Abstract: A catheter carries a functional component, like an ablating electrode, having a predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter also electronically retains an identification code that uniquely identifies the predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter is capable of transmitting the identification code to an external reader in response to a predetermined prompt. An associated apparatus, like an ablating energy source, reads the identification code and compares it to predetermined operating criteria. The apparatus will not permit interaction with the functional catheter component, if the identification code indicates that the functional characteristics of the catheter are not suited for the intended interaction. The catheter can also store usage information, to prevent reuse.

Abstract: A catheter, used e.g. for cardiac ablation, has a handle, a shaft, and a J-bendable distal end containing tip and ring electrodes. The tip electrode is axially rotatable and has insulated and uninsulated portions. As the tip electrode is rotated, the impedance between it and a reference level is observed. When the impedance reaches a maximum, this indicates that the uninsulated portion lies against the tissue and the insulated portion faces the bloodstream. An electrogram can be taken from the electrode, or an ablation current can then be applied to it. Short circuiting of the signal or current through the blood is thus reduced.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A thermatological device comprising an applicator and a main body. The applicator has a microwave-applying section, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The main body contains a control unit. The microwave-applying section applies microwaves to an affected part, thereby treating the part. The first temperature sensor detects the temperature of the affected part being treated. The, the second temperature sensor detects a part located adjacent to the affected part. The control unit controls the microwave-applying section to render the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor equal to a preset target temperature. The control unit causes the microwave-applying section to stop or reduce the emission of microwaves when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches a preset burn temperature.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator system includes an electrosurgical handpiece including an active electrode for receiving electrosurgical power from a generator, and cut and coagulation mode switches and a foot activated switch device also including cut and coagulation mode switches. A signal processor associated with the generator and connected to the handpiece and foot activated switch device monitors the states of the cut and coagulation mode switches so as to detect activation of any of these switches and, responsive to two successive activations of a single switch of the switches being monitored, provides control of the power produced by the electrosurgical generator by further activation of the single switch.

Abstract: Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is used in conjunction with a two-phase RF power source to produce uniform square-shaped lesions of size 1.2 cm.sup.2. Lesions of larger size are created by successive adjacent placement of the square-shaped lesions. A temperature sensor at the electrode tip allows monitoring of ablation temperature and regulation of thereof to minimize the electrode tips from being fouled by coagulum. In another embodiment, an external auxiliary electrode is used in combination with the catheter electrodes. This also produces lesions of greater depth. In yet another embodiment, ablation is performed with a sequence of elementary electrode-electrical configurations.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device provides the electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator to an electrode for cutting, coagulation, and the like, and further provides suction and irrigation to a cannula for the electrode. The device comprises a handle assembly adapted to be held in the hand of a user. The handle assembly is connected to suction and irrigation supplies as well as to the electrosurgical generator. An instrument port at the distal end of the handle assembly has a finger wheel for rotating the instrument port in relation to the handle assembly. Cutting and coagulation current are controlled by thumb switches located on the proximal side of the handle assembly. Suction and irrigation are controlled by thumb actuated buttons also located on this proximal side. A safety switch disconnects the cutting or coagulation current from the instrument port when either the suction or the irrigation button is actuated.

Abstract: A surgical trocar includes an operative sleeve adapted for disposition across a tissue barrier and an obturator removably disposed in the sleeve. An obturator includes a cutting element which is operable to cut the tissue. The obturator and the operative sleeve can be advanced through the cut tissue and the obturator removed leaving the sleeve operatively disposed for further surgery. A cutoff and reset mechanism is responsive to a condition present when the obturator penetrates the tissue barrier to inhibit further cutting by the cutting element. A reset mechanism is manually operable through the conscious efforts of the surgeon to reset the trocar should further cutting be desired. The cutoff and reset mechanisms can be embodied mechanically as well as electrically and adapted to both mechanical and electrosurgical trocars.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes an elongate trocar device and a surrounding cannula. The trocar device incorporates an electrosurgical cutting element which is used to make a guide hole for the cannula and thus enables the remainder of the trocar assembly to enlarge the puncture. An electronic control circuit senses the current flow to the cutting element and, when the trocar device breaks through the wall of the organ being cut, this circuit cuts off the connection to the associated electrosurgical generator. Further control circuitry prevents a surgeon from resuming electrosurgery until a predetermined time period has elapsed. Multiple trocars of different diameters are provided for the same assembly.

