Abstract: An actuator assembly for selectively transmitting a heating current from a bipolar electrical generator to a surgical tool includes an actuating component with a connector for mounting the actuator assembly to the tool in a predetermined orientation. A lever arm mounted for rotation to the actuating component controls a switch that introduces current to tool electrodes when the switch is closed. A user holds the tool and the mounted actuator assembly in one hand and operates the switch with an ergonomic lever arm rotatably mounted to the actuating component. Different left- and right-hand versions of the lever arm can be used with the same actuator assembly, or the actuator assembly can accept a different lever arm configuration for use with either hand. In another version, the actuator assembly can include a guard for preventing inadvertent actuation of the switch during one-handed manipulation of the tool.

Abstract: An end effector for an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a first jaw comprising a first energy delivery surface, a first distal end, and a first proximal end; and a second jaw comprising a second energy delivery surface, a second distal end, and a second proximal end, wherein the first energy delivery surface comprises a first curved portion that is outwardly curved, and the second energy delivery surface comprises a second curved portion that is inwardly curved. The first jaw or the second jaw is configured for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second distal ends are separated apart. In the closed position, the first and second distal ends are in proximity. The end effector also comprises an electrically conductive member which protrudes from either the first or second jaw.

Abstract: An improved hand-held electrosurgical instrument includes a housing, an electrosurgical electrode, supportably interconnected to and extending from a distal end of the housing in a first direction, at least one light source supportably interconnected to the housing for emitting light in the first direction, and a light tunnel member extending away from the distal end of the housing in the first direction and defining a light tunnel therethrough for receiving and directing light emitted by the light source(s) through the light tunnel and out of a distal end of the light tunnel member. The light tunnel member yields improved tissue site illumination. The electrosurgical electrode may extend through and beyond the distal end of the light tunnel member, wherein the light tunnel extends along at least a majority of a length of the electrosurgical electrode that extends distally from the housing.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise an actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plug of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complementary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch or the lever arm.

Abstract: A wall of a uterus is ablated by expanding a structure in the uterus and applying energy across the wall of the structure into the uterine wall. An exterior surface of the structure conforms to an inner wall of the uterus, and the energy may cause vapor to collect between the wall and the structure. The vapor is released by providing a barrier to release which is inflated at a pressure above which the barrier at least partially collapses to allow the vapor to leave the uterus.

Abstract: A system for controlling delivery of ablation energy by an ablation catheter to tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to determine, responsive to a measurement signal from the ablation catheter, a value for a characteristic associated with the delivery of ablation energy to the tissue. In one embodiment, the characteristic is the degree of contact between the ablation catheter and the tissue. The unit is further configured to generate a control signal, responsive to the determined value of the characteristic, to control an amount of energy delivered from an ablation delivery element on the ablation catheter to the tissue. The amount of energy varies in response to the determined value of the characteristic when the determined value of the characteristic meets a predetermined condition relative to a threshold value for the characteristic.

Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device includes a non-sterile power-pack having a drive component(s) including a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom, a main processor configured to control each drive component, a battery configured to power each drive component, an electrical receptacle, and a control interface(s) configured to control a functionality of the drive component. A sterile outer shell housing is configured to removably encase the power-pack to define a sterile barrier thus enabling use in a surgical environment without breaking sterility. The outer shell housing includes a coupler configured to transmit a rotation from the rotatable drive shaft through the outer shell housing, a control button(s) operatively positioned such that actuation of the control button actuates the control interface, and a pass-through connector configured to transmit electrical communications from the electrical receptacle through the outer shell housing.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a switch actuator, an actuation bar, and a latch. The switch actuator is movable between a proximal position, in which the switch actuator actuates a switch, and a distal position. The latch is movable between a first position, in which the latch permits proximal movement of the switch actuator, and a second position, in which the latch prevents proximal movement of the switch actuator. The latch is configured to move from the first position toward the second position in response to the actuation bar moving toward a proximal position.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongated needle body defining an interior lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, having a sharpened distal tip portion. The device further includes an assembly operatively associated with the interior lumen of the needle body. The assembly includes a shaft having an outer surface profile corresponding to an inner surface of the interior lumen of the needle body and a pair of arms extending distally from the shaft. The pair of arms are biased radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and each of the pair of arms having a blunt front surface, wherein one of the arms is in a fixed axial alignment with the sharpened distal tip portion of the needle body such that the arms act as an obturator relative to the sharpened distal tip portion of the needle body to guard the needle body from causing accidental needle tip trauma.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device that is capable of both generating a plasma to perform surface coagulation and emitting a non-ionizing microwave field (in the absence of plasma) to perform coagulation at a deeper level. The device comprises a probe tip that is connected to receive radiofrequency (RF) and/or microwave frequency energy from a generator, and also defines a flow path for a gas. The probe tip is adjustable between a first configuration, in which it defines a bipolar (e.g. coaxial) structure to produce a high electric field from the received RF and/or microwave frequency energy across the flow path for the gas to strike and sustain plasma and a second configuration, in which it defines an antenna structure to emit non-ionizing microwave energy into tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool includes an electrically powered handpiece with a detachable electrode at one end and a power connection at the other. A mechanism for connecting the detachable electrode to the handpiece includes a keyed electrical connection to power the electrode. The handpiece includes a feedback controller incorporated in the tool to adjust operational characteristics of the electrosurgical tool.

Abstract: Switches for electrosurgical devices comprising a plurality of electrode sets and related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, a first electrode set may be configured to deliver CUT radiofrequency energy and a second electrode set configured to deliver COAG radiofrequency energy. A switch assembly may be configured to allow for selection between at least three modes, the at least three modes comprising a first, neutral mode, in which the electrosurgical device is configured such that no radiofrequency energy is delivered to either the first electrode set or the second electrode set, a second, CUT mode, in which the electrosurgical device is configured such that CUT radiofrequency energy may be delivered to the first electrode set through the switch assembly, and a third, COAG mode, in which the electrosurgical device is configured such that COAG radiofrequency energy may be delivered to the second electrode set through the switch assembly.

Abstract: An interface component is provided for use with a first glove and a medical equipment component. The interface component comprises at least one switch located on the first glove, where each of the at least one switch provides a control signal to the medical equipment component. The interface component may further comprise a controller coupled to the plurality of switches, a power supply module coupled to the controller, and a wireless communications interface coupled to the controller in communication with a wireless interface of the medical equipment component.

Abstract: An electrosurgery handpiece/pencil with smoke evacuation having features that support use at high frequencies without insulation breakdown and that provides increased efficiency of smoke evacuation during cutting and/or coagulation. The electrosurgery handpiece/pencil with smoke evacuation includes a circuit board contained within a heat shrinkable plastic sleeve that is seated on a planar platform.

Abstract: A system for controlling delivery of ablation energy by an ablation catheter to tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to determine, responsive to a measurement signal from the ablation catheter, a value for a characteristic associated with the delivery of ablation energy to the tissue. In one embodiment, the characteristic is the degree of contact between the ablation catheter and the tissue. The unit is further configured to generate a control signal, responsive to the determined value of the characteristic, to control an amount of energy delivered from an ablation delivery element on the ablation catheter to the tissue. The amount of energy varies in response to the determined value of the characteristic when the determined value of the characteristic meets a predetermined condition relative to a threshold value for the characteristic.

Abstract: A slip ring mechanism for a medical manipulator, the slip ring mechanism including: a rotating rod that rotates together with a drive shaft; rotating terminals that are positioned so as to be coaxial to the rotating rod; conductive members that contact the rotating terminals and are electrically connected to an end effector; holding members that hold the conductive members such that the conductive members are sandwiched between the holding members and the rotating terminals; and contact terminals that contact the rotating terminals so as to be capable of rotating and sliding relative thereto.

Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shaft members, a pair of jaw members each including a distal body and a proximal flange, and a pair of electrode plates. The proximal flanges are engaged with the respective shaft members and pivotably coupled to each other such that pivoting the shaft members pivots the distal jaw bodies. The electrode plates each includes a tissue-contacting portion disposed on the distal body of the respective jaw member and a proximal extension portion extending at least partially through the proximal flange of the respective jaw member. The tissue-contacting portion and proximal extension portion of the first electrode plate are disposed in perpendicular planes relative to each other. Likewise, the tissue-contacting portion and proximal extension portion of the second electrode plate are disposed in perpendicular planes relative to each other.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes jaws having an electrode configuration utilized to electrically modify tissue in contact with one or more electrodes. The instrument is removably connectable to an electrosurgical unit via an electrosurgical connector extending from the instrument and a receptacle on the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical instrument is rotatable without disrupting electrical connection to the electrodes of the jaws. One or more of the electrodes is retractable. The electrosurgical unit and instrument optimally seals and/or cuts tissue based on identifying the tissue and monitoring the modification of the tissue by the application of radio frequency energy.

Abstract: Ablation of cardiac tissue is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes into a body of a living subject to establish contact between two of the microelectrodes and target tissue, and energizing the ablation electrode. While the ablation electrode is energized impedances are measured between the microelectrodes, and the power level of the ablation electrode adjusted according to the impedances.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical forceps are provided with dual irrigating tubes that deliver irrigating liquid to the opposed surfaces of the tips of the forceps to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips. To reduce the manufacturing costs of the forceps and enable the forceps to be single use, disposable forceps, each tube of the dual irrigating tools is a plastic tube adhered along one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of forceps arms. Each tube also has a flat nozzle at the distal end of the tube that disburses irrigating liquid across the opposed surfaces of the forceps arm distal and tips.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil adapted to receive an electrode controllable by an electrical signal for performing surgical operations. This pencil includes a housing, a circuit, and switch that is activatable from outside the housing for closing the circuit. The housing receives the electrode. The circuit is a flexible circuit and is positioned such that it is in direct contact with the electrode when the electrode is received in the housing.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment system includes a holding section configured to hold a biological tissue, electrodes provided in the holding section and capable of outputting first high-frequency energy for sealing the biological tissue at a first sealing temperature and second high-frequency energy for dissecting the biological tissue at a first dissection temperature higher than the first sealing temperature, electrodes provided in the holding section and capable of outputting first thermal energy for sealing the biological tissue at a second sealing temperature higher than the first sealing temperature and second thermal energy for dissecting the biological tissue at a second dissection temperature lower than the first dissection temperature and higher than the second sealing temperature, and a control section configured to control temperature of each of the electrodes to output the second thermal energy after the output of the first high-frequency energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a thermal property of tissue includes a base unit with one or more energy source and at least two, preferably detachable, leads. The distal end of each lead, which is introduced into the tissue to be treated, has at least two longitudinally spaced temperature measuring elements to measure surrounding tissue temperature and at least two longitudinally spaced electrode surfaces for applying current to the tissue. Each distal end is also provided with an element which uses energy emitted by the sources of energy to heat up the surrounding tissue. The base unit has computing elements, current generating elements for generating an alternating current, and conductance determining elements for determining the tissue conductance between pairs of electrode surfaces based on the alternating current applied by the current generating elements to the tissue. Methods for using the device and leads for use in the device are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical treatment of diseases and disorders, as well as the field of biomedical engineering. Embodiments of the invention relate to the delivery of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) through the vasculature of organs to treat tumors embedded deep within the tissue or organ, or to decellularize organs to produce a scaffold from existing animal tissue with the existing vasculature intact. In particular, methods of administering non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) in vivo are provided for the treatment of tumors located in vascularized tissues and organs. Embodiments of the invention further provide scaffolds and tissues from natural sources created using IRE ex vivo to remove cellular debris, maximize recellularization potential, and minimize foreign body immune response. The engineered tissues can be used in methods of treating subjects, such as those in need of tissue replacement or augmentation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a movement unit moving in accordance with at least one of an acting state of a load to a treatment section from a jaw and an opening angle of the jaw relative to the treatment section, a movement detector detecting a moving state of the movement unit, and a peak detecting section detecting a target peak of an ultrasonic impedance value. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a control section controlling the peak detecting section to a detection disallowed state where a detection of the target peak is not executed when the movement unit is not placed within a prescribed range based on a detection result in the movement detector.

