Abstract: A system for measuring real-time tissue reflection spectral characteristics during ablation includes a catheter for collecting light reflected from tissue undergoing ablation, a detection component for separating constituent wavelengths of the collected light, a quantification apparatus for generating measured light intensity data of the collected light, and a processor for analyzing the data in relation to time. A method for monitoring formation of steam pop during ablation includes delivering light to tissue, delivering ablative energy to the tissue, measuring the reflectance spectral intensity of the tissue, and observing whether the measured reflectance spectral intensity (MRSI) initially increases in a specified time period followed by a decrease at a specified rate. If the MRSI does not decrease, delivery of ablation energy continues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of lesion size in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and integrates the force over an energization time of the ablation probe. The force-time integral can be calculated and utilized to provide an estimated lesion size (depth, volume and/or area) in real time. The force-time integral may also account for variations in the power delivered to the target tissue in real time to provide an improved estimation of the lesion size. In one embodiment, the force metric can be used as feedback to establish a desired power level delivered to the probe to prevent steam popping.

Abstract: A device for guiding electrodes relative to a tissue treatment region. The device can comprise a body have a plurality of passages therethrough. Each passage can axially restrain an electrode positioned therein. When each electrode is axially restrained in a passage, the distal ends of the electrodes can be spaced a predetermined distance apart. Further, the electrodes can be held in a parallel or substantially parallel alignment when axially retained in the passages. The predetermined distance between the electrodes can correspond to a treatment distance in a tissue treatment region and the distal ends of the electrodes can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of electrodes is energized by an energy source.

Abstract: A handheld surgical assembly has a body, a first end, a second end, and a body length separating the first and second ends, an energy input and output, the energy output located at the first end of the body, the assembly also having a sensor that is coupled to the handheld surgical assembly, in fluid communication with an outside environment, and operable to identify a plurality of gases, with the assembly additionally having an electronic circuit system communicatively coupled to the sensor, the electronic circuit system being operable, upon the identification of at least one of the plurality of gases by the sensor, to control the energy output from the handheld surgical device.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is contemplated by the present disclosure. The method includes applying an electrosurgical waveform to tissue through an electrode. The electrosurgical waveform includes one or more positive half-cycles one or more negative half-cycles. The method also includes measuring voltage and current of the electrosurgical waveform to detect a peak voltage of each of the positive half-cycles and the negative half-cycles and comparing the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles to determine generation of electrical discharges. The method further includes adjusting the current of the electrosurgical waveform to regulate the generation of the electrical discharges based on a comparison of the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles.

Abstract: An electrosurgical controller with output RF energy control. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical controllers configured to change a first output voltage on the first active terminal relative to the first return terminal by selective control of a number of turns of the primary winding of a transformer used to create the output voltage.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device and system including a blade operatively coupled to an energy source is disclosed herein. The electrosurgical device includes an optical sensor to monitor physical characteristics of the blade such that the device may automatically regulate the energy supplied to the blade and/or the operator may adjust several parameters including how the blade is removed and how much energy is supplied to the blade. A method of using the device and system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a probe having a handle assembly and an electrode assembly extending distally therefrom. An optical member is disposed on the probe and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of the probe. The probe is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters, the second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from the first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties.

Abstract: A method of applying ablation energy to achieve transmurality including applying ablation energy at a starting power to a tissue site and monitoring the impedance of the tissue site. A power applied to the tissue site can be reduced as a function of a rate of an increase in impedance according to some embodiments.

Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.

Abstract: A medical system is provided, including an ablation system having at least one ablation element and a sensor, a generator operable to deliver radiofrequency ablation energy to the ablation element. A power supply defines a duty cycle and provides a voltage to the generator, and the power supply has a duty cycle modulator and an amplitude modulator. A processor is connected to the power supply, the generator, and the sensor. The processor obtains a feedback signal from the sensor, and adjusts the duty cycle modulator and the amplitude modulator according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: An impedance monitoring circuit for an electrosurgical generator. The monitoring circuit includes an isolation transformer coupled to an active terminal and a return terminal of an electrosurgical generator. The isolation transformer includes a primary winding coupled to a reference resistor and a secondary winding coupled to a load. A driver transmits a sensor signal to the reference resistor and the load. A primary converter coupled to the reference resistor and the load detects a primary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal passing through the reference resistor and the load. A secondary converter coupled to the driver detects a secondary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal prior to passing through the reference resistor and the load. A controller determines a fault condition based on the primary and secondary converted signals.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided that includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output a first electrosurgical waveform and a probe configured to deliver a second electrosurgical waveform to tissue. The system also includes an adapter coupled between the electrosurgical generator and the probe and operable to convert the first electrosurgical waveform to the second electrosurgical waveform. The adapter includes a step down transformer configured to convert the first electrosurgical waveform to the second electrosurgical waveform.

