Abstract: An electrosurgical knife is provided with an improved surface coating designed for substantially non-stick hemostatic cutting of soft patient tissue. The electrosurgical knife includes a conductive knife blade adapted for connection to a suitable high frequency current source for electrocauterizing tissue at the point of contact to prevent or minimize bleeding. The knife blade includes the improved surface coating formed on at least a cutting edge thereof, wherein the outer surface of the coating includes a relatively non-stick constituent such as an aromatic hydrocarbon in combination with a relatively hard ceramic constituent. The surface coating is additionally loaded with a substantially uniformly dispersed matrix of conductive material for transmitting the electrical energy to patient tissue primarily by conduction.

Abstract: An MRI system acquires NMR image data to produce real time anatomic images as an ablation device is guided into contact with target tissues in a patient to be thermally treated. The ablation device includes a resistive element at its operating end which receives alternating current from an ablation control system. The resistive element produces therapeutic heat that treats the target tissues.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue comprises a catheter body, a tip section, a branding iron assembly and an infusion tube. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tip section comprises a segment of flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The branding iron assembly has proximal and distal ends and is fixedly attached at its proximal end to the distal end of the tubing of the tip section. The branding iron assembly is bent relative to the tubing and comprises a non-retractable tubular electrode formed of a material having shape-memory. The tubular electrode has proximal and distal ends and at least one irrigation port through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the electrode.

Abstract: A heating acupuncture needle, comprising a source of external energy which heats a heating structure, the heating structure extending over at least most of the length of the needle and comprising an electrically conductive envelope surrounding the needle but leaving an upper end of the needle uncovered. The needle has a tip which is uncovered by the electrically conductive envelope, or which in another embodiment is uncovered. There is an electrically insulating layer between the electrically conductive envelope and the needle, which may surround the tip of the needle or may expose the tip of the needle.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for generating an ionized gas plasma flame for use in medicine, particularly for cauterization, is described. The apparatus (10) has an electrical power source (12) providing an alternating voltage at a fixed frequency and a resonant circuit (16, 26) resonant at the fixed frequency connected to the electrical power source (12). A single insulated electrical conductor (30) is connected to the output (18) of the reactive circuit (16) and terminates at a nozzle (36). Conduit means (32) surrounds the electrical conductor (30) along its length and defines a gas-flow channel for supplying substantially inert gas to the nozzle (36), where the gas-flow emerges as a plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing restenosis of a stenotic region of a blood vessel after performing a dilatation angioplasty treatment is disclosed. The method includes radiating microwave energy from a microwave antenna to kill a medial tissue layer of the blood vessel in the stenotic region. The radiation is applied during or after inflation of dilatation balloon to permanently dilate the stenotic region. When radiation is applied during dilatation of the stenotic region, the dilatation balloon forms a seal against the inner wall surface of the blood vessel to exclude blood in the vessel from contacting the stenotic region. The method preferably further includes cooling the blood circulating in the blood vessel about a shaft of the catheter with cooling fluid circulating within cooling lumens of the catheter and cooling an inner wall surface of the blood vessel in the stenotic region during the application of radiation to the medial cell layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating and mapping a catheter in a heart invasive operation, includes a permanent magnet with a north pole face, a permanent magnet with a south pole face, a frame for positioning the magnets on opposite sides of a person's body; first and second motors for revolving the permanent magnets in synchronism and in alignment with each other to create a directional magnetic field that revolves 360 degrees through the person's heart; a catheter for insertion into the heart, the catheter including a first sensor group of three mutually orthogonal sensors at the tip thereof and a second sensor group of three mutually orthogonal sensors in axially spaced relation to the first sensor group, each for detecting the relative strength of the revolving magnetic field; a magnetic field position detector which detects the angular position and speed of movement of the directional magnetic field; a plurality of electrodes spaced along an outer wall thereof for detecting electric signals which run alo

