Abstract: Presented are a method and apparatus for surgical procedures. An exemplary apparatus includes a body having a longitudinal axis, the body comprising a hollow passageway extending through the longitudinal axis from an inlet at a distal end to a port at a proximal end. The apparatus further includes an electrode extending from the distal end of the body adjacent to the inlet. The apparatus also includes a swivel portion moveably coupled to the port, the swivel portion having a second hollow passageway fluidly coupled to the hollow conduit extending from the port to an outlet, wherein the swivel portion comprises a first swivel element operable to rotate around the longitudinal axis relative to the body, and wherein the swivel portion comprises a second swivel element operable to rotate relative to the first swivel element and the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward an electrosurgical apparatus including an electrosurgical generator that may be coupled to an electrosurgical applicator. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a controller of the electrosurgical generator is configured to execute a dynamic leakage current compensation algorithm or function to compensate for the leakage current of an electrosurgical applicator and accompanying cable coupling the electrosurgical applicator to electrosurgical generator. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller of the electrosurgical generator is configured to execute a dynamic radio frequency modulation algorithm or function to dynamically control the crest factor of the output waveform of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured impedance across an active and return terminal of the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to electrophysiology catheters for tissue ablation within a cardiac muscle, for example. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to an electrophysiology ablation balloon catheter with a combination of coated and uncoated surfaces for focusing ablation energy at a desired portion of tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to circuitry to provide amplitude modulated waveforms in electrosurgical devices. The circuitry can be included in an electrosurgical generator device to provide the amplitude modulated waveforms to an electrosurgical probe coupled with the electrosurgical generator device.

Abstract: An electrocautery unit for connecting to a handle of an electrocautery device, the unit comprises a body, a light unit and an electrode. The body has a body proximal end and a body distal end, and a body axis extending lengthwise along the center of the body. The body's proximal end comprises a connecting element for connecting said body to a handle having a handle axis extending lengthwise along the center of the handle, so that said body axis is coaxial with said handle axis when said body is connected to said handle. The light unit may be constructed and arranged to emit a light having a central axis coaxial with said body axis. The electrode comprises a proximate end connected to the body distal end, and an electrode tip at a distal said. When the electrode is connected to the body, the electrode lays outside of the body axis and extends into said body axis such that the electrode tip is within said body axis, wherein said light and said electrode tip are coaxial to said body axis and said handle axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative surface. A second jaw member of the end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative surface of the first jaw member, and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and positioned to oppose the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, respectively, of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A generator, ultrasonic device, and method of determining a temperature of an ultrasonic blade are disclosed. A control circuit coupled to a memory determines an actual resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade by an ultrasonic waveguide. The actual resonant frequency is correlated to an actual temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit retrieves from the memory a reference resonant frequency of the ultrasonic electromechanical system. The reference resonant frequency is correlated to a reference temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit then infers the temperature of the ultrasonic blade based on the difference between the actual resonant frequency and the reference resonant frequency.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a device for activating or deactivating a function of the instrument. The device comprises first and second parts, which are each movable into an operative position relative to the other part to activate or deactivate a function of the instrument. A second control element for moving the second part into the operative position provides a control portion and comprises, for moving the first part into the operative position, a first control element which provides an additional control portion. The first control element can be moved in an opposite direction the direction from the second control element. Accordingly, the function is activated by moving a control element in a distal direction, and by moving another control element in a proximal direction. A deflection of force by one actuating element for actuating the first part or the second part in the opposite direction is not necessary.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered electrosurgical wave generator is usable in performing electrically driven medical procedures. The wave generator can be small and lightweight to enable a user to carry and use the wave generator in non-operating room type settings. The wave generator can include a control unit that generates output signals in each of a cutting mode, coagulation mode, and a bipolar mode. The control unit can use a single circuit structure to generate the output signals for the cutting, coagulation, and bipolar modes. The output signals can be generated solely from a voltage produced by an incorporated battery within the generator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes an end effector, a generator, and a controller. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and at least one electrode surface. The generator provides power to the end effector. The end effector applies ultrasonic energy to tissue via the blade or RF energy to tissue via the at least one electrode surface. The controller is configured to select between one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy, and thereby control the generator to provide the selected one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy at the end effector, based on a sensed operating condition of the end effector. The controller may select between ultrasonic energy and RF energy based on whether a clamp arm is in an open position relative to the blade, based on which button is being activated, and based on whether tissue is sensed at the end effector.

