Abstract: A swaging system for attaching surgical needles to sutures and testing the attachment strength includes a bottom swaging die and a top swaging die that is configured to move up and down along a swaging axis that is in alignment with the bottom swaging die. The bottom swaging die includes a swaging tool mounted thereon that extends toward the top swaging die along the swaging axis. The swaging tool includes an upper end having a top surface with a swaging notch for swaging a needle to a suture to form an armed surgical needle, and a testing notch, adjacent the swaging notch, for conducting a pull test on the armed surgical needle.

Abstract: Surgical suturing constructs, suture anchor assemblies, and methods of tissue fixation are disclosed. The suturing construct includes a bumpy suture. A suturing construct may include one or more small loops on a distal end. A suturing construct may include a splice terminating into a tapered portion/region at a proximal end. A bumpy suture of a suturing construct may form a knotless, closed, self-locking loop around tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.

Abstract: A sutureless device and methods for closing a tissue opening that minimizes the labor, cost, and skill typically required is disclosed. The apparatus comprises two anchors that attach to either side of an open tissue wound. The two anchors are connected together by a tie strip; the tie strip has a plurality of teeth and a rack. As the wound edges and anchors are brought together the ratchet system on the tie strip prevents the anchors and tissue wound from reopening. To control the distance between the two anchors, a rack and pinion system and a key or a lever system is utilized. The rack is located on the tie strip and the pinion is located on the key.

Abstract: A purse suturing device includes a circular stapler having a tubular stapler head adapted to be inserted inside a section of the hollow viscus to be sutured, a handle with an actuator connected to the stapler head, and an anvil against which the staples may be folded. The anvil has a pole adapted to be inserted into the tubular stapler head. A suturing thread is wound around the hollow viscus and tightened, causing a section of the hollow viscus to be tightened around the pole. The tightened section also includes a pursed, or folded, section of the wall of the hollow viscus, in which two layers of the wall of the hollow viscus are stapled together.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying clips to tissue, comprises a plurality of clips, each of the clips including a proximal end having a pair of opposed jaws and a distal end including a linking feature, where the clips are linked to one another to form a clip chain with a linking feature of a distal-most one of the clips being gripped between the jaws of an immediately proximal one of the clips and a control linkage coupled to a proximal-most one of the clips for applying tension and compression to the clip chain in combination with a magazine containing the clip chain, the magazine including an abutment surface sized to prevent passage distally therebeyond of a clip having received between its jaws a linking feature of an immediately distal clip and an opening location within which the jaws of a clip are permitted to open to release a linking feature therefrom.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for occluding a collateral flow channel between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A video-assisted thoracoscopic device is inserted into a thoracic cavity of a patient and positioned at a fissure between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A collateral flow channel between the target lung compartment and the adjacent lung compartment is then identified using the video-assisted thoracoscopic device and an agent is injected into the collateral flow channel, thereby reducing the collateral flow channel.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated pneumatic tourniquet apparatus and related methods are provided. The tourniquet is easy to apply, ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, is light weight, provides standard life saving operation, and can be utilized in any setting or situation. The pneumatic tourniquet apparatus is comprised of a bladder, a reservoir chassis, a retaining cover, a receiver and a slider. The bladder is elongated in shaped—long enough to wrap around most human limbs.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tourniquet including a tourniquet ring configured to resiliently constrict around a body part of a subject. The tourniquet ring defines a plurality of openings. A handle moves the tourniquet ring onto the body part and includes a first strap having a first end secured to the tourniquet ring at one of the openings and a second end secured to the tourniquet ring at one of the openings. A second strap has a first end secured to the tourniquet ring at one of the openings and a second end secured to the tourniquet ring at one of the openings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steerable and curvable drill that can be used for various applications including vertebroplasty. The drill can include an elongate, tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough; a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body including one or more laser cuts, deflectable through an angular range; an insertable wire insertable into at least a portion of the central lumen of the elongate, tubular body; a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; a deflection control on the handle; a drill control on the handle; a drive shaft within the elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a boring element on the distal end of the device for creating a cavity within bone. The boring element can be operably connected to the distal end of the drive shaft via a crimping mechanism. Systems and methods involving the drill are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for extraction of osseous tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fixed portion and a clamp oriented along a generally central area of the fixed portion. The apparatus includes a first bone cutting device and a second bone cutting device coupled to the fixed portion and oriented around the clamp. The first bone cutting device and the second bone cutting device are coupled to the fixed portion using respective joints that accommodate orientations of the first bone cutting device and the second bone cutting device relative to the fixed portion along different horizontal and vertical axes. The clamp is configured to engage a first bone portion during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for improving a flow condition through a catheter includes coupling a distal end of a first conduit of a tubing set to an aspiration lumen of an aspiration catheter, coupling a proximal end of the first conduit to a vacuum source, coupling a distal end of a second conduit of the tubing set to a supply lumen of the aspiration catheter, coupling a proximal end of the second conduit to a first fluid source, inserting a distal end of a sheath within the vasculature of a subject, placing the aspiration catheter through the sheath and advancing the aspiration catheter such that an open distal end of the aspiration lumen of the aspiration catheter is distal to a distal end of the sheath and is in proximity to a thrombus within a blood vessel of a subject, coupling an extension conduit in fluid communication with a lumen of the sheath to a second fluid source, and activating a pump such that pressurized fluid from the first fluid source is applied to the supply lumen of the aspiration catheter, wherein when

