Abstract: A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure is presented including providing an electrosurgical system having an electrosurgical generator, a first electrosurgical device including a first electrically conductive element, a second electrosurgical device including a second electrically conductive element configured to be coupled to a first location of a target tissue and a third electrosurgical device including a third electrically conductive element configured to be coupled to a second location of the target tissue. The method also includes the steps of positioning the second and third electrically conductive elements relative to one another, orienting and defining a direction and a length of a single resection line between the second and third electrically conductive elements, and moving the first electrically conductive element along the single resection line to desiccate or divide the target tissue.

Abstract: An article comprising: (i) a handheld device including (a) a housing, (b) a powered element within the housing: (ii) a battery pack, wherein the handheld device is connected by an external cable to a functional system, wherein the battery pack is attached to the external cable, and wherein the battery pack supplies power to the powered element.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes a flexible sheath; an operating member inserted to the sheath so as to freely advance and retract; a treatment section disposed at the distal end of the operating member that protrudes and retracts from the sheath; and an operator section connected to the proximal end of the operating member including a sliding member which makes the operating member advance and retract. The endoscopic treatment tool includes the operating member consisting of a member which increases its rigidity by compression, and a member which compresses the operating member. Therefore a sufficient incision or excision is achieved relative to the distance of movement of the treatment tool by preventing a deflection of the flexible tube when in use.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for deployment of one or more functional devices, such as therapeutic or diagnostic medical devices, or positioning devices, at various locations relative to a defined operative path. The devices, systems, and methods can include a guide system and a positioning element. The guide system defines the operative path when deployed within a patient's body. The positioning element cooperates with the guide system to define one or more positions relative the defined operative path from which the one or more functional devices are deployed. The present inventions allow for the accurate and reliable placement of the one or more functional devices at the one or more positions relative the operative path. In one embodiment, the functional device is an ablation device adapted to ablate cardiac tissue for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the tube, and a tool that is rotatable and translatable relative to the tube, wherein the handle includes a control for rotating the tool relative to the tube, and wherein the control is coupled to the tool such that a movement of the control through an angle ?c rotates the tool relative to the tube by an angle ?t that is greater or less than ?c, and wherein the angle ?c is variable as determined by a user.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The carrier assembly includes multiple electrodes that are configured to ablate tissue at low power. Systems include an interface unit with a visual display that provides a visual representation of the geometry of the ablation elements and/or provides selection means for selecting an icon provided on the display.

