Abstract: An electrode assembly for a resectoscope includes, a cutting electrode with a loop distal tip and a coagulation electrode with a loop distal tip. A support frame connects the cutting and coagulation electrodes to an energy source which supplies energy from the energy source to the electrodes. The coagulation electrode provides tissue coagulation simultaneously while the cutting electrode cuts tissue. A resectoscope is disclosed which includes the electrode assembly. The resectoscope includes a sheath with a sheath lumen, a working element, and a visualization apparatus.

Abstract: A tissue desiccating electrode has first and second longitudinal members each with proximal and distal ends. A tip member couples the longitudinal members proximate the distal ends thereof and has a centrally-positioned, transversely-extending, fixed protuberance. The protuberance has an outer perimeter with an overall smoothly curved base and a plurality of cooling grooves. The grooves penetrate inwardly from the outer perimeter.

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: The invention relates to a high frequency surgical instrument comprising a handling part (11) which has a guide channel (12) which is open at at least one end and a holding element (13) which is axially displaceably guided therein and on which a high frequency voltage acts. The holding element (13) is axially displaceable by means of an actuating part (14) axially displaceable relative to the handling part (11) and is electrically conductively connected at its free end to a preferably elastic cutting loop (15) in such a way that, through axial adjustment of the actuating part (14), the cutting loop (15) can be drawn to a greater or lesser degree into the guide channel (12), or into a tube (16) which continues it outwardly, or can be pushed out of the guide channel (12), or out of the tube (16) continuing it outwardly, whereby the loop size can be changed.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe includes a distal loop electrode mounted between a pair of arms which are joined at their proximal ends to an electrode lead, and a mounting sleeve for slideably coupling the probe to the guide tube of a resectoscope. The arms are skewed from a longitudinal axis defined by the electrode lead and are covered with an insulative material which extends to the distal end of the arms and terminates in a straight edge parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the arms. The loop electrode is angled approximately 25.degree.-35.degree. proximally relative to a plane substantially perpendicular to the electrode lead. The loop electrode further defines sharp upper distal and proximal edges. A cross-section of the electrode further defines an upper surface, a leading distal surface, a lower distal surface, a lower proximal surface.

Abstract: A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with one metal and one ceramic end effector. Current is passed through the metal end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the ceramic end effector. A connection at the distal tip of the ceramic end effector allows the current to return along exposed conductive strip which is spaced apart from the metal end effector in cutting action by a gap of approximately 0.020 inches when the ceramic and metal blade supports are brought into contact with tissue, a current flows from the exposed metal strip on the ceramic blade through to the metal blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades.

Abstract: In the present invention, a cordless capacitively coupled electrosurgical instrument is adapted to receive electrosurgical energy from a specially designed trocar or trocar adapter. In one embodiment of the present invention, a capacitively coupled electrosurgical instrument includes a handle, an elongated tube and an electrosurgical end effector. The handle may include an actuator such as a trigger which is operatively connected to the end effector through the elongated tube. The elongated tube may be a closure tube which is adapted to close the end effector when the handle actuator is moved. Alternatively, the closure tube may include a mechanism connecting the handle actuator to the end effector, which mechanism acts to close the end effector when the handle actuator is moved. The electrosurgical end effector is adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to biological tissue in order to effect treatment of the tissue.

Abstract: An RF activated catheter apparatus for performing transmyocardial revascularization. The catheter apparatus including an elongate catheter shaft having proximal and distal ends, the distal end including an RF emitter which is coupled to an RF generator for cutting channels into the myocardium of a patient's heart.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe includes a single probe arm and an electrode. The electrode includes one end attached to the probe arm and a free end. According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrode is a wedge, preferably having a substantially triangular cross section. According to another embodiment of the invention, the free end of the electrode rises higher than the attached end of the electrode. The free end of the electrode may be planar, pointed, or rounded. Where the free end of the electrode is planar, it may be inclined in either the proximal or distal direction. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electrode is a roller barrel. The electrocautery probe has several advantages over two armed electrocautery probes. First, the electrocautery probe has only one arm obscuring the physician's view through the lens of the resectoscope. Second, the free end of the electrode can be used for sculpting tissue and for resecting tissue in narrow areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction/rinsing instrument comprising a suction channel for removing fluid and a rinsing channel for supplying rinsing fluid. The suction channel is provided for receiving an auxiliary instrument. Via a grip part of the instrument, the auxiliary instrument, for example a forceps, may be controlled. The auxiliary instrument is fixed on the suction/rinsing instrument by way of a receiver. The receiver can be traversed in the axial direction of the shank, the traversing is effected via operating means provided on or near the grip part, so that the operator, without having to let go of the grip part, may selectively, with only one hand, push forward the auxiliary instrument an thus operate or also retract the auxiliary instrument and clear the suction/rinsing channel.

Abstract: A wire frame made of conductive material has a proximal end and a distal end. The wire frame is adapted for receiving an electrical potential from a remote power source. A loop of wire is disposed at the distal end of the wire frame, and a roller is disposed between the proximal end of the wire frame and the loop of wire. The wire frame is insulated, with the exception of the loop of wire and a portion of the wire frame contacting the roller. A source of suction adapted for removing gases from an area within the vicinity of the roller is activated when the electric potential is applied to the wire frame and the roller is placed in contact with human or animal tissue to thereby perform fulguration thereon. The source of suction is adapted to be reversed in order to provide a positive flow of fluid onto the roller, when the electrical potential is not applied to the wire frame.

Abstract: A device suitable for testing the integrity of insulation coating an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device includes a test sleeve and a fault detection unit. The test sleeve is generally tubular and defines an open bore with a resilient conductive lining mounted therein. The fault detection unit is coupled to the conductive lining such that establishment of an erroneous current path between the conductive lining and an electrosurgical device is detected.

Abstract: A trocar for laparoscopic operations on patients has a tube and high frequency connections in the region of the front end of the tube which can be connected to a high frequency generator. A cutting bar is axially displaceable in the tube and can be fixed in a cutting position. The high frequency connections and electrosurgical cutting device connected to the latter are arranged at the front end of the cutting bar.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a roller electrode segmented into conductive and non-conductive portions. When the electrode is rolled over a treatment site, the region of the electrode that contacts the site receives current from an energy source and the non-contacting region of the electrode is isolated from the energy source. The electrode is well suited for use in an isotonic fluid environment, without resulting in significant current dissipation since the non-contacting portion is isolated from the energy source. The roller electrode has a substantially cylindrical shape and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis along which a bore extends. A conductor carrying current from the energy source is disposed through the bore such that, when the electrode is urged against a treatment site, the conductor delivers current to the contacting region of the roller electrode and is isolated from the non-contacting region.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for using the bipolar electrosurgical instrument. The instrument includes particular patterns of electrically conductive portions and electrically non-conductive portions on the interior surfaces of the shearing members such that the electrical current is localized in the tissue to be treated without causing a short circuit in the instrument. Other advantages of the device include an improved cutting ability aided by the localized electrical current and reduced manufacturing costs as compared to similar, prior art devices.

Abstract: The invention features a bipolar electro-surgical apparatus having a first electrode that has a relatively large surface area for creating a diffuse current sufficient to heat a region of tissue to coagulation temperatures and a second electrode that has a relatively small surface area for creating a concentrated current region sufficient to heat tissue adjacent to the second electrode to resection temperatures. The first and second electrodes are relatively positioned along a treatment path, such that tissue is coagulated and resected as the electro-surgical apparatus is disposed along the path. The invention also features a method for bipolar electro-surgical tissue removal including positioning a pair of bipolar electrodes along a treatment path, flushing the treatment path with an ionic fluid, and imposing a voltage differential to cause current to flow through tissue between the electrodes, where the current flowing through the tissue is sufficient to heat and cause coagulation of the tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for sequentially cutting and coagulating tissue, including methodology for electrosurgical procedures incorporating principles of the inventive instrument. The instrument comprises a cutting electrode connectable to a first power source having a first power signal sufficient to cut tissue, and a coagulating electrode connectable to a second power source having a second power signal sufficient to coagulate tissue. The electrodes may be separated by an electrical insulator to maintain the electrodes in a spaced relationship such that the coagulating electrode can immediately follow the cutting electrode during movement of the instrument, thereby providing sequential yet substantially simultaneous cutting and coagulating of tissue. Methodology for performing an electrosurgical procedure in tissue includes providing the above described instrument with power delivery to the electrodes.

Abstract: A cutting loop (212) for an electrocautery probe (210). The cutting loop (212) includes a conductor member having a cutting portion (214) with a proximal edge (214a) and a distal edge (214b), the proximal edge (214a) being adapted for creating an incision, i.e., resecting human tissue as the cutting loop (212) is traversed in a cutting direction approximately perpendicular to the proximal face (212a). During the resection procedure, the cutting portion defines a cutting plane that is generally parallel to the surface of the tissue being resected. The proximal face (214a) of the cutting portion (214) is characterized as flat or blunt, and is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to both the cutting direction and the cutting plane. The flat or blunt shape of the proximal face (214a) enhances the current distribution characteristics of the cutting loop (212).

Abstract: In the present invention, a surgical trocar is adapted to inductively couple electrosurgical energy to specially adapted cordless electrosurgical instruments. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrosurgical trocar includes a cannula, an inductive electrosurgical adapter and a locking connector adapted to connect the cannula to the inductive electrosurgical adapter. The cannula is an elongated tube which may be inserted into a body cavity, duct or vessel. The inductive electrosurgical adapter includes a housing with an elongated central aperture, a primary inductor coil positioned around and extending axially along the elongated aperture, first and second inductor leads, first and second conductors, an outer housing and an electrical cord.

Abstract: This invention provides an inventive tissue sampling probe which offers many advantages over probes available in the prior art. Unexpectedly superior results are obtained in connection with the retrieval of intact tissue specimens, because of a unique combination of cutting features, including, in particular, the employment of an electrosurgical cutting element which is extendible to permit ready severance of the distal end of the tissue specimen, without impact to surrounding tissue. Additionally, the inventive instrument is advantageously designed so that portions of the instrument which contact the patient's tissue or fluid discharge (i.e. blood) during a procedure are modular and disposable, to permit ready replacement of those portions with a new module for an ensuing procedure, without the necessity of cleaning and sterilizing the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical scissors instrument having disposed at its distal end two bipolar electrode structures which function to coagulate tissue immediately prior to its being severed by scissor action. The instrument comprises a first scissors blade having a distal end and a second scissors blade having a distal end, wherein at least one of the blades is pivotable in relation to the other blade. A first electrically insulated bipolar electrode structure is disposed longitudinally distally from the distal end of the first scissors blade, and a second electrically insulated bipolar electrode structure is disposed longitudinally distally from the distal end of the second scissors blade. The instrument thereby permits a physician to precisely apply electrical energy only at the distal end of the scissor's blades, and to thereafter immediately cut coagulated tissue situated immediately forward of the blade members.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe includes a pair of arms between which a roller electrode is rotatably mounted. The arms are joined at their proximal ends to an electrode lead and a mounting sleeve is provided intermediate of the arms and the lead for slideably coupling the probe to a resectoscope. According to one aspect of the invention, the roller electrode includes a cylindrical member having a central bore and an outer surface, and an insert extending longitudinally through the central bore. Preferably the cylindrical member is made of a first conductive material and the insert is made of a second conductive material. The insert has a plurality of corners and an axial bore. The roller electrode is preferably made of stainless steel, while the insert is preferably made of copper or tungsten. The outer diameter of the roller electrode is preferably approximately 0.

Abstract: A robotic system that moves a surgical instrument in response to the actuation of a foot pedal that can be operated by the foot of a surgeon. The robotic system has an end effector that is adapted to hold a surgical instrument such as an endoscope. The end effector is coupled to a robotic arm assembly which can move the endoscope relative to the patient. The system includes a computer which controls the movement of the robotic arm in response to input signals received from the foot pedal.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for using a single electrode structure for both resection and ablation. Generally, the electrode structures of the present invention comprise fixed wire shapes which avoid the complexity and binding that often result when known rolling ablation elements are powered to the high electrosurgical potentials required for removal of tissues. Electrosurgical energy requirements are minimized by concentrating potential at narrow cutting surfaces, and physician effort is avoided by minimizing the total profile of the device along a selected cutting axis. In the exemplary embodiment, a serpentine wire has multiple electrosurgical elements which are aligned with a low cutting profile, and which provide a large lateral surface area for simultaneous ablation of uterine and other tissues.

Abstract: Surgical instruments which have multiple functions used in performing endoscopic surgeries, including arthroscopic surgery. The surgical instrument includes a mechanical cutting portion, such as a rotary blade or burr, and an electronic cutting and/or cauterizing portion comprising an electronic surgical device which operates in bipolar mode. This solves the problem of having to constantly remove and insert various surgical instruments into the surgery site in order to remove different kinds of tissues and at different rates and in different manners. A rotary burr works best to remove hard tissues, such as bone, while the bipolar device can be used to cut or ablate soft tissues and/or cauterize tissue, including blood vessels. Alternatively, the mechanical cutting portion may include a rotary blade, which works best for removing soft tissues.

Abstract: Electrodes for electrocautery probes for use with a resectoscope include full loop electrodes wherein the full loop has a working surface which extends below the axis of the cautery probe and a working surface which extends above the axis of the cautery probe, composite full loop electrodes wherein the upper working surface and the lower working surface have different morphology, combined full loop and roller electrodes wherein one of the upper or lower portions of the loop serves as the axle for a roller electrode, and bifurcated full loop electrodes wherein the upper working surface and the lower working surface can be independently energized. The electrodes according to the invention permit resection of upper and lower prostate lobes without requiring inversion of the resectoscope, thereby shortening the time for the procedure. In addition, the full loop electrodes with different upper and lower morphology provide additional treatment options while also reducing the time for the procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for endoscopically harvesting an elongate structure such as a blood vessel or nerve from a patient's body. A harvesting head defines a channel for receiving a blood vessel or the like and an outer surface for dissecting and retracting connective tissue surrounding a vessel received in the channel. The head may have a substantially ovate shape and may depend from an extended handle. The head has at least one slot that extends between the outer surface and channel for receiving side branches of the vessel. The slot contains a blade for cutting the side branches and electrocauterizing plates for sealing the cut ends of the side branches. An opening may be provided for application of a ligation device to the side branch. The apparatus may be inserted into an incision in a patient's body and advanced along the length of a vessel to endoscopically dissect, ligate and transect the side branches to harvest the main trunk of the vessel to support subsequent surgical procedures.

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: A process for providing an endoscopic scissors blade with the necessary roughness to receive a ceramic coating, without first requiring that the blade surfaces be roughened by gritblasting, includes obtaining an investment mold with an interior textured surface. The investment mold is textured by first texturing an injection mold cavity by etching, gritblasting, or electric-discharge machining the inside surface of the injection mold cavity to produce a desired roughness. A blade pattern (wax) is then formed in the injection mold with a resulting textured surface, and using the textured blade pattern, the investment mold with the textured interior cavity is generated. When metal is injected into the investment mold using a lost wax process, the resulting cast blades will have the necessary roughness for permitting a ceramic to be bonded thereto without the need for any additional roughening. Thus, the so-formed blades are coated with a ceramic material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an endoscopic instrument for the high frequency surgical treatment of tissue in body cavities by using a liquid produced as a result of a wash penetrating the cavity. The instrument has a shaft which can be introduced into the cavity and by means of which an active electrode can be placed in the liquid volume. The instrument further has a neutral electrode and a high-frequency generator to which both electrodes are connected by insulated leads. The invention is characterized in that the neutral electrode is arranged at a distance from the active electrode in the liquid volume.

Abstract: A robotic system that moves a surgical instrument in response to the actuation of a control panel that can be operated by the surgeon. The robotic system has an end effector that is adapted to hold a surgical instrument such as an endoscope. The end effector is coupled to a robotic arm assembly which can move the endoscope relative to the patient. The system includes a computer which controls the movement of the robotic arm in response to input signals received from the control panel. The robotic system is mounted to a cart which can be wheeled to and from an operating table. The cart has a clamping mechanism which attaches the cart to the table. The system also contains a spring loaded mount plate that allows the robotic arm to be rotated and adjusted relative to the cart and the patient. Both the robotic arm and the control panel are encapsulated by protective bags that prevent the system from being contaminated.

Abstract: A medical probe device for introduction by way of a natural body opening into a tubular internal anatomical part of the body includes an elongate member having proximal and distal extremities and a passageway extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity along a longitudinal axis, a transparent guide piece mounted on the distal extremity of the elongate member, the transparent guide piece having proximal and distal extremities and a bore therein defining a guide piece lumen extending from the proximal extremity of the guide piece distally at least part way to the distal extremity of the guide piece, the guide piece lumen being in communication with the passageway in the elongate member, an optical viewing element movable within the passageway of the elongate member and having a distal extremity movable within the guide piece lumen, a handle mounted on the proximal extremity of the elongate member, the distal extremity of the optical viewing element mounted within the guide piece lumen so that

Abstract: Non-insulated surgical instruments are referenced to the electrical potential of a patient during minimally invasive electrosurgery to prevent unintentional patient burns, should the surgical instruments become accidentally energized during the electrosurgical procedure. An auxiliary safety electrode separate from the primary return electrode is attached to the patient at a location separate from the attachment point of the primary return electrode. Each non-insulated surgical instrument is preferably attached to the auxiliary electrode by a separate electrical conductor. The electrical conductor transfers to the auxiliary electrode any electrical energy which is accidentally applied to the instrument during the course of the electrosurgical procedure. The size of the auxiliary electrode is sufficient to safely disperse the electrical charge without burning the patient.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for medical treatment of tissue at a treatment site through a body opening. The device includes a sheath having proximal and distal extremities and having a passageway extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A guide tube is slidably mounted in the passageway of the sheath and has proximal and distal extremities and a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A needle electrode is slidably mounted in the lumen of the guide tube and has proximal and distal extremities. Insulation is coaxially disposed on the needle electrode. A handle adapted to be gripped by the human hand is provided and the proximal extremity of the guide tube is mounted on the handle. An assembly is carried by the handle for bending the distal extremity of the guide tube at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The needle electrode is adapted to be coupled to an energy source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophysiology catheter (an electrode catheter) having an electromagnetic sensor designed internally into the tip portion. The catheter is a size 7 French or 8 French of metal braided construction with preferably three lumens. The catheter has a deflectable tip utilizing an offset lumen with a puller wire, a non compressible coil in the body section and a compressible Teflon sheath in the tip section. The coil is glued to the catheter shaft at both ends of the coil but does not run through the deflectable section, thus deflection of the puller wire which deflects the tip to the coil, keeps the body from compressing and deflecting. The puller wire is soldered to a tip electrode and runs to a control handle. The electromagnetic sensor is mounted internally in the catheter tip by a combination of a hole drilled in the three lumen tip and a hollow bridging that covers the electromagnetic sensor and connects the tip electrode to the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical device (2) and method for cauterizing tissue and evacuating fluid from the surgical site. The device comprises an insulated conductive shaft (4) having a proximal end coupled to an electric generator (40) and a distal end coupled to an electrode (6) for cutting or coagulating tissue. The shaft has an inner lumen (14) fluidly coupled to a vacuum source (50) and a plurality of insulated side holes (8) in communication with the lumen. The side holes are configured to remain free of obstructions so that fluid, such as smoke, can be continuously evacuated during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device and method for treating patent ductus arteriosus in a human. A catheter having a collapsible/expandable heating element at a distal end for entering an infant transcutaneously and being advanced to the ductus arteriosus. A method of heating the inner surface of the ductus arteriosus with the heating element to a temperature sufficient to produce a material change in the collagen of the ductus arteriosus such that the ductus arteriosus passage shrinks to closure.

Abstract: A locking device for a protective sleeve of an endoscopic electrode assembly having a connector for connecting the electrode assembly to a control handle, wherein the locking device comprises a post extending longitudinally from the connector and surrounding the elongated electrode, and a sleeve grip connected to the proximal end of the protective sleeve, surrounding the post. The sleeve grip has an unlocked position wherein the sleeve grip is movable longitudinally with respect to the post and a locked position wherein the sleeve grip is restricted from moving longitudinally with respect to the post.

Abstract: An electrode for vaporizing tissue is disclosed which has a head provided with projections and recesses and which is supported by at least one externally insulated electrically conducting branch. In order to provide a better and more effective electrode with regard to vaporization power and which can be easily cleaned and cheaply manufactured, the head which is rigidly fixed to the branch comprises essentially of part of a rotationally symmetrical body.

Abstract: Query electrodes are provided for monitoring the electrical impedance of tissue as it is treated with electrosurgical energy. In one embodiment, based on a predicted model of tissue impedance and a number of initial impedance readings, the impedance at which tissue treatment is completed is predicted. More particularly, a minimum impedance level is measured and a function of the minimum impedance is used to determine impedance at which coagulation is completed. A control device is provided for bringing the output of the generator within an optimum range based on a system load curve. In one embodiment the impedance monitoring device is used in conjunction with a bipolar electrosurgical instrument. Preferably, the instrument comprises electrically opposite therapeutic electrodes, each located on one or more tissue engaging surfaces for engaging tissue to be treated, and electrically opposite query electrodes, located on one or more tissue engaging surfaces.

Abstract: An arthroscopy instrument for debriding tissue also includes an electrocautery electrode for effecting hemostasis in the surgical site. The drive motor for the debriding instrument is placed remotely from the instrument's handle and provision is made for electrically insulating the handle from the drive motor and associated power supply even though the arthroscopic surgery is taking place under saline.

Abstract: This invention provides an inventive tissue sampling probe which offers many advantages over probes available in the prior art. Unexpectedly superior results are obtained in connection with the retrieval of intact tissue specimens, because of a unique combination of cutting features, including, for example, the employment of an electrosurgical cutting element and a vacuum assist in one preferred embodiment. A particularly important feature of the invention is the ability to manipulate the electrosurgical cutting element to cleanly sever the distal end of the tissue specimen. In certain embodiments, this is accomplished without any cutting impact on surrounding tissue. The versatility of the invention permits its use in many applications, including, for example, breast biopsies, laparoscopic surgery, and lymphadenectomy procedures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that incorporates bipolar electrodes on opposing shearing members for passing a high frequency current through the tissue for causing hemostasis of the tissue and for cutting the tissue. An electrically insulating material is interposed between the shearing members so that the electrodes are spaced apart from 0.002 to 0.050 inches and the current passes between the opposing electrodes through the tissue and not between the opposing shearing surfaces. The insulating material has a higher hardness than the opposing members to reduce wear of the insulation and provide a self-sharpening feature. Methods of simultaneously causing tissue and severing tissue are also provided. The use of a constant voltage high frequency power supply to deliver current to the tissue to cause hemostasis is described in conjunction with those methods.

Abstract: A surgical instrument according to the present invention includes a handle, an elongated closure tube, an end effector, a pair of wireform elements which may be, for example, wireform conductors, extending through the elongated tube from the handle to the end effector and a knife blade at the end effector and a tissue stop adapted to shield the knife blade when the knife blade is in its proximal most position. In a surgical instrument according to the present invention, the wireform elements are positioned within wireform guide channels formed in the tissue stop. In a surgical instrument according to the present invention, the closure tube includes a tissue stop including a distal end and a proximal end. The tissue stop further includes a body, a neck a knife housing and knife channel, the knife channel being adapted to support the shank of the knife as it moves within the knife channel.

Abstract: A monopolar electrosurgical device suitable for cutting and/or coagulation of tissue is described. The device includes a trocar assembly and a probe assembly. The trocar assembly has an insulated portion and a conductive guide portion. The conductive guide portion defines a passage with the probe assembly slidably received therein. The probe assembly includes a conductive probe with a proximal end and a distal end. Surrounding the probe is an insulation layer which extends from the distal end of the probe. Attached to the insulation layer and also surrounding the probe is a conductive shield. The conductive shield is electrically connected to the conductive guide portion of the trocar assembly.

Abstract: A multi-functional surgical instrument having an interchangeable surgical tool removeably, rotatably attached to a handle. An axially moveable sheath on the surgical tool is moveable from a retracted first position wherein an electrosurgical electrode is exposed to an extended second position wherein the sheath covers the electrosurgical electrode. Both the interchangeable surgical tools and the handle are sterilizable and disposable.

Abstract: An electrode having at least one self-guiding surface (a tissue skid) for use in electrical tissue resection. Self-guiding forces are applied substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode, and/or rotationally about the longitudinal axis. Forces sufficient to compensate in part for errors in cutting tip placement are produced by tissue pressure acting on one or more convex tissue skids. Optional tissue cutting tips for the electrode are configured to enhance heat transfer from the cutting tip by external fluid flow around the cutting tip, to improve heat transfer within the cutting tip through use of heat transfer fluids and/or heat-conducting solids, and/or to cool the cutting tip by expansion of a compressed cooling fluid through an orifice within a hollow portion of the cutting tip.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly for a resectoscope and methods for use thereof. The electrode assembly includes at least one electrical lead that connects at a proximal end via a handle of the resectoscope to an electrosurgical generator to receive electrical power. The electrode assembly further includes an electrode tip at a distal end. The electrode tip has a non-rotating, relatively flat, working surface that extends in a longitudinal direction. The tip can be used for ablation or coagulation by using the working surface. The tip includes an edge that can be used for cutting. The working surface includes a pattern that enhances generation of a current therefrom. The electrode tip is versatile so that the same tip can be used for cutting, vaporizing, ablating, and coagulating.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe includes a pair of arms between which a roller electrode is mounted. The arms are joined at their proximal ends to an electrode lead and a mounting sleeve is provided intermediate of the arms and the lead for slideably coupling the probe to a resectoscope. According to the invention, the roller electrode has an eccentric convex or concave surface to increase the surface area of the electrode. In other embodiments of the invention the electrode is provided with a plurality of longitudinal surface grooves which further increase surface area of the electrode and also enhance traction of the electrode. The electrodes according to the invention are preferably made of copper, chromium cobalt, or carbonless stainless steel. They preferably have an overall diameter of from about 0.115 to about 0.187 inches and an overall length of from about 0.110 to about 0.120 inches.

Abstract: Endoscopic bipolar scissor blades are formed in a laminate assembly of an outer electrically conductive layer, an intermediate electrically insulating layer, and an inner face layer which is a coating of titanium dioxide, chromium dioxide, or zirconium dioxide. In one embodiment, the conductive layer is a metal blade, while the insulating material is a ceramic which is fixed to the metal blade. In a second preferred embodiment, the insulating layer and the inner face layer are applied simultaneously by coating the metal blade with a mixture of ceramic and titanium dioxide, chromium dioxide, or zirconium dioxide. In a third embodiment, the insulating layer is a molded ceramic blade, and the electrically conductive layer is metalized or otherwise fixed to the ceramic blade. In all embodiments, the cutting edges and shearing surfaces are insulated from the electrodes, and no short circuit can form between the electrodes even though the cutting edges and shearing surfaces are metal.