Abstract: A surgical device for applying radio frequency energy to a portion of a captured vessel is provided. The device including: a first tube having an internal lumen for passage of a viewing device therein, the first tube having a substantially transparent first window at a distal tip thereof; a second tube slidingly disposed over the first tube, the second tube having a substantially transparent second window at a distal tip thereof, the second tube further having a slot for capturing a portion of the vessel; an actuator for sliding the second tube relative to the first tube between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position an inner surface of the second window is aligned with an outer surface of the first window and captures the portion of the vessel therebetween; and at least one electrode affixed to one of the inner or outer surfaces and facing the other of the inner or outer surfaces for applying radio frequency energy to the captured portion of the vessel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically-conductive fluid medium. The instrument comprises an instrument shaft (10), and a tissue treatment electrode (12) at the distal end of the shaft for electrosurgically excising tissue pieces at an operation site. The tissue treatment electrode (12) is cyclically movable relative to the distal end of the shaft (10). Threshold control means are provided for controlling the power threshold for vaporisation of the electrically-conductive fluid medium at the tissue treatment electrode (12).

Abstract: An intradiscal lesioning device for percutaneous treatment of a patient's intervertebral disc. An elongate introducer having a longitudinal hollow bore is surgically inserted from the patient's skin to extend through the annulus fibrosus thereby providing external surgical access to the nucleus pulposus through the introducer bore. An elongate probe slides through and flexibly conforms to the bore when longitudinally inserted through the bore of the introducer. The distal portion of the probe is capable of resiliently conforming to the bore in a longitudinally slidably confined configuration and resiliently rebounding to a deployed configuration when released within the nucleus pulposus. The distal portion houses lesioning devices for emitting energy toward the inner wall of the annulus fibrosus when the distal portion is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device that includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing, a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode, a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm, at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode, and a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings. According to the invention, at least one of the first arm or the second arm is translationally moveable, and at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy. The invention also provides a corresponding method for treating blood vessels or other tissues of the body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle and an elongated member. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated member defines an interior passageway having a narrowed throat portion adjacent the distal end. The throat portion has a substantially smooth and cornerless continuous surface. A movable rod is located within the passageway of the elongated member and passes through the throat portion of the elongated member. A tool is connected to the operating rod and extends from the clevis portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: A surgical tool attaches to the distal end of an endoscope and provides a rotatable treating element. According to one embodiment of the invention, the treating element is a pair of jaws provided with cautery capability. According to an aspect of the invention, the treating element is capable of multiple movements from a first closed position, to an open position, to a second closed position and back to the first closed position via a single controller with a single linear movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.

Abstract: Systems and methods heat or ablate body tissue by positioning an electrode to transmit heat or ablation energy to a tissue region. The systems and methods measure a first temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods also measure a second temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods process at least one of the first and second temperatures to derive a prediction of maximum temperature of the tissue region. The systems and methods generate an output that controls the transmission of the heating or ablation energy based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing a portion of tissue comprising an elongated body having a distal edge, a collapsible cutting member mounted to the elongated body, having an opening therethrough and extending distally of the distal edge of the elongated body. The cutting member has a closed loop conductive surface and is movable from a first loop configuration to a second smaller loop configuration, the exposed conductive distal edge forming an electrosurgical cutting surface for applying electrical energy to tissue. The cutting member resects a tubular region of tissue as the apparatus is advanced through tissue and the resected tissue extends through an opening in the cutting ring for containment within the elongated body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for removing tissue comprising a tool at its distal end which can be supplied with high frequency power. The instrument includes an HF power terminal and an HF power supply line extending frown a proximal end region of the instrument to its distal end. In the present instrument, the HF power supply is configured as a drive shaft for rotary drive of the tool. Furthermore, contact means are provided electrically connected to the HF power terminal, which electrically contact the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue, includes an outer member having a frame dimensioned for engagement with the hand of a surgeon and an elongated portion connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. The elongated portion defines a longitudinal axis and has an axial opening. An electromagnetic probe assembly is releasably mounted to the outer member. The electromagnetic probe assembly includes a handle and an electromagnetic probe connected to the handle. The electromagnetic probe is at least partially positionable within the axial opening of the elongated portion and is adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement therewithin between a non-deployed position and a deployed positions. A manually operable release member releasably mounts the electromagnetic probe assembly to the outer member.

