Abstract: Tumor ablation devices and related systems and methods are disclosed. Some tumor ablation devices include an RF energy delivery probe with two conductors and one or more thermocouples. The thermocouple measures a temperature at a location on one of the conductors. A generator can produce a current to be conducted between the first conductor and the second conductor via tissue within a desired ablation region. The ablation regions created by the RF energy delivery probe are symmetric about poles of the first conductor and the second conductor. A distal portion of the RF energy delivery probe may articulate, enabling a user to position the RF energy delivery probe in a proper position to ablate the tumor. The thermocouples may be disposed on a flexible or wired thermocouple circuit that is disposed between insulators.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a plasma operation electrode for an otolaryngology department. The plasma operation electrode for the otolaryngology department includes a tubular loop electrode, a water absorption tube and an effluent flow guiding component. The water absorption tube is sheathed in the tubular loop electrode, a water inlet channel is formed between the water absorption tube and the tubular loop electrode. An end part, away from the handle, of the tubular loop electrode is provided with at least one water outlet hole. The effluent flow guiding component is correspondingly installed at the water outlet hole, and sealed and connected on an outer wall of the tubular loop electrode. A water injecting channel is formed between the effluent flow guiding component and the tubular loop electrode. The plasma operation electrode for the otolaryngology department has a good flow guiding effect to normal saline, and high in reliability and safety.

Abstract: An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include a first body, a first electrode on the left side of the first body, and a second electrode on the right side of the first body. The first and second electrodes may be configured to receive electrosurgical energy to treat tissue in a target treatment zone. The end effector may also include a fluid aspiration port in fluid communication with a fluid path. The fluid aspiration port may be configured to remove a material from the target treatment zone.

Abstract: An electrosurgical resection instrument for applying to biological tissue radiofrequency electromagnetic energy has a protective hull comprising a shaped piece of dielectric material mounted to cover an underside of an instrument tip of the instrument. The protective hull acts as a shield to protect tissue that may lie under the instrument tip from damage during treatment. The instrument may be particularly useful in procedures performed in a gastrointestinal tract, where bowel perforation is a concern, or in the pancreas, where damage to the portal vein or the pancreatic duct may occur when a tumor or other abnormality is being resected, dissected or removed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand is disclosed. The electrosurgical wand includes a handle that defines a proximal end of the electrosurgical wand. The electrosurgical wand includes an elongate shaft coupled to the handle; the elongate shaft defines a suction lumen therein. The electrosurgical wand also includes an electrically insulative spacer (404) coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft, whereby the spacer defines a suction channel (412) fluidly coupled to the suction lumen. The electrosurgical wand includes a first means for blocking defined by the spacer, an active electrode (402) coupled on the distal end of the spacer and a second means for blocking associated with the active electrode and in operational relationship to the first means for blocking. In the electrosurgical wand, the first means for blocking includes an annular trough (416) that fully encircles the suction channel of the spacer and the second means for blocking includes an annular wall (414).