Abstract: An actuation system is disclosed for actuating an ablation instrument for an ablation process in a tissue volume. In at least one embodiment, the actuation system includes: an input interface for image data of the tissue volume; an identification unit for identifying a target tissue using the image data; a model production unit for producing process models and/or refined fine process models of expected ablation developments, which is linked to a value derivation unit for deriving model measured values from a process model and/or to a value determination unit for determining measured values representing the ablation progress; a command derivation unit for deriving control commands on the basis of process models and/or for deriving refined control commands on the basis of fine process models; a comparator for comparing measured values and an instrument interface for transmitting control commands and/or refined control commands to the ablation instrument.

Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through a target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response. The processing unit is configured to identify the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property.

Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy having a current-source type behavior is provided. The generator has a buck converter having a voltage source, at least one switch and an inductor. The generator also has an RF stage configured to output the RF energy. A sensor circuit configured to measure at least one parameter of the RF energy and a controller configured to receive the measured parameter from the sensor circuit and control the output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured parameter may also be provided in the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: An electrosurgical energy delivery apparatus includes an energy delivery circuit, a control circuit and an energy-harvesting system with a plurality of energy-harvesting circuits and a voltage regulator that provides a regulated DC voltage to the energy delivery circuit and/or the control circuit. The energy delivery circuit receives an electrosurgical energy signal having a primary frequency and selectively provides the electrosurgical energy signal to an energy delivery element. The control circuit connects to the energy delivery circuit and selectively enables the flow of electrosurgical energy to the energy delivery element. The plurality of energy-harvesting circuits each include an energy-harvesting antenna tuned to a particular frequency, a matched circuit configured to receive an RF signal from the energy-harvesting antenna, rectify the RF signal and generate a DC signal, and an energy storage device that connects to the voltage regulator to receive and store the DC signal.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to measure, collect and record data pertaining to a characteristic of tissue as the tissue is being electrosurgically treated. A tuner configured to couple to the electrosurgical generator includes a tuning circuit providing a load having a variable complex impedance for the electrosurgical generator when the electrosurgical generator is connected thereto. A controller including stored data pertaining to impedance values is in operable communication with the electrosurgical generator for retrieving the recorded data pertaining to the characteristic of tissue. The controller is in operable communication with the tuner for varying a complex impedance of the load. The controller configured to compare the recorded data pertaining to the at least one characteristic of tissue with the stored data pertaining to the plurality of impedance values and to adjust the tuner to one of the plurality of impedance values.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.

Abstract: A high-frequency surgical testing device for testing a neutral electrode during treatment, particularly during monopolar coagulation of biological tissue using a high-frequency current. The neutral electrode includes at least one first electrically conductive electrode segment having a first cable for connecting to a high-frequency generator, and a second electrically conductive electrode segment having a second cable for connecting to a high-frequency generator, the first and second electrode segments contacting the tissue. The test device includes an encoding element having a code for describing the neutral electrode and a measurement device for capturing the code describing the neutral electrode. The test device allows an identification of the neutral electrode to ensure safety.

Abstract: A surgical safety apparatus for use in connection with an energizable surgical device minimizes inadvertent activation of a surgical tool when the oxygen or flammable gas level is too high. An activation circuit is connected with an energy source and with a hand piece of the tool. A sensor measures the oxygen or flammable gas near the tool and can operate in a first state to disconnect the energy source from the hand piece. In a second state the source of energy is connected to the hand piece. The sensing element is connected to the activation circuit. The sensing element signals the activation circuit to convert the activation circuit from the first state to the second state provided the oxygen or flammable gas level is safe.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed, which includes a closed loop control system having a sensor system configured to sense tissue and/or energy properties at a tissue site and to generate a sensor signal representative of the tissue and/or energy properties. The control system includes a controller configured to select an electrosurgical operational mode from a plurality of electrosurgical operational modes in response to the sensor signal. A radio frequency arbitrary source is also included which generates a radio frequency input signal corresponding to the selected electrosurgical operational mode and a radio frequency output stage configured to generate a treatment signal corresponding to the electrosurgical operational mode.

Abstract: A matrix router with frequency switching is provided having an energy source electrically connected to a plurality of interface ports. A switching device is provided between the energy source and the plurality of switches. One of the plurality of interface ports includes a paired electrode interface port for the connection of a paired electrode device thereto. The paired electrode device has a first pair of opposed electrodes and a second pair of opposed electrodes for clamping on tissue. When the paired electrode device is operably connected to the paired electrode interface port and actuated, the switching device alternates energy such as bipolar RF from the first pair of opposed electrodes to the second pair of opposed electrodes.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is capable of selectively varying the power applied to an electrosurgical probe, without interruption or discontinuity, in a variable mode or providing a constant coagulation power value to the probe. In a fixed mode, power to the electrosurgical probe must be discontinued to change the power level output by the probe. A single controller is capable of operating the probe in the variable mode and the fixed mode. The controller includes an actuator for stopping the cutting operation and then switching to a constant coagulation output during either of the variable mode or the fixed mode. The controller of the system may selectively control a separate surgical tool.