Abstract: A micro-catheter system utilizing a microjoule pulsed electrical discharge between first and second electrodes in a recessed lumen at the catheter working end for creating a cavitating volume of electrolytic fluid composition including a pharmacologic agent. The expansion and collapse of media at a high repetition rate creates acoustic waves that propagate distally from the working end of the micro-catheter to disrupt thrombus. The expansion and collapse of such cavitation bubbles “jet” the pharmacologic agent at a controlled velocity into the acoustically-disrupted thrombus to further depolymerize the thrombus. The catheter system includes a computer-controller for independent modulation of (i) all aspects of pharmacologic agent delivery, and (ii) all parameters of electrical discharge to “tailor” the combined acoustic wave effects and pharmacologic agent effects to dissolve thrombus rapidly and efficiently.

Abstract: Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for ablating, coagulating, shrinking, stiffening, or other treatment of a target tissue of a patient. An apparatus of the invention includes an electrosurgical probe, and an introducer needle adapted for passing the distal end of the probe therethrough, wherein the probe includes an uninsulated shaft which makes electrical contact with the introducer needle when the shaft is engaged within a lumen of the introducer needle. The apparatus further includes an active electrode and a return electrode, wherein the return electrode comprises the shaft in combination with the introducer needle. In one embodiment, the active electrode includes an expandable electrode head.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urological resectoscope comprising an outer stem fitted with orifices at its distal terminal zone and an inner stem, both stems being tubular and metallic and being sealed from each other in the distal end zone and being affixed to each other, optionally in detachable manner, and to a main case, further comprising an electrode support running longitudinally through the inner stem and bearing an hf-loaded cutting loop at its distal end, further proximally mounted hookups to feed liquid into the inner stem and to drain liquid from the annular duct between the inner and outer stems, and a distally affixed tubular insulating shell, said resectoscope being characterized in that the insulating shell is affixed to the outer stem.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a safety shield for use in laparoscopic or like electrosurgical procedures designed to receive a plurality of electrosurgical instrument inserts. The electrosurgical inserts are designed so as to provide quick and easy attachment to the electrosurgical apparatus while still providing enhanced resistance to rotation forces encountered during an electrosurgical procedure, and to distribute actuation forces occurring during use. The safety shield includes a crimped portion for transferring forces that occur during operation of an articulating instrument inserted therein to a handle assembly of the electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument has a seal that reduces or prevents electrical current from flowing between the active electrode and shield assemblies. The electrosurgical instrument further includes a connector assembly for receiving a mating cable connector and providing a fail-safe interconnection therewith.

Abstract: A urological resectoscope including a main body carrying a tubular shaft, an optical guide plate arranged at a fixed distance proximally of the main body, a sliding body longitudinally movably guided between the main body and the optical guide plate and a spring bridge comprising two levers connected pivotally together at one end and acted on by a spring, the other ends of which are pivotally connected to the sliding body on the one hand and to the optical guide plate or the main body on the other hand. One of the levers is pivotally connected to only one side of the sliding body.

Abstract: An endoscopic ablation system is provided for use with a flexible endoscope for the ablative treatment of diseased tissue on the interior lining a body lumen. The endoscopic ablation system includes a support member for supporting at least two electrodes that can be electrically connected to a RF generator. The electrodes can have a shape, size, and spacing that provide ablation between the electrodes, while minimizing ablation of tissue directly underneath the electrodes. The endoscopic ablation system can also include a sheath that fits over a flexible endoscope. A flexible coupling joins the support member to the sheath to facilitate intubation. The support member can also includes a side opening, and the sheath includes a seal, so that the aspiration means of the endoscope may be used to evacuate the air from inside the body lumen and pull the tissue to be treated into intimate contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A catheter system and methods for repairing a valvular annulus or an annular organ structure of a patient comprising sandwiching and compressing the annulus and applying heat sufficient to shrink or tighten tissue surrounding the annulus defect.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis and/or removal of polypectomies) and for resecting and ablating soft tissue structures, such as the meniscus and synovial tissue within a joint.