Abstract: A thrombectomy removal system includes a catheter having a distal end and defining a lumen filled with a liquid column having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a vacuum source, a vent liquid source, and a vacuum and vent control system configured to cyclically connect or disconnect the vacuum source and the vent liquid source to change a level of vacuum at the distal end and substantially prevent forward flow. The vacuum source and the vent source are respectively fluidically connected to the vacuum and vent valves. A manifold connects the proximal portion to the vacuum and vent sources through the valves. Control of the valves prevents forward flow of the distal portion out from the distal end during each cycle. Each cycle can have states including vacuum-only, first double-closed, vent-only, and second double-closed. A time of the double-closed states can be no greater than 30 ms.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of at least one of an internal carotid artery, an ophthalmic artery, or an ostium between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery of a subject may include expanding a first expandable device of a first device in the internal carotid artery. The method also may include delivering a second device in the ophthalmic artery via the first device and expanding a second expandable device of the second device in the ophthalmic artery. Further, the method may include adjusting a radial position of the second expandable device relative to the first expandable device.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy probe includes a housing; a therapy transducer disposed in the housing to produce acoustic waves for therapy; a lens coupled to the housing to focus the acoustic waves from the therapy transducer for delivery to a patient; and a phase change material disposed within the housing and in thermal communication with the therapy transducer. The phase change material has a phase transition temperature or temperature range within a range of 25° C. to 40° C. at which the phase change material changes from a first phase to a second phase, where the first and second phases are not gaseous phases. The phase change material forms a thermal reservoir for managing thermal energy arising from the ultrasound therapy probe.

Abstract: Methods of removing calcium and other deposits from peripheral and other vessel walls using ultrasound waves. In an exemplary method of treating a deposit in a patient's peripheral artery, the method comprises the steps of generating an ultrasound wave outside of the patient and directing the ultrasound wave toward a peripheral artery of the patient.

Abstract: A method of delivering shock waves to treat calcified lesions includes advancing an angioplasty balloon mounted on a carrier, to reach the calcified lesion. A pair of electrodes is located within the balloon. The balloon is filled with a conductive fluid. A series of high voltage pulses are supplied to the electrodes. Each voltage pulse has sufficient energy to generate an arc in the fluid and allows current to flow across the pair of electrodes to produce a shock wave. During each pulse, the current flowing across the pair of electrodes is monitored. When the sensed current reaches a predetermined value, that voltage pulse is terminated. The predetermined value is selected to be high enough to ensure the creation of the arc while compensating for the variable dwell time between initial application of a given voltage pulse and creation of the arc.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: Deflectable guide catheters and methods, including methods for using defectable guide catheters to perform transnasal procedures within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium. Some deflectable guide catheters of the present invention comprise a substantially rigid tube, a helical spring attached to and extending from the distal end of the substantially rigid tube, a tubular plastic inner jacket, an outer plastic jacket substantially covering at least the helical spring member. The spring member is deflectable to cause the distal portion of the guide catheter to deflect to a curved configuration. In embodiments for transnasal use the deflectable guide catheter may have a length of less than 25 cm.

