Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: A drainage tube indwelling device for an endoscope is provided with a drainage tube formed of insulating material, a guide wire formed of electrically conductive material, a connector that connects the guide wire with a high-frequency power source, and a fixing device capable of fixing the drainage tube with respect to the guide wire. The drainage tube is longer than a length of a treatment insertion channel of the endoscope, and the guide wire is longer than the drainage tube. The guide wire is slidably inserted in the drainage tube so that a distal end portion of the guide wire can be protruded from a distal end of the drainage tube.

Abstract: A method of assessing the adequacy of contact between an ablation electrode and biological tissue within a biological organ having biological fluid therein includes the steps of positioning the ablation electrode proximal the biological tissue; positioning a reference electrode a distance from the ablation electrode; measuring the impedance between the ablation electrode and the reference electrode at a first frequency and measuring the impedance between the ablation electrode and the reference electrode at a second frequency. The percentage difference between the first-frequency impedance and the second-frequency impedance provides an indication of the state of electrode/tissue contact. In general, a percentage difference of at least approximately 10% serves as an indication of substantially complete electrode/tissue contact. A percentage difference in the approximate range between 5% and 10% serves as an indication of partial electrode/tissue contact.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors are disclosed having a pair of blades joined for relative movement in a scissor-like action between open and closed positions. The blades comprise a tissue contacting surface and first and second spaced apart electrodes extending along the surface. Current flow between the first and second electrodes of each blade and between each blade to promote hemostasis in tissue contacting the surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonically vibrating snare wire at the end of an elongate flexible waveguide can fit through an endoscope inserted in a patient's intestine. The wire loop can be extended past the distal end of the endoscope to grasp a polyp projecting from the intestinal wall. While the wire is vibrating at ultrasonic frequency, the loop is closed. This cuts and coagulates the tissue to stop bleeding. The ultrasonic cutting is more localized than electrocautery for more precise excision.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) for electrothermally treating the human body or an animal body, in particular for tissue coagulation or electrotomy, includes two electrodes (3, 4) for insertion into the body to be treated. The two electrodes (3, 4) are electrically insulated from each other and are disposed at a distance from each other to produce an electric or electromagnetic field heating the body tissue in the treatment area, and each electrode is connected by a feed line with a power source arranged outside the body. An elongate catheter (2) is provided for joint insertion of the two electrodes (3, 4) into the body, which are staggered in relation to each other in the axial direction of the catheter (2) and connected to the catheter (2) or a component thereof.

Abstract: A design and method of manufacture is disclosed for an insulated electrode used during surgical procedures. The electrode includes a durable electrical insulation element that can withstand the range of temperatures generated during an electrosurgical procedure. Such insulation characteristics include resistance to meltback and manufacturability to ensure the device is biocompatible and non-toxic so as to prevent adverse reactions in both patients and users of the device. The insulated electrode further includes properties that reduce the incidence of scope damage caused by the intensity of heat generated during the cutting and coagulation cycles.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having an elongated probe assembly providing passage for irrigation and evacuation, as well as for inserting surgical tools such as an endoscope, RF electrodes and cutting tools. The probe assembly has a light weight handle for accurate positioning of the probe. An irrigation port is connected by way of a tube assembly to an irrigation pump having a novel, inexpensive, replaceable cartridge. An evacuation port on the probe assembly is connected to a tube assembly leading to an evacuation pump.

Abstract: A novel, monopolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with one active and one non-active end effector. Current is passed through a conductive portion of one effector into tissue of a patient. The active blade may be partially or totally conductive. The non-active blade may be utilized to shield current from the active electrode effector.

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: Open surgery and endoscopic versions of an electrosurgical cutting instrument incorporating a unique cutting arrangement for opening and closing the cutting edge parallel to an anvil surface resulting in a simultaneous cutting of a linear section of tissue, large vessels, or a group of vessels. Simultaneous with the cutting, the instrument further being capable of either a monopolar or bipolar cauterization of tissue. Also disclosed herein, are methods for use of the various electrosurgical cutting instruments.

Abstract: A surgical micro-resecting instrument including an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member, a hub assembly, wiring, and an electrical insulator. The outer tubular member is formed of an electrically conductive material and defines a proximal section, a distal section forming a cutting window, and an internal lumen. The inner tubular member is disposed within the lumen and defines a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting tip. The hub assembly maintains the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The wiring is permanently electrically connected to the proximal section of the outer tubular member with the electrical connection being encompassed by the hub assembly. The electrical insulator covers a region of the outer tubular member distal the hub assembly, at least the cutting window free of the insulator. In one preferred embodiment, the hub assembly includes an outer hub insert molded to the outer tubular member, and forms a generally radially extending shroud.