Abstract: A deflectable interstitial ablation device includes an elongated housing, an electrode mounted within the elongated housing, a driver coupled to the electrode, an imaging device integrally mounted within the elongated housing and a deflection system disposed within the elongated housing. The elongated housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a deflectable segment. The electrode is deployable from a first position within the elongated housing to a second position a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the elongated housing. The electrode further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing, and can be deployed by the driver with a sufficient force such that penetration of the urethral wall occurs in a single motion. The imaging device further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing.

Abstract: Ablative treatment of metastatic bone tumors and relief of pain associated with metastatic bone tumors is achieved by heat ablation of the bone tumor or tissue near the bone tumor by an ablation probe. In one form the probe is an electrode coupled to a high frequency power supply to provide ablative heating of tissue proximate to an electrode that is placed in or near the bone tumor. Cooling of the electrode by fluid circulation from a cooling apparatus outside the patient's body may be used to enlarge the region of high frequency heating around the electrode. Image guidance of the electrode placement may be monitored by an imaging device. Tracking of the electrode by an image-guided navigator helps in placement of the electrode with respect to the configuration of the bone and bone metastasis. A set of tools accommodates biopsy and various shapes of electrodes according to clinical requirements.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle and an elongated member. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated member defines an interior passageway having a narrowed throat portion adjacent the distal end. The throat portion has a substantially smooth and cornerless continuous surface. A movable rod is located within the passageway of the elongated member and passes through the throat portion of the elongated member. A tool is connected to the operating rod and extends from the clevis portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse endoscopic in situ therapies. The assembly includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal electrode tip portion that acts as a hemostat, and a cutting wire for making incisions in or ablating tissue. A cutting wire hub provides a sealing entrance for a cutting wire. An operator enables the physician to displace the cutting wire between extended and retracted positions. The cutting wire and electrode are electrically isolated. In addition, the catheter assembly may include a planar tip which, when extended outside the distal end of the assembly, assumes a substantially flat unbiased configuration for use. The apparatus of the present invention allows the physician to make incisions in or ablate tissue using electrosurgery, irrigate tissue, and cauterize or coagulate tissue without having to remove the apparatus from the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for mapping conduction pathways and creating lesions in the heart wall for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The apparatus may include at least one epicardial ablation probe having a plurality of electrodes for creating a lesion. The apparatus and method facilitate the formation of a lesion which electrically isolates the pulmonary veins from the surrounding myocardium.

Abstract: An endoscopic high-frequency knife is provided in which, on the external wall of a sheath, two grooves for exposing a knife wire to the external wall surface are formed along the longitudinal axis and are punched to be spaced from each other. In addition, a knife chip fixed along the longitudinal axis of the sheath is provided at the tip end portion of the knife wire. The knife wire has a guide arm section formed by bending a portion adjacent to the knife chip. The guide arm section is disposed at the tip end groove. The tip end of an exposed portion exposed to the external wall side is overhung laterally of the sheath longitudinal central plane passing through the two grooves and the knife chip.

Abstract: A tissue ablation device creates long linear lesions along a body space wall of an animal, and primarily between adjacent pulmonary vein ostia in a left atrial wall. An ablation element includes first and second ends that are bordered by first and second anchors. The anchors are adapted to secure the ablation element ends at predetermined first and second locations along the body space wall such that the ablation element is adapted to ablate an elongate region of tissue between those locations. The anchors may be guidewire tracking members, each including a bore adapted to receive and track over a guidewire, and may anchor within adjacent pulmonary vein ostia when the engaged guidewires are positioned within the respective veins. Stop members may be provided on the guidewires and may be adapted for positioning the relative anchors or for forcing the anchors to fit snugly within the vein ostia.

Abstract: An hf resectoscope implement for cutting body tissue in a body cavity filled with an electrically conducting fluid and comprising a loop support and a loop-shaped cutting electrode mounted distally on the support. A plane of the cutting electrode slants relative to a longitudinal axis of the loop support. The implement also includes a neutral electrode mounted on the support. An insulator is mounted at the loop support between the electrodes such that any straight geometric line between the electrodes passes through the insulator. The neutral electrode and the insulator are configured to not significantly hamper the view available via optics fitted in the resectoscope stem tube.