Abstract: A method for treating the lower extremity varicose vein combined ultrasonic wave and microwave is provided. The method includes steps of firstly finding the diseased vein by the ultrasonic imaging equipment; and then directly effecting the microwave treatment catheter/needle on the diseased vein; by the concentric thermal coagulation release effect of the microwave to the tissue, instantly generating high temperature with the certain penetration range in a small range for tissue coagulation; and then gradually making the vascular fibrosis; finally making the completely atresia, thus achieving the therapeutic aim. The present invention uses the ultrasonic imaging microwave treatment technique to treat the lower extremity varicose vein disease.

Abstract: An active electrode probe for an enhanced control surgery system is disclosed. The probe has a flexible conductor for delivering electrosurgical energy during an electrosurgical procedure, and is adapted for connection to an electrosurgical generator. The probe also has a flexible electrical insulation substantially surrounding the conductor. The probe also has a flexible conductive shield substantially enclosing the electrical insulation, the flexible conductive shield electrically connected to a reference potential, whereby any current which flows in the flexible conductive shield from the conductor is conducted to the reference potential. The flexible conductive shield is formed from a conductive wire.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes an outer housing, and an inner tissue engaging surface corresponding to the inner tissue engaging surface of the opposing jaw. The instruments includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include asymmetrical electrodes disposed on the inner tissue engaging surfaces. A first contact region of the electrode has a greater surface area than that of the second contact region. During resection procedures wider electrodes impart improved sealing energy to the patient-side vessel while providing sufficient energy to resected tissue to effect hemostasis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-surgical and electrosurgical system includes an ultrasonic surgical device and an electrosurgical device which supply an ultrasonic signal and a high-frequency signal, respectively, to an ultrasonic/high-frequency treatment instrument capable of performing an ultrasonic treatment and a high-frequency treatment, and a relay device which is built in one of the devices including: a switch detection unit for detecting turn-on/off of a switch unit which performs on/off control of operations of the devices; a switch element for outputting a switch signal which is used for on/off of outputs of the ultrasonic signal and the high-frequency signal to each of the devices in accordance with the detection output; and a control unit for performing on/off control of the switch signal to control at least one of an output timing and an output mode of each of the signals.

Abstract: A catheter for the high-frequency therapy of body lumens has a flexible shaft tube of preferably biocompatible plastic material, which is connected to a distal end piece in the region of the distal end of the catheter. A proximal part of the distal end piece, that projects into the distal part of the shaft tube, forms a damping connection to the distal end of the shaft tube, which is secured by a distal electrode which is drawn on to the external peripheral surface of the shaft tube, by the distal electrode exerting a radially inwardly acting clamping force on the damping connection.

Abstract: An electro-surgical instrument includes a first member extending to an end having a first electrode. A second member extends to an end having a second return electrode. The ends define a spinal tissue cavity and are relatively translatable to selectively adjust the cavity such that the electrodes are oriented to ablate, cut and/or coagulate spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling delivery of ablation energy by an ablation catheter to tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to determine, responsive to a measurement signal from the ablation catheter, a value for a characteristic associated with the delivery of ablation energy to the tissue. In one embodiment, the characteristic is the degree of contact between the ablation catheter and the tissue. The unit is further configured to generate a control signal, responsive to the determined value of the characteristic, to control an amount of energy delivered from an ablation delivery element on the ablation catheter to the tissue. The amount of energy varies in response to the determined value of the characteristic when the determined value of the characteristic meets a predetermined condition relative to a threshold value for the characteristic.

Abstract: A single probe percutaneous surgical instrument for de-bulking/removing thrombus/clog/calculi has an actuator assembly (4), a probe set (13), an operating switch (10), and a generator (12). The actuator assembly (4) has a proximal end (4a) and a distal end (4b), a cable connector (1), a suction connector (2), and actuator switch (3) mounted with the proximal end (4a) and a horn (5) mounted at the distal end (4b). The probe set (13) is mounted to the horn (5) and includes at least one disturber (6), a spring (7), a 10 spring adjusting nut (8) and a fixed probe (9), the cable connector (1) connecting to the generator (12) through a cable, and the suction connector (2) connecting to a suction system. The actuator switch (3) controls a probe vibration mode through the generator (12), the actuator assembly (4) comprising at least two piezoelectric ceramic rings (18) assembled with a bolt (15), the horn (5) and a back plated (16).