Abstract: A catheter system with an outer catheter body defining at least one lumen and an inner catheter body defining at least one lumen with proximal and distal portions. An introducer is coupled to the distal portion of the inner catheter body. The introducer has a tissue piercing distal end. A resistive heater element is positioned in the introducer. The outer catheter is introduced into a patient's vasculature. The inner catheter is then introduced through the lumen of the outer catheter to a selected heart site. The tissue piercing distal end of the introducer is then advanced into an interior of the heart at the selected heart site. Energy is delivered to the selected heart site from the resistive heater element to create a blood conducting pathway and/or stimulate angiogenesis. In an alternative embodiment, a heart treatment apparatus includes a handpiece with a proximal and a distal end and an elongated member defining at least one lumen coupled to the handpiece distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a medical implement and a method, by which the length or volume of an implanted device actually deposited can be changed or adjusted even after inserted into a patient's body, and thus an implanted device of an appropriate length or volume can be deposited. The medical implement for depositing an implanted device comprises a catheter which is to be inserted into a patient's body and has an electrode at its distal part, and a wire device guided by the catheter. The wire device comprises a wire and the implanted device connected to the distal end of the wire through a first severable joint member. The implanted device has a structure that a plurality of implanted elements are joined to each other through one or more second severable joint members, successively. The first joint member or any one of the second joint members is severed in a state that the implanted device is projected from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An ablation catheter of the present invention includes a means for limiting a current and temperature at a target tissue site. The ablation catheter includes a tip electrode at its distal end, and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device between the distal end and a proximal end of the catheter. Both the PTC device and electrode are electrically connected via a conductor extending within the catheter.

Abstract: A system for reducing the radius of curvature of a cornea is provided which includes a device having an electrically-resistive ring, an insulative shaft coupled to the ring, and an electrical lead coupled to the ring, and an insulative handle coupled to the ring which facilitates manipulating the ring for placement on and removal from the cornea of the eye and through which the lead extends. The lead is couplable to a current source. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, a function generator is provided between the current source and the ring to generate a function of heat energy provided to the ring. The function generator permits very precise applications of current to the ring, and may be configured to heat the ring to a desired temperature, to maintain the temperature for a predetermined amount of the time, or to provide a heat profile. An astigmatism correction device, preferably operable in conjunction with the hyperopia heating device, is also provided.

Abstract: A medical instrument including (a) a handle; (b) a cautery for burning a lens capsule of an eye at the periphery of a portion of the capsule to be removed during surgery, the cautery including a retractable-extendible cautery portion being retractable into and extendible from the handle, so as to permit insertion of the cautery portion through a small incision formed in the eye when retracted and thereafter to correspond to a peripheral extent of the portion of the capsule to be removed when extended; (c) a mechanism for retracting and extending the cautery portion, the mechanism being engaged by the handle; and (d) an arrangement for connecting the cautery with an electrical apparatus for heating the cautery portion, whereby the peripheral extent of the capsule portion to be removed is searable by the cautery portion when extended and heated.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for sealing a puncture in a body vessel. The device has an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end sized to be positioned within a lumen of the body vessel; at least one closure composition precursor lumen within the elongated body having a entrance port adjacent the proximal end of the elongated body through which one or more fluent closure composition precursors can be delivered into the closure composition precursor lumen and an exit port adjacent the distal end of the elongated body through which the one or more fluent closure composition precursors can be delivered outside the vessel adjacent the vessel puncture; and a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy adjacent the distal end of the elongated body to the fluent closure compound precursor. The microwave antenna according to this embodiment is preferably incorporated onto the elongated body adjacent the body distal end.

Abstract: Hyperthermic treatment of tissue such as cancer tumors, is realized by providing an ohmic heating element on the distal tip of a catheter endovascularly inserted upstream of the tissue. Electrical power is provided to the element for a selected time and degree to raise the temperature of blood to a thermally mediating level such as 42.degree. C., but not to heat the blood so that distal tissues downstream are adversely affected. The element comprises a helical coil heater disposed proximate to the end of a catheter and within an expandable cage. The cage can be selectively deployed by expanding it to maintain the coil out of contact with the vessel walls while still allowing free blood flow. Alternatively a guidewire within an expandable cage can be disposed within the same catheter wherein the heating coil has been wound onto the guidewire or the guidewire is uninsulated at that portion within the cage serves as an electrode to directly heat the blood.

