Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that is capable of generating high-quality RF energy at a single frequency in the MHz range best suited for delicate, precise and quick-healing cutting procedures with low leakage currents using a monopolar handpiece, and also provides high-quality RF energy at the same frequency suited for use for carrying out similar procedures for use with a bipolar handpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the instrument is capable of generating sub-modes of electrosurgical currents with different waveforms optimized for cutting and hemostasis, and the various sub-modes are available for both the monopolar and bipolar handpieces. A preferred operating frequency is in the range of 4 MHz. The instrument includes means for maintaining a substantially constant power output irrespective of selection of one of the sub-modes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preventing secondary ischemic injury in the brain. The apparatus includes an interstitial brain probe and an introducer sheath, which are placed into an ischemic region of the brain by stereotaxic surgical technique. The interstitial brain probe and introducer sheath provide for thermal coagulation to provide hemostasis, aspiration of blood clots, infusion of therapeutic agents, and localized hypothermia within an ischemic region of the brain. The interstitial brain probe cools an ischemic region of the brain from within the ischemic region, and cooling is substantially limited to the ischemic region. Cooling is provided for a period of time greater than one hour.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed which minimizes the amount of tissue vaporized during a first half (positive half cycle) of an electrosurgical current cycle and minimizes the amount of current applied to tissue during a second half (negative half cycle) of the electrosurgical current cycle to control thermal spread. The circuit is preferably provided within an electrosurgical generator which is capable of controlling the amount of energy delivered to a patient during electrosurgery on a per arc basis.

Abstract: A high-frequency coagulation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a controller for controlling supply of the fluid from a fluid supply section to a tubular body and controlling supply of the high-frequency electric current from a high-frequency electric current generation section to an electrode, wherein the controller has a first mode for supplying the high-frequency electric current from the high-frequency electric current generation section to the electrode and supplying the fluid from the fluid supply section to the tubular body, and a second mode for supplying the high-frequency electric current from the high-frequency electric current generation section to the electrode and interrupting supply of the fluid from the fluid supply section to the tubular body.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing electrosurgery that employs a tungsten electrode that enables the flow of an inert gas (argon or helium) to flow and shroud the electrode during its use. The electrode may have a variety of tip configurations for different and varied surgical applications.

Abstract: An electric operation apparatus including: a high frequency current generating circuit for feeding a high frequency current to electrodes; a direct power supply circuit for supplying variable electric power to the high frequency current generating circuit; a therapeutic condition monitoring circuit for monitoring a therapeutic condition brought about by the high frequency current on the basis of the high frequency current outputted by the high frequency electric current generating circuit; and a supplied power setting circuit for supplying a setting signal for supplied electric power to the power supply circuit on the basis of the monitoring results obtained by the therapeutic condition monitoring circuit.

Abstract: An intelligent selection system for operating an electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that depends primarily on the surgical procedure to be employed. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters can be controlled by the handpiece chosen by the surgeon to perform the procedure. Each handpiece is customized to activate when operated one of several preset operating modes of the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a female patient in a transcervical procedure comprises an elongated catheter with a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer at its distal end. The catheter is inserted transcervically into the uterus and guided to the intramural region of a fallopian tube. The transducer is inserted into the intramural region in direct contact with the surrounding tissue. The transducer produces a radially dispersing acoustical wave front, heating the adjacent tissue and forming a thermal lesion therein. A fibrous tissue forms during the healing process, sealing the fallopian tube. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a movable thermal sensor for monitoring the tissue temperature at multiple locations along the lesion. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a spring that centers the distal end of the catheter at the opening of the fallopian tube and provides a tactile means to determine that the catheter and transducer have been correctly positioned.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the issue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.

Abstract: A device for the ablation of tissue for use with the fingers of a human hand and a radio frequency power supply and controller providing a source of radio frequency energy and controls for controlling the application of radio frequency energy to the device comprising a handle sized so that is adapted to be grasped and supported by the human hand and having proximal and distal extremities. A single conductive needle formed of a conducting material is disposed in the distal extremity of the handle. An edge card is mounted in the handle and has edge mounted contacts with circuitry connected thereto. An edge mount board connector is mounted in the handle and is removably secured to the edge mounted contacts of the edge card. A cable is connected to the edge mount connector and extends from the proximal extremity of the handle and is adapted to be coupled to the radiofrequency power supply and controller. A second printed circuit board is mounted in the handle in a spaced-apart position from the edge card.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for treating a body tissue with a high-frequency power includes an electrode for exposing the body tissue to the high-frequency power for treatment, and a high-frequency cautery power supply having a control circuit that outputs a high-frequency power generator for outputting the high-frequency power to the electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.