Abstract: An adapter includes a coupling mechanism that mates with a protruding nozzle of a gas-enhanced electrosurgical coagulation handpiece to convert the coagulation handpiece into a gas-enhanced electrosurgical cutting instrument. An adapter electrode and flow passageways of the adapter conduct electrical energy and gas from the nozzle of the coagulation handpiece to a protruding cutting end portion of an adapter electrode.

Abstract: A drug-delivery device includes a body configured for attachment to a handle of an ablation device, a shaft portion defining a passageway therein, and a delivery lumen to provide for drug delivery to tissue. The body includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a contoured portion disposed therebetween. The contoured portion is configured for engagement with a contoured portion of the handle of the ablation device. The shaft portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the shaft engages with an opening defined in the distal end of the body. The passageway of the shaft portion is configured to receive the delivery lumen slideably moveably therein. The delivery lumen includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The drug-delivery device also includes a knob member coupled to the proximal portion of the delivery lumen.

Abstract: A cautery pen cover can cover a cautery pen, with little modification thereto, such that the cover must be retracted to both expose the tip and the trigger of the cautery pen. The cover is designed as a protective sleeve that prevents actuation of the cautery pen trigger until the cover is retracted. The cover automatically returns to the covered position when it is released. The cover is always on the cautery pen, whether in use or just lying on the operating field, thereby not requiring users to place and secure the cautery pen in a plastic holster. The cautery pen use various energy sources, such as electro or radio frequency, or any other source that results in cautery or cutting of tissue.

Abstract: Electrosurgical system and related methods that include: producing energy by a generator of an electrosurgical controller, the generator comprises a first terminal coupled to a first electrode of an electrosurgical wand, and the generator comprises a second terminal coupled to a second electrode of the electrosurgical wand; forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the first electrode, and acting as a current return by the second electrode; reducing energy output of the generator such that the plasma proximate the first electrode is extinguished, the reducing energy output during periods of time when the electrosurgical controller is commanded to produce energy; producing energy from the generator with the first terminal coupled to the first electrode and the second terminal coupled to the second electrode; and forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the second electrode, and acting as a current return by the first electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device: forceps having: a first working arm, a second working arm, wherein the electrosurgical device has a first electrosurgical configuration where the first working arm and the second working arm are in an opposed position so that the forceps deliver a first therapy current that flows between the first working arm and the second working arm; and wherein the electrosurgical device has a second electrosurgical configuration when the first working arm, the second working arm, or both are repositionable relative to each other so that the first working arm is extended with respect to the second working arm or vice versa and a second therapy current is delivered from the first working arm to a remote electrode.

Abstract: Switch assemblies for handheld ultrasonic surgical instruments. The switch assemblies may include a first switch arrangement that is operably supported on a forward portion of a handle housing of the surgical instrument and is selectively movable relative to at least one first switch contact. The switch assembles may further include a second switch arrangement that comprises at least one of a right switch button that is movably supported on a right side of the handle housing relative to at least one right contact and a left switch button that is movably supported on a left side of the handle housing that is selectively movable relative to at least one left contact.

Abstract: A catheter has a deflection beam with rectangular cross-section and a single continuous puller wire for predictable on-plane bi-directional deflection. The puller wire extends through spacers on opposite sides of the beam so the puller wire is maintained a predetermined separation distance from the beam surface. Tubular structures of the catheter body and the deflectable section are fused at a joint by C-shaped brackets mounted opposite surface of the beam to form a hollow body with holes into which thermoplastic materials covering the catheter body and the deflectable section can melt to form interlocking nodes. Elongated beam stiffeners can be mounted on the beam to provide different curve and deflection geometries.