Abstract: A microcutting device incises minute samples of organisms, such as egg cells and protozoa, and the like. This device is made of a thin film plate which is formed by use of a semiconductor manufacturing technique, and has a heater in the vicinity of its cutting edge. The microcutting device is sharper than a metal-blade incision device and is suitable of mass production.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which is formed of a semiconductor substrate material having at least one anisotropically etched sharpened edge and a heating circuit disposed on the substrate. The heating circuits generate heat by means of resistive elements interposed along the circuit path. The substrate material itself may serve as the resistive elements, or resistive layers may be used in the alternative. The resistive heating may be used to heat the sharpened edge directly, or the heating may be thermally isolated from the sharpened edge. The heating circuit may also include a thermal sensor which may be used to control the generation of heat and/or detect damage to the instrument itself. The conformation of the instrument may include a variety of different shapes, including central recesses and windows. The recesses may further include ribs or support members. The substrate may further a suction mechanism for removing fluid which may build up in the vicinity of the surgery.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a first electrode that includes an elongated, electrically conductive member and a second electrode that includes a layer of electrically conductive material adhered over at least a portion of a distal region of the elongated member and separated therefrom by an insulator. The electrodes receive electrical power in a proximal region of the instrument and apply the power to an object in the body by inducing current flow between the electrodes at the distal region. In a related aspect, the second electrode is configured so that the outer diameter of the distal region is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal end of the first electrode. In another aspect, one of the electrodes has a reduced circumferential extent relative to the other electrode to limit an area of current flow between the electrodes and thus restrict the size of the region in which cauterization occurs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction. An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired the section of heart tissue may be treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for human female sterilization. The apparatus includes an occlusive device configured from an elongate tubular member having a central lumen and a flange formed at the proximal end. The occlusive device is formed with a plurality of flexible ribs configured to provide a plurality of seals within the interstitial portion of a Fallopian tube. A valve member is preferably disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The occlusive device may further include a plurality of copper rings disposed between the ribs of the tubular member, or ribs may be coated with a material containing copper. The method includes placing the occlusive device within a delivery catheter having a lumen and placing the distal end of the delivery catheter within the uterus. After the occlusive device and distal end of the delivery catheter are placed in the Fallopian tube, the occlusive device is removed from the delivery catheter and ejected into the Fallopian tube.

Abstract: A device for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia by heat treatment has an elongated contact applicator (10) with a heating tip at its free end (18), the tip being insulated by thermal insulation from the rest of the contact applicator, and a control device for feeding electric power to the contact applicator (10) is provided in such a manner that the heat given off by the jacketed heating conductor is restricted to a heating region (15) adjacent to the free end (18) of the contact applicator. The control device (20) comprises a control unit for controlling the feeding of electric power in accordance with a preset program. The heating region (15) can be brought into direct or indirect contact with the tissue area (2, 3, 4) to be treated.

Abstract: A resistively heated thermally cutting and coagulating surgical instrument which may be employed with a conventional electrosurgical generator having bipolar output ports and a bipolar cable. The instrument utilizes a heating element which is heated to a predetermined upper temperature limit while in still air under a starting condition. Under this condition, heat dissipation by radiation, convection, and conduction through the instrument itself provides a high temperature end form of regulation. Under a subsequent working condition wherein the heated component or element is in contact with the tissue, heat dissipation is by thermal conduction both into the tissue and through the thermally conductive components of the instrument.

