Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes jaw members having a cutting element extending therebetween and a generator configured to: provide minimal power to the cutting element to maintain a pre-dissection temperature thereof; sense a change in resistance of the cutting element and ramp up power to a dissection temperature; regulate the temperature of the cutting element by regulating power; and terminate power to the cutting element to allow the cutting element to cool to the pre-dissection temperature before providing power back to the cutting element.

Abstract: An electromedical device control system includes a power supply device that supplies electric power to an electromedical device; and one or more relay devices that relay between the electromedical device and the power supply device. A type of the electromedical device connected to the relay device is obtained by determination using at least the relay device. The power supply device outputs the electric power in an output mode corresponding to the type of the electromedical device.

Abstract: A surgical system for performing a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye includes an elastic ring, a suction cup, an interface, a converter, and a control console. The elastic ring includes a conductive surface. The interface may be coupled to an air port and/or a fluid line of a phacomachine. The converter detects a pulse of air from the phacomachine via the interface, and produce an electrical signal in response. Fluid received from the phacomachine is delivered into the suction cup. The system is configured to remove the fluid from the suction cup and between the suction cup and a surface of the eye to form a suction seal. The control console is configured to, in response to receiving the electrical signal, drive a series of electrical pulses through the conductive surface of the elastic ring, causing the elastic ring to perform a tissue cutting operation.

Abstract: A medical device includes a filament having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the filament is coupled to a needle. The medical device also includes an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device has a first arm and a second arm. The energy delivery device is configured to delivery energy to a portion of the filament when the portion of the filament is disposed between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade is formed of five symmetrically layers. A martensitic stainless steel core with oppositely disposed faces is bonded to layers exhibiting a high thermal conductivity which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. A thin aluminum layer is deposited on one side of blade blanks to enable chemical reaction bonding to electrically insulative dielectric inks formulated for use with aluminum substrates. The blade is heated by a blade heating circuit that is manufactured by thick-film printing and firing an electrically resistive heating element layer and an electrically conductive leads on an electrically insulative dielectric layer with all layers subsequently covered by a thick-film printed electrically insulative dielectric overcoat. Tissue contacting portions of blade are coated with a very thin non-stick coating.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus comprising an electrosurgical forceps instrument that combines la robust jaw opening mechanism with an a microwave energy delivery mechanism. The instrument includes a rigid bracket mounted at a distal end of a flexible shaft, wherein a pair of jaws are pivotably mounted on the rigid bracket. The instrument includes an energy delivery structure comprising a flexible dielectric substrate having a first electrode and an second electrode formed on one of the pair of jaws, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to emit microwave energy. The electrosurgical apparatus may also comprise a handpiece that combines rotation control of an electrosurgical instrument with both power delivery and end effector actuation (e.g. jaw closure, blade retraction or the like).

Abstract: A capsulorhexis device is inserted into an incision site of a cornea to make an incision in an anterior capsule surrounding a crystalline lens. The capsulorhexis device includes a loop having elasticity and conductivity; a moving member having one end fixed and coupled to the loop; an insertion guide configured so that, while the incision is being made in the crystalline lens capsule, a front end thereof is inserted into the incision site of the cornea; and a housing having one end coupled to a rear end of the insertion guide, wherein the loop is housed in the housing and, to make the incision in the crystalline lens capsule, slides in the housing together with the moving member to pass through the insertion guide and be deployed into an anterior chamber of the eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a system for heating a bulk medium includes two or more electrodes spaced apart from one another and coupled to the bulk medium; and a power control system coupled to the electrodes, the power control system configured to heat the bulk medium by shaping a density of the current along a current path between the electrodes, thereby, producing an effective resistance along the current path in the bulk medium that is greater than the resistance of the bulk medium to a DC current, in which the power control system shapes the density of the current within a depth of the bulk medium by tuning a skin-depth of the current, and in which the power control system shapes the density of the current in a direction across the current path by the power control system by tuning a proximity effect of the current.

Abstract: A catheter is provided comprising a flexible heat transfer element provided on an outer surface of the catheter, a conduit arranged to supply an inflation fluid for inflating the flexible heat transfer element so as to form an inflated balloon, a guide wire lumen for receiving a guide wire, and an elongate cooling element arranged to cool said inflation fluid for inflating the balloon. Said cooling element and said guide wire lumen are arranged inside the flexible heat transfer element such that, when inflated the cooling element is substantially central within the balloon and said guide wire lumen is parallel to and radially offset from the cooling element.