Abstract: A grasping treatment device includes a jaw attached to a distal portion of a sheath rotatably around a rotation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, and opening/closing relative to a distal portion of the probe in open/close directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a support member provided between the probe and the sheath, and preventing contact between the probe and the sheath. The support member includes a most-distal support member located on the most distal direction side, and the position of the most-distal support member coinciding with the rotation axis of the jaw in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an end effector assembly operatively coupled with the handle assembly. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member including a first jaw housing and a first electrically conductive surface, a second jaw member including a second jaw housing and a second electrically conductive surface, and a knife assembly. The knife assembly includes a base member translatably disposed in the first jaw housing, a pivot portion coupled with the base portion, and a blade pivotally associated with the pivot portion. The knife assembly is transitionable between a retracted state in which the blade is disposed within the first jaw housing and an extended state in which the blade is disposed at least partially within the second jaw housing.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly having a housing. A tool cartridge is receivable in the housing. The tool cartridge includes a first jaw and a second jaw for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw is hingably movable between an open position and a closed position. A first jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the first jaw. A sheath encompasses at least part of the longitudinal portion of the jaw connection wire. A grip is disposed around at least part of the sheath. A piston is disposed within the sheath and operatively connected to the grip such that the grip and piston move in relation to one another. The jaw connection wire is operatively connected to the piston for moving the first jaw in response to movement of the grip.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first U-shaped electrode at a distal end of the shaft, and a second blade shaped electrode at the distal end of the shaft. The second electrode includes a spherical distal end. And the second electrode is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by an aperture. In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first electrode at a distal end of the shaft defining an aperture and comprising a pointed tip, and a second electrode disposed at the distal end of the shaft that is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by the aperture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ablating tissue in the wall of various organs of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to cure or ameliorate metabolic pathophysiological conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes mellitus are provided. Ablational treatment of target areas may be fractional or partial, rendering a post-treatment portion of target tissue ablated and another portion that is substantially intact. Fractional ablation is achieved by controlling the delivery of ablational energy across the surface area being treated, and controlling the depth of energy penetration into tissue. Surface area control of energy delivery may controlled by the spatial pattern of distributed ablation elements or by the selective activation of a subset of a dense pattern of ablation elements. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue has a tissue specimen isolating toot and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimen isolating tool isolates the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. The tissue specimen damager damages the tissue, with a possible end result being necrosis. The severing tool may have a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about device. The tissue specimen is isolated by rotating the cutting member about the tissue specimen. The cutting member may be functionally connected to a cutting member radio frequency generation source. The tissue specimen damager may damage the tissue specimen using ionizing radiation, cutting devices, thermal treatment devices, chemical treatment devices, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train for powering the drive train and a plurality of series-connected DC power source connected to the motor for supplying electrical power to the motor. The handle also comprises a power source selection switch for connecting, when in a first state, all of the DC power sources to the motor, and, when in a second state, a subset of the DC power sources to the motor. Also disclosed are means for actuating a RF electrode in the end effector and means for indicating actuation of the RF electrode.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a movable handle coupled thereto and movable between an initial position and a compressed position. A drive bar is operably coupled to the movable handle such that movement of the movable handle between the initial and compressed positions effects longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The drive bar further includes a coupling member disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. Each jaw member defines a cam slot. A cam pin is slidably disposed within the cam slot of each of the jaw members. The coupling member is configured to releasably engage the cam pin such that movement of the movable handle between the initial position and the compressed position effects movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-stick coated electrosurgical diathermy instrumentation, comprising: a handle portion; an isolation tube, connected to the handle portion by one end thereof; an instrument portion, connected to another end of the isolation tube, wherein an anti-sticking layer is formed on the surface of the instrument portion; and an electrode, connected to the handle portion and an external conductive member. In the present invention, the instrument portion is able to generate heat when the conductive member conducts electricity to the instrument portion.

Abstract: A system and method for resecting a valve in a patient, in which the system includes: a proximal frame and a distal frame opposite the proximal frame, each frame including a plurality of interconnectable frame segments, in which the proximal and distal frames are separated by an adjustable distance and positionable on opposite sides of the valve; an electrode, adjacent to the valve on at least one of the proximal and distal frames, that electrosurgically resects valve tissue; a proximal chamber and a distal chamber coupled to the proximal and distal frames, respectively, that allow passage of fluid and captures at least a portion of resected valve tissue, in which each chamber selectively operates in one of a radially collapsed mode and a radially expanded mode; and a drive system that adjusts the distance between the proximal and distal frames.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle and extending along a longitudinal axis, an end effector, and a cable. The end effector may comprise a first jaw member, a second jaw member and a reciprocating member. The cable may extend distally from the handle through the shaft to a first pulley of the first jaw member. From the first pulley, the cable may extend proximally to the reciprocating member, such that proximally directed motion of the cable exerts a distally directed force on the reciprocating member.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive scaling plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue. A curved knife channel is defined along the length of one of the jaw members and is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting mechanism. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to a subsequent position distal to tissue held between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism includes a generally hourglass-shaped flexible blade having a mutually aggregating notch.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for a power connection element between a handle and an electrosurgical instrument to be attached to it. This provides an adapter that makes it possible to reduce organizational effort and costs in the production of electrosurgical instruments with monopolar electrodes. To this end, the adapter includes an insulating portion for adapting an insulating section of the power connection element and an electrically conductive portion for adapting at least one electrically conductive section of the power connection element. The insulating portion and the electrically conductive portion are configured in such a way that the insulating section and the electrically conductive section have their dimensions increased.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe having a plenum which prevents contact of the active electrode with tissue, while simultaneously allowing a fluid/interfacing agents to contact the active electrode.

Abstract: A method for creating a channel through a foreign material located in a body of a patient, the foreign material defining a material first surface and a substantially opposed material second surface, the channel extending through the foreign material between the material first and second surfaces, the method using an apparatus including an electrode, the method comprising: positioning the electrode substantially adjacent to the material first surface; energizing the electrode with a radiofrequency current; and using the electrode energized with the radiofrequency current to deliver energy into the foreign material to create the channel, wherein the foreign material is included in a stent graft.

