Abstract: A device and method for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. A heating assembly, including an energized heating element, is disposed one of the distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface. A passive heating assembly is disposed on the mating diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create a fistula. The angle of the proximal diagonal end surface matches the angle of the distal diagonal end surface, so that the two surfaces match one another during deployment.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator device includes a shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a cervical cup positioned on the shaft near the distal end, and a cutting tool. The cervical cup includes a first base and an annular wall with a rim. The cutting tool positioned along the rim of the cervical cup is rotatably coupled to the rim.

Abstract: An anoscope comprises a graspable portion, arranged for being grasped by an operator, and a body, arranged for being inserted into the terminal tract of the rectum of a patient. A cavity and at least one operating window are made in the body of the anoscope. The anoscope further comprises a housing and a seat, which are comprised in the cavity of the body. The housing is arranged for containing at least one surgical instrument suitable for treating hemorrhoids and the seat is arranged for containing at least one lighting device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and end effector coupled to the distal end of the shaft. An electrical transmission conduit extends along the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end and is configured to deliver electrical energy to energize the end effector. A connector assembly electrically couples the electrical transmission conduit to the end effector, and the end effector is pivotably coupled to the connector assembly. In another aspect, a surgical instrument includes a pin, an electrically conductive connector including a contact portion and an attachment, the contact portion surrounding the pin. An electrical conduit is electrically coupled to the attachment of the connector. An electrically conductive jaw including an aperture is pivotable around the contact portion, and the contact portion electrically contacts the jaw at the aperture of the jaw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photonic probe apparatus and a method for probing tissue to detect and mark biological tissue with cancerous or precancerous states. The apparatus involves a probe for illuminating tissue and collecting light from an illuminated tissue region through the probe, a unit for analyzing collected light to determine whether a threshold measure of probability of a cancerous or precancerous lesion in the probed tissue region in contact with the probe is exceeded, and an integrated tissue marking facility which can be activated to mark the probed tissue region through the probe when the threshold measure is exceeded. The photonic probe apparatus and the method are especially suitable for probing regions in squamous and columnar epithelia to detect and mark regions with cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member near a pivot, wherein the tool may be configured for at least one of suction and infusion, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards both sides of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes a laser source configured to generate laser energy, a laser fiber optically coupled to the laser source and configured to discharge the laser energy and collect electromagnetic energy feedback from a treatment site a photodetector configured to generate an output signal in response to the electromagnetic energy collected from the treatment site, a display, and a controller configured to produce an image or indication about the temperature at the treatment site on the display based on the output signal.

Abstract: A device and method for repairing a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The device 10 includes a body 16 having an annular wall 18 and at least one aperture 22 through the annular wall 18. A deployment assembly 24 mounted on the body includes at least one grasping wire 28 arranged for sliding movement in the aperture 22. Movement of the deployment assembly 24 to a deployed position relative to the body causes a free end of the grasping wire 28 to project out from the annular wall 18 through the aperture 22, and movement of the deployment assembly to a retracted position relative to the body causes the free end of the grasping wire 28 to not project out from the annular wall 18. In the deployed position, the grasping wire 28 may grasp and gather tissue of the leaflet 2,3.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument.

Abstract: Provided is a high-frequency treatment tool including: a sheath; an electrode member being advancable and retractable in the sheath; a distal end member disposed at a distal end of the sheath, wherein the electrode member includes a columnar portion; an electrode distal end portion provided at a distal end of the columnar portion and radially extending in an outward direction; and a stopper portion disposed at a proximal end side of the columnar portion, the stopper portion having the shape of a solid of revolution about a center axis of the electrode member, the distal end member has a tapered inner surface narrowing toward the distal end, a recessed portion is formed in a portion of the stopper portion, the electrode distal end portion has a small-diameter portion recessed in a radial direction, and the channel and the small-diameter portion are located at the same position in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: In one example, the disclosure relates to plug connections of conductor tracks of at least two interspaced circuit boards with the aid of at least one plug connector. The plug connections are distinguished, for example, by the fact that the conductor tracks are easily electrically conductively interconnected. For this purpose, the plug connector can be a column having a polygonal or star-shaped or conic-section-shaped cross-section. The column can include at least two C-shaped contact springs positioned opposite each other. Moreover, the interspaced circuit boards each include, at the same point, an opening for partially accommodating the column, including plated through-holes, and so the interspaced plated through-holes of the circuit boards can be electrically conductively interconnected via the contact springs of the column.

Abstract: A treatment instrument which is used under an environment filled with an electrically conductive liquid includes a probe, a hollow sheath and an insulating member. The probe has a distal portion to chip a treatment target part by ultrasonic vibration and which allows the distal portion to function as one pole in a bipolar electrode. The sheath surrounds the probe. The insulating member covers the sheath except for a partial region on the distal side of the sheath. The partial region on the distal side of the sheath functions as the other pole in the bipolar electrode.

