Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a jaw assembly having a first jaw that includes a support structure with an opening, an electrically insulative material disposed on the support structure, and an operative element for applying energy to tissue, wherein the electrically insulative material extends through the opening of the support structure to thereby secure the electrically insulative material to the support structure.

Abstract: A surgical system includes: an overtube including a channel into which an endoscope is inserted; and an expansion device configured to ensure a surgical space by expanding an interior of a body at a distal side relative to a tip of the overtube. The expansion device includes a sheath and a wire configured to be protrudable from the sheath. The wire is configured to be switchable between a first configuration in which the wire protrudes from the sheath and a second configuration in which the wire protrudes from the sheath in a state where the wire is tilted, around a longitudinal axis, at an angle different from the first configuration.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment device has a sheath extending between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; a first/second wire inserted through the sheath, wherein the first/second wire can protrude from the distal end portion of the sheath and cut tissue by being applied with current; an insulative member configured to connect distal ends of the first wire and the second wire; and a first/second insulative tube configured to cover the first/second wire protruding from the sheath, wherein the first/second insulative tube can move with respect to the first/second wire respectively, wherein the endoscopic treatment device switches between a first state where the second wire protruding from the sheath is covered by the second insulative tube and a second state where the first wire protruding from the sheath is covered by the first insulative tube.

Abstract: An electrically-insulative shaft for an energy-based surgical instrument includes an outer tube formed from an electrically-insulative material, an inner tube formed from an electrically-insulative material, and an intermediate tube disposed between the outer and inner tubes. The intermediate tube is formed from an electrically-conductive material. Distal ends of the outer and inner tubes extend beyond a distal end of the intermediate tube and are joined to one another to enclose the distal end of the intermediate tube therebetween.

Abstract: An esophageal ablation system including a positioner, an elongated, flexible shaft extending from the positioner, and a microwave emitter assembly disposed near the distal end of the shaft. The emitter assembly includes one or more microwave antennae and a balloon for spacing the antennae relative to target tissue. The device may have an inner balloon for deploying the antenna. The systems, devices and methods disclosed are useful for treating Barrett's Esophagus, Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical device includes an element positionable within a shaft having a lumen defined therethrough with the element movable from a stored position to a deployed position in which a larger portion of the element extends out of the distal end of the lumen. The element forming a closed loop which is positioned around the lens while the lens is within a capsular bag. The closed loop is reduced in size to form a cut in the lens.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and a firing assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a knife, and an electrode assembly. The second jaw pivot between an open position and a closed position. The handle assembly includes a housing associated with the first jaw and an arm associated with the second jaw. The arm can pivot the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The firing assembly can actuate the knife between a pre-fired position and a fired position. The firing assembly includes a first body slidably attached to the housing and a second body slidably attached to the arm. The second body couples with the first body when the second jaw is in the closed position. The second body decouples with the first body when the second jaw is in the open position.

Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes a drive housing having first and second ends, a carriage movably mounted to the drive housing, and a shaft extending from the carriage and penetrating the first end, the shaft having an end effector arranged at a distal end. An activating mechanism is secured to the carriage and includes a transmission link pivotably coupled to the carriage, a transmission drive gear rotatably mounted to a transmission link, a drive gear rotatably mounted to the carriage and operatively coupled to the transmission drive gear, and a transmission driven gear rotatably mounted to the transmission link and driven by rotation of the transmission drive gear. The transmission link is pivotable between a first and second positions to actuate the activating mechanism to perform first and second functions, respectively, of the end effector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosures made herein are directed to facilitating adjustability of operative apparatuses. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosures made herein are directed to mitigating adverse implications of having to adjust a control portion of an operative apparatus to a user-defined setting that is not otherwise a predefined setting position of the control portion. Such adverse implications may arise, for example, due to the time required for performing such adjustment with a required degree of precision. Thereby, such embodiments serve to mitigate, if not eliminate, that manner in which adjusting the control portion of the operative apparatus to the user-defined setting during a procedure can undesirably and/or unacceptably limit efficiency and/or effectiveness of the procedure.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical device includes a shaft with a lumen defined therethrough and an element movable from a stored position to a deployed position in which a larger portion of the element extends out of the distal end of the lumen; wherein motion from the stored position to the deployed position causes a first leg of the element to advance distally relative to the distal end of the shaft, and causes a second leg of the element to move proximally relative to the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An electrically conductive irrigation fluid for use in bipolar resectoscopic surgery, wherein the irrigation fluid being brought into contact with the electrode of a resectoscope and tissue being coagulated and/or resected by means of the electrode surrounded by the irrigation fluid, wherein the irrigation fluid includes metal ions. Moreover, the method relates to a resectoscopy system including a resectoscope and an irrigation system that is connected to the resectoscope, the resectoscope having a handle and a tubular shaft, and the shaft including an electrode instrument that is arranged so as to be longitudinally displaceable and has in its distal end region an electrode to which high-frequency current can be applied, wherein the irrigation system includes an irrigation fluid, which can be conducted through the shaft of the resectoscope to the electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus is provided including a housing, a flexible shaft, and a distal tip. The housing may further be coupled to an electrosurgical generator and gas supply. The distal tip of the electrosurgical apparatus may be grasped by a grasping tool, such that the orientation and position of the distal tip relative to the housing may be manipulated to achieve a plurality of positions. The electrosurgical apparatus provides electrosurgical energy and inert gas to an electrode within the distal tip of the electrosurgical apparatus to generate a plasma beam. In one aspect, the electrode is a retractable blade such that the electrosurgical apparatus can be used for mechanical and electrosurgical cutting during surgery when the electrode is in an extended position and for cold plasma applications during surgery when the electrode is in a retracted position.