Abstract: An RF treatment apparatus includes a catheter with a catheter lumen. A removable needle electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen in a fixed relationship to the catheter. The needle electrode includes a needle lumen and a needle electrode distal end. A removable introducer is slidably positioned in the needle lumen. The introducer includes an introducer distal end. A first sensor is positioned on a surface of the needle electrode or the insulator. An RF power source is coupled to the needle electrode and a return electrode. An insulator sleeve is slidably positioned around the electrode and includes a second sensor. Resources are associated with the electrodes, sensors as well as the RF power source for maintaining a selected power at the electrode independent of changes in current or voltage.

Abstract: A surgical safety apparatus for use in connection with an energizable surgical device prevents inadvertent activation of a surgical tool. The energizable surgical device may include an electrosurgical system, a laser scalpel, an ultrasonic aspirator, and combinations thereof. An activation circuit is in connection with the source of energy and in connection with the handpiece. The activation circuit has two states: the first state disconnects the source of energy from the handpiece, the second state connects the source of energy to the handpiece. A sensing element is connected to the activation circuit. The sensing element signals the activation circuit to convert the activation circuit from the first state to the second state. The activation circuit may remain in the second state for a preestablished period of time followed by a reversion to the first state. The activation circuit may include a relay which may be connected to operate accessories including smoke evacuators, lights, videos or irrigators.

Abstract: A system for delivering radiofrequency energy to ablate cardiac tissue comprises a radiofrequency generator and an intravascular catheter. The catheter includes both a radiofrequency ablation electrode and a temperature sensor within its distal end. Delivery of power to the ablation electrode may then be controlled based on electrode temperature using a cascade control system wherein analog temperature controller adjusts the set point to a secondary power controller. Alternatively, power delivered to the patient can be controlled directly based on a power set point. Reuse of the catheter is prevented by a fuse within the catheter which is sensed prier to power delivery and broken prior to disconnection of the catheter.

Abstract: An adapter for interfacing a bipolar electrosurgical instrument to a monopolar electrosurgical generator comprises a pair of connectors, one having a single monopolar contact and the other having a pair of bipolar contacts is disposed between the active output terminal of the monopolar electrosurgical generator and the bipolar electrosurgical instrument. The adapter is configured to electrically connect the bipolar contacts at one end of the adapter in common with the monopolar contact at the other end. In accordance with a further embodiment, an electrical switch is provided on the electrosurgical instrument to selectively connecting both electrodes of the bipolar electrosurgical instrument to a single monopolar contact design to make with the monopolar electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for control contraction of tissue that includes collagen fibers. The apparatus includes a handpiece, and an electrode with an electrode proximal end associated with the handpiece. A distal end of the electrode has a geometry that delivers a controlled amount of energy to the tissue for a desired contraction of the collagen fibers. This is achieved while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized. The handpiece, with electrode, is adapted to be introduced through an operating cannula in percutaneous applications. Additionally, an operating cannula may be included in the apparatus and be attached to the handpiece. The apparatus and method provides for a desired level of contraction of collagen soft tissue without dissociation or breakdown of collagen fibers.

Abstract: An adaptor apparatus configured to plug directly into the connectors on the front panel of an electrosurgical instrument, and provided with connector means for receiving mating connectors of both an unipolar handpiece and a bipolar forceps. Switch means are provided on the adaptor apparatus for allowing a surgeon in an operating room to easily switch over from the unipolar to the bipolar mode by simply throwing the switch. Since the adaptor can be attached to the electrosurgical instrument and the unipolar handpiece and bipolar forceps both attached to the adaptor before a sterile field is created, only the switch handle need be touched to switch between the two modes. Thus, it is easy to maintain the sterile field of the operating room.

Abstract: An impedance monitoring device is provided for monitoring the electrical impedance of tissue as it is treated with electrosurgical energy. Based on a predicted model of tissue impedance and a number of initial impedance readings, the impedance at which tissue treatment is completed is predicted. More particularly, a minimum impedance level is measured and a function of the minimum impedance is used to determine impedance at which coagulation is completed. A control device is provided for bringing the output of the generator within an optimum range based on a system load curve. In one embodiment the impedance monitoring device is used in conjunction with a bipolar electrosurgical instrument. Preferably, the instrument comprises electrically opposite electrodes located on one or more tissue engaging surfaces for engaging tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value. The apparatus can also be used to block a fallopian tube.