Abstract: Forceps that include a hand piece, a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece, and a web. The jaw assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The web is adapted to block an anatomical feature from extending beyond a proximal end of a gripping section of the jaw assembly. The web remains generally stationary relative to the handpiece when the jaw assembly is moved between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic hemostasis and cutting system, comprising an ultrasonic vibration propagation assembly. An ultrasonic scalpel bit (101) of the ultrasonic vibration propagation assembly comprises an ultrasonic scalpel tip (11), a connection portion (13), vibration node bosses (14) and a waveguide (15), wherein the ultrasonic scalpel tip (11) is arranged in front of the waveguide (15), the connection portion (13) is arranged behind the waveguide (15), the vibration node bosses (14) are arranged on the waveguide (15), the ultrasonic scalpel tip (11) is laterally bent at a pointed end thereof, and a vibration guide groove (12) is further provided on the ultrasonic scalpel bit (101). By designing the ultrasonic scalpel bit in a bent shape and converting a longitudinal ultrasonic vibration into a longitudinal torsional composite vibration, temperature uniformity inside a tissue being cut or coagulated can be improved, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of hemostasis and cutting.

Abstract: A handle system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end. The handle system also includes a slot extending, at least partially, in the body, the slot forming a cavity. The handle system further includes a carrier arranged, at least partially, within the slot, the carrier further comprising a friction locker and at least one arm coupled to the friction locker, the at least one arm being rotatable about the friction locker. The handle system also includes a cap arranged on at least one of the first end or the second end. The handle system further includes a blade coupled to the at least one arm, the blade being rotatable about the axis between a retracted position where the blade is positioned within the slot and an extended position where the blade extends outwardly from the body.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a medical device including a shaft having a proximal and a distal end. The medical device may also include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The medical device may further include a body at the distal end of the shaft. The body may have a wall defining a lumen within the body, and the lumen may have a longitudinal axis. The wall may include a protrusion at the distal end of the body, and the protrusion may be defined by a gap in the wall and may have a sharp portion configured to grasp tissue. The gap may extend proximally from the distal end of the body, and edges of the wall defining the gap may be transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment appliance comprising a surgical handpiece, an ultrasound insert, and an ultrasound generator, the handpiece including a piezoelectric transducer connected to the ultrasound insert and a piezoelectric motor connected to the ultrasound generator. The piezoelectric motor transmits ultrasound waves to the insert, which waves are defined as a function of current and voltage setpoint signals delivered by the ultrasound generator to the piezoelectric motor. The appliance also includes a module for controlling the amplitudes of the setpoint signals and configured to increase or decrease the amplitudes of the current and voltage setpoint signals when the variation in the impedance of the ultrasound signal is greater than a predetermined impedance variation value and when the variation in the frequency of the ultrasound signal is greater than or less than the predetermined frequency variation value.

Abstract: Various embodiments of surgical robot control systems are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the surgical robot control system comprises a housing. A controller is located within the housing and is coupled to a socket. The socket receives a handheld surgical user interface therein to control a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is connected to the surgical robot and comprises an end effector and a mechanical interface to manipulate the end effector. The mechanical interface is coupled to the controller. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller and the socket to convert movement of the handheld surgical user interface into electrical signals corresponding to the movement of the surgical instrument. At least one feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to a user. The feedback is associated with a predetermined function of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A device comprises a retractable shaft; a shaft biasing spring; and an actuator button. The retractable shaft is biased away from the actuator button by the shaft biasing spring. A magnetic attracting force is created between the retractable shaft and the actuator button upon actuation of the actuator button. Before actuation, a distance between the actuator button and the retractable shaft is great enough that the magnetic attracting force is less than a biasing force of the shaft biasing spring such that the retractable shaft is biased away from the actuator button. Upon actuation, the actuator button is depressed to make the distance between the actuator button and the retractable shaft sufficiently small such that the magnetic attracting force is greater than the biasing force of the shaft biasing spring to allow the retractable shaft to be biased towards the actuator button.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple cannulas defining a lumen sized and dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments, an inflatable outer membrane attached to an outer surface of the cannula, and at least one activator that reversibly pressurizes a fluid contained in the outer membrane to fill or pressurize the outer membrane.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for treating and/or monitoring a patient with a prematurely dilated cervix during pregnancy or a patient with a history of a prematurely dilated cervix in a previous pregnancy. The systems, devices, and methods described herein further provide monitoring of the status of a cervix by, for example, sensing a change associated with the cervix of a patient. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are configured to either partially or completely encircle the cervix of a patient and constrict the encircled cervix. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein comprise a first and a second coupler that reversibly couple together so that these embodiments are configured to be manually placed (i.e. the couplers are coupled together) and then either removed or adjusted by a healthcare provider (i.e. the couplers are decoupled from each other).