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: Sphincterotomes and methods for making and using sphincterotomes are disclosed. An example sphincterotome may include an elongate shaft having an outer surface and a distal end region. The sphincterotome may also include a sphincterotome wire assembly having a distal end coupled to the distal end region of the elongate shaft and a body portion extending along the outer surface of the elongate shaft. The sphincterotome wire assembly may be designed to shift the distal end region of the elongate shaft between a first configuration and a curved configuration. The body portion of the sphincterotome wire assembly may include a cutting region and a non-conductive region.

Abstract: A surgical instrument component for coupling an end effector to a shaft of a surgical instrument may comprise a distal portion made of an electrically conductive first material, a proximal portion made of an electrically conductive second material, and an intermediate portion made of an electrically insulating third material. The intermediate portion is disposed between and integrally connected to the proximal portion and to the distal portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to an electrosurgical system, to a method for operating an electrosurgical system, and to an electrode for an electric surgical system. An image detection system of the surgical instrument detects an image of the electrode. The corresponding image data is compared with data sets in a database, in which an identifying feature of the electrode and at least one operating parameter for the electrode are assigned to each other. After the electrode type has been identified, the corresponding operating parameters are transmitted to a controller of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An instrument port includes a port body, a bulb disposed at the distal end of the port body, a base body disposed at the proximal end of the port body, a hollow cylindrical body mechanically coupled to the base body, and a plurality of connecting rods disposed parallel to the port body. Each connecting rod includes a distal rod portion that is mechanically coupled to a respective distal-facing exterior surface of a bulb flange and a proximal rod portion that is mechanically coupled to a respective proximal-facing surface of the base body. A spring applies a spring force against the port body to press the port body into the bulb to mechanically secure the bulb to the base body.

Abstract: A medical drill assembly includes a probe connectable at a proximal end to an electromechanical transducer for generating mechanical vibration of an ultrasonic frequency. The probe has a shaft with a central lumen or channel, the shaft being formed at a distal end with a head having a tapered distal side. A source of pressurized liquid communicates with the lumen or channel of the probe, and a translatory or linear drive is operatively connected to the probe for applying a distally directed force to the probe. A controller is operatively connected to the translatory or linear drive for periodically at least reducing the magnitude of the distally directed force.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an actuator operably associated with the housing, a shaft extending from the housing, an end effector assembly disposed at an end portion of the shaft, and a drive assembly operably coupling the actuator and the end effector assembly with one another such that actuation of the actuator manipulates the end effector assembly. The drive assembly includes a proximal sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and an interior lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, a drive bar including a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a lock washer configured to engage the proximal portion of the drive bar with the proximal sleeve such that the proximal portion of the drive bar is disposed within the interior lumen of the proximal sleeve and positioned offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal sleeve. Methods of assembling such drive assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: An electrode unit for a medical resectoscope for the electrosurgical resection of tissue in a fluid-filled cavity in a patient includes an elongated rod-shaped electrode shaft which on its distal end has an electrode support and a cutting electrode that is fastened to the electrode support and may be acted on by alternating current. A spatula element that is designed for supporting tissue and that extends distally beyond the cutting electrode is situated on the electrode support, the spatula element having two support flanks that extend distally on both sides of the cutting electrode to form outer edges of the spatula element, at least one of the support flanks having an inwardly directed indentation to form a constriction in the area of the cutting electrode.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement according to the invention for a bipolar resectoscope (50) comprises an elongate electrode carrier (2), an active electrode disposed at a distal end of the electrode carrier (2) and a neutral electrode, wherein a distal end section of the electrode carrier (2) is embodied as an electrode body (4, 40) through which a supply line (20) of the active electrode is guided and wherein the neutral electrode is formed by the electrode body (4, 40) or a portion of the electrode body (4, 40). The invention also relates to a resectoscope (50).