Abstract: A system for delivering radiofrequency energy to ablate tissue comprises a radiofrequency generator and an intravascular catheter. The catheter includes both a radiofrequency ablation electrode and a temperature sensor within its distal end. Delivery of power to the ablation electrode may then be controlled based on electrode temperature using a cascade control system wherein analog temperature controller adjusts the set point to a secondary power controller. Alternatively, power delivered to the patient can be controlled directly based on a power set point. A sinusoidal RF signal is provided to avoid energy attenuation and the sinusoidal RF signal may be pulsed to avoid buildup of coagulum on the catheter tip while providing high power to create large lesions. A verification circuit checks the continuity of circuits in the catheter.

Abstract: A laser and electrosurgical system has a handpiece with a proximal and distal end from which laser radiation and/or electrosurgical energy is selectively or concurrently directed. The ends are along an axis; an electrode extends distally along the axis. Sources of laser and electrosurgical energy are available and controlled. An initiation circuit for the laser selectively delivers it before electrosurgery. Prior delivery targets tissue. The laser creates an ionized conductive pathway for electrosurgery. The combined concurrent application of laser and electrosurgery has a mechanism to selectively distribute energy about the axis. A laser deflecting surface or a beam deflector vibrate relative to the axis. A power switch has levels for laser cut and ionization and/or a delay therebetween for electrosurgical coagulation. A wave guide or an array thereof deliver radiation along the axis.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel for cutting the tissue of a patient and for selectively applying an electrosurgical cutting current or an electrosurgical coagulation current from an electrosurgical generator to the patient, includes a scalpel body defining a contoured external surface configured to be held comfortably in the hand of a surgeon, and an electrically conductive blade, mounted on and extending from the scalpel body, for cutting the tissue of a patient and for selectively applying electrosurgical cutting current or electrosurgical coagulation current to the tissue of a patient. The scalpel further includes a cable having an electrical connector for electrical connection to the electrosurgical generator, and manual switch means, mounted on the scalpel body, for controlling the application of electrosurgical cutting current and electrosurgical coagulation current to the tissue of a patient.

Abstract: An active electrode switches from a monopolar mode extending from a handpiece and a patient return to a bipolar mode with the active and return electrodes extending. An active lead selectively connects the active output and the active electrode. A return lead selectively connects the return electrode and the return output in the monopolar mode or the return terminal when in the bipolar mode. Terminals connect with wiring to the electrodes to complete the circuit for the bipolar mode. One terminal is on the generator and one is in the handpiece to connect to the electrodes and complete the circuit for bipolar. The electrode has a control on the handpiece for the surgeon to change circuitry and to position the electrode for each mode. The return electrode in the monopolar mode is in the handpiece disconnected from its terminal. The return electrode connects to its terminal when extended from the handpiece but for monopolar a pair of patient pads connected to a monitoring circuit test continuity.

Abstract: A manual control device for laparoscopic patient treatment by use of electrical curetage or coagulation, with means for clearing the surgical sight by irrigation or suction, finger operated buttons controlling the various functions, and an interlock mechanism disabling the electrical functions when a push button is depressed to enable irrigation or suction.

Abstract: A novel electrocutting/coagulating instrument is provided herein. The instrument includes a handle having a forward end and a rear end. A suction tube is secured to the handle and is adapted to be connected only to a source of suction. The suction tube has a forward end and a rear end, the rear end being connected to the handle, and also being connected to the source of suction, and the forward end of the tube projecting beyond the forward end of the handle. A manually-controllable, electrically-actuated cutting/coagulating blade electrode is operatively connected to the handle, a portion of the cutting/coagulating blade electrode projecting beyond the forward end of the handle. A lead is securely connected to the blade electrode and is adapted to be connected from a source of electricity to the cutting/coagulating blade electrode.

Abstract: A power supply for use with resistively-heated surgical instruments is provided, wherein the desired operating conditions of the surgical instrument are determined by a set-point determination circuit in combination with a set-point indicator element. The power supply includes an impedance matching circuit and current step-up transformer for reducing power loss in the cable connecting the surgical instrument to the power supply. A method of regulating the output of a power supply used with resistively-heated surgical instruments is also provided.