Abstract: In an electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, the generator includes a radio frequency output stage having two or more output connections, and a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage. A controller is operable to cause the generator to supply a blended output signal alternating constantly between a first output signal across the output connections in which the radio frequency output voltage developed across the output connections is limited to at least a first predetermined threshold value for cutting or vaporisation of tissue, and a second output signal across the output connections in which the radio frequency output voltage developed across the output connections is limited to a second threshold value for coagulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating tissue using an electrosurgical system. The system includes an electrosurgical system having an RF generator, a treatment electrode electrically coupled to the RF generator and positioned in contact with target tissue to be treated, and a spark gap switch positioned between the RF generator and the target tissue. The spark gap includes a threshold voltage and is configured to prevent conduction of current from the RF generator to the tissue until the voltage across the spark gap reaches the threshold voltage. The method includes the steps of using the RF generator to apply a voltage across the spark gap switch, the spark gap switch causing conduction of current from the RF generator to the target tissue once the voltage across the spark gap reaches the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method for electrosurgically sealing a tissue includes steps of: (A) applying a first pulse of RF energy to the tissue; and (B) applying at least one subsequent RF energy pulse to the tissue and keeping constant or varying RF energy parameters of individual pulses of subsequent RF energy pulses in accordance with at least one characteristic of an electrical transient that occurs during the individual RF energy pulses. The method terminates the generation of the at least one subsequent RF pulse upon a determination that the electrical transient is absent.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus comprises an HF generator and an HF instrument, the HF instrument having a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being assigned a first operating state, and the second switch being assigned a second operating state of the HF generator, the first switch and the second switch further being connected to at least one control signal line, there being assigned, furthermore, to the first switch and the second switch signal coding means that, as a function of the switching state of the first and the second switch, generate from a control input signal different control output signals for the optional activation of the first operating state or of the second operating state of the HF generator, which are fed to the HF generator via the common control line, and the HF instrument furthermore having at least a third switch, which is assigned at least a third operating state of the HF generator.

Abstract: A method for electrosurgically sealing a tissue includes steps of: (A) applying a first pulse of RF energy to the tissue; and (B) applying at least one subsequent RF energy pulse to the tissue and varying RF energy parameters of individual pulses of subsequent RF energy pulses in accordance with at least one characteristic of an electrical transient that occurs during the individual pulses of the subsequent RF energy pulses. The method terminates the generation of subsequent RF pulses upon a determination that the electrical transient has passed a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A plasma tool adapted to emit high quantum energy inert gas atoms in a stream for cutting, liquefying, or evaporating material such as human tissue during surgical procedures. The apparatus comprises a source of inert gas, a plasma cell in communication with the inert gas source for imparting energy to the inert gas atoms and defined in part by a positive electrode and a negative electrode, at least one power supply electrically connected between the positive and negative electrodes, and means for directing the high quantum energy inert gas atoms at a target. The power supply initially provides an ionization voltage between the negative and positive electrodes to initiate a plasma from the inert gas in the plasma cell, and subsequently provides a pulsed voltage curve to sustain the plasma at a predetermined energy level. Methods for using the tool, including for performing surgical procedures, are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Abstract: Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to altere the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred embodiment is a bougie-type device for trans-esophageal introduction that carries conductive electrodes for delivering Rf energy to walls of the LES (i) to induce the injury healing response or (ii) to “model” collagenous tissues of the LES by shrinking collagen fibers therein. Typically, an Rf source is connected to at least one conductive electrode that may be operated in a mono-polar or bi-polar fashion. A sensor array of individual sensors is provided in the working end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar high-frequency treatment tool for coagulating and incising the vital tissue, comprising a pair of jaws provided at a distal end portion of an elongated member such that they can be closed and opened between a closed position and an open position, an operation unit having a handle provided at a proximal end portion of the elongated member, the operation unit closing and opening the jaws when the handle is operated, a first electrode portion provided at one of the jaws, and a second electrode portion provided at the other of the jaws. When vital tissue is gripped between the jaws, the effective electrode surface of the second electrode portion, which is to be brought into contact with the vital tissue, is smaller than that of the second electrode portion.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use with an endoscope, used for simultaneously vaporizing, coagulating and cutting of tissue. The construction of the electrodes is such that the connecting end joins an elongated stem having a conductive center conductor, a majority of which is enclosed by a cover constructed from nonconductive material for the purpose of insulating the conductor from the endoscope conduit, telescope and resectoscope sheath. The cover may have an insulated saddle shaped extension for use in guiding a telescope. The conductor divides into two insulated conductive branches, and then exits the insulative cover forming a loop at a distal end of the electrode. The distal end portion of the conductive loop may angle away from the axial direction of the electrode, and the loop is completed with a straight conductive portion upon which an electrode tip is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A device for electrothermal treatment of the human or animal body, in particular for tissue coagulation or electrotomy, has an elongate applicator with at least two electrodes for insertion into the body to be treated. To produce an electrical or electromagnetic field for heating the body tissue in the treatment region, the two electrodes are arranged on the applicator in electrically mutually insulated and mutually spaced relationship and are each connected by way of a respective feed line to an extracorporally arranged high-frequency generator, in order to be able better to control the treatment process there is provided a signal source which emits a signal that provides the user with information about the condition of the body tissue between the two electrodes during a treatment process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an HF generator and to a method for limiting the output effective power of the HF generator, especially for performing HF surgical cutting and coagulation of human or animal tissue. According to the invention, the output voltage and the HF output current of the HF generator are detected by at least two detector devices, the peak values and the effective values of the HF output voltage and of the output current as well as the mean value of the output effective power of the HF generator are determined by an evaluation device, and the calculated mean value is compared to a defined maximum mean value of the output effective power of the HF generator by a comparison device. Afterwards, a modulation device modulates the HF output voltage using a pulse-shaped modulation signal.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator which provides a constant power output particularly suited for cutting arc formation at an active electrode which exhibits a dynamic active surface area of varying geometry. Essentially constant power-based control is achieved through the utilization of a d.c. link voltage the level of which functions to establish the amplitude of the output of an RF resonant inverter. A dual loop feedback control is described wherein output power based control signals are slowly introduced at low gain, while link voltage based controls are comparatively rapidly applied. Enhanced development of a controlling d.c. link voltage is achieved through the utilization of an input network incorporating a power factor correction stage.

Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to occlude the structure before the application of energy.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment system in accordance with the present invention comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a handpiece, a probe, a sheath, a clamping member, an operation unit, an operating member, a suction base, and a perfusion base. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The handpiece has the ultrasonic transducer incorporated therein and serves as an operation unit. The probe is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and serves as a vibration transmitting member for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a distal member realizing a stationary portion that is a treatment portion for treating a living tissue. The sheath serves as a protecting member for shielding the probe. The clamping member is opposed to the distal member at the distal end of the sheath, and realizes a movable portion that is another treatment portion for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the distal member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one aperture located therein. The proximal end of the tube receives a supply of pressurized ionizable gas and is disposed within a working channel of the endoscope. At least one electrode ionizes the gas prior to the gas exiting the aperture of the tube and an agitator causes the gas to exit the tube with predetermined flow characteristics. In one embodiment, the agitator includes a helically-shaped baffle disposed within the tube. In another embodiments, the agitator can include a rotatable baffle having apertures disposed therethrough for causing the gas to exit the tube in a swirl-like manner. Alternatively, a pair of elongated ribbons can be disposed within the tube which, under flow conditions, will cause turbulence within the gas flow.

Abstract: An intelligent selection system for operating an electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that depends primarily on the surgical procedure to be employed. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters can be controlled by the handpiece chosen by the surgeon to perform the procedure. Each handpiece is customized to activate when operated one of several preset operating modes of the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: A high-frequency coagulation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a controller for controlling supply of the fluid from a fluid supply section to a tubular body and controlling supply of the high-frequency electric current from a high-frequency electric current generation section to an electrode, wherein the controller has a first mode for supplying the high-frequency electric current from the high-frequency electric current generation section to the electrode and supplying the fluid from the fluid supply section to the tubular body, and a second mode for supplying the high-frequency electric current from the high-frequency electric current generation section to the electrode and interrupting supply of the fluid from the fluid supply section to the tubular body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the power supplied to an electrosurgical probe. The systems and methods may be used to monitor electrode-tissue contact, adjust power in response to a loss of contact, and apply power in such a manner that charring, coagulum formation and tissue popping are less likely to occur.