Abstract: A deflection catheter is disclosed for aiding in bending of a catheter or other elongate medical device transseptally delivered within a left atrium of a heart. The deflection catheter includes a deflection aid assembly having an outer component, an inner component and a connecting band. The connecting band connects a first inner branch segment and a second inner branch segment of the inner component, and also extends between a first outer branch segment and a second outer branch segment of the outer component whereby a catheter receiving opening is defined between the connecting band and the first and second outer branch segments. Proximal/distal movement of the inner component relative to the outer component increases/decreases an area of the catheter receiving opening in order to secure the catheter or other elongate medical device to the deflection aid assembly for subsequent bending by proximally tugging or pulling on the deflection aid assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation system which are configured to provide various mechanical advantages.

Abstract: An end effector assembly (100, 200) of an electrosurgical forceps (10, 10?) includes first and second jaw members (110, 120, 210, 220). At least one of the jaw members (110, 120, 210, 220) is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. At least one of the jaw members (110, 120, 210, 220) includes an electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125) defining an outer surface, a first electrically-insulative layer (116, 126) disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125), a second electrically-insulative layer (117, 127) disposed on another portion of the outer surface of the electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125), and an electrode (118, 128) disposed on the second electrically-insulative layer (117, 127) and electrically coupled to the electrically-conductive inner member (115, 125). The electrode (118, 128) defines a tissue-treating surface of the corresponding jaw member (110, 120, 210, 220).

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 multi-functional electrosurgical plasma accessory having a handpiece and an extendable probe assembly. The extendable probe assembly has a shaft member, a tube, an electrode, a spacer and a collet. The shaft member and tube each may be formed of a plurality of structures assembled together, each may be of a single unitary design, or both together may be of a single unitary design. The shaft member has an interior channel, a distal end and a proximal end comprised of a neck portion at the distal end of the shaft member, a grip. The elongated portion of the shaft is movable within the spacer between a first position in which a portion of a distal end of the electrode extends out of the tube and a second portion in which the distal end of the electrode does not extend out of the tube.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device may include a front portion releasably attached to a reusable handle. The reusable handle may include a single motor configured to actuate a tissue knife mechanism and an articulation mechanism in the front portion. The reusable handle may include a controller configured to sense a position of a knife advancement control in the front portion and actuate the tissue knife via the motor when the knife advancement control is at a predetermined position. The controller may receive data from the front portion indicating that the front portion includes an articulation joint. If the front portion includes an articulation joint, the controller may actuate, via the motor, an articulation mechanism to adjust an angle of the articulation joint when an articulation control in the front portion is at a predetermined position. The reusable handle may be used with a front portion having or lacking an articulation joint.

Abstract: A system and method of force or torque limit compensation includes a surgical instrument for use with a computer-assisted medical device. The surgical instrument includes an end effector located at a distal end of the instrument, a drive unit for operating a degree of freedom of the instrument, a shaft coupled to the drive unit, and one or more drive mechanisms in the shaft for coupling force or torque from the drive unit to the end effector and the articulated wrist. To control the degree of freedom, the instrument is configured to determine a current position of the degree of freedom, determine a force or torque limit compensation based on the current position, alter one or more force or torque limits based on the force or torque limit compensation, and adjust the degree of freedom subject to the one or more force or torque limits.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a minimally invasive cutting instrument includes a surgical cutting instrument. The surgical cutting instrument includes a drive unit, an end effector located at a distal end of the instrument, and a garage for housing the cutting blade when the cutting blade is not in use. The end effector includes gripping jaws and a cutting blade. To perform a cutting operation, the instrument extends the cutting blade from a first position to a second position, retracts the cutting blade from the second position to a third position between the first and second positions, and further retracts the cutting blade to the first position. While the cutting blade is not in use, the cutting blade is maintained in the first position using a restraining mechanism in the drive unit, force or torque applied by a motor or other active actuator to the drive unit, or both.