Abstract: A method for treatment for obesity comprising a medical device attached or implanted in patient's target body organs, wherein in each one of the device attachments, or daily in the case of long continuous attachment, the device removes up to 100 grams of energy containing materials from the body. The medical device optionally contains needles or alternatively contains crawling worm like arm. The energy containing materials may be fat cells, fatty acid molecules driven out from the fat cells or lipids or carbohydrates molecules such as glucose from the blood stream.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a closure trigger and a yoke coupled to the closure trigger. Actuation of the closure trigger drives the yoke longitudinally in a first direction. A closure spring is coupled to the yoke. Longitudinal movement of the yoke in the first direction compresses the closure spring. A directional return stroke damper is coupled to the yoke. The directional return stroke damper is configured to provide a dampening force to longitudinal movement of the yoke in a second direction. A shaft assembly comprising a proximal end and a distal end is coupled to the handle. An end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing a hole in tissue, including a vaporizing element, a heating element, configured to heat the vaporizing element, and a mechanism configured to advance the vaporizing element into a specific depth in the tissue and retract the vaporizing element from the tissue within a period of time long enough for the vaporizing element to vaporize the tissue and short enough to limit diffusion of heat beyond a predetermined collateral damage distance from the hole. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a housing configured to connect to a source of bipolar electrosurgical energy and an electrode body coupled to the elongated housing. The electrode body includes an electrode face, first and second bipolar electrodes and a blade. The electrode face is formed on the distal end of the electrode body and includes a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis therethrough. The first and second electrodes have a leading edge and a trailing edge, are formed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and connect to opposed electrical potentials. The blade is positioned between the electrodes with at least a portion of the blade extending beyond the electrode face.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft. An end effector is coupled to a distal end of the elongated shaft. A handle assembly includes a movable handle movable relative to a fixed handle for effecting movement of the jaw members from a first position to a second position. Each jaw member is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is disposed on the fixed handle and configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a switch engaging surface disposed on the movable handle. The first position of the switch causes the relay of information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue grasped between the jaw members and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: A switching control device for a medical instrument such as an electrode used in high frequency (HF) surgery. The switching control device comprises a connection line, designed as a switching control module for controlling various electrical operating modes of the instrument with a three-dimensionally and pressure-tightly sealed housing that is resistant to sterilization temperatures, an actuating element and fixing means to be releasably mounted within or on a manipulating part of the instrument, and module contacting means for interacting with device- or instrument-contacting means that are connected to the connection line to perform a switching control function.

Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes at least one electrical contact, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, a battery discharge circuit coupled to the RF generation circuit, a processor coupled to the battery discharge circuit, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores computer instructions that when executed cause the processor to monitor battery capacity and send a signal to the battery discharge circuit to discharge a battery coupled to the battery discharge circuit when the battery capacity falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A fluid evacuation device is attachable to a hand-held instrument to provide the hand-held instrument with fluid evacuation capabilities. The fluid evacuation device includes a nozzle, a hose mount, and an evacuation hose. The nozzle has a receptacle that receives a portion of a hand-held instrument therein. The distal end of the nozzle has an opening therein through which fluid may be drawn into the nozzle. The fluid can pass through a flow region in the nozzle. The hose mount extends from the nozzle and connects the hose to the nozzle. The hose mount includes a passageway through which the fluid can pass from the flow region into the evacuation hose.

Abstract: A single probe percutaneous surgical instrument for de-bulking/removing thrombus/clog/calculi has an actuator assembly (4), a probe set (13), an operating switch (10, and a generator (12). The actuator assembly (4) has a proximal end (4a) and a distal end (4b), a cable connector (1), a suction connector (2), and actuator switch (3) mounted with the proximal end (4a) and a horn (5) mounted at the distal end (4b). The probe set (13) is mounted to the horn (5) and includes at least one disturber (6), a spring (7), a spring adjusting nut (8) and a fixed probe (9), the cable connector (1) connecting to the generator (12) through a cable, and the suction connector (2) connecting to a suction system. The actuator switch (3) controls a probe vibration mode through the generator (12), the actuator assembly (4) comprising at least two piezoelectric ceramic rings (18) assembled with a bolt (15), the horn (5) and a back plated (16).