Abstract: Ablation devices, more specifically needle injectors configured to deliver flowable thermal treatment media into an interface with tissue and that can provide a single dose of ablative energy.

Abstract: An instrument including working arms and a moveable member. The working arms include a first arm, a second arm, a first electrode located on the first arm, and a second electrode located on the second arm. The moveable member includes a passive circuit element, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The moveable member is moveable to a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first terminal is in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second terminal is in electrical communication with the second electrode so that in the first position an electrical circuit is completed. An impedance is measured of the passive circuit element in the completed electrical circuit. The instrument is adapted to provide a modality based on the measured impedance or a determined position of the moveable member.

Abstract: A medical device includes an energy-generating unit configured to produce energy for conduction through tissue to treat tissue. Waste heat produced by the energy-generating unit during energy production is conducted to tissue to facilitate treating tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes sequential dilation to position an instrument cannula along a patient's spine. Instruments can be delivered through the instrument cannula to remove targeted tissue for a decompression procedure. One of the instruments can be a reamer instrument configured to abrade, cut, or otherwise affect tissue along the patient's spine.

Abstract: A multi-function high-frequency tool for an endoscope, comprising an insert portion and a handle portion, the insert portion comprising an insulating tip, a first electrode having a needle-knife function, a second electrode having an IT-knife function, and a spray head; the handle portion comprising a first slider, a connector, an injection connector, and a second slider. The second electrode has a hollow structure, and the first electrode extends through the second electrode; the proximal end of the first electrode is fixedly connected by means of a mandrel connecting member to the distal end of a mandrel; the proximal end of the mandrel is connected to the first slider of the handle portion, and moves axially on the handle portion by means of the first slider, thereby causing the first electrode to expose from/retract into the second electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode comprises an elongated body having a cross-sectional area and longitudinal side edges forming longitudinal cutting edges adapted for electrosurgical dissection along a plane. The body has a configuration, wherein: the thickness of the side edge is greater than 0.01?, forming two or more cutting edges, and the cross-sectional area-to-number of cutting edges ratio is less than or equal to 0.0004 in2 per cutting edge; the thickness of the side edge is less than or equal to 0.01?, forming only one cutting edge, and the cross-sectional area-to-number of cutting edges ratio is less than or equal to 0.000150 in2 per cutting edge; or the thickness of a first side edge is greater than 0.01? and the thickness of a second side edge is less than or equal to 0.01?, and the cross-sectional area-to-number of cutting edges ratio is less than or equal to 0.001 per cutting edge.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode comprises an elongated body having a cross-sectional area and longitudinal side edges forming longitudinal cutting edges adapted for electrosurgical dissection along a plane. The body has a configuration, wherein: the thickness of the side edge is less than or equal to 0.01?, forming only one cutting edge, and the cross-sectional area-to-number of cutting edges ratio is less than or equal to 0.000150 in2 per cutting edge; or the thickness of a first side edge is greater than 0.01? and the thickness of a second side edge is less than or equal to 0.01?, and the cross-sectional area-to-number of cutting edges ratio is less than or equal to 0.001 in2 per cutting edge.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a control circuit configured to control the movement of an end effector. If the end effector moves outside a predetermined acceptable range, the control circuit may create a dynamic brake to resist the undesired movement of the end effector. The control circuit may apply pulse width modulated (PWM) current to resist the undesired movement of the end effector outside a predetermined acceptable range.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body assembly, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft assembly, a motor, and a locking feature. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft assembly comprises a waveguide operable to transmit ultrasonic vibrations. The motor is operable to rotate the ultrasonic transducer to thereby selectively couple the ultrasonic transducer with the waveguide. The locking feature is configured to selectively prevent rotation of at least a portion of the shaft assembly relative to the body assembly. The locking feature and the motor may be activated automatically in response to an operator positioning a proximal portion of the shaft assembly in a distal portion of the body assembly. The surgical apparatus may include a feature configured to alert a user when the waveguide has been adequately secured to the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A treatment device includes, a probe that conveys ultrasonic vibration and a high-frequency current; a treatment section that comprises a first treatment surface provided at a distal end of the probe for treating body tissue and a second treatment surface opposed to the first treatment surface, and treats the body tissue with the ultrasonic vibration and the high-frequency current conveyed to the first treatment surface and the second treatment surface via the probe; and an electrically-insulating coating portion that covers at least one of the first treatment surface and the second treatment surface.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed for cutting tissue, including for performing a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. This device includes a reversibly collapsible cutting element for cutting a portion of a capsule membrane of the eye. The cutting element includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a bottom layer that has a higher electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the outer layer and the inner layer. The bottom layer is configured to conduct an electrical current between the outer layer and the inner layer, which causes a temperature increase in the bottom layer for cutting tissue.