Abstract: Ablation systems are provided. Methods of using the systems to ablate tissue are also provided. The ablation systems can include a first guide needle and a second guide needle, and the methods can include securing the tissue and guiding the ablation system into the tissue for the ablation, the securing and the guiding facilitated by the first guide needle and the second guide needle. The dual coil ablation systems can also include a phase-offset between the coils to achieve a significant and surprising enhancement to the energy density provided by the systems, and the uniformity of ablation provided by the methods.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft extending from the handle portion, a pad electrode coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a loop electrode configured to be selectively transitioned from a deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode extends outwardly from a distal end of the shaft in a manner capable of receiving tissue, to a non-deployed configuration, wherein the loop electrode is disposed proximate to the distal end of the shaft, to treat tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a connection structure for connecting a connection member having an attaching portion attachable to an endoscope, to a wire protective sheath into which an endoscope operation wire is configured to be partially inserted for protection. The connection structure includes: a through-hole disposed in the connection member, the wire protective sheath being insertable into the through-hole; and at least one swaging portion located at a different position from that of the attaching portion to partially constitute a peripheral wall of the through-hole. While the wire protective sheath is inserted into the through-hole, the at least one swaging portion is pressed to partially deform the through-hole, thereby connecting the connection member to the wire protective sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for resecting an organ in a cavity of a living body. The device includes a guide with a tube and a tube, both cylindrical, the tube being mounted in the first tube; an electrical conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath, the tube being a cylinder of revolution with an inner radius of value R1, the tube including a part which is a cylinder of revolution with an outer radius of value R2<R1 and with an angle at the center of a value Ac, and a part which is not a cylinder of revolution and has an angle at the center of value “360°?Ac”; the insulated conductor contacts the part of the tube, between the outer and inner walls of this tube; and a unit for keeping this insulated conductor in contact with the part of the tube.

Abstract: Dual coil ablation systems are provided. Methods of using the systems to ablate tissue are also provided. The dual coil ablation systems can include a first guide needle and a second guide needle, and the methods can include securing the tissue and guiding the dual coil ablation system into the tissue for the ablation, the securing and the guiding facilitated by the first guide needle and the second guide needle. The dual coil ablation systems can also include a phase-offset between the coils to achieve a significant and surprising enhancement to the energy density provided by the systems, and the uniformity of ablation provided by the methods.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable between spaced-apart, first approximated, and second approximated positions. A knife is selectively movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is selectively actuatable between a un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position for moving the knife between its respective positions. A control member prevents movement of the trigger when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, permits movement of the trigger to the first actuated position but prevents movement beyond the first actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the first approximated position, and permits movement of the trigger to the second actuated position but prevents movement beyond the second actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the second approximated position.

Abstract: Electrosurgical lysing devices and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the lysing device may comprise a lysing tip comprising a plurality of beads and at least one lysing member, such as a lysing rod, defining at least one lysing segment extending between each pair of adjacent beads. The at least one lysing member may extend through a tunnel extending at least partially through each of the plurality of beads so as to define the at least one lysing segment between each pair of adjacent beads.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cutting and/or coagulating device that includes a cutting and/or coagulating member and a radio frequency generator such that an output of the radio frequency generator is connected to the cutting and/or coagulating member. The cutting and/or coagulating member is electrically resonant at the frequency of the radio frequency generator. Further, the cutting and/or coagulating member may include a resistance wire which is configured to directly contact a target cutting material. The cutting and/or coagulating member may be further heated to a visible glow. Furthermore, a method of cutting and/or coagulating is also contemplated.

Abstract: A vaginal cervical retractor used to maneuver and visualize the uterus during various medical examinations and procedures would include an inner tube provided with a movable assembly of plastic cups (cervical cup and vaginal cup) designed to be inserted into the uterine cavity and a retractable electrosurgical needle. A cervical cup is molded to a hollow outer shaft to form the movable cup assembly. This hollow shaft is provided through which the inner tube can be inserted. By utilizing a vaginal cervical retractor elevator provided with an inner rigid tubing, freely sliding vaginal cup and cervical cup designed to move on the inner tubing, attached to a hollow, plastic outer shaft into which the inner tubing can be inserted, and a retractable, flexible, electrosurgical needle, the colpotomy procedure can be performed with the improved uterine manipulator.

Abstract: An ablation device may generally comprise a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes, and a grounding pad. Each of the plurality of second electrodes may comprise a first conductive section, a second conductive section, and a non-conductive section between the first conductive section and the second conductive section. The first electrode and each of the plurality of second electrodes may be coupled to an energy source delivering a series of electrical pulses to tissue to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation.

