Abstract: An electrosurgical device is configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy and includes a housing and an electrical circuit supported within the housing. The electrical circuit is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy. The electrical circuit is provided with at least one tactile enhancement feature. A controller is slidably supported on the housing. The controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to engage the tactile enhancement feature and provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: A tissue sensor probe and corresponding electromagnetic surgical ablation system are disclosed. The system includes an ablation probe coupled to a generator, a controller coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor probe includes an electrically-conductive enclosure configured to shield a temperature sensor from electromagnetic radiation produced by the ablation probe. At least a portion of the electrically-conductive enclosure is made of a high thermal-conductivity material. A material of high thermal-conductivity is disposed in the electrically-conductive enclosure in thermal association with the thermally-conductive material of the electrically-conductive enclosure. The temperature sensor is disposed in the material of high thermal conductivity so as to electrically isolate the temperature sensor from the enclosure.

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 multi-mode electrosurgical apparatus for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting, electrosurgical coagulation and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethrough, an electrically conducting tube being disposed in the passage of the housing; an insulating outer tube disposed around the electrically conducting tube coupled to the housing, the electrically conducting tube being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing and outer tube; an electrically conducting blade coupled to the distal end of the electrically conducting tube, and a transformer assembly disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the transformer assembly including a first transformer and a first switch for selectively coupling the first transformer and an external second transformer to the electrically conducting tube for providing electrosurgical energy thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube.

Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in tissue during formation of a lesion therein is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire at least one value of at least one component of a complex impedance between an electrode and the tissue. The ECU is configured to calculate an index responsive to the at least one value of the at least one complex impedance component. The index is indicative of a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in the tissue. The method comprises acquiring at least one value of at least one component of a complex impedance between an electrode and the tissue. The method comprises calculating an index responsive to the at least one value of the at least one complex impedance component. The calculated index is indicative of a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in the tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a grasper and a snare that each includes electrodes. The grasper includes a first electrode that is attachable to a first output of an energy supply. The snare includes a second electrode that is attachable to a second output of the energy supply. When the first and second electrodes are coupled to the energy supply, the grasper and snare operate as a bipolar electrosurgical system. By grasping the tissue with the jaws of the grasper, the current path between the electrode on the snare and the electrode on the grasper is relatively short, and thus the system operates like a bipolar electrosurgical system. Accordingly, the applied energy can be focused to a small area, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. In addition, energy suitable for coagulating the cut portion of the stalk of the removed tissue can be readily applied with the bipolar electrosurgical system.

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

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

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, methods for controlling electrical power provided to tissue via a surgical device may comprise providing a drive signal to a surgical device; receiving an indication of an impedance of the tissue; calculating a rate of increase of the impedance of the tissue; and modulating the drive signal to hold the rate of increase of the impedance greater than or equal to a predetermined constant.

Abstract: A surgical device assembly includes a vessel-sealing end effector having opposing surfaces engaging tissue when disposed therebetween, at least one of the surfaces having an energy delivering component, and a surgical device handle. The surgical device handle is connected to the end effector and has a switch with a switch-actuation direction in which the switch actuates, an unactuated position at a rest point of the switch, a first actuated position at first distance from the rest point in the switch-actuation direction, a second actuated position at a second distance further from the rest point in the switch-actuation direction than the first distance, and a force required to sustain the first actuated position being less than a force required to enter the second actuated position. The energy delivering component delivers energy when in at least one of the first and second actuated positions.

Abstract: A method and device for inducing anaesthesia in mammals by the application of RF energy to create hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia. An RF generator drives a plurality of electrodes placed in tissue surrounding the target nerve fiber to desiccate the desired length of nerve fiber to be desiccated in a single deployment. The device allows high-speed selection/de-selection of bipolar electrode pairs or sets under continuous RF excitation. Activation of electrode pairs is adapted in response to sensed current density and temperature (by electrodes not in the current discharge activation phase) in order to create lesions of complex and well defined shape necessary for the production of hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.