Abstract: An electric operation apparatus including: a high frequency current generating circuit for feeding a high frequency current to electrodes; a direct power supply circuit for supplying variable electric power to the high frequency current generating circuit; a therapeutic condition monitoring circuit for monitoring a therapeutic condition brought about by the high frequency current on the basis of the high frequency current outputted by the high frequency electric current generating circuit; and a supplied power setting circuit for supplying a setting signal for supplied electric power to the power supply circuit on the basis of the monitoring results obtained by the therapeutic condition monitoring circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for destroying a predetermined defined volume (10) in a tissue, such as generating controlled coagulation, so-called lesion, in the brain. More particularly, the apparatus comprises a main unit (1) for transmitting a tissue-destroying medium comprising a control unit (3) for controlling the medium transmission, and a transferring means (4), such as an electrode, which is connected to said main unit and adapted to be inserted into the predetermined volume for transferring the transmitted medium to the volume. The apparatus according to the invention is characterised in that it further comprises a measuring means (5-8) for measuring at least one optical characteristic of the predetermined volume, the optical characteristic varying with the size of the destroyed volume, the measuring means being connected to said control unit for controlling the supply of the tissue-destroying medium on the basis of the measured optical characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrosurgical generator that comprises a circuit and method to produce a filtering technique that utilizes the output transformer as the inductive element of the filter and places two capacitors on the output of the transformer to produce the desired filtering. The output filter configuration eliminates the use of power inductors and still creates the filtering required in electrosurgical applications. The filter utilizes the inductive properties of the output transformer along with several capacitors to form the bandpass filter.

Abstract: A high frequency electrosurgical power generator configured to produce electrical power at a frequency of about 1 to about 14 MHz and preferably having an essentially sinusoidal waveform with a voltage level up to 1,000 Vrms, and a current level up to 5 Amps. The output of the high frequency electrosurgical power generator is connected to an electrosurgical tool configured to receive the voltage and current produced by the electrosurgical power generator and deliver the voltage and current to an electrosurgical site. The output of the electrosurgical generator preferably is an essentially sinusoid waveform with a frequency between about 3 MHz and about 8 MHz, up to about 700 volts rms, up to about 2 amps, with a total power of up to 1,000 watts.

Abstract: Described is a high-frequency surgical instrument with automatic control of the intensity of the electric arcs between the active electrode and the tissue that is to be cut or coagulated, whereby for determination of the extent of the electric arcs, a therefrom dependent signal (K) is shunted off through a filter and conducted to a rectifier whose output signal is conducted to a variable-gain amplifier in which this output signal is compared either with the set-point signal (S) of a set-point device for the cutting process or with the set-point signal (K) of a set-point device for the coagulation process. The variable-gain amplifier generates a signal proportional to the difference of the signals E minus S or E minus K, respectively, which is conducted to an amplitude modulator which controls the amplitude of the output voltage of the power amplifier.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending from the proximal extremity to an opening at the distal extremity. The elongate probe member is provided with an elongate cutout adjacent the opening so that the elongate probe member is formed with an elongate extension projecting alongside the cutout beyond the opening. A guide canula is mounted in the passage of the elongate probe member and has proximal and distal extremities and a lumen extending therethrough. A radio frequency electrode is disposed in the lumen and an insulating sleeve is coaxially disposed on the radio frequency electrode. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the guide canula for advancing and retracting the radio frequency electrode and the insulating sleeve with respect to the guide canula and for causing bending of the distal extremity of the guide cannula into the cutout.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed with a spine therein and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid. The multifunctional device can have a passage therethrough to accommodate laser, electrosurgical, biopsy or culturing instruments.

Abstract: A technique for bonding soft biological tissue having an incision therein with forceps adapted to grip a portion of the tissue on both sides of the incision. Electrodes are secured to the forceps for contacting the tissue portion. An electrical power source provides a high frequency electrical signal to the electrodes to be passed through the tissue portion. The electrical power source is controlled to provide the electrodes with one voltage signal during a first of two stages, and another voltage signal during a second of the two stages. During the first stage the voltage rises linearly. During the second stage, the voltage is stabilized and is modulated with a low frequency rectangular signal. A clamping means applies force with the forceps to compress the tissue at one level or at different levels during two time periods while the high frequency voltage is passed through the electrodes. The tissue impedance is measured as a function of time, with its minimal value being determined and stored.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator (10) for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument (12) including at least three electrodes. The generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having at least a pair of output lines (60C), and a power supply (66) coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage. The generator also includes a controller (72) capable of varying a radio frequency signal supplied to the output lines, and a switching circuit (62) having three or more output connections (62A, 62B, 62C) each electrically connected with a respective one of the at least three electrodes. This switching circuit is operable to vary the connections between the output lines (60C) and the output connections (62A, 62B, 62C).