Abstract: Cardiac catheters, including a lasso catheter, are provided for use in a system for electrical mapping and ablation of the heart has an array of raised, circumferential ring bump electrodes wherein each circumferential electrode has multiple perforations, which are in fluid communication with a cavity or chamber formed under the surface of the circumferential ring. The cavity is formed 360° around the outer surface or loop lumen of the lasso segment of the catheter which is in fluid communication with a breach hole (or holes) drilled through loop lumen and in fluid communication with an irrigating lumen. Each circumferential ring has a breach hole (or holes) that range from smaller to larger from the proximal end of the loop segment to the distal end of the loop segment in one embodiment.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a microprocessor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Selection of a plurality of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of a between graphical element can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected between graphical element. Selection of a plurality of between graphical elements and graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: A medical system for delivering treatment or therapy to a patient has a kill switch for interrupting the delivery. The kill switch, which can disrupt the delivery directly or can cause an error message to be generated that disrupts the delivery, can be activated by the operator or remotely. In an ablation catheter system, a kill switch mechanism immediately and abruptly terminates delivery of ablation treatment or therapy.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a patient having a sympathetically mediated disease associated at least in part with augmented peripheral chemoreflex or heightened sympathetic activation. The treatments include ablating one or more peripheral chemoreceptors or associated afferent nerves to reduce or remove afferent neural signals from the peripheral chemoreceptor.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for coagulating tissue comprises a source of radio frequency (RF) energy, and at least a pair of output terminals for connection to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument adapted to contact tissue, the output terminals delivering RF energy from the source to the instrument such that the source delivers RF energy into tissue. The generator also includes boiling detection means for determining when the RF energy starts to cause the boiling of electrolytes within the tissue. A timer is adapted to determine when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the boiling detection means has indicated the start of the boiling of electrolytes. An indication means gives an indication when the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical power generating source, an energy applicator operably associated with the electrosurgical power generating source, a processor unit, and a data acquisition module configured to receive a reflected signal. The processor unit is disposed in operative communication with the data acquisition module and adapted to determine a tissue desiccation rate around at least a portion of the energy applicator based on one or more signals received from the data acquisition module.

Abstract: A cable stand-off for use with an electrosurgical system includes an accordion body portion having a plurality of panels, and a plurality of hinges. Each panel has at least one hole formed therethrough. The holes of the plurality of panels are axially aligned with one another. The plurality of hinges couples adjacent panels to one another. In one embodiment, the hinges couple adjacent panels in a tip-to-tail fashion. The accordion body portion may be made of a flexible material. Each panels may further include at least one slot extending from a hole to an edge of the panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure includes bringing a probe into contact with an organ in a body of a patient. A map of the organ is displayed, and the location of the probe relative to the map is tracked. A therapy is applied via the probe at multiple tissue sites in the organ with which the probe is brought into contact. Stability of the contact between the probe and the tissue sites is assessed while applying the therapy. The map is automatically marked, responsively to the assessed stability, to indicate the tissue sites at which the therapy was applied.

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. The one or more electrical parameters corresponding to an ablation zone having a radius. The one or more electrical parameters include a threshold value, wherein when the threshold value is met the power source is adjusted to form an ablation zone of suitable proportion.

Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electro surgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided which includes a housing and an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally. The housing has a treatment portion attached and defining a chamber therein for retaining an activation circuit and a control circuit. The activation circuit is operably coupled to at least one activation element that is activatable to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy from a generator to tissue proximate the treatment portion. The control circuit includes a microprocessor to enable bidirectional communication between the electrosurgical instrument and the generator relating to usage information of the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation system having a generator adapted to selectively provide surgical ablation energy to an ablation probe, and methods of operating same, are disclosed. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and at least one tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The at least one tissue sensor provides a tissue impedance measurement to the controller. A sensor probe may be designated a threshold probe adapted to sense when tissue is sufficiently ablated, or, a critical structure probe adapted to protect an adjacent anatomical structure from undesired ablation. During an electromagnetic tissue ablation procedure, the controller monitors tissue impedance to determine tissue status, to activate an indicator associated therewith, and, additionally or alternatively, to activate and deactivate the generator accordingly.

Abstract: A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event.

Abstract: Electric field delivery and ablation of target tissue regions, including cancerous cells and solid tumors. Methods and systems include delivering an electric field to a target tissue, and may include positioning a first electrode or plurality to at least partially define a first treatment volume in the target tissue; positioning a second electrode or plurality to at least partially define a second treatment volume, the first volume is disposed in the second volume; and establishing a first current flow extending through the first volume and a second current flow extending through the second volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and including a receptacle having at least one mechanical interface. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument adapted to connect to the electrosurgical generator and configured to deliver energy to tissue. Further, a plug is provided to engage the receptacle to electrically couple the electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical generator. The plug includes a terminal electrically coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and a prong electrically coupled to the terminal that includes a recess defined therein and is configured to receive the at least one mechanical interface. When the plug is disengaged from the receptacle, the at least one mechanical interface cooperates with the recess to uncouple the prong from the terminal.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods provide for intravascular or extravascular delivery of renal denervation therapy and/or renal control stimulation therapy. Wireless vascular thermal transfer apparatuses and methods provide for one or both of production of current densities sufficient to ablate renal nerves and terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, and production of current densities sufficient to induce endothelium dependent vasodilation of the renal artery bed. A common apparatus may be used for both renal ablation and control of renal function locally after renal denervation.