Abstract: A medical for removing tissue from a patient includes an elongated probe with a working end. A pair of jaws is provided at the working end. The jaws may be closed for cutting and treatment of the tissue. Cutting may be effective through a sharpened cutting blade, and RF cutting blade, and similar cutting edges. The tissue may be remodeled using heat generated from passive heating elements on the jaws, active heating elements on the jaws, a PTCR heating element carried by the jaws, or resistive heaters on the jaws.

Abstract: A unique system for the correlation between removed lymph nodes for lung cancer diagnosis and pathological analysis thereof is provided. Such a system includes the removal of certain lymph nodes from a suspected or known lung cancer patient with subsequent categorization thereof and placement within a properly divided and labeled specimen collection kit. Through the utilization of such a separation and placement allows and facilitates understanding and non-verbal communication between a surgeon and a pathologist in order to denote the location of the removed lymph nodes in relation to a known or suspected lung cancer tumor or growth. The overall diagnostic method, including the important communicative properties accorded both the particular surgeon and pathologist, is encompassed within this invention, as well as the specific collection specimen kit that permits the surgeon proper distinction of specific removal lymph nodes in relation to their location within the patient's body.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a control circuit configured to control the movement of an end effector. If the end effector moves outside a predetermined desired position, the control circuit may activate the energized condition of the motor to move the end effector back to the desired position. When the end effector is in the desired position, the control circuit may engage the de-energized condition of the motor and engage an electromagnetic lock.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: forceps including: (i) a first working arm; (ii) a second working arm; (iii) 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 electrosurgical device includes a heat pipe in the first working arm, the second working arm, or both.

Abstract: A piston ring that is pre-treated by grit blasting to a defined roughness, followed by PVD coating with a metal nitride to a thickness of at least 10 ?m, leaving peaks and valleys in the coated piston ring. The coated piston ring is then lapped to remove the peaks without penetrating the coating, so that valleys and plateaus remain in the coated surface. The resulting piston ring exhibits superior coating retention due to the increased surface area created by the grit blasting, and yet also superior performance, as the cavities remaining increase the porosity of the coating and thus enhance the lubrication of the ring.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for treating a patient include providing a tissue treatment element constructed and arranged to deliver energy to tissue and treating tissue of the gastrointestinal tract by causing the tissue treatment element to deliver energy to an energy delivery zone. Treatment results in a reduction in the luminal surface area of at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular embodiments, the methods, systems and devices are used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: An end effector assembly of a forceps includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member and the second jaw member are selectively positionable relative to one another. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface configured to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, and at least one of the jaw members includes two blade channels defined therein and extending therealong and a feed in member selectively positioned between the two blade channels. The end effector further includes a cutting blade that is translatable such that selective positioning of the feed in member enables the cutting blade to selectively enter into at least one of the two blade channels.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.

Abstract: A system and method for applying energy, particularly high-frequency (HF) energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy, to a living body can include a cannula hub.

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: Minimally invasive catheters and methods are provided for adjusting the chordae associated with an atrio-ventricular valve. The catheter is adapted to engage a selected chord and draw it into a pair of transversely spaced, receptive clamps at the distal end of the catheter in readiness to be clamped The clamps are part of a prosthetic cord assembly that includes the clamps and a cord attached to each of the clamps. The effective length of a natural chord can be increased by employing a long prosthetic cord and clamping and severing the natural chord between the clamps. The effective length of a chord can be decreased by drawing the natural chord into the distal end of the catheter to a hairpin shape and clamping the legs of the hairpin-restrained chord. The chord need not be severed when its effective length is being reduced.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device can have a housing and an electrode defining an energizable surface at least partially positioned externally of the housing. The electrode can move longitudinally relative to the housing. A shank of the electrode can be positioned within the housing and configured to urge against an energizable element in the housing. The energizable element can have a longitudinally movable electrical coupler configured to electrically couple with the shank portion when the shank portion urges against the energizable element. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a grounding member and an actuator. The grounding member includes a first grounding feature and a bending channel. The first grounding feature is configured to engage a dilation instrument. The bending channel is configured to receive a malleable member of the dilation instrument. The actuator is pivotably coupled with the grounding member. The actuator has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is configured to cooperate with the bending channel to thereby bend the malleable member of the dilation instrument as the actuator is pivoted relative to the grounding member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: forceps including: (i) a first working arm having a contact surface and (ii) a second working arm having a contact surface; wherein the forceps has a first electrical configuration where the contact surface of the first working arm and the contact surface of the second working arm are substantially opposite each other so that the contact surfaces of the forceps can be used to grip an item between the working arms and so that the forceps is configured to deliver a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both; and wherein the forceps has second electrical configuration where the contact surface of the first working arm and the contact surface of the second working arm are askew relative to each other and an electrode edge is formed on at least one side of the forceps so that a second therapy current extends from the electrode edge.