Abstract: The handset of electrosurgery or welding apparatus has two spaced contacts which make connection with the shaft of an electrode that is insertable into the handset. A low power alternating signal generator is connected to the forward contact. When the electrode is fully inserted into the handset and contacts the rear contact, the alternating signal is supplied to a detector. The detector is connected to a power generator and rams it on when the alternating signal is detected so that electrosurgery power is supplied to the forward contact.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is disclosed that include a mechanism for altering the impedance of the antenna during use in a controlled manner to tune the catheter. The impedance tuning may be accomplished in a variety of manners including altering the electromechanical configuration of the antenna and moving a material relative to the antenna or vice versa in order to vary the effective impedance during use. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation catheter transmits energy in the microwave frequencies and uses a coaxial transmission line as its waveguide. The antenna is preferably helical in nature and is carried by the distal end of the transmission line.

Abstract: Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is used in conjunction with a two-phase RF power source to produce uniform square-shaped lesions of size 1.2 cm.sup.2. Lesions of larger size are created by successive adjacent placement of the square-shaped lesions. A temperature sensor at the electrode tip allows monitoring of ablation temperature and regulation of thereof to minimize the electrode tips from being fouled by coagulum.

Abstract: A control lever assembly adapted for use with a powered surgical instrument which prevents the instrument from being inadvertently or accidentally activated. The assembly 10 includes a depressible control lever 20 for controlling the action of the instrument and a second safety lever or latch 30 which engages the trigger pin 6 of instrument only when selectively positioned with respect to control lever 20. Control lever 20 is secured to cutting device 2 by a mounting bracket 12. Safety latch 30 is pivotally carried by control lever 20 for shiftable movement between a safety position and an operational position. In the operational position, safety latch 30 engages trigger pin 6 when control lever 20 is depressed. Safety latch 30 cannot be switched from its safety position to its operational position when control lever 20 is depressed; therefore, the instrument is "locked-out" and cannot be inadvertently activated even when control lever 20 is depressed.

Abstract: A catheter carries a functional component, like an ablating electrode, having a predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter also electronically retains an identification code that uniquely identifies the predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter is capable of transmitting the identification code to an external reader in response to a predetermined prompt. An associated apparatus, like an ablating energy source, reads the identification code and compares it to predetermined operating criteria. The apparatus will not permit interaction with the functional catheter component, if the identification code indicates that the functional characteristics of the catheter are not suited for the intended interaction. The catheter can also store usage information, to prevent reuse.

Abstract: A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first and second insulated switch wires. The cable is received into a main member having three electrical terminals to secure the three wires to three electrically isolated conducting strips which are mounted longitudinally in a fluid-sealed switch assembly. The main contact wire is connected to the main conducting strip, and the first and second switch wires are connected to the first and second switch conducting strips. The main conducting strip permanently connects the main contact wire to a socket which receives a electrode blade. A switch device selectively connects the main conducting strip to one of the two switch conducting strips. When a user pushes one of two buttons mounted on the outside of the electrosurgical instrument, the instrument provides a cutting current or a coagulation current.

Abstract: An electro cautery device for attachment to a suction pump and to a source of electric current includes a tubular member one end of which is connectable to the suction pump and the other end is insertable into the cavity of a human torso. A retractable cautery element is mounted on the end insertable into the torso and connectable to a source of electric current. The cautery element is movable between a retracted position which prevents it from being exposed to tissue and an extended position used during cauterization. A button on the tubular member moves the cautery element from the retracted to the extended positions when depressed, simultaneously connecting the cautery element to the source of the electric current.

Abstract: A surgical trocar includes an operative sleeve adapted for disposition across a tissue barrier and an obturator removably disposed in the sleeve. A source of energy is introduced to a cutting element disposed at the distal end of the obturator for energizing the cutting element to cut tissue barrier. The distal end of the obturator and the distal end of the operative sleeve can be advanced through the cut tissue and the obturator removed leaving the sleeve operatively disposed for further surgery.