Abstract: A design for dynamically adjusting parameters applied to a surgical instrument, such as an ocular surgical instrument, is presented. The method includes detecting surgical events from image data collected by a surgical microscope focused on an ocular surgical procedure, establishing a desired response for each detected surgical event, delivering the desired response to the ocular surgical instrument as a set of software instructions, and altering the surgical procedure based on the desired response received as the set of software instructions.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are directed towards a system and method for closed feedback control of a robotically controlled electrosurgical instrument. In one embodiment, the method comprises applying at least one electrosurgical signal to an electrosurgical end effector a robotically controlled surgical instrument. A feedback signal may be generated by the electrosurgical end effector and provided to a control logic. The control logic may be configured to determine a rate of change of the impedance of a target tissue based on the feedback signal received from the electrosurgical end effector. The control logic may be configured to control or modify the at least one electrosurgical signal such that the rate of change of impedance determined from the feedback signal is maintained at a predetermined rate or within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Various surgical instruments are disclosed. At least one surgical instrument includes an instrument mounting portion configured to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion includes an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument adapted for use with the robotic surgical system. A fluid management system is contained within the instrument mounting portion. The fluid management system includes a first container to contain a first fluid agent to be dispensed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The carrier assembly includes multiple electrodes that are configured to ablate tissue at low power. Additional embodiments include a system that includes an interface unit for delivering one or more forms of energy to the ablation catheter.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. An ablation system includes an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements and a location element, an esophageal probe also including a location element, and an interface unit that provides energy to the ablation catheter. The distance between the location elements, determined by calculating means of the system, can be used by the system to set or modify one or more system parameters.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for fusing and severing vessels in accordance with the invention comprises a first branch (19) with a first electrode (33) and a second branch 20 that is supported so as to be movable toward and away from the first electrode (33), wherein the second branch (20) has a longitudinal slit (31). A knife (21) is arranged in said slit so as to be movable longitudinally relative to the shaft (11). The knife (21) is associated with a vertical adjustment mechanism (54) for adjusting the knife (21) perpendicularly to the longitudinal movement as a function of the longitudinal movement of said knife. As a result of this, a premature dulling of the tip (28b) or the sliding edge (28a) of the knife 21 due to contact with the ceramic base body (23) or the edges or the step (55) is avoided.

Abstract: A method for capturing small objects in a confined space such as an artery or duct in a body by bringing an elongated flexible body having a distally disposed operative head provided with a plurality of nanostructures into proximity with the object. When in proximity intermolecular forces are created between the nanostructures and the object that attract the object to the operative head. By application of high frequency electrical current the nanostructures act as electrical knives to cut away or cauterize an object.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for modifying apocrine glands are disclosed herein. A method for modifying apocrine glands may comprise inserting a tissue dissecting and modifying wand (TDM) into an incision in a patient's skin. The TDM may comprise a tip having a plurality of protrusions with lysing segments positioned between the protrusions. The TDM may also comprise an energy window positioned on top of the TDM that is configured to deliver energy to incapacitate apocrine glands. After separating tissue using the lysing segment(s) to define a target region, the energy window may be activated and moved around within the target region to incapacitate apocrine glands. In some implementations, the energy window may be activated prior to separating the tissue such that the tissue is separated while apocrine glands are incapacitated within the target region.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a proximal flange having an inwardly-facing surface. The proximal flanges are coupled to one another for moving the jaw members relative to one another between a first position and a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The inwardly-facing surfaces of the proximal flanges are disposed in abutting relation relative to one another. A knife is configured to move along a knife path defined along an outwardly-facing surface of one of the proximal flanges. The knife is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for incapacitating eccrine glands are disclosed herein. A method for incapacitating eccrine glands may comprise inserting a tissue dissecting and modifying wand (TDM) into an incision in a patient's skin. The TDM may comprise a tip having a plurality of protrusions with lysing segments positioned between the protrusions. The TDM may also comprise an energy window positioned on top of the TDM that is configured to deliver energy to incapacitate eccrine glands. After separating tissue using the lysing segment(s) to define a target region, the energy window may be activated and moved around within the target region to incapacitate eccrine glands. In some implementations, the energy window may be activated prior to separating the tissue such that the tissue is separated while eccrine glands are incapacitated within the target region.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a desiccation device for operation on a target tissue is provided. The device includes a handle; a shaft extending distally from the handle, wherein the shaft defines a lumen therethrough; and a head having a loop configuration supported on a distal end of the shaft, the head being hollow and defining a lumen therethrough, said lumen being in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. At least a portion of the cutting head is electrically connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. A fluid is circulatable through the lumen of the shaft and the head.