Abstract: An intravascular device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of energy transmitting conduits extending within the elongated body. The distal ends of the energy transmitting conduits terminate at different axial locations along the distal end of the elongated body. In one embodiment, the number of energy transmission conduits is only two, such that the number of bends in the compound curve assumed by the distal end of the elongated body is only two, although the number of energy transmission conduits may be any suitable number.

Abstract: An expandable, intervertebral spacer includes a top component and a base component in engagement with the top component, the base component defining at least one channel for receiving a hardening material, and placement of the hardening material within the channel causes the top component to move between a first position in which the top component is a first distance from the base component and a second position in which the top component is a second distance from the base component, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The hardening material can be removed from the channel by a flexible coring tool, and the top component forced toward the base component to collapse the spacer.

Abstract: The present application discloses a device and methods for performing a vascular closure procedure that comprises inserting a sheath into a tissue tract defined in a body part and injecting a procoagulant material into the tissue tract adjacent a vascular access site via the sheath.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes first and second knobs. The first knob is fitted on a handle of the medical instrument, and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the medical instrument to control a deflection of a medical device coupled to a distal end of the medical instrument relative to the longitudinal axis. The second knob is fitted on the handle of the medical instrument, and is movable along the longitudinal axis to control a shape of the medical device.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train for powering the drive train and a plurality of series-connected DC power source connected to the motor for supplying electrical power to the motor. The handle also comprises a power source selection switch for connecting, when in a first state, all of the DC power sources to the motor, and, when in a second state, a subset of the DC power sources to the motor. Also disclosed are components for actuating a RF electrode in the end effector and components for indicating actuation of the RF electrode.

Abstract: The present application relates to a cold plasma device (1) for treating skin (5). The cold plasma device (1) comprises a cold plasma generator (3) adapted to generate cold plasma that produces reactive species for treating said skin (5), and a manipulator (10) adapted to manipulate said skin (5) to increase exposure of bacteria on said skin to said reactive species during use of the device.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment tool having a blade. The blade includes a treatment surface configured to engage with a treatment target. A heater is configured to be coupled to the blade. The heater includes respective first and second heat generating surfaces each of which extending in a direction transverse to the treatment surface. Respective first and second thermally conductive members each of which is interposed between the respective first and second heat generating surfaces and the blade so as to thermally engage the respective first and second heat generating surfaces and the blade to one another. The respective first and second thermally conductive members includes respective first and second thermal conductivity anisotropies each of which being higher in longitudinal directions of the blade and each of which being lower in widthwise directions of the blade that are transverse to the longitudinal directions.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. The knife has a stop to prevent distal movement of the knife beyond the extended position.

Abstract: A blade for a cutting instrument, in particular for medical use, includes a first ceramic layer, a second ceramic layer, and a heating device arranged between the first ceramic layer and the second ceramic layer.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates generally to a tip electrode for delivering irrigant to a distal portion of the tip electrode and irrigated catheter tips incorporating such a tip electrode. The distal portion of the tip electrode can have additional fluid ports on the distal edge of the tip to provide additional fluid flow to that region.

Abstract: A sensor for a medical device including a plurality of sensor segments. Each of the plurality of sensor segments can include a layer of magnetically-permeable material and a layer of electrically-conductive material disposed on the layer of magnetically-permeable material. In an example, the layer of magnetically-permeable material can be arranged in a partially-annular shape. The sensor segments can include an electrical connection formation that extends transverse to the layers of magnetically-permeable material and electrically-conductive material. The electrical connection formation can be electrically coupled with the layer of electrically-conductive material. The plurality of sensor segments can be electrically coupled with each other through an electrical coupling of the respective layer of electrically-conductive material of each sensor segment with the electrical connection formation of another sensor segment.

Abstract: A system for assisting a surgeon in placing at least one ablation device into a treatment region of a patient, where the system includes at least one computer system having a display, a user interface and software, is described. The system uses patient image data of the treatment region to generate an image of the treatment region on the display and identifies the treatment region to ablate with a target. Tissue properties of the treatment region are identified and used to perform thermal modeling. Treatment parameters are generated and an ablation zone is calculated. A computer system display is generated showing (a) the number of ablation devices required to ablate the treatment region and the location and orientation of each ablation device in the treatment region and (b) the ablation zone.

