneously with said cutting.

Abstract: An energy treatment tool includes: a heat transfer plate including a treatment surface for treating body tissue; an energy generating unit configured to generate thermal energy and transmit the thermal energy to the heat transfer plate; and a wiring unit connected to the energy generating unit and serving as an electrical conduction path to the energy generating unit. The wiring unit includes: a low thermal resistance unit; and a high thermal resistance unit that has higher thermal resistance than the low thermal resistance unit and connects the low thermal resistance unit and the energy generating unit.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting faults in a shield of an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device has a relay configured to selectively interrupt power to the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a shield in the electrosurgical instrument, control circuitry to control the relay, and a battery power source. The monitoring circuitry has an envelope detector and a detected average shield current detector. The monitoring circuitry is configured to compare a shield current peak value to a shield current peak threshold value, and to compare a detected average shield current value to a detected average shield current threshold value. The device is further configured to operatively couple an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument and a return electrode to an electrosurgical generator.