Abstract: A connection mechanism and manufacturing method for a surgical instrument includes an inner shaft member that extends at least partially through an elongated shaft member of the instrument and defines proximal and distal ends and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the elongated shaft member and includes at least one aperture that extends partially along the longitudinal direction and disposed distally from the proximal end. The inner shaft member enables a drive collar member to slide on the inner shaft member and reciprocate along the longitudinal direction. A drive collar stop member slides on the inner shaft member and moves along the longitudinal direction. The drive collar stop member then moves in a direction relative to the longitudinal axis to engage the aperture and limit further longitudinal motion of the drive collar member. An inner shaft stop member limits movement of the inner shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cutting and/or coagulating device that includes a cutting and/or coagulating member and a radio frequency generator such that an output of the radio frequency generator is connected to the cutting and/or coagulating member. The cutting and/or coagulating member is electrically resonant at the frequency of the radio frequency generator. Further, the cutting and/or coagulating member may include a resistance wire which is configured to directly contact a target cutting material. The cutting and/or coagulating member may be further heated to a visible glow. Furthermore, a method of cutting and/or coagulating is also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating diseased tissue by gentle heating. The method induces vasodilation on tissue disposed about an lumen having both healthy tissue and diseased tissue. The method includes coupling a probe surface to the luminal tissue at a target location and transmitting desired quantities of tissue remodeling energy from the coupled probe into each of a plurality of discrete remodeling zones in the luminal tissue so that the tissue remodeling energy heats the plurality of remodeling zones, the remodeling energy being configured to avoid muscular contraction and inhibit both acute and long-term occlusion of the lumen.

Abstract: A high-frequency generator for an electric surgical instrument that treats a living tissue includes a power supply that generates a power, and a resonant circuit that excites a high-frequency signal. The resonant circuit includes a parallel resonant circuit which is connected to the power supply, and a series resonant circuit which is coupled to the parallel resonant circuit and is connected to the electric surgical instrument. The parallel resonant circuit has a higher parallel resonant frequency than a series resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling motorized surgical devices are provided. In general, the methods and devices can allow a surgical device to grasp and cut tissue. In some embodiments, the device can include at least one sensor and a motor, and an output of the motor can be configured to be adjusted based at least in part on an output from the at least one sensor. The output of the motor can be configured to provide power for translation of a cutting element along an end effector of the device. Adjusting the motor's output can cause the cutting element to translate through the end effector at different speeds, thereby allowing the cutting element to cut through tissue being grasped by the end effector at different speeds.

Abstract: An irrigated needle electrode ablation catheter has a distal tip section with a tip electrode, a needle electrode assembly longitudinal movable relative to the catheter, and a needle centering insert in a channel in the tip electrode. The assembly has a proximal tubing and a distal needle electrode, and the insert supports the needle electrode in the channel at a predetermined separation distance from the tip electrode while enabling irrigation to flow circumferentially around the needle electrode through the channel and exit at the distal end of the tip electrode. The catheter also provides a first dedicated fluid pathway through the assembly and exits at the distal end of the needle electrode, and a second dedicated fluid pathway to supply fluid to the channel in the tip electrode, wherein the second pathway is defined by a guide tube and directed by a plunger member.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members, each including a jaw frame, spacer, electrically-conductive plate, and outer housing. The jaw frame includes at least one proximal flange and a distal jaw support extending distally therefrom. The spacer defines a body and a wing disposed on either side of the body. The body defines a channel configured to receive the distal jaw support while each wing defines a slot. The plate defines a tissue-contacting portion and first and second legs extending perpendicularly from the tissue-contacting portion. The tissue-contacting portion is configured to sit atop the body of the spacer. Each of the legs is configured for receipt within the slot defined within one of the wings. The outer housing at least partially surrounds the distal jaw support, spacer, and legs and is configured to retain these components in position relative to one another.

Abstract: A device for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ includes a tissue port and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be coupled to a flexible filament, such as a suture, which is tensioned to constrict the hollow body organ to achieve volume reduction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current. An apparatus in accord with the present disclosure includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode. A method in accord with the present disclosure includes delivering a conductive fluid to a predetermined tissue ablation site for a predetermined time period, applying a predetermined power level of radio frequency current to the tissue, monitoring at least one of several parameters, and adjusting either the applied power and/or the fluid flow in response to the measured parameters.

Abstract: An embodiment of a medical device includes a proximal handle, a distal end effector, an elongate member connecting the end effector to the handle, and a sheath enclosing at least a portion of the elongate member. The handle may include a first mechanism coupled to one of the sheath and the elongate member to move the sheath relative to the elongate member, a second mechanism coupled to the elongate member to rotate the elongate member relative to the handle, and a locking mechanism coupled to the first mechanism to hold the first mechanism in a default position. Embodiments also include methods of positioning the medical device to perform a medical procedure.