Abstract: In a system and a method for remotely controlling a slave manipulator easily and highly accurately, operations of three master manipulators are consolidated, and one slave manipulator is remotely controlled in accordance with the consolidation result, thereby ensuring that the slave manipulator is moved along a target path.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a fissure or tear location within an invertebral disc. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more active electrodes in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to heat and seal a fissure on an annulus fibrosus. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating the fissure by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to seal the fissure. In one embodiment, the RF energy is directed through the conductive fluid to heat the tissue immediately surrounding the fissure. The RF energy is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the fluid in contact with the active electrode. In another embodiment, the electrical current is directed through the tissue to directly heat the annulus tissue. This causes the annulus tissue to contract and seal the fissure. In a specific configuration, a sealant is added to the fissure to enhance the seal.

Abstract: A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in bodily tissue. The probe includes a relatively short shaft and a loop-like structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the bodily tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar endoscopic instrument including a tubular stem having a distal end and a proximal end. The stem distal end supports two jaws that are pivotable relative to one another. The proximal end of the tubular stem has a bipolar hf plug inserted therein at an acute angle to a push/pull wire. The plug applies a bipolar output of a high-frequency (hf) voltage source into the inside of the instrument. The inserted end of the hf plug is shaped such that the plug contacts are axially insulated from each other and each plug contact touches an electrically conducting contact element inside the instrument which, in turn, is connected in electrically conducting manner to one of the two jaws. A unit is present inside the instrument and includes the two contact elements and an insulator electrically separating the contact elements. The hf plug engages the insulator while a particular plug contact touches a particular contact element.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.

Abstract: A endoscopic bipolar forceps for clamping and sealing tissue includes first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another which are movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive rod assembly connects each of the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween. A handle attached to the drive rod assembly imparts movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions. At least one stop member is attached to the jaw members for controlling the distance between the jaw members. The forceps may also include a yoke member for insulating the jaw members from one another to prevent short circuiting of the forceps.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaws without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of devices for performing surgical procedures utilizing electrodes for performing electrocautery on a tissue of the body of a patient. The invention includes, in one aspect, a series of devices comprising surgical instruments providing at least one electrode for performing electrocautery, and, in another aspect, provides a method for cutting and cauterizing tissue with a surgical instrument. In yet another aspect, the invention involves a method for detecting the location of a bleeding vessel in a liquid-filled, visually monitored surgical field of a patient and for electrocauterizing the vessel to stop the bleeding before visualization of the surgical field is compromised. Preferred surgical instruments according to the invention also include operable components for forming a liquid cutting jet for cutting or ablating tissue of a patient and/or for providing a rotating, tissue contacting component for cutting, grinding, ablating, etc.

Abstract: A bipolar medical instrument comprises a tubular shaft and two jaw parts. The jaw parts are arranged movably, one relative to the other, at the distal end of the tubular shaft and coupled one with the other via a joint. Each of the jaw parts forms a work electrode of different polarity. Each jaw part has associated to it a separate current line, one of such current lines being constituted by an axially movable force transmission element that is arranged in the tubular shaft and that is frictionally coupled to at least one of the jaw parts. At least one of the jaw parts comprises, at least in the region of the joint, a single-piece main body made from an electrically insulating material on which an electrically conductive jaw part insert is fastened, which forms a respective work electrode and which is connected, in an electrically conductive fashion, to the respective associated current line.

