Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.

Abstract: A medical device for simultaneously cutting tissue with a heating element, cauterizing the tissue with sealing elements, and stapling the tissue together. The heating elements comprise bipolar RF electrodes.

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

Abstract: A system for providing feedback during an electro surgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly for use with a forceps. The end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members and a cutting element. The pair of jaw members having at least one jaw member that is moveable relative to the other from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue. Each of the jaw members includes a cutting channel that is defined therein and extends therealong. The cutting element includes a fixed end and a movable end. The fixed end is disposed within the cutting channel of one of the jaw members and the moveable end is disposed within the cutting channel of the other of the jaw member. The cutting element defines a movable cutting loop disposed between the cutting channels and between the fixed end and the movable end. The cutting loop has an arcuate portion that is reciprocatable to cut tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: A device for removing organic tissue by means of high-frequency current comprises a loop carrier having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, a loop arranged at the distal end of the loop carrier and being able to be acted upon by high-frequency voltage, the loop having a loop end portion, a connection element connecting the loop with the loop carrier and having a distal connection element portion, the loop end portion and the distal connection element portion forming a wedge-shaped cutter.

Abstract: A catheter system can include an electrical adapter and a catheter. The electrical adapter includes a hollow adapter body having a longitudinally extending channel and an electrical terminal positioned within the channel. The electrical adapter can be configured to connect to an energy source. The catheter can include an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end portion. The electrical connector forms the outer periphery of the catheter along a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The electrical terminal and the electrical connector contact each other when the electrical connector is advanced through the channel to an electrical contact position in the channel, and are isolated from each other when the electrical connector is proximal of the electrical contact position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device developed for surgical interventions comprising (i) an inner end (1) guidable/steerable to the operation field, (ii) an outer end (3) operated by the user and (iii) a middle part (2) which connects both ends (1, 3) together. According to the main concept of the present invention, it further comprises force transmission units extending between the outer (3) and the inner (1) ends, and said force transmission units, the outer and the inner ends and the middle part (2) are designed to transfer the movements of the outer end (3) to the inner end (1) in an identical measure, as if the inner end (1) were the straight continuation of the outer end (3).

Abstract: The high-frequency treatment instrument is a high-frequency treatment instrument for performing a high-frequency treatment on a pathological lesion portion (subject tissue) not shown and includes a sheath (elongated extension member), a treatment electrode which is rotatably disposed at a distal end of the sheath and which extends in a direction substantially parallel to a diameter direction of the rotation, an operating wire (axial member) for allowing the treatment electrode to rotate around the distal end of the sheath, and an operating portion to which proximal ends of the sheath and the operating wire are connected. According to a high-frequency treatment instrument, by enabling a treatment on a subject tissue without using a curving operation of an endoscope it is possible to facilitate a procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for use with an operating end of a uterine manipulator for sealing tissue that includes a shaft having a handle at an operating end thereof and a ring-like snare at a distal end thereof. The handle has an actuator operable to selectively cinch the snare from a first configuration to a second configuration. An electrode is operably coupled to the snare and is connected to an energy source to energize tissue to create a tissue seal. The shaft is positionable within a surgical cavity such that the snare encircles tissue and operably engages and cinches the operating end of the uterine manipulator under a sealing pressure. Energy is applied to the electrode to seal the tissue disposed between the uterine manipulator and the snare under a working pressure. The tissue may then be resected and removed from the body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a wrist coupled to the distal end of the shaft and configured to articulate in multiple degrees of freedom coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The surgical instrument can further include an end effector supported by the wrist, wherein the end effector includes a cutting element and jaws configured to grip tissue and fuse tissue via electrosurgical energy. The surgical instrument can be configured for use with a teleoperated robotic surgical system that can include a patient side console configured to interface to actuate the surgical instrument and a surgeon side console configured to receive inputs from a surgeon to control the actuation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto with a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another and moveable from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange adapted to communicate with a drive assembly for moving the jaw members between the first and second positions. One or both of the of the jaw members has a curved knife channel defined therein having a proximal end that is offset from the longitudinal axis defined through the shaft. A knife guide is assembled to an outer surface of one of the proximal flanges of the jaw members on the same side as the proximal end of the knife channel and defines a knife path therein configured to guide a knife into the knife channel for translation therethrough.

Abstract: An overtube including an insertion portion having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, at least the distal end portion being inserted into an examination subject; a first lumen formed in the insertion portion and in which a device for carrying out medical procedures in the examination subject is freely inserted and removed; a tissue cutting portion that is to be disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion traversing the first lumen and that cuts the tissue of the examination subject; and a holding portion that holds the tissue cutting portion at a position removed from a position traversing the first lumen.