Abstract: An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include one or more electrodes and a movable electrode scraper having a plurality of features in mechanical communication with a surface of the one or more electrodes and configured to move across the surface of the electrodes thereby removing biological debris adhering to the surface of the electrodes. The electrosurgical device may include a diverter in mechanical communication with the one or more electrodes. The scraper may also be configured to move across the surface of the diverter. The scraper may be operated by the action of an extendable mechanism in mechanical communication with a shaft of the electrosurgical device. An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include one or more electrodes and a movable electrode sleeve configured to movably cover the one or more electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing forward fluid delivery through an electrosurgical device, while avoiding coring when energy is delivered to the electrosurgical device. The device has a distal face defining an opening, with the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion. An embodiment of the electrosurgical device for puncturing tissue includes an elongate member defining a lumen for receiving a fluid; a distal face defining at least one aperture; and the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion cooperating to produce an elongated cut in a tissue when electrical energy is delivered to the distal face while avoiding coring of the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool system for actuating a handpiece with a tip. The frequency of the drive signal applied to the handpiece drivers is a function of the equivalent of current through the mechanical components of the handpiece and tip and the frequency responsiveness of these components.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath, an shaft at least partially surrounded by the sheath, an end effector at a distal end of the shaft and movable between at least an open position and a closed position, and a handle. The handle includes a shaft advancement body, a channel body securely coupled to the sheath and selectively positionable with respect to the shaft advancement body, and a plunger securely coupled to the shaft and selectively positionable with respect to the channel body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of free-form areas and zones of human or animal skin areas or plant surfaces by means of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma. The core of the device is a specific, preferably gas-permeable, electrode arrangement for generating a dielectrically impeded surface discharge where the earthed electrode is composed of electrically conductive textile material and the high-voltage electrode consists of a thin wire or electrically conductive thread which is sheathed with an insulting layer which has to meet specific requirements. On the basis of the present invention, it is possible to generate, in the area of diseased skin parts of the human body, in direct proximity to the skin surface or to wounds, a flat plasma for the treatment of the diseased areas which is acceptable in respect of the stress on the skin caused by temperature and electric potentials.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient using an electrosurgical system. A method may, for a first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal to first and second electrodes according to a first mode. In the first mode, the electrosurgical signal is limited to a first maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a first mode threshold. The method may also, for a second application period after the first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal according to a second mode. In the second mode, the electrosurgical signal is limited to a second mode maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a second mode threshold. The second maximum power may be greater than the first maximum power.

Abstract: Electrosurgical system with selective control of active and return electrodes. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an electrosurgical wand and an electrosurgical controller. The wand comprises a non-conductive outer surface, at least three electrodes disposed on a distal end of the wand, and at least three electrical leads extending from a proximal end of the wand (one electrical lead electrically coupled to each electrode). The controller comprises a voltage generator and a control circuit coupled between the voltage generator and the electrodes of the wand. The control circuit is configured to: selectively electrically couple the active terminal singly and in combination to the electrodes of the wand; and selectively electrically couple the return terminal singly and in combination to electrodes of the wand.

Abstract: System for preventing bacterial infections in needle trajectories. The system includes a percutaneous surgical instrument (1) percutaneously introducible into a patient's tissue (3) such as a biopsy needle, and having an outer surface made of an electrically conductive material; a contact electrode (4) applicable to the patient's skin (3a); a silver coating or element (P) arranged on or forming part of the instrument (1) to break down by electrochemical release when a current is applied thereto, releasing silver ions into its surroundings; and an electric current generator (2) arranged and configured for generating a current and inducing the temporary circulation thereof between the instrument (1) acting as an anode, the tissue (3) and the contact electrode (4) acting as a cathode, respectively, with a specific magnitude and duration for producing a massive and sudden release of silver ions for the purpose of preventing post-treatment bacterial infections.

Abstract: An electrosurgical resection instrument for applying to biological tissue radiofrequency electromagnetic energy has a protective hull comprising a shaped piece of dielectric material mounted to cover an underside of an instrument tip of the instrument. The protective hull acts as a shield to protect tissue that may lie under the instrument tip from damage during treatment. The instrument may be particularly useful in procedures performed in a gastrointestinal tract, where bowel perforation is a concern, or in the pancreas, where damage to the portal vein or the pancreatic duct may occur when a tumor or other abnormality is being resected, dissected or removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to ablation catheter electrodes that solve in part the problem of tissue charring during radiofrequency ablation. The electrode assemblies of the invention include passageways that lead from the inner lumen of the assemblies to the surface of the assemblies, wherein the passageways have a smooth conjunction with the outer surface. These smooth conjunctions comprise rounded edges or are chamfered. In the case of rounded edges, the rounded edges can have fixed radii of about 0.002? to about 0.008?.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a shaft and an electrode assembly affixed to a distal end of the shaft. The distal electrode assembly includes a manifold and an ablation electrode affixed together and extending along a center axis. The electrode has a distal irrigation passageway extending therethrough to an opening at a distal tip of the electrode. The opening of the irrigation passageway is offset in distance from the center axis, and allows a thermal sensor such as a thermocouple to be located in a sensor cavity in the electrode on or near the center axis. One variation involves providing a pair of distal irrigation passageways through the electrode where both of the openings of the passageways are offset from the center axis. The thermal sensor in this variation is located in the sensor cavity substantially on the center axis.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus with a retractable blade for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus employs a tip of the retractable blade as a sharp conductive point to generate a plasma beam or discharge. When the blade is retracted within the electrosurgical apparatus, it is electrically energized while an inert gas flows over it, producing a cold plasma discharge. In the de-energized state, the blade is advanced and used as a traditional, mechanical surgical blade.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to electrosurgical systems for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient. A control circuit may, for a first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal to first and second electrodes according to a first mode. In the first mode, the control circuit may limit the electrosurgical signal to a first maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a first mode threshold. The control circuit may also, for a second application period after the first application period, apply the electrosurgical signal according to a second mode. In the second mode, the control circuit may limit the electrosurgical signal to a second mode maximum power when the impedance between the first and second electrodes exceeds a second mode threshold. The second maximum power may be greater than the first maximum power.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope includes: a sheath formed of a material having an insulation property; a shaft-shaped member formed of a material having conductivity and inserted to advance and retract in the sheath; and an electrode having a conduit line formed to jet forward a fluid supplied into the sheath, and connected to a distal end section of the shaft-shaped member. The electrode has an outer circumferential surface electrically connected to a contacted tissue to perform treatment, and an inner circumferential surface of the conduit line that faces the fluid when the fluid is supplied. An arithmetic average roughness of the outer circumferential surface is larger than an arithmetic average roughness of the inner circumferential surface, and the arithmetic average roughness of the inner circumferential surface is 0.1 ?m or less.

Abstract: Systems for ablating tissue can include a pair of electrode assemblies. The electrode assemblies can automatically align on opposing sides of operative tissue due to magnetic interaction. One assembly can move automatically in response to the other assembly due to the magnetic interaction. Some systems are capable of cooling the electrode assemblies during ablation procedures.

Abstract: Provided is a high-frequency treatment tool including a cylindrical sheath, an electrode member that is made to protrude and be retracted with respect to a distal-end portion of the sheath, and a liquid-feeding unit for feeding a liquid toward the distal-end side inside a flow channel in the sheath, wherein a distal end of the electrode member is provided with a distal-end expanded portion that extends radially outward in a radiating manner and that has a base-end surface that is made to protrude and be retracted with respect to a distal-end portion of the sheath, wherein the sheath is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the electrode member toward the base-end side at a position at which a portion of the distal-end expanded portion is accommodated inside the sheath and an accommodating portion that can accommodate at least a portion of the distal-end expanded portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument comprising an instrument shaft (10) having a longitudinal axis, and an electrode assembly at one end of the shaft. The electrode assembly comprises first and second active electrodes (11), (14) and at least one return electrode (25), the electrodes being electrically insulated one from another by means of one or more insulation members (12). The first and second active electrodes (11, 14) each have an exposed surface for treating tissue, the exposed surface (19) of the first active electrode being such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis at a first radial position with respect to the instrument shaft. The exposed surface (15) of the second active electrode is such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis at a second radial position with respect to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A bipolar snare including an elongated tubular electrically insulating sheath, a pair of elongated flexible electrically conductive wires disposed within the sheath, and an electrically insulating connector disposed at the distal ends of the wires mechanically connecting the distal ends of the wires to form a loop projecting from the distal end of the sheath. The wires are provided with electrical insulation covering all but a selected portion of each of the wires. The device also includes a guide member located within the sheath and forming compartments for each of the electrically conductive wires, the guide member being rotatable within the sheath. The guide member is also set back from the distal end of the sheath to an extent such that the whole of the loop including at least part of the connector is capable of being received within the sheath.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high frequency surgery apparatus for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue and methods of operating same. The high frequency surgery apparatus includes at least one high frequency generator which in operation forms a high frequency circuit with the tissue to be treated, with the production of an arc, and at least one measuring and calculating device which is connected for signal transmission to the high frequency circuit and which is adapted in operation to ascertain both a DC voltage in the high frequency circuit and also the amplitudes of at least one even and at least one odd harmonic of a fundamental frequency of the high frequency generator and to form a first tissue parameter representative of the kind of tissue to be treated from the relationship of the sum of the amplitudes of the even and the odd harmonics to the DC voltage and to output a tissue signal dependent on the first tissue parameter for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A device for a biopsy procedure using a probe is provided. The probe, such as a needle, has an inner bore. A tamponade device is provided having a stem portion and an expandable portion, the tamponade device is sized to fit within the probe inner bore. The expandable portion is changeable between a first size and a second size with the second size being larger than the first size. A sheath disposed about the expandable portion, the sheath sized to fit within the probe inner bore. The expandable portion applies direct pressure to a hemorrhage location when inflated to the second size.

Abstract: A puncture tool includes: a needle tube internally including a channel; an opening portion arranged at a proximal end portion of a needle tube turning operation portion; a conical shape portion to be punctured into a subject, the conical shape portion being arranged at a distal end portion of the needle tube; an opening portion arranged on a proximal end side of the conical shape portion and communicating with the channel; a blade capable of being inserted through the channel of the needle tube and capable of causing a cutting portion to project from the opening portion when being inserted through the channel; and a connector for electrically connecting the conical shape portion and a high frequency power supply device.

Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrosurgical electrode of a medical device includes a hand-held electrosurgical electrode having cutting probe. A return electrode is positioned remote from the electrosurgical electrode. An RF generator is coupled to the electrosurgical electrode and to the return electrode, and includes an RF amplifier. The RF generator generates an RF signal at a first RF power level for tissue cutting and generates the RF signal at a second RF power level greater than the first RF power level to initiate tissue cutting. A sensor monitors an electrical characteristic associated with the electrosurgical electrode. A controller coupled to the RF amplifier maintains a desired RF power output and a desired RF duty cycle at the first RF power level by adjusting a DC input voltage applied to an output stage of the RF amplifier based on the monitored electrical characteristic associated with the electrosurgical electrode.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends, an operating assembly at a proximal region of the frame, and a working assembly at a distal region of the frame. The working assembly has a cantilevered tip with a free end and is reconfigurable by an operator through the operating assembly by selectively reorienting the tip relative to: a) the frame; and b) a reference plane extending through the frame orthogonally to the central axis at a location on the frame spaced axially from the working assembly toward the operating assembly. The tip in one position projects in a first axial direction toward the reference plane. The working assembly has at least one cautery component that: a) contacts a human body part at the cutting location; and b) is operable to generate a current that dissects a contacted portion of the human body part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy based dissection device that automatically provides a nerve protection function. Specifically, the present invention operatively connects nerve monitoring technology and energy based dissection technology to provide a device that provides energy based dissection functionality that cannot operate, or operates differently, upon receipt of real time information from the nerve monitoring functionality that nerve damage may be imminent in the absence of such safety shutdown. The present invention also creates a real-time graphical display of the nerve, including size and location relative to the energy based dissection device to enable the operator to safely and accurately avoid damaging the nerve. Accordingly, the present invention provides a surgical device that removes human error and reaction time issues which prevent unintended dissection and concomitant nerve damage.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic system comprising: a console, wherein the console comprises a controller and an energy generator; a therapeutic device comprising: an operational head configured for transmitting the energy output from to a biological tissue; and a memory device comprising control instructions, wherein said control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the console; a reversible memory operable linkage linking the memory device to the controller; and a reversible connector configured for operably linking the energy generator to the operational head. Optionally, the energy generator is a generator of ablation energy or heat energy (e.g. RF generator) and the control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the output of the energy generator. Optionally, the control instructions comprise one or more parameters of energy output or an algorithm configured for controlling the energy output.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes: a fluid chamber whose capacity is variable; an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path communicating with the fluid chamber; a capacity changing unit which changes the capacity of the fluid chamber; a fluid supplying unit which supplies fluid to the inlet flow path; a fluid ejection opening disposed at an end of the outlet flow path opposite to an end communicating with the fluid chamber; a vibrating unit which vibrates a component in the vicinity of the fluid ejection opening; a vibration detecting unit which detects the level of vibration of the component in the vicinity of the fluid ejection opening; and an operation control unit which controls operation of the capacity changing unit based on the level of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting unit.

Abstract: Electrosurgical fibroid ablation systems and methods utilize a probe having at least two electrodes to perform bipolar ablation. The probe is inserted into a uterine fibroid so as to enter the fibroid along the major-axis direction of an ellipsoidal fibroid (a direction that is substantially parallel to the uterine wall). Inserting the probe in this direction facilitates ablation of the fibroid with a single probe penetration because the area of ablation tends to progress within a volume having an ellipsoidal shape that is aligned with the ellipsoidal shape of the fibroid. Furthermore, any scar left by the procedure tends to extend in a direction that is parallel to the uterine wall, and thus is less likely to propagate and cause rupture of the uterine wall during pregnancy.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus for medical treatment includes a liquid ejecting scalpel that ejects a liquid, an ultrasonic scalpel that generates an ultrasonic wave, an inner body that accommodates the liquid ejecting scalpel and the ultrasonic scalpel and includes a first opening portion allowing a distal end portion of the liquid ejecting scalpel or a distal end portion of the ultrasonic scalpel to protrude therethrough, an outer body that accommodates the inner body and includes a second opening portion at a position corresponding to the first opening portion, a suctioning path that is made by an aperture formed between the inner body and the outer body, and a manipulation section that is arranged in the outer body and selectively causes the distal end portion of the liquid ejecting scalpel or the distal end portion of the ultrasonic scalpel to protrude through the first opening portion.

Abstract: The tissue cutting device comprises an elongated assembly including both an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a tissue-receiving window, and the inner sleeve has a distal end which cuts tissue as the inner sleeve is advanced past the window. The tissue is received into a lumen of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve lumen is typically enlarged in a proximal direction to reduce the tendency of resected tissue to lodge therein. The tissue displacement member is optionally provided at a distal end of the outer sleeve to further aid in dislodging tissue which becomes captured in a distal end of the inner sleeve of the lumen.

Abstract: Bipolar medical instrument for cutting tissue under the action of high-frequency current, wherein the instrument extends along a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein an active electrode and a neutral electrode, adjacent to the active electrode, are arranged at the distal end, and wherein the neutral electrode has a curved profile with a first curvature and a second curvature, wherein the respective directions of the curvatures are different. An electrosurgical system is also disclosed, with a high-frequency generator, and with one such bipolar medical instrument, which can be attached to the high-frequency generator.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the discharging of stored energy in an electrosurgical generator includes a pulse modulator which controls an output of a power supply. At least one comparator is configured to provide an error signal to the pulse modulator based on a comparison between an output signal generated by the power supply and a feedback signal generated in response to the application of energy to tissue. A discharge circuit is configured to control the discharge of the output of the power supply to an inductive load disposed in parallel with the output of the power supply based on the comparison between the output signal and the feedback signal. The discharge circuit provides a rapid response and time rate control of the delivered electrosurgical energy by controlling the power supply and delivered RF energy in real time, based on a feedback signal generated in response to the application of energy to tissue.

Abstract: Medical devices and systems, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for obtaining biological tissue samples suitable for analysis, such as biopsy, while minimizing undesirable collateral damage to surrounding tissue or minimizing air leaks. Certain disclosed medical systems provide for obtaining biological tissue samples, while preserving organ functionality.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for providing a denervating energy treatment to the tissue of the pulmonary vein and antrum region of the left atrium utilizing a catheter-based structure having one or more energy delivery surfaces. In some instances energy delivery surfaces are arranged with a circumferential and axial offset relative to one another. A pattern of individual lesions loosely approximating a helix, or other staggered pattern, or roughly circumferential are placed so as to provide a pattern which covers substantially the circumference of the treated area while avoiding stenosis. Denervating energy is applied by modulation of the energy delivery surfaces using an energy source integrated with a controller and control algorithm. In some instances feedback is used in a control algorithm for energy modulation. Energy sources are radiofrequency, ultrasound, and cryogenic.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes one or more electrically-conductive plates adapted to connect to a source of energy for supplying energy to tissue to treat tissue, a temperature sensing element, and a thermal spread control assembly coupled to the temperature sensing element. The thermal spread control assembly is configured to determine a flow rate of heat energy across the temperature sensing element and to control the energy applied to the electrically-conductive plate and/or control active cooling of the temperature sensing element in accordance with the determined flow rate of heat energy.

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: A biopsy needle (80) having a longitudinal channel (84) formed within an inner conductor (86) of a coaxial antenna is disclosed. The coaxial antenna terminates in a rigid insertion tip (82) e.g. a ceramic cone that is insertable into biological tissue. Microwave energy (e.g. having a frequency of 1 to 100 GHz) delivered to the coaxial antenna is emitted at the insertion tip. The insertion tip may be arranged to match the impedance of the coaxial antenna to a predetermined tissue impedance. The emitted radiation can be used to measure properties of or treat (e.g. ablate) tissue at the insertion tip. Needle biopsy apparatus is also disclosed, in which a microwave energy is controllably delivered to a needle from a microwave generator. The apparatus may include an impedance tuner to dynamically match the impedance of the needle with tissue at the insertion tip.

Abstract: A morcellator includes a housing, an elongated tube extending distally from the housing, and first and second electrodes. A distal end of the elongated tube is configured to cut tissue. The first electrode extends from the housing to the distal end of the elongated tube and is disposed around at least a portion of the distal end of the elongated tube. The second electrode extends distally beyond the first electrode. Another morcellator includes a housing, an elongated tube extending distally from the housing, and an oscillating mechanism. A distal end of the elongated tube includes opposing blade sections and at least one blunt section. The opposing blade sections are configured to cut tissue. The oscillating mechanism is configured to drive oscillation of the elongated tube to cut tissue with the blade sections.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil for cutting tissue during surgery by application of electrical energy supplied from a generator. A tube is provided for evacuation of smoke from the site of surgery. To improve flexibility and reduce the stiffness of the tube while maintaining generally the shape and ability of the tube to conduct smoke from the site, the tube comprises a polymer film, herein referred to as sheath stretched by at least one reinforcement element.

Abstract: A system for targeting an operation site includes an identifier having an electromagnetic field generator configured to produce electromagnetic fields. The system includes an implement that includes a handle, a blade portion, and an electromagnetic field sensor coupled to the blade portion. The electromagnetic field sensor is configured to produce a signal responsive to electromagnetic fields produced by the electromagnetic field generator. The system includes a control unit configured to access information indicating a position of the electromagnetic field sensor relative to the operation site, receive a signal from the electromagnetic field sensor that is indicative of a position of a tool relative to the electromagnetic field sensor, and determine a position of the tool relative to an operation site based on the received signal and the position of the electromagnetic field sensor relative to the operation site.

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 biological tissue cutting and fluid aspiration system provides a plurality of surgical instruments operable independent of an external control console. In some embodiments, each surgical instrument may include all sensors and controls directly applicable to the surgical instrument, and may be used independently. In some embodiments, instruments communicate status information to each other, and adjust operating parameters based on the communications.

Abstract: A contact sensing assembly including a catheter including an electrode having a base portion mounted adjacent a head portion of the catheter body. A sensor is disposed adjacent the base portion for measuring compression or tensile forces applied to an electrode tip portion, and includes a predetermined sensitivity. The base and head portions include predetermined rigidity so that forces applied to the electrode tip portion are determinable as a function of the sensitivity and a sensor output. A contact sensing assembly also includes an electrode pipe operatively connected to the catheter body for movement and bending with the catheter body, and an electrode wire disposed in the electrode pipe and including insulation. A change in capacitance resulting from movement of the electrode wire toward the electrode pipe or contact of the electrode wire with the electrode pipe during bending of the catheter correlates to a force applied to the catheter.

Abstract: A method for determining a desired location at which to apply a neural therapy. An array of electrodes is positioned proximal to neural tissue. A stimulus is applied from the array which evokes a neural compound action potential response in the neural tissue proximal to the array. A plurality of electrodes of the array simultaneously obtain respective measurements of the neural compound action potential response. From the measurements of the neural compound action potential response a desired location for a neural therapy is determined.

Abstract: A suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site. The suction apparatus may have a ring manifold having an inner perimeter for receiving the surgical instrument. A plurality of suction intake ports may be arranged about the outer perimeter of the ring manifold for evacuating smoke that may be generated by the surgical instrument.