Abstract: An electrical coupling unit for electrically connecting an outlet of non-sterile electrosurgical apparatus to a sterile electrosurgical handpiece. The coupling unit is sterile, and can be provided at a location convenient to the surgeon. The coupling unit is also provided with plural outputs for connecting by one or more suitable cables to handpieces held by the surgeon. The latter cables are preferably also maintained in a sterile condition. The coupling unit is provided with a selector switch which functions to selectively connect an output of the electrosurgical apparatus to an output on the coupling unit. The coupling unit outputs are color-coded for ease of selection, each different color representing a different electrosurgical current or instrument. Preferably, the switch knob is also color-coded so that a position representing a particular electrosurgical current or instrument can easily and quickly be achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical apparatus having four general embodiments: (1) the use of an ultrasonic vibrator and a radio frequency generator to simultaneously cut and cauterize tissue, (2) the use of an ultrasonic vibrator to cut tissue coupled with the independent use of a radio frequency generator to cut tissue, (3) the exclusive use of a radio frequency generator to cut and cauterize tissue, and (4) the use of a laser to fulgerate tissue. An aspiration system is preferably combined with these embodiments to facilitate surgery and biopsy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-surgical treatment instrument with a der 16 connectable to a radio frequency generator with two electrodes 11, 12 being arranged at the proximal end of the holder which can be brought into contact with the tissue of a patient, which are mutually insulated relative to one another and which are fed with rf-voltage. A cutting electrode 13 is centrally provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cautery dissector. The cautery dissector is comprised of a cautery blade and a handle member having a sheath portion and a device for adjustably retracting the cautery blade into the sheath portion. The cautery dissector also comprises a device for conducting electrical current to the tissues of the patient. Heat is generated within the tissue by communication between the cautery blade and the electrical dissecting unit. Preferably, the cautery dissector includes a suction system having a suction opening disposed adjacent to the cautery blade. Preferably, the cautery blade retracts into the sheath portion through a sheath opening which scrapes accumulated material from the cautery blade such that when the cautery blade is retracted into the sheath portion, the suction opening is unobstructed for suction. Preferably, a scraper member is disposed within the sheath member to assist in scraping accumulated material from the cautery blade.

Abstract: A safety shield for use in laparoscopic or like electrosurgical procedures where the shield surrounds the active electrode and extends from a trocar or the like to the field of view of the surgical procedure. The shield is connected to the return lead via a low impedance path which includes monitor circuitry for determining whether the shield current is associated with an abnormal condition.

Abstract: An electrocautery suction/irrigation endoscopic instrument having an electrocautery safety override is provided. The instrument preferably includes a cannula, an irrigation conduit in fluid communication with the cannula, an irrigation valve for regulating fluid flow in the irrigation conduit, an actuator coupled to the valve, an electrocautery probe coupled to a source of current, and an electrical switch coupled to the source of current and to either the irrigation valve or to the actuator. When the actuator is activated to permit fluid flow through the irrigation conduit, the switch is switched and prevents the flow of cautery current from the current source to the electrocautery probe. Preferably, the switch opens a DC circuit which is used to signal the current source to provide an high voltage AC electrocautery current. Alternatively, the switch may be located in the high voltage AC circuit. Both foot and thumb activated cut/coag switches are disclosed for use with the instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus (10) is disclosed wherein the electrode (12) and nozzle (14) can be maintained in a nested arrangement when the apparatus (10) is in inactive operation, such as when the electrode (12) is being positioned for surgery or when the apparatus (10) is not in use. The apparatus (10) may be employed for gas-enhanced electrosurgery with the electrode (12) and nozzle (14) in the nested arrangement, the apparatus (10) thereby functioning as a dual mode, conventional electrosurgery and gas-enhanced electrosurgery, instrument. Embodiments are disclosed which are adapted for laparoscopic applications.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scalpel comprising a handle having a pair of loop electrodes extending outwardly from the distal end thereof in parallel, spaced relation, such that the spacing defines a dielectric such as an air gap therebetween. When a RF voltage of a predetermined amplitude is applied across the two electrodes and they are drawn across tissue, cutting occurs by virtue of the arc established between the two electrodes. The electrodes may be formed from tungsten wire to withstand high operating temperatures and are sufficiently rigid to withstand the pressure forces encountered during electrosurgery without shorting together across the gap. The electrodes may be formed in various shapes, depending upon the nature of the cutting desired. Possible configurations include open rounded loops, open elongated loops, open triangular-shaped loops, L- or J-shaped hooks.

Abstract: An electrosurgical bipolar treating apparatus comprising a handpiece to which is connected a first active electrode and a second return electrode having exposed distal ends which define a bipolar tip for electrosurgically treating tissue at an operational site on a patient, which tip is structured so that both distal ends simultaneously contact said tissue and wherein the active electrode has a higher tissue to electrode impedance than the return electrode.