Abstract: Scissors (1) for an endoscope includes a treatment section (5) provided with a pair of scissor elements (10, 11) which are pivotably supported by a pivoting shaft (support pin (13)) and are pivotally displaced between an open position and a closed position; an operation wire (3) connected to the treatment section (5), and an operation section for displacing the scissor elements (10, 11) between the open position and the closed position by advancing and retracting the operation wire (3). A stopper (14) is provided to the treatment section (5). In the open position, the stopper (14) restricts the relative movement between the pair of scissor elements (10, 11) in the opening direction, and in the closed position, the stopper (14) restricts the relative movement between the pair of scissor elements (10, 11) in the closing direction, thereby to restrict excessive opening and closure of the scissor elements.

Abstract: A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment instrument is provided with an electrode for treatment for performing a high-frequency treatment at a treatment portion. The treatment portion protrudes from an insertion portion having an electrical insulation. The treatment portion protruding from the insertion portion is provided with the electrode for treatment provided with a plurality of electrode portions. The treatment performances of the plurality of electrode portions are different.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to a system that produces a focused plasma for tissue ablation. The system includes a probe and a remote source of a conductive liquid media for providing a flow through the probe that functions as an electrode. A pressurized flow of the liquid media passes through a first larger diameter flow channel in the probe to then increases in velocity as it passes through a smaller diameter flow restriction channel in a working end surface. The flow restriction of the liquid electrode through the flow restriction channel when coupled with high frequency voltage causes instantaneous ignition of a plasma within media flow media within the flow restriction channel. The working end surface thus carries a plasma that when proximate to tissue will cause a controlled, focused ablation.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft. An end effector is coupled to a distal end of the elongated shaft. A handle assembly includes a movable handle movable relative to a fixed handle for effecting movement of the jaw members from a first position to a second position. Each jaw member is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is disposed on the fixed handle and configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a switch engaging surface disposed on the movable handle. The first position of the switch causes the relay of information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue grasped between the jaw members and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy.

Abstract: An incision tool includes a sheath; a plurality of wires that are inserted through an internal space of the sheath, and that, as a result of a portion thereof being inserted through both first wire insertion through holes that are provided in a distal end portion of the sheath and second wire insertion through holes that are provided on the sheath distal end side of the first wire insertion through holes, are exposed on the outside of the sheath between the first wire insertion through holes and the second wire insertion through holes, and that receive high-frequency current; and an operating unit that is connected to a base end side of the wires and that adjusts the length of the exposed portions of the wires which are exposed on the outside of the sheath by moving forwards or backwards relatively to the sheath in the longitudinal direction of the wires.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes jaws, a cutting assembly, and at least one cam assembly. At least one jaw is moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions for grasping tissue. At least one jaw includes a control trough that extends therealong. The pivot has first and second pivot bosses defining a pivot hole therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a blade and blade control portion, and defines a longitudinal axis through the blade and the control portion. The control portion slidably translates through the pivot hole defined between the pivot bosses to allow selective advancement thereof through the trough. The blade is disposed distally of the pivot and extends farther from the axis than an outer surface of the control portion. The cam assembly is coupled to the moveable jaw and is actuatable to move the movable jaw between the positions.

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: Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

Abstract: A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid li ne. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. A rigid structural support is included which is configured to support the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface and includes at least one flow channel defined therein.

Abstract: An engaging mechanism, which restricts rotation of a cutter section about an axis of a sheath, is provided. In accordance with an advancing/retreating operation of an operation wire by an operation slider, switching is made between a rotation restriction position where rotational restriction of the cutter section is effected by the engaging mechanism and a restriction release position where the cutter section is released from the rotation restriction position and is made rotatable about the axis of the sheath relative to the sheath.