Abstract: The disclosed artificial insemination system comprises a cervical plug, catheter, and positioning tool. The cervical plug comprises a shield configured to cover an orifice, an arm attached to one side of the shield that is operable to be inserted into the cervical canal, and an insert member on the other side of the shield. A bore disposed within the cervical plug and extending through the insert member, shield, and arm is operable to receive the catheter used to deposit the semen sample. The positioning tool comprises a handle with a stem extending longitudinally therefrom and terminating at a bracket that is operable to receive the insert member and catheter and assist in preventing the cervical plug from becoming dislodged when the catheter is removed. A further object of this invention is the process by which the disclosed system is used to increase the efficacy of artificial insemination.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system, kit and apparatus to aid in the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The present invention provides a substantially rigid orthopedic stabilization scaffold for attachment of one or more external fixators for the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The orthopedic stabilization scaffold includes a first anchorable frame and a second anchorable frame that are removably attachable to an operating table and connected adjustably by one or more crossbars.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a syndesmosis treatment construct configured to be placed into a cinched configuration that presses a first bone against a second bone. The syndesmosis treatment construct comprises a proximal fixator to contact the first bone and a distal fixator to contact the second bone. A first suture and a second suture are parallelly looped through the proximal fixator and oppositely looped through the distal fixator. Distal ends of the first and second sutures are fixated within a washer disposed between the proximal fixator and the first bone. Proximal ends of the first and second sutures are passed through openings in the washer and through the proximal fixator. Pulling of the proximal ends by a practitioner places the syndesmosis treatment construct into a cinched configuration. Any of various suitable suture knots may be formed so as to fixate the cinched configuration.

Abstract: A magnetic screw device of a bone screw and one or more magnets that are attached to the bone screw. The bone screw may have a stem, which comprises a connector and at least one thread, and a housing assembly. The connector of the stem may be configured to articulate with the housing assembly such that the stem can rotate and angulate relative to the housing assembly. The magnetic screw device may be used to treat or stabilize spines with abnormal curvature, prevent further curvature progression, and relieve pain associated with abnormal curvature.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as through a fixation procedure. A system for a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a receiver. The system can include a device having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The first end, middle portion and second end can be disposed along a longitudinal axis, and the second end can be connected to the receiver. The middle portion can have a pair of deformable leg members extending between the first and second ends. The leg members can define a channel having a width. The leg members can be selectively movable between a retracted state and an expanded state with the width of the channel greater in the expanded state than in the retracted state.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: Provided are improved pedicle screws or lateral mass screws, systems and methods for stabilizing spinal vertebrae, such as a pedicle or lateral vertebral mass, during minimally invasive spinal surgery. For example, provided is a pedicle screw or lateral mass screw having a screw shaft comprising an elongated threaded body having a vertical axis, a polyaxial screw head comprising two opposite walls that define a concave channel, and two semi-rigid, non-wire, elongated projections extending from two opposite walls of the polyaxial screw head at a positive angle in relation to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw includes a head member and a shank member. The shank has a capture end and an opposite threaded end for threaded insertion into a vertebra. The head has a U-shaped cradle for receiving a spinal fixation rod and a central bore for receiving the capture end of the shank. An expandible retainer ring with a radial split is snapped onto the capture end of the shank to retain it within the head. The retainer ring has a spherical outer surface which forms a ball joint with a spherical socket cavity within the head to enable the head to be angled relative to the shank. A threaded closure plug is tightened within the cradle to clamp the rod into engagement with a knurled dome on the capture end of the shank to secure the rod relative to the vertebra.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.

Abstract: A reconfigurable bone adjustment device (1, 101, 201) includes a first member (10,110, 210, 1010) configured for attachment to a first bone fragment, a second member (20, 130, 230, 1030) configured for attachment to a second bone fragment and a reconfiguration assembly (2, 102, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801, 901, 1020) configured to move the second member relative to the first member. The reconfiguration assembly includes a drive mechanism (50, 150, 250, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1050) and a threaded rod (70, 170, 245, 470, 570, 670, 770, 870, 970, 1070, 1170) operatively coupled to the drive mechanism so that rotation of the drive mechanism rotates the threaded rod. The reconfiguration assembly operates to reduces stresses, forces, bending moments and/or eccentric moments on a junction and/or by configuring the junction in a manner whereby one of more of the forces, is isolated away from the junction.