Abstract: A electrosurgical device for selectively carrying out bipolar coagulation tissue has a preferably elongate instrument housing (10) with a guide tube (14) for three mutually insulated contact rods (11, 12, 13) which are arranged therein. Two of the contact rods (12, 13) serve at their free ends as coagulation electrodes (22, 23) and the center one (11) serves as a cutting electrode (21) which can be moved towards or through the two coagulation electrodes. In this arrangement a switching device (16) is provided with the aid of which an Rf current suitable for bipolar coagulation can be applied to the coagulation electrodes (22, 23) in a first switch position. In a second switch position, the coagulation electrodes (22, 23) are connected in parallel while a potential suitable for tissue cutting is applied to the cutting electrode (21).

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece applies electrical energy to a blade electrode to accomplish blade electrosurgery or to a transfer electrode in a nozzle to transfer electrical energy in arcs in a flowing gas to accomplish conductive gas electrocoagulation. The blade electrode may be selectively extended to conduct blade electrosurgery and withdrawn when conductive gas electrocoagulation is accomplished. Finger activated switches on the handpiece control the application of electrical energy to the blade electrode and the application of gas to the nozzle and the electrical energy to the transfer electrode within the nozzle. A cord includes a tubing for supplying gas to the handpiece. The cord also includes a plurality of conductors for conducting electrical energy to the two electrodes and conducting control signals to an electrosurgical apparatus which delivers the electrical energy and the gas. A nozzle and electrode assembly fits within the end of the tubing.

Abstract: A multi-functional endoscopic probe apparatus to selectively apply either a low or high frequency voltage to cut and cauterize. The apparatus has an elongated multi-lumen tube that is attached to a pistol grip having a multiplicity of functions contained thereon. The multi-lumen tube has a first lumen for the passage of either a high or a low pressure irrigation stream therethrough, a second lumen for suction to remove excess fluid and debris, and a third lumen for the passage of a slidably extendable and retractable electro-surgical cutting tip. The pistol grip handle has a wheel which enables the surgeon to rotate the multi-lumen tube containing the surgical cutting tip relative to the pistol grip. A plurality of push-button valves enable the selective application a negative pressure for withdrawing excess fluids and removing incident tissue debris from the surgical site and to operatively apply a flood irrigation stream or a precise irrigation stream to the surgical site to wash and cleanse the tissue.

Abstract: Forceps used in handling laboratory tissue samples being embedded in paraffin are prevented from accumulating congealed paraffin by maintaining the temperature of the grasping portions of the forceps above the point at which the paraffin remains liquid. Electrical resistance heaters are attached to the forceps, and these are energized by an appropriate electric circuit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical knife having an elongated knife handle of simple construction and inexpensive to manufacture has an opening at one end for accommodating an electrosurgical electrode and electric switches for controlling the application of current to the electrode. The handle is provided with a pair of grooves, one for optionally retaining an optical conduit and the other for optionally retaining a fluid-transporting tube. Both the optical conduit and the tube can slide in the grooves, allowing them to be readily adjusted to be adjacent the distal end of electrodes of varying lengths.The knife handle has an internal passageway extending the length of the handle for accommodating electrical conductors and a printed circuit board. The handle further has an enlarged section for enclosing a pair of push-button switches with exposed outer surfaces. Electrical connections may be established between the electrical conductors and the electrosurgical blade on the circuit board by operating the switches.

Abstract: Electrosurgical apparatus for performing at least cutting and coagulation of biological tissue, which comprises a hand operated electrosurgical pencil comprising an electrically insulated housing and an electrode with a distal end defining a tip, means for supplying high-frequency, alternating current, electrical energy from a generator through the electrode to the tissue and means for returning electrical energy from the tissue to the generator to complete an electrical circuit, switching means mounted on the housing for selecting the cut mode or the coagulating mode, which switching means is connected to an isolated low voltage, direct current circuit which provides an appropriate signal to control the generator in the cut mode or coagulating mode, respectively, whereby the generator supplies the desired high-frequency, alternating current, electrical energy to the electrode and current leakage is limited.

Abstract: A smoke aspirating electrosurgical device includes an electrically conductive blade attached to an axial end of a device handle. The handle is constructed to form an interior channel extending from the blade end of the handle to the opposite end for aspiration of smoke produced by electrosurgical incisions with the blade. The interior channel can be connected to a vacuum source through a tube extending from the channel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical unit for being capable of selection of desirable electrosurgical operation mode in cutting mode and coagulation mode. A handpiece for the operation is connected to a control means through an isolation means, and an operator performs the operations of cutting mode or coagulation mode by use of the handpiece. The handpiece is provided with a cutting mode switch and a coagulation mode switch. The operator can perform the mode change only in the sterile field by depression of these switches simultaneously.