Abstract: Open surgery and endoscopic versions of an electrosurgical cutting instrument incorporating a unique cutting arrangement for opening and closing the cutting edge parallel to an anvil surface resulting in a simultaneous cutting of a linear section of tissue, large vessels, or a group of vessels. Simultaneous with the cutting, the instrument further being capable of either a monopolar or bipolar cauterization of tissue. Also disclosed herein, are methods for use of the various electrosurgical cutting instruments.

Abstract: Open surgery and endoscopic versions of an electrosurgical cutting instrument incorporating a unique cutting arrangement for opening and closing the cutting edge parallel to an anvil surface resulting in a simultaneous cutting of a linear section of tissue, large vessels, or a group of vessels. Simultaneous with the cutting, the instrument further being capable of either a monopolar or bipolar cauterization of tissue. Also disclosed herein, are methods for use of the various electrosurgical cutting instruments.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: An endarterectomy surgical instrument and procedure for removing plaque from a selected length of an artery and surgical instruments for cutting plaque build-ups. The endarterectomy surgical instrument has means for developing an image of the surgical site so that probing of the artery can be observed without requiring opening the artery along the selected length over which the plaque is removed.

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: A probe for the electrosurgical treatment of tissues, in particular by way of an endoscope, comprises a pipe-shaped or tubular supply device to guide a noble gas from a noble-gas source to a distal end of the supply device, and an electrode. The electrode comprises a discharge portion and an electrical lead which conducts a HF current from a HF source to the discharge portion. The discharge portion is formed as a flat structure and disposed in the supply device in such a way that the noble gas can flow over a substantial portion of its surface area so as to conduct away heat.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system comprises a radio frequency generator (1), an electrosurgical instrument (E1), and a fluid enclosure (42). The generator (1) has a radio frequency output for delivery of power to the electrosurgical instrument (E1) when immersed in an electrically-conductive fluid. The electrosurgical instrument (E1) has an electrode assembly (32) at the distal end thereof, the electrode assembly comprising a tissue treatment electrode (34), and a return electrode (38) axially spaced therefrom in such a manner as to define, in use, a conductive fluid path that completes an electrical circuit between the tissue treatment electrode and the return electrode. The fluid enclosure (42) is adapted to surround an operation site on the skin of a patient or an incision leading to a cavity surgically created within the patient's body.

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: A hood for an endoscope has a cap part detachably mounted on the end portion of the insertion part of an endoscope. An opening communicates with the inside of the cap part, at the end of a flexible tube connected to the opening. Into the flexible tube, such an endoscopic treating instrument as a high frequency snare is inserted.

Abstract: An endoscopic device adapted for use in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, comprising, one or more sheaths; one or more endoscopes disposed within the sheath; one or more return electrodes disposed within the sheath; and one or more working channels disposed within the sheath.

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument for severing tissue, comprising an elongate instrument body adapted to be introduced into the human or animal body, an HF electrode array provided on the instrument body, to which an HF current may be applied, and an aspirator or vacuum means. In accordance with the invention the instrument body is provided with an aspirator element at a region coming into contact with the tissue, to which aspirator element a negative pressure is applied by means of the suction means in such a way that tissue is aspirated against the instrument body, and that at least one part of the electrode array is adapted for movement in parallel with the aspirator element such that the tissue aspirated against the instrument body will be removed between the aspirator element and the moved part of the electrode array.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system is provided in which ultrafiltrate is purified by reverse osmosis for reinfusion. Non-sterile infusate concentrate is dialyzed into the purified ultrafiltrate and combined with cleared blood which is returned to the patient. In another system, a hemofilter is used to sterilize essentially pure, non-sterile water for dilution of sterile infusate concentrate, then the hemofilter is used to filter blood, the infusate concentrate being combined with cleared blood for return to the patient.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed which includes a deformable electrode device. In one illustrative embodiment, the deformable electrode is in the form of a braided member, at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The braided member is extended over an elongated inner member, such as a guide wire, catheter shaft, or the like. A proximal sheath is slidably extended over the inner member and is connected to the braided, electrically conductive member. The proximal sheath may be advanced distally to deform the braided member so that it defines a distally facing, ablative ring, and is operative to form an annular lesion.