Abstract: An energy delivery probe for use in tissue ablation and method of use is presented. The energy delivery device has at least a first energy delivery member and a second energy delivery member that have handle members positioned along a longitudinal axis, each handle member having a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the first handle member is releasably coupled to the proximal end of the second handle member and a portion of each member is defined in a coaxially surrounding relationship to each other along the longitudinal axis. The method of using the probe involves identifying a tissue to be ablated, providing the energy delivery probe, inserting at least a portion of the energy delivery probe into the identified tissue, delivering electrical energy through the energy delivery probe to the identified tissue, and ablating the identified tissue such that at least a first ablation zone is formed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a grasper and a snare that each includes electrodes. The grasper includes a first electrode that is attachable to a first output of an energy supply. The snare includes a second electrode that is attachable to a second output of the energy supply. When the first and second electrodes are coupled to the energy supply, the grasper and snare operate as a bipolar electrosurgical system. By grasping the tissue with the jaws of the grasper, the current path between the electrode on the snare and the electrode on the grasper is relatively short, and thus the system operates like a bipolar electrosurgical system. Accordingly, the applied energy can be focused to a small area, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. In addition, energy suitable for coagulating the cut portion of the stalk of the removed tissue can be readily applied with the bipolar electrosurgical system.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device and system including a blade operatively coupled to an energy source is disclosed herein. The electrosurgical device includes an optical sensor to monitor physical characteristics of the blade such that the device may automatically regulate the energy supplied to the blade and/or the operator may adjust several parameters including how the blade is removed and how much energy is supplied to the blade. A method of using the device and system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil with integrated ligasure tweezers includes—an elongated housing having an open distal end and an actuator operatively associated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distally through the open distal end of the elongated housing and are transitionable between a closed position and an open position upon actuation of an actuator. One or both of the jaw members is configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. One or more switches is operably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configured to activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue with monopolar and bipolar energy.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a first jaw member with a first electrode area and a second electrode area and a second jaw member, such that at least either the first jaw member or the second jaw member can be pivoted around a pivot axis in such a way that the jaw members can be approached to one another or distanced from one another, so that the first jaw member can be rotated in relation to the second jaw member around a rotation axis between a first predetermined working position and a second predetermined working position, so that in the first working position the first electrode area of the first jaw member is facing the second jaw member and so that in the second working position the second electrode area of the first jaw member is facing the second jaw member.

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

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument that can supply mechanical energy and electrical energy to an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises an ultrasonic generator module coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, which comprises an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector coupled to the waveguide. The ultrasonic drive system is configured to resonate mechanically at a resonant frequency to generate a first ultrasonic drive signal. An electronic circuit is coupled to the ultrasonic generator module to monitor an electrical characteristic of the ultrasonic drive system. A processor is coupled to the electronic circuit to control the ultrasonic drive signal in response to the monitored electrical characteristic of the ultrasonic drive system.

Abstract: An adapter element for receiving an HF surgical handpiece is proposed. The adapter element is characterized in that it is possible by receiving the handpiece in the adapter element to form a smoke duct in said adapter element for discharging smoke from a treatment area, at least one stick-, point-, ring-, sphere- or loop-shaped electrode or combinations of the same being attached on the distal end of the adapter element.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.

Abstract: A new method for the ablation of undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of the undesirable tissue through the application of electrical pulses causing irreversible electroporation of the cells throughout the entire area of the undesirable tissue. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The amount of tissue ablation achievable through the use of irreversible electroporation without inducing thermal damage is considerable.

Abstract: A apparatus for performing tissue modification procedures on a patient's body can include a device, which can be adapted for connection to at least two electrodes, where temperature sensors can be incorporated into tip portions of said electrodes, a high frequency generator, which can be operatively associated with said device, wherein said generator can deliver non-simultaneously a high frequency signal output to each of said electrodes, and a feedback control circuit, which can be configured to regulate the signal output delivery to each of said electrodes so it can maintain a user settable temperature at tip portion of said electrodes when the electrodes can be in contact with the patient's body.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus includes a first heat transfer unit, a second heat transfer unit, a first heat generating element, a second heat generating element, a temperature acquisition unit which acquires a first temperature of the first heat generating element and a second temperature of the second heat generating element, a control unit and an electric power input unit. The control unit determines a first control value and a second control value concerning the electric power input to the first and second heat generating element based on a lower one of the first temperature and the second temperature. The electric power input unit inputs an electric power to the first and second generating element based on the first and second control value.

Abstract: A multi-button electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethough, a distal end configured to support an electrode; at least four switches disposed on a surface of the housing configured to be selectively activated by a user; and three wires connected between the housing and a connector, the connector configured to be operatively coupled to an electrosurgical generator, a first wire being coupled to the electrode and configured to receive electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator, a second wire being coupled to a first switch and configured to generate a first activation signal and a third wire being coupled to a second switch and configured to generate a second activation signal, wherein a third and fourth switch are coupled to the first wire and the second or third wire via a respective reactive switching element configured to generate third and forth activation signals.

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

Abstract: A end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw assemblies, at least one of the first and second assemblies movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw assemblies are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw assemblies cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The first jaw assembly includes a first housing and a first electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure associated with at least a portion of the first housing. The second jaw assembly includes a second housing and a second electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structure associated with at least a portion of the second housing. The end-effector assembly includes a dissector electrode coupled along at least a portion of a lateral side portion of either one of the first housing or the second housing. The dissector electrode is electrically-isolated from the first and second electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structures.

Abstract: A surgical device control circuit. The control circuit may comprise a first circuit portion comprising at least one first switch. The first circuit portion may communicate with a surgical generator over a conductor pair. The control circuit may also comprise a second circuit portion comprising a data circuit element. The data circuit element may be disposed in an instrument of the surgical device and transmit or receive data. The data circuit element may implement data communications with the surgical generator over at least one conductor of the conductor pair.

Abstract: An electrophysiologic catheter with an improved control handle is provided. The catheter includes a heat transfer assembly to better dissipate heat in the control handle. The heat transfer assembly includes a pump, a reservoir containing a coolant, a heat transfer member, and a coolant transport network transporting coolant between at least the reservoir and the heat transfer member. In one embodiment, the heat transfer member is located within the control handle as a heat exchanger on the circuit board to receive the coolant for transferring heat from the integrated circuits to the coolant. In another embodiment, the heat transfer member is located on the circuit board directly surrounding the integrated circuits to internally cool the integrated circuit within the control handle. A second heat transfer member is located outside of the control handle as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: An end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure extending along a length thereof. Each electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the opposing first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. The end-effector assembly includes a split electrode including a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion spaced apart from the first electrode portion and electrically-isolated therefrom by a gap defined therebetween.

Abstract: A spark ablation device for generating nanoparticles comprising a spark generator; the spark generator comprising first and second electrodes, wherein the spark generator further comprises at least one power source which is arranged to be operative at a first energy level for maintaining a discharge between the first and second electrodes, which power source is arranged for repetitively increasing the energy of the discharge to a predetermined secondary level that is higher than the first energy level for ablating a portion of the electrodes.

Abstract: Ablation electrode assemblies having a longitudinal axis include an electrode core member; an electrode shell; and an irrigant distribution element. The electrode core member comprises a thermal insulator and has a first end; a second end; and at least one irrigation passageway. The electrode shell comprises an electrically conductive material, defines an inner volume, and has a first end; and a second end. The second end of the electrode shell is configured for connection to the first end of the electrode core member. The electrode shell is sufficiently flexible for deflection of the distal end of the electrode shell relative to the longitudinal axis of the ablation electrode assembly. The irrigant distribution assembly comprises a first end; and a second end, wherein the second end of the irrigant distribution element defines a circumferential irrigation port between the irrigant distribution element and the electrode core member.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of cosmetology. The invention relates to cosmetic or aesthetic skin treatment using an appliance, in particular for dermatological care, which combines applying pulsed electrical currents to the skin for treating the skin by electroporation in a first step, constant currents for electrophoretically treating the skin in a second step, with the simultaneous exposure of the skin under treatment to chromotherapeutic light emissions in which the color changes from one step to the next. The color red is preferred for electroporation; orange is preferred during the electrophoretic treatment. The appliance is programmed for automatic is programmed for automatic operation. The method advantageously comprises a third chromotheraphy step under blue light combined with the application of an electrophoretic current.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a surgical generator for providing a drive signal to a surgical device may comprise a first transformer and a second transformer. The first transformer may comprise a first primary winding and a first secondary winding. The second transformer may comprise a second primary winding and a second secondary winding. The surgical generator may further comprise a generator circuit to generate the drive signal. The generator circuit may be electrically coupled to the first primary winding to provide the drive signal across the first primary winding. The surgical generator may also comprise a patient-side circuit electrically isolated from the generator circuit. The patient-side circuit may be electrically coupled to the first secondary winding. Further, the patient-side circuit may comprise first and second output lines to provide the drive signal to the surgical device. In addition, the surgical generator may comprise a capacitor.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is provided and includes an RF energy output module and an energy request detection module both in communication with one or more processors of the electrosurgical generator. The RF energy module outputting RF energy through a first transformer, and the energy request detection module in electrical communication with primary windings of a second transformer. An electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a housing, at least one treatment member and one or more switches. The switch is in electrical communication with the first transformer and is coupled to secondary windings of the second transformer such that when the at least one switch is moved to a closed configuration the energy detection module detects an occurrence at the second transformer and provides a signal to the at least one processor to transmit electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical instrument.

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: Bipolar forceps of the type where each of the prongs has a manually engageable portion spaced from the tip for manual squeezing of the prongs and an electrical supply system for applying a high-frequency electric current between tool tips to dissect through tissue planes and/or seal blood vessels includes a set of force measuring sensors for measuring forces, particularly squeezing forces, applied to the prongs at the tip. A temperature sensor is included to provide temperature information and temperature compensation. The sensors are applied to each prong in opposing pairs on the inside and outside surfaces and the outputs thereof are applied to a bridge arrangement. The signals are sent to a processor for generating warning signals and for recording forces for training purposes where a haptic system can be used.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.

Abstract: Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and causes energy to be delivered from the power supply to the tissue via the electrode. Devices that include an electrode actuator for causing the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and a fluid actuator for causing the fluid to flow to the target tissue are also discussed. Methods of causing the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and fluid to flow to the target tissue with a single step and more than one step are also discussed.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: A system that automatically detects a myocardial barotrauma (i.e., tissue pop) event so that proper post-procedure care can be given includes an electronic control unit (ECU), a computer-readable memory coupled with the ECU, and detection logic stored in the memory configured to be executed by the ECU. The detection logic is configured to receive a signal generated by an electro-acoustic transducer related to acoustic activity within the patient, monitor the signal for a pre-determined indication of a barotrauma event, and output a notification when the pre-determined indication is detected. The transducer can be integrated with an extra-body patch that includes one or more electrodes for use with a medical device navigation system.