Abstract: A medical device for performing a surgical procedure may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a handle connected to the proximal end of the elongate member, an end effector assembly connected to the distal end of the elongate member, and a cutting device configured to extend from the end effector assembly, wherein the cutting device has a retracted configuration in which the cutting device is withdrawn into the end effector assembly and a deployed configuration in which the cutting device extends from the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion shaft, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion into a body of a patient. A resilient end section is fixed to the distal end of the insertion shaft and is formed so as to define, when unconstrained, an arc oriented obliquely relative to the axis and having a center of curvature on the axis. One or more electrodes are disposed at respective locations along the end section.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cutting and sealing of tissue such as bone and soft tissue. Devices, systems and methods include delivery of energy including bipolar radiofrequency energy for sealing tissue which may be concurrent with delivery of fluid to a targeted tissue site. Devices include debridement devices which may include a fluid source. Devices include inner and outer shafts coaxially maintained and having cutters for debridement of tissue. An inner shaft may include electrodes apart from the cutter to minimize trauma to tissue during sealing or hemostasis. Devices may include a single, thin liner or sheath for electrically isolating the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members one of which being movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue therebetween, to a clamping configuration for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade that is translatable within the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping configuration. The knife blade assembly includes a medial portion defining an opening therethrough having proximal and distal ends. A knife blade stop in operative communication with the knife blade assembly includes a pair of leading and trailing stops thereon that are configured to contact respective distal and proximal ends of the opening to limit translation of the knife blade assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for preventing or significantly reducing the risk of thrombus formation. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention provide energy to blood flowing within a chamber or vessel to prevent or reduce blood stasis and thereby prevent or significantly reduce the risk of thrombus formation. The present invention is ideally suited for prevention or reduction of risk of blood clot formation in the atria in patients with atrial fibrillation, in blood vessels of patients at risk of clot formation, in areas adjacent to, or on, artificial heart valves or other artificial cardiovascular devices, and the like.

Abstract: A high frequency surgical device for generating a high frequency voltage for cutting and/or vaporizing biological tissue within a flushing liquid, in particular a conductive flushing liquid, including two output contacts at which an electrosurgical instrument is connectable and between which the HF voltage is provided during operations; a parallel resonant circuit which is electrically connected with the output contacts and in which the HF voltage is generated during operations, and wherein the HF voltage is configured for igniting an electric arc within the flushing liquid at the electrosurgical instrument. In order to provide an electrosurgical device for applications under a flushing liquid, wherein the flushing liquid is heated less and wherein the electrosurgical device provides better initial cutting properties, it is provided according to the invention that a voltage limiter is arranged between the parallel resonant circuit and the output contacts.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to various monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical scissor instruments. A monopolar electrosurgical scissor instrument includes one scissor blade that has an electrically conductive tapered edge, where the tapered edge is insufficiently sharp to shear or otherwise mechanically cut tissue. The scissors also include another electrically insulated scissor blade movably mounted to the first scissor blade. The second scissor blade includes a flat contact surface that is aligned with the tapered edge of the first scissor blade. The scissors further include a scissor body that includes a conductor that transfers electrical energy from an energy source to the tapered edge of the first electrically conductive scissor blade to electrically cut interlaying tissue located between the first electrically conductive scissor blade and the second electrically insulated scissor blade.

Abstract: Cardiac ablation systems include vacuum-stabilized, irrigated ablation devices that have ablating elements capable of providing regions of relatively low pressure to maintain the ablating element in a stable position relative to the tissue, or minimize relative movement of the ablating element relative to the tissue. The ablation elements have integrated structures for vacuum-stabilization. The devices also include one or more electrodes for both orienting the ablating element as well as for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving 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 therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member which is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members.