Abstract: The system includes a mechanism for freezing tissue in a patient. Additionally, the system includes a mechanism for heating other tissue near the tissue being frozen by the freezing mechanism such that essentially only desired region is frozen by the freezing mechanism and heat from the heating mechanism prevents the other tissue from being frozen. The heating mechanism is disposed adjacent to but separate and apart from the freezing mechanism. Alternatively, the mechanism for heating can be used with tissue already frozen by the freezing mechanism. A method for performing cryosurgery on a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a cryoprobe into a patient. Next, there is the step of placing a cryoheater in contact with the patient adjacent the cryoprobe. Then, there is the step of activating the cryoprobe and the cryoheater so the cryoprobe freezes desired tissue in the patient and the cryoheater heats other tissue around the desired tissue so the other tissue is not frozen by the cryoprobe.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating body tissue using controlled application of heat includes an catheter having an expandable device defining a fluid reservoir about the distal end of the catheter. Fluid is provided to the fluid reservoir through a fluid supply conduit, and fluid drains from the fluid reservoir via a fluid drainage conduit. The apparatus includes a first pressure control valve that controls the outflow of fluid through the fluid drainage conduit, so that fluid pressure within the fluid reservoir is maintained within a desired range. The apparatus may also include a second pressure control valve that drains the fluid reservoir in case of an overpressure, such as may occur upon failure of the first pressure control valve.

Abstract: A trombus is generated in an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or fistula by means of a catheter having an insulated heating coil coupled to an insulated delivery wire. In one embodiment, two delivery wires are coupled to heating coils to provide a closed circuit. The heating coils may be in the form of a double helix or a single helix in combination with a straight heating coil. The heating coils may be electrolytically or mechanically detached therefrom. Alternatively, a single insulated heating coil may be attached to a single insulated delivery wire with a uninsulated coil attached to the tip of the insulated heating coil. The electrical circuit is then made through the heating coil and non-insulated electrode coil into the vascular system and to a body electrode. A catheter may also be used for heating blood within the vascular system which is directly flowed into a tumoral mass for the purposes of thermal treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A coagulating microknife includes at least one knife blade that is comprised of a doped semiconductor body that exhibits a resistive current-carrying characteristic and a sharp cutting edge. A power supply is connected to the knife blade and applies a metered current which heats the knife blade to a controlled temperature for cauterizing tissue during a cutting action. The semiconductor body includes a pair of contact areas which extend into the body and enable localized heating at the tip of the knife blade.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to ther electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction. An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired, the section of heart tissue may be treated.

Abstract: An inflatable dissector and method for bluntly dissecting and electro-cauterizing a plane between the anterior chest wall and the overlying pectoralis major muscle to facilitate a breast implant procedure. The instrument includes an elongate blunt-tipped probe member and carries a distal expandable sleeve with an electrode grid on its surface. The blunt tip of the guide is advanced distally along a plane in the interior of the body thereby creating a small diameter dissected track. The distal inflatable sleeve is expanded to dissect the plane and an electrical current is introduced into the electrode grid to cauterize around the surface of the dissected space. A dual-port cannula assembly and an electro-cauterizing "inside-out" trocar are provided to safely make an additional incision under endoscopic vision from the inside of the dissected plane to the outside of the body from a single skin incision.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: An instrument for use in endoscopic surgery is provided. The instrument has a heating element with a working surface for providing hemostasis at an auto-regulated temperature. The working surface may include a tapered edge for providing thermally-enhanced cutting and a non-stick coating for operating the instrument at low auto-regulation temperatures. A process for making the instrument is also provided. Additionally, a method of performing endoscopic surgery on a patient's internal tissue is also provided.

Abstract: A template for guiding at least one suture through the periurethral fascia and vaginal mucosa adjacent a patient's urethra during a urethropexy procedure, wherein the at least one suture is attached to an anchor secured within the body of the patient above the patient's urethra, is provided. The template comprises first and second wing members extending laterally from opposite sides of the template; and at least one suture guide aperture positioned in each of the wing members at a predetermined location; the template configured to be alignable within the vagina of a patient such that one of the wing members will be positioned adjacent either side of the urethra with the at least one guide aperture in each wing member positioned such that a suture may be retrieved from within the patient's body through the at least one aperture. A method for performing a urethropexy procedure employing this template is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method provides for the application of a cell treatment agent, such as genetic material or drugs to be inserted within the cells of a patient in vivo. The apparatus may be a catheter arrangement with various embodiments for applying heat to a patient's cells in vivo in order to improve transfection efficiency or application efficiency. Laser beams may be applied directly to the cells. Alternately, the cells may be heated by electrical heating, chemical heating, radio frequency heating, microwave heating, infrared heating, ultrasound heating, or indirect laser heating. Further, the treatment agent may be heated prior to its application to the patient such that the treatment agent heats the cells of the patient.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter (20) comprises a shaft (22) having a first bending stiffness and a deflectable tip (28) secured to the distal end (24) of the shaft with a second bending stiffness less than the first bending stiffness. At least one electrode (34, 36) is mounted to the tip for delivering current to or monitoring electrical activity of tissue. A manipulator wire (58) is coupled to the distal end of the deflectable tip, whereby the deflectable tip may be deflected by axial force applied to the manipulator wire. A stiffener member (66) is axially slidable relative to the tip so as to adjust the tip curvature without removing the catheter from the body. The catheter may further include a core wire (72) configured to rotate the deflectable tip about a longitudinal axis (2) without rotating the proximal end (26) of the catheter shaft, wherein the distal end of the deflectable tip remains in a substantially constant axial position, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction. An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired, the section of heart tissue may be treated.

Abstract: A system for thermal angioplasty provides electrical power to a heating coil located inside a dilatation balloon, receives a signal from a sensor at the coil indicating its temperature and also receives signals from balloon sensors indicating the temperature at their respective positions. An isolation transformer is used to provide RF power and the sensor signals are optically coupled to provide increased electrical isolation for the patient. The heating coil temperature sensor signal is compared to high and low temperature limits and if either is exceeded, a fault signal is generated. The sensor signals from the balloon are compared to predetermined high temperature limits and if exceeded, fault signals are generated. The current drawn from the battery is compared to a predetermined current level and if exceeded, a fault signal is also generated. Upon generation of any of the fault signals, the electrical power to the heating coil is interrupted by fault detection circuitry.

Abstract: An irrigation arrangement is provided for electrically powered endoscopic probes that supplies the surgeon with suction or irrigation on demand. The irrigation arrangement is described for use with endoscopic probes employing thermal auto-regulating and bipolar electrosurgical probe tip configurations. An extendable shroud is also provided for selectively covering tip of the endoscopic probe while positioning or manipulating the endoscopic probe at the surgical site.

Abstract: An instrument for use in endoscopic surgery is provided. The instrument has a reusable shaft to which a disposable working tip can be removably attached. The disposable working tip has a working surface for providing hemostasis at an auto-regulated temperature. The working surface may include a tapered edge for providing thermally-enhanced cutting and a non-stick coating for operating the instrument at low auto-regulation temperatures. The instrument is capable of being used for a wide variety of endoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: An instrument for use in surgery is provided. The instrument has a heating element with a working surface for providing hemostasis at an auto-regulated temperature. The working surface may include a tapered edge for providing thermally-enhanced cutting and a non-stick coating for operating the instrument at low auto-regulation temperatures. A process for making the instrument is also provided. Additionally, a method of performing surgery on a patient's tissue is also provided.

Abstract: An improved instrument for removing thermoplastic bone cement by applying a heater tip of heating wire to the cement to melt the bone cement inserting the hot heater tip into the bone cement, allowing it to cool embedded in the bone cement and to pull the instrument and, through the embedded heater tip, pull the bone cement from the bone.

Abstract: A heating device including a wand having a heating tip of a configuration adapted to substantially matingly cooperate with formations provided on a thermoplastic, body absorbable, bodily tissue fixation plate. The substantially mating cooperation between the heating tip and the plate formations serves to facilitate in situ heating and bending of the plate into conformance with underlying bodily tissue during a surgical operation.

Abstract: An instrument for cutting, ablating and coagulating tissue has a rod of ferromagnetic material fusion welded to the base of a conical tip of copper with the rod adjacent the base of the conic being of lesser diameter than the base to provide a region to accept a potted coil of wire about the rod whereby when the coil is connected to a constant current high frequency source the rod and tip are heated to a temperature approaching the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic rod. As Curie temperature is approached the rod becomes essentially non-magnetic heating decreases to produce a temperature below Curie temperature and the cycle repeats. As a result of the excellent heat exchange interfaces produced by fusion welding the energy delivered to the tissue or other load which may be non-biological is closely controlled by temperature which is self regulated. A ferromagnetic sleeve is placed about the coil to concentrate magnetic flux in the rod.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical tissue penetrating probe (e.g., a trocar) for use with surgical procedures such as a laproscopy. The trocar has a stylet disposed within the housing member, having an active electrode disposed on a distal end thereof to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue in contact with the stylet. A return electrode is disposed on the housing member to form part of a return electrical path to the delivery electrosurgical energy. The invention also provides an electrosurgical trocar system having an impedance monitor and associated power regulating circuitry to control the amount of electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue so that the measured tissue impedance is maintained within a preselected range.

Abstract: A multiple function cauterizing instrument having a housing and an illuminating optical fiber extending from a lens, through the housing, to a high intensity light source for supplying incident light to the targeted tissue area to be cauterized. A viewing optical fiber extends from a wide angle camera lens, through the housing, to a video monitor for supplying to the monitor a visual image of the targeted tissue area. An exhaust channel extends from an intake vent, through the housing, to a source of vacuum to suction gas and fumes caused by cauterizing the tissue area. A plurality of heating elements or cauterizing tips are selectively moved through the housing between a retracted position at which the elements are shielded by the housing and an extended position at which the elements are advanced outwardly from the housing for contacting the tissue to be cauterized.

Abstract: The irrigator aspirator instrument body has finger-operated valves for respective connection to sources of suction and irrigation. The body has connection ports on each end that it is reversible and has a clear polymer cannula attached in one of the ports for endoscopic utilization. The body is also transparent so that, during suction, complete aspiration can be observed. The other port carries a cautery rod which can be extended out of the cannula. The polymer cannula prevents capacitive charge coupling to the cannula.

Abstract: The invention discloses an antenna arrangement with a supply line in the form of a coaxial cable arrangement suitable for high frequencies, in particular for medical applications of heat in hollow parts of the body, an extrusion process for the production thereof, a dilatation catheter with the antenna arrangement and a procedure for a dilatation treatment. The coaxial cable arrangement comprises a continuous inner conductor, an insulator arranged cylindrically around the inner conductor, a shielding device applied around the insulator in a first section of the coaxial cable arrangement which begins at the proximal end of the coaxial cable arrangement, a second section beginning at the distal end of the first section of the coaxial cable arrangement and ending at the distal end of the coaxial cable arrangement, said second section serving as an antenna and being designed without an insulator or a shielding device around the continuous inner conductor.

Abstract: A cap-like tip element is shaped and sized to fit over an energy-delivering distal end portion of an optic fiber conveying a flux of optic energy from a selected energy source. Optic energy emitted from an energy-emitting surface of the enclosed distal end of the optic fiber is received at a surface inside the tip element. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tip element is optically transmissive, and is shaped to facilitate precisely directed application of optic energy emitted therefrom. The material of the tip element is selected to be durable in prolonged use through repeated thermal cycling. In another aspect of the invention the tip element material is selected to be electrically conductive and is connected to an independently controlled electrical voltage source so that the tip element may be used as a cauterization tool by direct contact to selected tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for imaging and heating body tissues with one probe, through use of a magnetic resonance imaging radio frequency source. The device may also be configured with a thermocouple to provide temperature-controlled heat therapy with sufficient image definition to control that therapy.

Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade and methods of manufacturing such blades are provided, wherein the blade comprises a laminate region having a hardenable center layer and highly thermally conductive outer layers, joined to a second region of a low thermal conductivity material. A heating element is secured to the laminate region and in thermal communication therewith to thermally reform the collagen of tissue as it is incised. The heat generated by the heating element is conducted to the cutting edge of the blade to maintain the cutting edge temperature within 20.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. of a user-selected operating temperature. The second region reduces the conduction of heat to the handle of the instrument.