Abstract: A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with two end effectors. Current is passed through the second end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the first end effector. The first and second end effectors allow the current to travel along exposed conductive strips which are spaced apart cutting surfaces by a gap of preferably approximately 0.020-0.040 inches when the first and second blade supports are brought into contact with tissue. Current flows between the exposed metal strip on the first blade and the exposed metal strip on the second blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades. The first and second end effectors may be partially insulated to direct current between the conductive strips, and both may have gaps at their respective surfaces.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-channel radio frequency (RF) power delivery and control system for applying energy to multiple electrodes of an RF tissue heating device. In a first embodiment of the invention an apparatus for controlling electrical cross-talk in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a driver, a first electrode, a second electrode, a ground for delivery of power to a surgical site, a power measurement circuit and a waveform generator. The power measurement circuit computes differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the first electrode and the second electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power emanating from the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system and methods for repairing an annular organ structure comprising high frequency ablation for the purposes of tightening and stabilizing a tissue. A catheter suitable for high frequency ablation comprises a flexible tissue-contactor means located at the distal tip section of a catheter shaft for contacting an inner wall of the annular organ structure, and a needle electrode means located at or within the flexible tissue-contactor means for penetrating into the tissue, wherein the needle electrode means is deployable out of the tissue-contactor means in a manner essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode for performing an ELF procedure comprises an elongated thin, electrically-conductive tube shaped to substantially match the curvature of the skull extending from the brow upward to a position at or above the hairline. The electrically-conductive tube terminates at a distal end in a generally spade-shaped end with an opening whose tip is bare but of which the remainder of the spade-shaped end is covered with a thin coating of an electrically-insulating coating. The remainder of the electrically-conductive tube is also covered with an electrically-insulating coating. The proximal end of the electrically-conductive tube is connected to a handpiece whose interior is hollow and which can be connected to a flexible suction tube coupled to a source of suction. Connected to the handpiece is a connector which makes a good electrically-conductive contact to the electrically-conductive tube.

Abstract: A high frequency power supply for applying electrical energy to a target site on or within a patient's body includes an electrical output driver, an output current sensor detecting the current output from the driver, and a power limiting device coupled to the current sensor during normal conditions, the power limiting device operates on a continuous basis. When current output exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the power limiting device is adapted to reduce power on the output driver to a standby mode. The power limiting device operates on a periodic detection or duty cycle when in the standby mode. The power limiting device switches into the stand-by mode to prevent excessive power drains. The power supply operates at a low power, pulsatile manner when an attached probe is in conductive or isotonic fluid but is not engaging body tissue or near a high impedance source. In this pulsatile mode, the power supply operates in a cyclical manner, typically at a predetermined duty cycle.

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 methods and systems of the present invention are particularly useful for removing tissue within joints, e.g., synovial tissue, meniscus, articular cartilage and the like.

Abstract: A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the work device such as for drug delivery.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and apparatus for tissue electrical impedance determination and electrical power control in a surgical device. In an embodiment of the invention an apparatus for controlling power delivery in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The electro-surgical instrument includes a first channel and a second channel for delivery of energy to a surgical site. The apparatus includes: a switch, a measuring unit, a processor and a drive unit. The switch electrically isolates the second channel during a first measurement interval and the first channel during a second measurement interval. The measuring unit is coupled to the first and the second channel. The measurement unit measures a first power level of the first channel during a first measurement interval and a second power level of the second channel during a second measurement interval. The processor is coupled to the measuring unit and to the switch.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system including an electrode assembly having two electrodes for use immersed in an electrically conductive fluid has a generator with control circuitry for rapidly reducing the delivered radio frequency output power by at least 50% within at most a few cycles of the peak radio frequency output voltage reaching a predetermined threshold limit. In this way, tissue coagulation can be performed in, for example, saline without significant steam generation. The same peak voltage limitation technique is used in a tissue vaporization or cutting mode to limit the size of the steam pocket at the electrodes and to avoid electrode burning.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

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 from 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, system, and method for treating body tissue includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode, with at least the first electrode formed of porous conductive material, such as porous metal. Conductive fluid is delivered to the operating site through the porous metal of the first electrode via a fluid supply conduit. The apparatus may also include a fluid withdrawal conduit. The second electrode may also be formed of porous metal, and may serve as the intake opening for the fluid withdrawal conduit. The electrode assembly may be positioned on a catheter shaft having a distal end, with the first electrode positioned on the catheter shaft distal end. In treating desired tissue at a selected operational site, the electrode assembly is introduced to the site with the first electrode positioned adjacent to the desired tissue. Conductive fluid, such as a saline solution, is delivered to the operational site via the supply conduit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece that is bipolar or unipolar in operation and that is configured for use in MIS. The bipolar operation confines the electrosurgical currents to a small active region between the active ends of the bipolar electrode and thus reduces the possibility that excessive heat will be developed that can damage patient tissue. The position of the active region can be controlled to avoid patient tissue that may be moire sensitive to excessive heat. In one embodiment, the handpiece is constructed with a flexible end controllable by the surgeon so as to allow the surgeon to manipulate the end as desired during the surgical procedure. This feature allows the surgeon to position the active electrode end at the optimum location within, say, a herniated disk to remove undesired regions and to provide controlled heat to shrink the tissue during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

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 catheter for delivering energy to a surgical site is disclosed. The catheter includes at a proximal end a handle and at a distal end a probe. The catheter includes at least one energy delivery device and an activation element. The at least one energy delivery device is located at the distal end of the catheter to deliver energy to portions of the surgical site. The activation element is located at the distal end of the catheter, to transition the probe from a linear to a multi-dimensional shape, within the surgical site. Methods for deploying the probe from the linear to multi-dimensional shape are disclosed.

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 methods and systems of the present invention are particularly useful for removing tissue within joints, e.g., synovial tissue, meniscus, articular cartilage and the like.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating a uterine disorder which receive its blood supply from a uterine artery. In particular, uterine fibroids are effectively treated by occluding the uterine arteries using trans-vaginal, trans-uterine, transrectal, or retroperitoneal approaches. The devices and methods are advantageous because the inventive procedures may be performed by a patient's gynecologist in the course of treatment, avoiding the need for referrals to specialist practitioners and for more radical treatments, such as hysterectomies. The methods include both temporary and permanent occlusion of the arteries. A cannula carries an imaging device and a member which will easily penetrate tissue, the member including a device which partially or completely, and temporarily or permanently, occludes a uterine artery.

Abstract: A guiding catheter system for delivering an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device into a patient's left ventricle which includes a first guiding catheter with a shaped distal extremity configured to be aligned with or parallel to a longitudinal axis or long dimension of the patient's left ventricle and a second guiding catheter slidably and rotatably disposed within an inner lumen of the first guiding catheter which has a shaped distal shaft section and an inner lumen configured to slidably receive an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device such as a tissue ablation device, e.g. an optical fiber connected to a laser source, an ultrasonic energy emitting device or a radio frequency energy emitting device. The shaped distal section of the first guiding catheter is shaped or is shapable within the patient's heart chamber.

Abstract: What is described here is an electrode for HF surgery and especially for vaporizing tissue, comprising at least one electrode body which comes into contact with the tissue to be treated at least in parts, at least one lead via which the electrode body is connected to an HF supply unit. The invention is characterized by the provisions that each electrode body presents a smooth surface in that zone which comes into contact with the tissue, in which smooth surface regions of low electrical conductivity and a plurality of regions of high electrical conductivity are electrically interconnected, at least in parts.

Abstract: In an endoscopic spraying instrument, liquid passed through a liquid supplying tube and a rotatingly guiding groove disposed at a leading end side of the supplying tube is rotated about an central axis within a liquid rotating chamber disposed at a leading end side of the rotatingly guiding groove and discharged forwardly from an ejection hole formed in a leading end wall of the liquid rotating chamber. An annular, protruded wall, is provided, which is spaced outwardly from an outer periphery of the ejection hole, which is protruded forwardly, and which surrounds an exit of the ejection hole.

Abstract: A high frequency electrode to be used for example in a resectoscope is provided. The electrode includes a sharp cutting edge and a lower coagulating surface which is curved or approximately curved to reduce irritation of tissue by the trailing edge and provides good possibilities to excavate tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument with cutting tool has a shaft for introduction into duct-like body passages such as a rectum, trachea, or esophagus, and has an endoscopic optical system. Arranged in said shaft is a cutting tool, for introducing an incision in the circumferential direction of said body passage, that by way of a displacement mechanism can be extended out of said shaft beyond the periphery of said shaft and retracted back thereinto.

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: 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.