Abstract: A protective cap for a medical high-frequency instrument is configured such that it covers the high-frequency instrument in insulating fashion at least in the vicinity of an electrical connector for a high-frequency cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device for insertion through a working channel of an endoscope. The clamping device comprises an elongated housing body having a thumb ring on a first end thereof and a flexible elongated outer sheath attached to a second end of the housing. An inner sheath is slidably arranged within the housing and the outer sheath. A biasable clamp arrangement is connectively disposed on the distal end of the inner sheath. An annular ring is arranged on the distal end of the outer sheath. The biasable clamp arrangement is openable and closable in response to longitudinal movement of the inner sheath with respect to the outer sheath by a camming action between the arms and the annular ring. The arms may be connected to a proper circuit for providing mono-polar or bi-polar energization to tissue clamped between the arms comprising the clamp arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the thermal treatment of tissue, e.g., prostatic tissue, with RF energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handle dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand of a surgeon, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, at least one electrode extending within the elongated portion and movable between a non-deployed position and a fully deployed position, and a trigger mechanism associated with the handle and having a trigger operatively connected to the one electrode. The trigger is movable to selectively and incrementally move the one electrode between the non-deployed position and the fully deployed position. A ratchet mechanism permits movement of the trigger in one direction corresponding to movement of the one electrode toward the fully deployed position while preventing movement of the trigger in a second direction.

Abstract: In an endoscopic surgical instrument for the coagulation, by high frequency energy, and for the severing of coagulated tissue areas, a coagulation pliers and a scissors structure are provided, which are mounted on the distal end of an instrument and which are operated by a handle with operating levers in such a way that, upon actuation of the handle, first the pliers is closed for grasping the tissue while the scissors are closed in a delayed fashion. After coagulation of the tissue engaged by the pliers, actuation of a second lever at the handle end of the instrument fully closes the scissors structure for cutting the tissue in the coagulation area.

Abstract: In an operation wire connecting part of an endoscopic treating instrument, an engaging groove is formed for engagement with a small diameter portion of a connecting rod at a base end of an operation wire. Widths of small width portions of the engaging groove are made different according to locations where the small width portions are formed in the engagement groove to make it possible to selectively engage the engagement groove with plural types of the connecting rods having respective small diameter portions of different diameters.

Abstract: An electrosurgical coagulating and cutting instrument employing pairs of clamping arms having wrist portions proximal to closing ramps and jaws and configured to close at their wrists first, then their distal tips and lastly, their heels. The instrument includes mechanisms for preventing the advancement of a cutting blade when the jaws are not closed. An actuator for closing the jaws includes an actuator handle and a drive head having teeth formed therein and a pawl mounted in the handle for engaging the teeth, these latter structures forming a ratcheting mechanism. Said mechanism is controllably releaseable.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: A device for localizing a target tissue mass in a body includes a tubular trocar portion having a distal end and a proximal end portion that is removably attachable to a handle portion. The trocar portion contains at least a first plurality of locator wires that are movable between a retracted position within the trocar and a deployed position extending radially from the trocar. In a preferred embodiment, the trocar portion has an electrosurgical cutting element at its distal end, and first and second pluralities of locator wires that, when deployed, respectively define first and second locating perimeters. The first plurality of locator wires is connected to a first wire-carrying member longitudinally mounted for axial movement within the trocar portion between a proximal position corresponding to the retracted position of the first plurality of locator wires, and a distal position corresponding to the deployed position of the first plurality of locator wires.

Abstract: A porous tip electrode for a catheter comprises a body and an insert. The body comprises a porous material through which fluid can pass and a cavity therein. The insert, which is contained therein, has proximal and distal ends and comprises a non-porous material contained within the cavity. The insert having at least one passage extending therethrough and at least blind hole extending from its proximal end.

Abstract: A surgical tool attaches to the distal end of an endoscope and provides a rotatable treating element. According to one embodiment of the invention, the treating element is a pair of jaws provided with cautery capability. According to an aspect of the invention, the treating element is capable of multiple movements from a first closed position, to an open position, to a second closed position and back to the first closed position via a single controller with a single linear movement.

Abstract: The method, device and system for electrical sealing of a puncture opening in a blood vessel wall. In a first embodiment, a vascular sealing probe has two bipolar electrodes formed thereon, is insertable to a position whereat the bipolar tip is adjacent the blood vessel puncture site to effect electrocauterization or electrocoagulation of the puncture site. In a second embodiment the bipolar vascular sealing probe has a first electrode formed thereon and an electrode-guide wire has the second bipolar electrode formed thereon. The electrode-guide wire is passable through a lumen formed in the probe such that the second electrode on the electrode-guide wire is positioned close enough to the first electrode positioned on the probe to permit electrical current to pass therebetween.