Abstract: A drug delivery system includes a reservoir and a drug delivery device coupled to the reservoir. The drug delivery device also may include at least one temperature-sensitive component and a lock having locked and unlocked states. The system further includes an output device, and a controller coupled to the lock and the output device. The controller may also include a temperature sensor, or may be coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller is programmed or configured to determine if the temperature of a drug in the reservoir or of the temperature-sensitive component exceeds an upper limit or is below a lower limit, and to activate the lock in either event. The controller is also programmed or configured to determine, directly or indirectly, if the temperature subsequently is between the upper and lower limits, and to unlock lock as a consequence.

Abstract: A non-implantable minimally invasive system for treatment of tissue in a body via direct current ablation is provided. A low-corrosion electrode for use with such system is further provided. In one embodiment the electrode includes a catheter end configured for coupling to a catheter, a tip configured for puncturing the tissue, and a length extending between the catheter and the tip. The length includes an active portion and an insulated portion. The active portion is electrically conductive and is between approximately 3 mm and approximately 12 mm long at an inserted portion of the electrode. The length further comprises an inner core formed of a material having a high resistance to deformation and an outer shell formed of a material having a high resistance to material decomposition.

Abstract: A catheter system utilizing one or more sensors is described. The catheter can be used as part of an embolic coil system, guidewire system, or combined embolic coil/guidewire system where the devices interact with the catheter system. A variable detachment embolic coil system and guidewire system are also described.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes first and second knobs. The first knob is fitted on a handle of the medical instrument, and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the medical instrument to control a deflection of a medical device coupled to a distal end of the medical instrument relative to the longitudinal axis. The second knob is fitted on the handle of the medical instrument, and is movable along the longitudinal axis to control a shape of the medical device.

Abstract: A system for controlled neuromodulation procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Systems and methods for imaging, monitoring, stimulating, and/or ablating neurological structures coupled to one or more organs of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are disclosed. Such processes may be used to alter the hormonal secretions from one or more organs, to modulate the growth of an organ, alter the growth rate or rate of perineural invasion of a tumor, or the like. In particular such processes may be used to slow, halt and/or reverse the growth of a prostate gland or a prostate tumor.

Abstract: A steering handle for a catheter. The steering handle includes a thumb knob arrangement for driving a cam assembly that in turn actuates a pull wire or pull wires. In some embodiments, the cam assembly includes a set of dual pins that actuate the pull wire in a quasi-linear relationship between cam rotation and axial displacement of the wire. In certain embodiments, the second set of dual pins imparts a reverse action on a second pull wire, also in quasi-linear fashion. That is, when one wire is released by the cam assembly, the other wire is taken in by the cam assembly. In various embodiments, the quasi-linear action can cause release of more pull wire than is taken in, thereby helping prevent the released pull wire to act as an unwanted counter force to the actuated pull wire.

Abstract: A treatment-energy applying structure includes a flexible substrate having a wiring pattern having a heat-generation region and a connection region. A heat transfer plate faces a surface of the flexible substrate, and transfers heat to a body tissue. An adhesive sheet, having heat conductivity, is disposed between the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate to cover the entirety of the heat-generation region and the heat transfer plate. A region of the adhesive sheet protrudes from the heat transfer plate to cover a region of the connection region. A pair of lead wires connects to the connection region outside of the covered region. The adhesive sheet is longer than the heat transfer plate and shorter than the flexible substrate. A gap between an end of the heat transfer plate and the lead wires is longer than a diameter of the lead wires or a thickness of the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: In one example, a connector assembly for providing security to an article of merchandise is provided. The connector assembly includes a cord having a plurality of conductors and a body portion connected to the cord. The connector assembly also includes a connection portion engaged with the body portion and including a plurality of engagement members. Each of the engagement members is electrically connected to a respective conductor in the cord, and the connection portion is configured to engage the article of merchandise to thereby electrically connect the engagement members to one another for establishing a sense loop through the conductors in the cord. Interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.

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

Abstract: A medical treatment device to treat and join body tissues, includes at least a pair of holding members which is configured to hold the body tissues to be treated, an energy output portion provided on at least one of the pair of holding members and connected to an energy source to form a joined portion by supplying energy to the body tissues held by the pair of holding members to join the body tissues, and a join condition maintenance assistance portion capable of applying a substance which prevents infiltration of the fluid to the body tissues to be treated to provide assistance so that a joined state of the body tissues is maintained.

Abstract: A lead introducer includes an outer needle with a sharpened distal tip and an open channel extending along an entire length of the outer needle. An inner needle slides along the open channel of the outer needle. The inner needle includes a blunt distal tip. A biasing element is coupled to the inner needle and facilitates transition of the inner-needle distal tip between a distally-biased position, where the inner-needle distal tip obstructs the sharpened outer-needle distal tip, and a retracted position, where the inner-needle distal tip exposes the sharpened outer-needle distal tip. A splittable member is disposable over the outer needle when the inner needle is disposed in the open channel of the outer needle. The splittable member is separatable from the inner and outer needles along at least one perforated region.

Abstract: An electrosurgery probe comprises tip, mid-, and electrical contact segments. The mid-segment is a tube open at one end, closed at the other, and an interior flow passage. An opening formed through the wall of the tube adjacent to the closed end of the mid-segment and fluidly communicating with the interior flow passage. An electrosurgery system includes the electrosurgery probe and an electrosurgery handpiece. The handpiece comprises an elongate body segment and an exhaust cap attached to the body segment. A main flow passage extends longitudinally through the handpiece, and a second passage extends longitudinally through a distal portion of the body segment. In use, the probe is removably disposed in the handpiece such that the electrical contact segment is positioned within the second passage and the mid-segment opening is positioned within the exhaust cap and in fluid communication with the main flow passage.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, includes a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections, and one or more sources of radio frequency output power coupled to the output stage. A controller causes the system to supply a first coagulating RF waveform to the output connections or a second cutting RF waveform to the output connections. The first RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections. In a first mode of operation the controller supplies the first coagulating RF waveform, and in a second subsequent mode of operation the controller supplies the second cutting RF waveform for a first predetermined period of time followed by the first coagulating RF waveform for a second predetermined period of time, both periods being in excess of 1 second.

Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.

Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.

Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

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

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A cooling system for a surgical handpiece may provide fluid flow to the surgical tip and to the internal electronic components to prevent temperatures that may damage or make the patient or surgeon uncomfortable. Tip directed gas further controls the tip-tissue interface by displacing blood or serum from the incision point, increasing precision and diminishing coagulum build-up. In the alternative, cooling fluid may be used to quench tissue being treated.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating tissue that employ a radiometer for temperature measurements and use feedback from the radiometer to regulate energy being applied to the tissue are provided. For example, methods and systems are provided for calculating temperature based on signal(s) from a radiometer, which may provide useful information about tissue temperature at depth, and automatically regulating energy applied to the tissue based on the tissue temperature.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided for use in pediatric surgery and includes a dissection blade moveably mounted in a sheath of the surgical device. The surgical device includes an electrical connection for supply cauterizing current to the blade. A handle assembly is provided and includes an advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing the blade out of the sheath and a lever to release the blade from the advancement mechanism. A lock member is provided to maintain the blade in an extended condition.

Abstract: A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A plasma instrument is disclosed. The plasma instrument includes an elongated body defining a first lumen therethrough, the lumen being in fluid communication with an ionizable media source; an applicator tip coupled to a distal end of the elongated body and disposed within the first lumen, the applicator tip defining a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen; a first electrode disposed on an outer surface of the applicator tip; and a second electrode disposed within at least one of the first lumen or the second lumen, wherein the first and second electrodes are configured to be energized to ignite ionizable media supplied by the ionizable media source.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a capsulotomy repair device include a resistive-heating element comprising an electrically resistive, superelastic wire forming a loop between first and second ends of the superelastic wire. The first and second ends of the loop may at least partially extend at an angle from a planar face defined by the loop, to an insulating portion, to form a transitional neck between the loop and the insulating portion. The capsulotomy repair device may be positioned in the eye relative to a capsularhexis perimeter to overlap tears in the capsularhexis perimeter to remove the tears by forming an adjusted capsularhexis perimeter by burning around the tear.