Abstract: A cartridge of a surgical device is disclosed that includes a capsulotomy device and a shell structure. The capsulotomy device includes a suction cup, a chamber configured to provide suction to the suction cup, and a cutting element that can be put into contact with a lens capsule of an eye to excise a portion of tissue of the lens capsule. Both the suction cup and cutting element are collapsible. The shell structure is configured for housing the capsulotomy device. The housing of the shell structure can contain the suction cup, the chamber, and the cutting element of the capsulotomy device to protect the device before it is used in performing a capsulotomy.

Abstract: A cover for an electrosurgical instrument having a wrist structure and an end effector is provided. The cover includes a hollow elongated structure, which includes a tip cover portion and a base cover portion integrally connected to the tip cover portion. The tip cover portion has a distal end with an opening therethrough sized to receive the end effector of the electrosurgical instrument and is composed of a first, electrically insulative material having a flexibility sufficient to allow the end effector to be manipulated while the end effector is received in the opening. The base cover portion is composed of a second material having a higher tear strength than the first material. The tip cover portion and the base cover portion overlap at an overlap region configured to receive the wrist structure of the electrosurgical instrument when the end effector is received in the opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable relative to the housing between a storage position and a deployed position. The deployment mechanism includes a first actuator member movable relative to the housing from a first un-actuated position to a first actuated position to move the energizable member from the storage position to the deployed position and a second actuator member movable relative to the housing from a second un-actuated position to a second actuated position to move the energizable member from the deployed position to the storage position. Movement of the first actuator member from the first un-actuated position to the first actuated position effects movement of the second actuator member from the second actuated position to the second un-actuated position and vice versa.

Abstract: A surgical tool including first connecting elements, contacting elements, and conductive elements. The contacting elements are configured to contact nerve tissue of a patient. The conductive elements extend from the connecting elements to the contacting elements. The conductive elements have respective insulative outer layers. The insulative outer layers isolate the conductive elements from each other. The first connecting elements are configured to connect to and receive monophasic stimulation pulses from second connecting elements on a modular stimulation module. The modular stimulation module is configured to connect to the tool and other tools via the second connecting elements. The conductive elements are configured to transfer the monophasic stimulation pulses from the connecting elements to the contacting elements.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an inner shaft coupled to and extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft, an outer sheath that is fixed to the housing, extends distally from the housing, and is disposed about the inner shaft, and an insulative sleeve. The insulative sleeve is positioned between the inner shaft and the outer sheath. The insulative sleeve is movable relative to the inner shaft and the outer sheath between a storage position, wherein the insulative sleeve is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and a deployed position, wherein the insulative sleeve substantially surrounds the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device and methods of use are disclosed. In one example, device includes a handpiece and an end effector having a monopolar electrode and a pair of bipolar electrodes. The end effector is coupled to the handpiece and selectively transitionable relative to the handpiece from a first position to a second position. The first position includes the bipolar electrodes extending distally from the device and the monopolar electrode is spaced from a distal end portion of the device. The second position includes the monopolar electrode extending distally and the bipolar electrodes are spaced from a distal end portion of the device.

Abstract: A coating system comprising at least one layer made at least essentially of ZrO2 which is used for providing insulating properties to parts of medical devices, particularly of electrosurgical devices.

Abstract: A forceps includes a shaft defining first opposed distal recesses, a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft and defining second opposed distal recesses, and an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. Each jaw member defines a proximal flange and a distal jaw body. The proximal flanges each define an aperture and a cam slot. A pivot pin extends through the apertures with ends of the pivot pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the first recesses and fixedly engaged therewith. A drive pin extends through the cam slots with ends of the drive pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the second recesses and fixedly engaged therewith such that translation of the drive bar relative to the end effector assembly pivots the jaw members between spaced-apart and approximated positions.

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: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices with an elastic force are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and cutting unit having an elastic force, a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel, and a biasing member engaged with the cutting unit to bias at least one cutting portion toward the other cutting portion.

Abstract: An ablation device and methods for use thereof including a support structure adapted to support an ablation structure within an alimentary tract of a patient are provided. The support structure includes a longitudinal support with a longitudinal axis and a rotational support. The rotational support is adapted to permit at least part of the ablation structure to rotate with respect to the longitudinal support's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A titanium electrosurgical instrument, such as a scalpel (20), and electrosurgical devices, e.g., needle (40), and Bovie tips (40), are provided with a silane coating (30) directly against the solid titanium metal (26, 43, 73) of the body tissue-contacting distal ends (24, 47, 70) thereof whereby to impart advantageous non-stick properties thereto.