Abstract: Intramedullary nails are provided for the fixation of epiphyseal fragments in a long bone of a patient in need thereof. The intramedullary nails have a cap portion that allows for fixation of the epiphyseal bone fragments thereto, and an intramedullary shaft for insertion into the medullary canal of the long bone. The intramedullary nails can provide for fixation of comminuted fractures that are difficult to treat with conventional methods. In some aspects, the patient is a human patient and the fracture is a Mason type II radial head fracture or a Mason type III radial head fracture. Methods of fixation of epiphyseal fractures using the intramedullary nails of the present disclosure are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed in an apparatus for applying bone cement. The apparatus can comprise a body and an applicator. The body can include a coupling portion that can be located at a first end of the body and an articulation portion that can be located at a second end of the body. A central axis of the articulation portion can be arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the body. The applicator can be configured to connect to the articulating portion and pivot about the central axis of the articulation portion.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis, particularly an acetabular cup. The system and method may include implementation of a constant velocity relative motion between a prosthesis and an installation site. For example, an installation system may be fixed relative to the installation site, with the prosthesis fixed into an initial position. The prosthesis is moved at constant speed (i.e., with minimal if any acceleration or applied impulses) relative to the installation site. That is, one or both of the prosthesis or the installation site may be in motion. Resistive forces to installation of a prosthesis may thus be reduced by maintaining the prosthesis constantly in motion relative to the installation site. Securing a processing/implanting tool directly to the installation site may offer advantages.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods, and, more specifically, cryogenic surgical systems and related methods are disclosed. Some example cryogenic surgical systems may include a cryosurgical control unit configured to cool a cryosurgical probe to a temperature colder than a temperature at which flow of cryogenic fluid to the probe is stopped. Some example tank level indicating systems may utilize the pressure of the fluid in the tank and a temperature of the exterior wall of the tank to indicate liquid level.

Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly is disclosed, the assembly having two, three or more electrodes configured to provide advantageous tissue removal and precision for conducting electrosurgical procedures, including improved ablation and coagulation of tissue. The electrodes are configured and arranged so that energy can be applied in a highly uniform and precise fashion, depending upon the application. In addition, the electrosurgical assembly allows flexibility in use by, in some embodiments, allowing selective switching of the active and return electrodes, and also selective switching between ablation and coagulation modes. In certain embodiments the invention includes one or more electrodes having the ability to undergo changes in shape.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system that includes a radiofrequency-current (RF-current) generator and a processor. The processor is configured to cause the RF-current generator to generate a plurality of pulses of RF current for application to tissue of a subject, each of the pulses having a power whose maximum value is greater than 80 W and a duration that is less than 10 s, and an intermission between successive ones of the pulses being less than 10 s. The processor is further configured to, while each one of the pulses is applied to the tissue, receive at least one signal that indicates a measured temperature of the tissue, and, in response to the measured temperature, control the power of the pulse. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a direct-current (DC) ablation prostate therapy system. The protection circuit is selectively coupled to a power source that provides DC constant current to a plurality of electrodes in a catheter configured to deliver DC ablation therapy to prostrate tissue. The protection circuit is controlled by a controller and a switching circuit to buffer energy from the power source in response to a monitoring circuit that monitors at least one parameter of the DC ablation therapy, such as voltage or impedance. The controller is configured to selectively activate the switching circuit based on the monitoring circuit detecting an undesirable increase in the energy delivered for the DC ablation therapy.

Abstract: A system for mechanical cutting and radiofrequency (RF) treatment of bone and soft tissue includes a probe and an RF power supply. The probe includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member formed of a dielectric material is mounted on the elongated sleeve, and a metal electrode is attached to a surface of the cutting member and configured to deliver RF current. The RF power supply generates current having a pulsed RF waveform and may be connected to the metal electrode to deliver the current having the pulsed RF waveform to the tissue. The use of a pulsed RF waveform reduces a thermal stress on the dielectric material at the interface of the metal electrode and the dielectric material of the cutting member.