Abstract: An electrosurgical working end and method for sealing and transecting tissue. An exemplary working end provides curved jaw members that are positioned on opposing sides of the targeted anatomic structure. The working end carries a slidable extension member having flange portions with inner surfaces that slide over the jaw members to clamp tissue therebetween. The working end carries an independent slidable cutting member that is flexible to follow the curved axis of the jaws. The electrosurgical surfaces of the jaws include partially-resistive bodies for carrying a current or load which modulates ohmic heating in the engaged tissue to prevent charring and desiccation of tissue to create a high strength thermal seal.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes jaws having an electrode configuration utilized to electrically modify tissue in contact with one or more electrodes. The instrument is removably connectable to an electrosurgical unit via an electrosurgical connector extending from the instrument and a receptacle on the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical instrument is rotatable without disrupting electrical connection to the electrodes of the jaws. One or more of the electrodes is retractable. The electrosurgical unit and instrument optimally seals and/or cuts tissue based on identifying the tissue and monitoring the modification of the tissue by the application of radio frequency energy.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes: a high-frequency knife for carrying out incisional intervention; a wire having a distal end connected to the high-frequency knife; an outer sheath for allowing the wire to pass therethrough; a main body having a proximal end of the sheath fixed thereto; a first slider, capable of freely sliding on the main body, having the wire fixed thereto; at least a stopper projecting radially outward relative to the wire; a first abutment member making contact with the stopper and regulating distal sliding movement of the wire; and a projection-length-adjusting member, provided in the outer sheath, for regulating proximal sliding movement of the wire by making contact with the stopper. This configuration allows the high-frequency knife to be maintained at different projection lengths based on the stopper making contact with the first abutment member and the stopper making contact with the projection-length-adjusting member.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rotating an end effector on a long, flexible medical device. The methods and devices utilize an actuator mechanism that is effective to rotate an end effector on the distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The actuator mechanism is movable between a freely rotatable position and a rotationally resistant position. When the actuator mechanism is in a freely rotatable position, the actuator mechanism can be rotated to impart torque to the end effector, and thus at least a distal portion of the elongate shaft, to cause the end effector to rotate. In order to prevent the actuator mechanism from “freewheeling,” wherein the actuator mechanism freely rotates in an opposite direction upon release rather than the end effector rotating in the desired direction, the actuator mechanism can be moved to the rotationally resistant position.

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

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric wall capable of non-expanded and expanded shapes for expanding an energy-delivery surface against the patient's uterine. A resistively heatable material carried by the energy-delivery surface and an electrical source is operatively coupled to the resistively heatable material such that electrical current provided by the electrical source causes the resistively heatable material to resistively heat.

Abstract: A medical treatment device inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of an ultrasonic endoscope inserted into a body cavity for treating an organ in the body cavity comprises a treatment probe having an electrode portion inserted and stuck into the organ in the body cavity through the treatment instrument insertion channel of the ultrasonic endoscope for radio-frequency cautery treatment of a tissue in the organ and an ultrasonic reflection portion formed on the surface of the electrode portion of the treatment probe for reflecting an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic endoscope.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes: a treatment portion that is positioned on a distal end side and of which at least a portion is formed from an electroconductive material; an operating wire that is formed from an electroconductive material and is connected to the treatment portion; a sheath that is formed from an electrically non-conductive material through which the operating wire is inserted; a base that is fixed to a base end side of the sheath; an operating section that is rotatably mounted on the base and is connected to a base end side of the operating wire, and that causes the treatment portion to move forwards and backwards and to rotate via the operating wire; and a plug that is provided on the base and is electrically connected to the operating wire.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member having a plurality of flexibility features and a basket having a plurality of legs. The elongate member and the basket are formed from a single piece of a material. The flexibility features are formed by removing first portions of the material to increase flexibility of the elongate member. The legs are formed by removing longitudinal portions of the material.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment tool (1) includes an operating wire (12) having a treatment part (10) including a treatment electrode; a first tube (23) formed from an insulating material, in which the operating wire (12) for enabling the treatment part (10) to protrude and recede is inserted; and a second tube (21) having a passive electrode (22) at a distal end, in which inserted the first tube (23) such as to cover an inner peripheral face of the passive electrode (22) is inserted. An engagement part (25) and an engaged part (22C) that can engage with each other are formed in the first tube (23) and the passive electrode (22), and the engagement of the engagement part (25) with the engaged part (22C) restricts the relative movement of a distal-end part of the first tube (23) to a proximal-end side of the first tube (23) with respect to the passive electrode (22).

Abstract: Tissue ablation probes, systems, and methods are provided for treating tissue (e.g., a tumor). The probe comprises an inner probe shaft, and an outer probe shaft disposed around the inner probe shaft. The outer probe shaft has a distal portion fixably mounted to the inner probe shaft, and a proximal portion rotatably mounted to the inner probe shaft. The probe further comprises a coiled ablation electrode disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The electrode is configured for unwinding when the proximal portion rotates about the inner probe shaft in one direction, thereby placing the electrode in a radially expanded geometry, and configured for winding when the proximal portion rotates about the inner probe shaft in another opposite direction, thereby placing the electrode in a radially collapsed geometry.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument including a fluid jet device and an electrode device. The fluid jet device includes a pipe section with a nozzle on one distal end for a dissection and/or a needleless injection by means of a fluid and the electrode device is for cutting and/or coagulating tissue, the pipe section forming the electrode device. The surgical instrument further includes an insulating device attached to the distal end of the pipe section such a manner that the tissue can only be brought into electrically conductive contact with a peripheral region of the pipe section and not with the distal end of the pipe section.