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar coagulator which can be passed through the internal lumen of a ventricular catheter previously implanted into a cranial ventricle of a living subject and engaged in-situ. The bipolar coagulator will provide bipolar electrical arc currents for coagulation cauterization of adherent brain tissues, such as the choroid plexus, which occludes fluid flow into the intake drainage holes in the implanted ventricular catheter and often becomes adherent to the catheter in-situ. The cautery current provided by the bipolar coagulator is direction oriented and spatially controlled; thereby providing a better distribution of electrical current and heat within the surrounding cranial tissues; and thereby avoiding major complications of damage to intracranial structures such as blood vessels as well as avoiding the severe subarachnoid hemorrhages which are typical using other kinds of coagulation instruments.

Abstract: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the impedance of the tissue to be ablated. Rather than attempting to detect a desired drop or a desired increase impedance, completeness of a lesion is detected in response to the measured impedance remaining at a stable level for a desired period of time, referred to as an impedance plateau. The mechanism for determining transmurality of lesions adjacent individual electrodes or pairs may be used to deactivate individual electrodes or electrode pairs, when the lesions in tissue adjacent these individual electrodes or electrode pairs are complete, to create an essentially uniform lesion along the line of electrodes or electrode pairs, regardless of differences in tissue thickness adjacent the individual electrodes or electrode pairs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the power supplied to an electrosurgical probe. The systems and methods may be used to monitor electrode-tissue contact, adjust power in response to a loss of contact, and apply power in such a manner that charring, coagulum formation and tissue popping are less likely to occur.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus comprises a high frequency generator (I) with an associated power control system, a handpiece (2) with means for removably mounting an electrode (5) therein, and a connection cable (3) between an output (4) of the generator and the handpiece. The transfer characteristic of the system provides a substantially true ohmic transfer of loads on the electrode side of the connection cable (3) to the generator side thereof at or around a predetermined load on the electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the power supplied to an electrosurgical probe. The systems and methods may be used to monitor electrode-tissue contact, adjust power in response to a loss of contact, and apply power in such a manner that charring, coagulum formation and tissue popping are less likely to occur.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator and a bipolar electrosurgical instrument, the generator being arranged to perform a treatment cycle in which radio frequency energy is delivered to the instrument as an amplitude-modulated radio frequency power signal in the form of a succession of pulses characterized by successive pulses of progressively increasing pulse width and progressively decreasing pulse amplitude. There are periods of at least 100 milliseconds between successive pulses, and the treatment cycle begins with a predetermined pulse mark-to-space ratio. Energy delivery between pulses is substantially zero. Each burst is of sufficiently high power to form vapor bubbles within tissue being treated and the time between successive pulses is sufficiently long to permit condensation of the vapor.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the tissue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus adapted to emit a plurality of high-energy inert gas atoms, such as argon, in a stream for cutting, cauterizing, or evaporating tissue. The apparatus comprises an inert gas supply, a plasma cell in communication with the inert gas source for imparting energy to the inert gas atoms and defined in part by a positive electrode and a negative electrode, at least one power supply electrically connected between the positive and negative electrodes, and means for directing the energized inert gas atoms at a target. The power supply provides initially an ionization voltage between the negative and positive electrodes to initiate a plasma from the inert gas in the plasma cell, and subsequently a pulsed voltage curve that sustains the plasma at a predetermined energy level. Methods for performing surgical procedures using the surgical apparatus for cutting, cauterizing, and/or evaporating portions of body tissue are also described.

Abstract: Light energy is utilized to shrink or tighten tissue surrounding a hollow organ, cavity, duct or naturally occurring or surgically created passage by cross-linking the collagen of the surrounding tissue and ccausing scar formation therein. The present device may be used in the esophagus in the area of the sphincter to treat GERD, in the female urethra to treat FSI or at the vesicouretal junction to treat VUR.

Abstract: An bipolar electrosurgical tool (10) for cauterizing or ablating tissue. The tool has a nose cone (12) which serves as a handle. A conductive shaft (14) extends from the nose cone. A tip assembly (18) with an active electrode (20) is mounted to the shaft. A circuit board (78) is mounted in the nose cone. Conductive traces that forming contact pads (96, 102) are formed on the circuit board. A web (108) formed from a single piece of elastomeric material is seated over the opening in which the printed circuit board is mounted to seal the opening shut. Integrally formed with the web are buttons (116, 118) that are in registration over the contact pads. The buttons can be depressed downwardly towards the contact pads. When a button is so depressed, a conductive landing pad (120) integral with the button closes the connection between the traces that form the contact pad. Thus, the tool of this invention is provided with switches. The circuit board also has two conductive traces (92, 104a) that run in parallel.