Abstract: An electrosurgical assembly that includes one or more electrodes, and one or more AC conductors electrically connecting the one or more electrodes to a power source that is configured to generate and output an AC power signal to the one or more electrodes via the one or more AC conductors. A rectifier is electrically connected to the one or more AC conductors, and configured to convert the AC power signal into a DC power signal. A light source is electrically powered by the DC power signal.

Abstract: Ultrapolar non-telescopic electrosurgery pencil with argon beam capability which is capable of using monopolar energy in a bipolar mode for cutting and coagulation and which is also capable of using an ionized gas for cutting and coagulation.

Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator. The gas-enhanced generator has a housing, a first gas control module in the housing and configured to control flow of a first gas, a second gas control module in the housing and configured to control flow of a second gas, a high frequency power module, and a controller, processor or CPU within the housing and configured to control the first gas control module, the second gas control module and the high frequency power module. The first gas and second gas may be any of CO2, argon and helium or another gas. The gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator may have a third gas control module in the housing and configured to control flow of a third gas and a third connector secured on an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method for identifying tissue state and energizing the surgical instrument includes an end effector having an ultrasonic blade and an RF electrode, a shaft assembly, a body, and a power controller. A first ultrasonic energy input is configured to be actuated from a first unactuated energy input state to a first actuated energy input state. A trigger input is configured to be actuated from an unactuated trigger input state to an actuated trigger input state. The power controller is operatively connected to the ultrasonic blade, the RF electrode, the first ultrasonic energy input, and the trigger input and configured to direct at least one of the ultrasonic blade or the RF electrode to be selectively driven according to a predetermined drive function based on the tissue impedance, the state of the first energy input, and the state of the trigger input.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument having a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft extending distally from the body, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft and being operable to treat tissue with ultrasonic energy. An accessory device is configured to operatively couple the surgical instrument with a generator operable to power the surgical instrument to provide ultrasonic energy. A primary EEPROM is provided within the instrument body and is operable to track usage of the surgical instrument. The system further includes at least one of: an accessory EEPROM integrated into the accessory device and being operable to track usage of the accessory device; a transducer EEPROM integrated into the ultrasonic transducer and being operable to track usage of the ultrasonic transducer; or an ASIC integrated into the accessory device and being operable to communicate with the generator regarding a state of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device is configurable in a bipolar mode and a monopolar mode using a three-conductor electrical input. The device includes a switching mechanism that provides signals corresponding with a first function and a second function in a monopolar mode. The switching mechanism also provides a signal corresponding with a third function in a bipolar mode.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus capable of air pollution reduction includes an operating tool and an airflow device. The airflow device is located adjacent to the operating tool, and has a shell with one or more opening holes distributed thereon for air to flow in or out.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps in which one or more pairs of non-resonant unbalanced lossy transmission line structures are arranged on the inner surfaces of the jaws of the forceps provide both (i) active and return electrodes for a radiofrequency (RF) signal, and (ii) lossy structures for delivering a microwave signal into biological tissue in conjunction with a mechanical gripping arrangement for applying pressure to material held within the jaws. The location of the pairs of transmission lines on the jaws of the forceps and the selection of the material of the jaws is arranged to ensure that any biological tissue gripped by the jaws become the propagation medium for the RF signal and the medium into which the microwave signal is lost.

Abstract: A device is designed to remove blockages in a lumen such as a thrombus, blood clot, or embolus. The device comprises a manipulating wire and a structure that can conduct electrical current to a lumen blockage. The electrical current is preferably in radio frequency (RF). The RF electric current in the blockage can excite the contents such as proteins of the blockage, so that cross-linking density and interfacial adsorption of the entire blockage is enhanced. The enhanced cross-linking density can result in increased fracture resistance of the blockage such that fracture of the blockage during the removal process is unlikely. The enhanced interfacial adsorption results in increased interfacial fracture resistance between the device and blockage so that the blockage can be securely captured during the removal process without using radially applied force.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: (i) a first working arm and (ii) a second working arm; (b) a blade electrode; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between a first electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both, and a second electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a second therapy current through the blade electrode; and wherein the first working arm and the second working arm of the forceps are immobilized in the second electrical configuration so that both the forceps and the first therapy current are disabled.

Abstract: Electric power generator protection is secured by detecting wiring errors to an intelligent electronic device using terminal third voltages at the terminal (VT3) and third harmonic voltages at the neutral (VN3). When an angle between VT3 and VN3 is outside of an acceptable range, a wiring defect is detected, and certain protective operations are blocked. An alarm may be generated, facilitating personnel to identify and rectify the wiring defect. Wiring defects may further be detected when a torque calculated using VT3 and VN3 exceeds a predetermined error threshold. Security of protection elements is increased by detection of wiring defects that may have resulted in misoperation of the protection elements.

Abstract: A battery-powered, modular surgical device comprising an electrically powered surgical instrument that requires a pre-determined minimum amount of electrical energy to complete a surgical procedure, and a power module assembly that has a battery that powers the surgical instrument and has a current state of electrical charge, and a control circuit that is electrically coupled to the battery and the surgical instrument and has a memory and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines the current state of electrical charge of the battery, compares the current state of electrical charge to the pre-determined minimum amount of electrical energy, permits the battery to discharge if the current state of electrical charge is above the pre-determined minimum amount of electrical energy, and maintains the battery in a non-discharge state if the current state of electrical charge is below the pre-determined minimum amount of electrical energy.

Abstract: A shapeable passer for surgical cable or suture is made from a flexible tubular extrusion which includes at least one lumen arranged to receive the leading end of a surgical cable or suture, and at least one lumen arranged to contain a malleable stiffener element. The lumens and stiffener element are arranged parallel to each other and lengthwise along longitudinal axis of the extrusion, such that the malleable stiffener element enables the malleable portion of the passer to be shaped as desired. The leading ends of the lumens are preferably sealed, capped or tipped, while the trailing ends of the lumens arranged to receive the surgical cables or sutures are preferably flared to facilitate manual insertion of the cables or sutures.

Abstract: An ablation planning system includes a user interface (104) configured to permit selection of inputs for planning an ablation procedure. The user interface is further configured to incorporate selection of ablation probes and one or more combinations of ablation powers, durations or parameters applicable to selected probes in the inputs to size the ablation volumes. The user interface includes a display for rendering internal images of a patient, the display permitting visualizations of the ablation volumes for different entry points on the internal images. An optimization engine (106) is coupled to the user interface to receive the inputs and is configured to output an optimized therapy plan which includes spatial ablation locations and temporal information for ablation so that collateral damage is reduced, coverage area is maximized and critical structures are avoided in a planned target volume.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member including an asymmetric electrode comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode defines a first width and the second electrode defines a second width. The first width is not equal to the second width. A first gap is defined between the first electrode and the ultrasonic blade and a second gap is defined between the second electrode and the ultrasonic blade. The first gap is not equal to the second gap.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter for use in cardiac mapping and/or ablation. The catheter may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal ablation electrode region capable of ablating tissue. An electrode assembly may be coupled to the distal ablation electrode region. The electrode assembly may include a flexible circuit having one or more electrodes disposed thereon.

Abstract: A medical device configured to manipulate tissue within a body of a subject may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft may be configured to be inserted into the body. The device may include end effectors coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effectors may include a needle pivotably coupled to the shaft and configured to inject a fluid into the tissue. The end effectors may also include an articulating arm pivotably coupled to the shaft, and a cutting wire extending between the needle and the arm.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems, devices and methods for modulating targeted nerve fibers (e.g., hepatic neuromodulation) or other tissue are provided. Systems, devices and methods for cooling energy delivery members are also provided. The systems may be configured to access tortuous anatomy of or adjacent hepatic vasculature. The systems may be configured to target nerves surrounding (e.g., within adventitia of or within perivascular space of) an artery or other blood vessel, such as the common hepatic artery.

Abstract: A device for generating RF power for an electrosurgical instrument is provided that includes a controller programmed to generate an electrical signal having an oscillating waveform and to modulate the oscillating waveform between a plurality of ON and OFF states to create discrete packets of the oscillating waveform in the plurality of the ON states. The device further has an amplifier in communication with the electrical waveform that amplifies the waveform to create an output signal and an electrosurgical connector configured to receive an electrosurgical instrument and to pass the electrical signal to the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus having a HF power source providing HF energy for electrosurgery and a circuitry to control application of said HF energy to an electrode end used in electrosurgically operating on a patient is characterized in that said circuitry is adapted to apply in a dissecting mode said HF energy for dissecting to an electrode end automatically in the form of pulses such that the pulses automatically have a defined length. This device can be used for exploration of the bladder and en bloc radical removal of a large tumor using the active resection electrode loop of an optic resectoscope such that the bladder wall layers below the tumor base within the intact tissue margin are prepared using step-by-step coagulation and dissection of the tumor nutrient vessels and of the interlayer tissue fibers performed by impulsive turns-on of the electrosurgical apparatus in-use in the monopolar dissection mode.

Abstract: For Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), particularly for the esophagus and stomach, a kit includes two endoscopes that are used alternatingly to separate chromoendoscopy for staining of intestinal metaplastic mucosa, injecting solution to raise diseased mucosa, snare polypectomy, and wound clipping from cap-assisted suction and ligation of the mucosa, for making these procedures more focused and readily accomplished, with less likelihood of bleeding and perforation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is adapted for use through a port and within a body cavity. The device includes a gas supply supplying gas to a distal tip and a valve to regular such supply, and an electric supply for supplying electricity to the distal tip. A pressure relief system is provided to regulate an outflow of gas from within the body cavity to prevent exceeding a predetermined pressure. The inflow of the gas through the valve and outflow of gas through the pressure relief system may occur simultaneously.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for forming shock waves. The devices may comprise an axially extending elongate member. A first electrode pair may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode pair may be provided on the elongate member and positioned within a conductive fluid. A controller may be coupled to the first electrode pair. The controller may be configured to deliver a series of individual pulses to the first electrode pair, where each pulse creates a shock wave. The controller may cause current to flow through the electrode pair in a first direction for some of the pulses in the series and in a second direction opposite the first direction for the remaining pulses in the series.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrosurgical electrode of a medical device includes providing an electrosurgical tissue cutting electrode having an arcuate electrode portion; delivering energy from an RF generator to the electrosurgical electrode, said RF generator including an RF amplifier; monitoring an electrical characteristic associated with said electrosurgical electrode; and establishing a desired RF power output and a desired RF duty cycle at said RF generator by adjusting DC input voltage applied to an output stage of said RF amplifier based on said monitoring to effect tissue cutting by the arcuate electrode portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus having a feed structure comprising a radiofrequency (RF) channel for conveying RF electromagnetic (EM) radiation from an RF signal generator to a probe and a microwave channel for conveying microwave EM radiation from a microwave signal generator to the probe, wherein the RF channel and microwave channel comprise physically separate signal pathways, wherein the feed structure includes a combining circuit having an input connected to the signal pathway on the RF channel, another input connected to the signal pathway on the microwave channel, and an output connected to a common signal pathway for conveying the RE EM radiation and EM radiation separately or simultaneously to the probe, and wherein the microwave channel includes a waveguide isolator connected to isolate the signal pathway on the microwave channel from the RF EM radiation.

Abstract: An HF surgical appliance comprising an HF generator having an output circuit, which contains an output transformer and has an output impedance. Output terminals, to which an HF surgical instrument can be connected, are provided, said instrument supplying a high-frequency current with a specific frequency into tissue to treat the same. An additional output circuit containing an additional transformer, which is connected between the output circuit and the output terminals to reduce the output impedance is also provided. In this way, the HF surgical appliance can be operated with a high power output even on loads having low impedance.

Abstract: To achieve a safe transition from the ignition of a plasma in incision mode to the combustion of the plasma during a cutting mode, an electromedical device to supply an instrument with electrical power is equipped with an ignition recognition mechanism formed by a sensor device. This ignition recognition mechanism switches the HF generator provided in the device from an incision operating mode to a cutting operating mode as soon as ignition is recognized. The switching is brought about by the switching of an HF modulation from a low crest factor in the incision operating mode to a high crest factor in the cutting operating mode.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft that extends therefrom and a handle pivotable relative thereto. An end effector assembly is attached to a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft and the second jaw member extends along a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and fixed to the distal end of the shaft by a living hinge. The first jaw member, upon actuation of the handle, is movable relative to the second jaw member between spaced-apart position, an approximated position for grasping tissue, and a second position for over-compressing tissue grasped between jaw members. A knife is disposed within a channel defined within the second jaw member and is exposed to cut tissue when the first jaw member over-travels to over-compress the second jaw member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is presented including a radio frequency (RF) amplifier coupled to an electrical energy source and configured to generate electrosurgical energy, the RF amplifier including an inverter configured to convert a direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC), and a plurality of sensors configured to sense voltage and current of the generated electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator further includes a controller coupled to the RF amplifier and the plurality of sensors. The electrosurgical may be further configured to determine a power level based on the sensed voltage and the sensed current, determine an efficiency of the electrosurgical generator, and insert a predetermined integer number of off cycles when the efficiency of the electrosurgical generator reaches a threshold power efficiency.

Abstract: A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.

Abstract: A method of improving efficiency of an electrosurgical generator is presented, the method including controlling an output of an electrosurgical generator by converting a direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC) using an inverter, and sensing a current and a voltage at an output of the inverter. The method further includes the steps of determining a power level based on the sensed voltage and the sensed current, determining an efficiency of the electrosurgical generator, and inserting a predetermined integer number of off cycles when the efficiency of the electrosurgical generator reaches a threshold power efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-beam LIDAR optical system, that in one example includes a plurality of single mode optical fibers configured to transmit and receive light beams, and a plurality of lenses configured to collimate and focus the light beams between the plurality of single mode optical fibers and an entrance pupil of the system, wherein the system is configured to transmit and receive the light beams over an angular field of view of at least 5°.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided for the treatment of tissue, the system comprising an electrosurgical generator (1) and an instrument (3) comprising an instrument shaft (10) having a longitudinal axis, and an electrode assembly (12) at one end of the shaft. The electrode assembly (12) comprises a first tissue treatment electrode (11), a second tissue treatment electrode (14), and first and second return electrodes (24, 25) electrically insulated from the first and second tissue treatment electrodes by means of insulation members (12, 15). The first and second tissue treatment electrodes (11, 14) each have an exposed surface for treating tissue, the exposed surface of the first tissue treatment electrode (11) being such as to treat tissue disposed on the longitudinal axis, and the exposed surface of the second tissue treatment electrode (14) being such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device, system and method for temperature-based lesion formation assessment and mapping functionality using an accessory usable with an over-the-wire balloon catheter. The device may include a first annular element, a plurality of wires coupled to the first annular element, and a second annular element, the plurality of wires passing from the first annular element through the second annular element and into an elongate wire conduit coupled to the second annular element. At least one of the plurality of wires may include at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one mapping electrode. The first annular element coupled to an outer surface of a sheath. As a balloon catheter is advanced out of the sheath lumen, the distal tip of the catheter engages the second annular element and pushes the wires out of the sheath lumen, everting them over the balloon of the catheter.

Abstract: In an electro-surgical high-frequency generator, the signal frequency or the modulation frequency or a clock frequency or any combination thereof are modulated using a low-frequency modulation signal in such a way that the spectra thereof are widened. This results in a reduction of interference on peripheral devices.

Abstract: A medical device system and method provide an RF electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrosurgical electrode via a patient box disposed in close proximity to the patient. An RF signal is delivered from the generator to the patient box where signal power is increased and the RF signal delivered to the electrosurgical electrode. The patient box is coupled to the electrosurgical electrode by a short cable capable of carrying an HV, high frequency 5 MHz signal without leakage. An electrical characteristic associated with the electrosurgical electrode is monitored and a desired RF power output and duty cycle maintained by adjusting DC input voltage applied to an RF amplifier, responsive to the monitoring. The system determines when the electrosurgical cutting electrode has started cutting and switches from a start mode to a run mode having a different RF duty cycle and a reduced RF power output controlled by a servo system.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing that supports a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes coaxially aligned outer and inner shaft members. The inner shaft member is movable within the outer shaft member. An end effector includes a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft. At least one of the jaw members is pivotably coupled to the outer shaft and is movable between open and clamping configurations for grasping tissue. The inner shaft contacts a proximal end of the moveable jaw member to maintain the movable jaw member in the open configuration and is slidable against the movable jaw member to move the moveable jaw member between the open configuration and clamping configuration.