Abstract: A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision removal of bone or other tissue. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of excising tissue including injecting fluid into the submucosa to raise targeted tissue. A first electrode is positioned below the targeted tissue within the injected fluid and a second electrode is positioned adjacent a surface of the raised targeted tissue opposite the first electrode. Electrical current is applied between the first and second electrodes and the targeted tissue is excised with the second electrode.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom including an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly has a wheel assembly opposing a jaw member and having a pair of opposing wheels configured to facilitate movement of the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. A drive rod is operably coupled at a proximal end to a movable handle and at a distal end to the wheel assembly. The movable handle is movable relative to a stationary handle to move the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. At least one electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is disposed on each of the wheel assembly and the jaw member and is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the wheel assembly and the jaw member to effect a tissue seal.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided. The endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom and defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a movable jaw member and a non-movable jaw member. The movable jaw member has a substantially flexible medial portion and is movable relative to the non-movable jaw member from an initial position for positioning tissue therebetween, to a subsequent or clamping position wherein the movable and non-movable jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive assembly is operably coupled to the housing and includes a drive wire that operably couples to the movable jaw member. Proximal movement of the drive rod causes the medial portion of the movable jaw member to flex inwardly along a substantial length thereof and toward the non-movable jaw member.

Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, a flexible portion, and a head coupled to the shaft through the flexible portion and pivotably coupled to the flexible portion. The head includes a non-conductive surface and an electrically conductive surface. The flexible portion is configured to bias the non-conductive surface and the electrically conductive surface towards a tissue surface, such as cartilage. The non-conductive surface may include a material having a thermal conductivity less than or equal to about 30 W/m*K and/or a volume resistivity greater than or equal to about 1×1014 ohm*cm. The non-conductive surface may include a ceramic such as Macor® ceramic, ZTA ceramic, and/or 99.5% alumina ceramic.

Abstract: A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope configured to project forward and retreat, through a forward end portion of a flexible over tube, a rod electrode disposed close thereto by remote operation from an operating unit connected to a proximal end portion of the over tube. The high-frequency incision instrument includes a fixed stopper and a movable stopper located close to a forward end portion of the over tube and to a proximal end portion of the rod electrode respectively, to be butted to each other to define a maximum projection length of the rod electrode from the forward end portion of the over tube. The movable stopper is axially movable with respect to the rod electrode, and the operating unit includes a stopper position adjuster that adjusts by remote operation a distance between a farthest end portion of the rod electrode and the movable stopper.

Abstract: An ablation and visualization device includes a shaft, at least one ablation element coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a scope coupled to the shaft proximate the distal end. The scope may be a fiber optic endoscope, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasound sensor, and may be coupled to an output device to display imagery collected by the scope. The scope includes at least one aperture, which may be movable. An optical element, such as a lens or filter, may be positioned over the aperture. The scope may be positioned laterally relative to the ablation elements or in a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the ablation elements. The scope may be positioned with the aperture positioned distally or proximally relative to the ablation elements. The scope may be slidably or rotatably coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope is provided with a flexible sheath, and a rod electrode remotely operated to protrude from/retract into the distal end portion of the sheath. A stationary stopper provided at the distal end portion of the sheath and a movable stopper provided at the proximal end portion of the rod electrode, the movable stopper contacting the stationary stopper to define a maximum protruding amount of the rod electrode from the distal end of the sheath. A proximal end portion of the rod electrode is screw-engaged with a member to which the movable stopper is formed, and the rod electrode is rotatable so that screw-engaged amount of the proximal end portion of the rod electrode with respect to the member is changed, thereby a distance between the tip end of the rod electrode and the movable stopper being adjustable.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes: a knife; a wire having a distal end connected to the knife; a sheath around the wire; a main body having the freely rotative sheath fixed thereto; a slider fixed to the wire, slidable in an axial direction of the main body; a stopper projecting radially from the wire; a first-distal-regulation section in the sheath for regulating distal sliding movement of the wire by making contact with the stopper; and a second-distal-regulation section, provided distal to the first-distal-regulation section, for regulating sliding movement of the wire by making contact with the stopper, wherein the stopper is capable of moving between the first-distal-regulation section and the second-distal-regulation section by rotating the main body relative to the sheath around an axial line by predetermined angle, and at least two different projection lengths can be maintained by contacting the main body to the first-distal-regulation section or the second-distal-regulation section.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade.