Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a system, and a method of electrosurgery to maximize the manipulability of instrumentation inserted at a single access point.

Abstract: A sphincterotome is disclosed including an elongate shaft having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the elongate shaft. The lumen includes a proximal segment and a distal segment. A cutting element extends within the lumen through the proximal segment of the lumen and extends exterior of the elongate shaft along the distal segment of the lumen. A stiffening member is positioned within the distal segment of the lumen.

Abstract: A high-frequency treating instrument for an endoscope, includes: a spatula-form high-frequency electrode which is adapted to be protruded from and housed within an insulated flexible sheath of the endoscope; and a concavo-convex portion which serves as an antiskid member when the concavo-convex portion is brought into contact with a mucous membrane and is formed on at least one of side edge portions of a portion closer to a tip end of the high-frequency electrode.

Abstract: An irrigation probe useful for ablation during open heart surgery is provided. The irrigation probe comprises a generally rigid probe body and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the probe body. The generally rigid probe body has an electrode at its distal end having at least one irrigation opening through which fluid can pass. An infusion tube extends through the probe body for introducing fluid to the electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.

Abstract: It is disclosed that a long elevation time is obtained and the efficiency of resection can be improved by providing an endoscopic injectable preparation using high molecular weight hyaluronic acid having an average molecular weight of 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 or its salt. In treating early cancer or other neoplastic mucosal lesion, the lesion is resected with handling of an endoscope (“endoscopic mucosal resection”) instead of performing a major surgical operation such as laparotomy, thoracotomy or organ excision. In performing endoscopic mucosal resection, physiological saline, or a solution of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid or its salt is injected into a stratum below the site of lesion scheduled for resection to elevate the site of lesion, thereby increasing the efficiency of resection. To raise the efficiency of endoscopic mucosal resection, however, the development of an injectable preparation presenting a longer elevation time and requiring a low injection pressure has been desired.

Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A retractable treatment instrument for an endoscope is provided. The retractable treatment instrument includes a flexible sheath configured such that at least a tip portion thereof is formed of a flexible tube, an operation wire inserted in the flexible sheath so as to be movable along an axial direction of the operation wire in the flexible sheath, and a front-end treatment member attached to a tip of the operation wire. In this structure, the front-end treatment member is movable back and forth along the axial direction with respect to a tip of the flexible sheath. The front-end treatment member has a wide part elongated in a radial direction of the flexible tube to press and broaden the flexible tube from an inside of the flexible tube.

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: The medical device system includes: first and second medical devices that are used in the body cavity and surfaces of which have conductivity; a first electrode electrically connected to the surface of the first medical device; a second electrode electrically connected to the surface of the second medical device; a resistance measuring unit for measuring an inter-device resistance value between the first electrode and the second electrode; a threshold storing unit for storing a predetermined lower limit threshold of the inter-device resistance value; a determining unit for determining, when the inter-device resistance value is lower than the inter-device resistance threshold, that the first medical device and the second medical device come into contact with each other; and a warning generating unit for generating a warning.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting device and method thereof for incising tissue are disclosed. The electrosurgical cutting device includes an asymmetrical cutting element that is affixed to a distal end of a torque cable. The cutting element is disposed within an end cap and is axially movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Rotation of the torque cable during a procedure allows the cutting element to rotationally align with and hook the target tissue onto the cutting element. An elongate member of the cutting element selectively lifts the target tissue away from surrounding tissue and structures. Having lifted the tissue away the surrounding tissue and structures, incision can occur.

Abstract: A hemostatic forceps for an endoscope has a support section for supporting the pair of clamp pieces and so that they can rotate and change their distal parts direction. The pair of clamp pieces and are formed in tapered shape so that widths of the pair of clamp pieces gradually decrease in a direction from a side of the support section to a side of the distal parts. Length of the pair of clamp pieces at arbitrary location along the direction from a side of the support section to the distal sides, times the width of the pair of clamp pieces at the same location, is set to be substantially constant.

Abstract: An instrument for an endoscope including a flexible insulative insertion section inserted in an endoscope channel, a tubular first electrode section arranged at a distal end of the insertion section with an insertion hole formed along the axis of the insertion section, a conductive electric wire inserted in the insertion section and movable forward/backward, a control section arranged on the proximal end side of the insertion section and controlling forward/backward movement of the electric wire along the axis, a rod-shaped second electrode section connected to a distal end of the electric wire and inserted so as to be movable forward/backward in the insertion hole, and an external connecting section electrically connected to a proximal end side of the electric wire and applying external currents with predetermined frequencies to the electric wire and the second electrode section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode assembly configured to cauterize tissue. The treatment devices may include an elongate cutting member with a safety tip. The treatment devices may include a multi-lumen catheter with a lumen configured to deliver fluid and another lumen configured to accommodate an injection needle, a cutting member, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for supplying RF power to an electrosurgical instrument for cutting or vaporizing tissue has an RF output stage (42) with an RF power bridge (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), a pair of output lines (74) and a series-resonant output network (48). The output impedance of the output stage (42) at the output lines (74) is less than 200/?P ohms, where P is the maximum continuous RF output power of the generator. The generator offers improved cutting and vaporizing performance, especially in relation to the reliability with which an arc can be struck when presented with an initial low impedance load. Overloading of the output stage is prevented by rapidly operating protection circuitry responsive to a predetermined electrical condition such as a substantial short-circuit across the output lines. In the preferred embodiment, the output stage is capable of maintaining output pulses at least 1 kW peak by supplying the power bridge from a large reservoir capacitor (60).

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a hollow tube (18) having a cutting window (16) at the distal end portion. An inner tube (15) is disposed within the tube (18) and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A cutting tool (17) is located at the distal end of the tube (15), and is positioned adjacent to the cutting window (16). An outer tube (14) is provided over the tube (18). A motor (5) is provided for rotating the inner tube (15), and saline is fed to the cutting window (16) via a passageway (25) between the tubes (15) and (18). The inner tube (15) has a central lumen (24) through which tissue cut by the cutting tool (17) is removed under the action of a source of suction (12). The outer surface of the tube 18 is covered with an electrically insulating layer (22) and coagulating RF signals are supplied between the tube (18) and the outer tube (14) so as to coagulate tissue at the cutting window (16).

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided which includes: a sheath 2 having electrical insulating properties; a pair of arm portions 3A and 3B which are disposed opposite to each other, which protrude and retract with respect to the sheath 2, and which accordingly open and close to thereby hold an object to be treated; a cutting electrode 5 which is protruded from and fixed to the distal end of the sheath 2 and which supplies a high-frequency electric current when it touches the object to be treated.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for ablating, resecting, or cutting body structures, with minimal or no damage to tissue adjacent to the treatment site. The system includes an electrosurgical probe having a shaft with a shaft distal end bifurcated to provide first and second arms. First and second electrode supports are disposed on the first and second arms, respectively. At least one active electrode, in the form of a loop or partial loop, is arranged between the first and second electrode supports. A return electrode, also in the form of a loop or partial loop, is arranged between the first and second electrode supports distal to the active electrode. The active and return electrodes are configured to promote substantially high electric field intensities and associated high current densities between the active portion and the target site when a high frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for controlling delivery of energy to seal and divide tissue includes applying energy to tissue in a first phase through an electrosurgical forceps having at least one electrically energizable electrode. The method also includes detecting a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase. The method also includes applying energy to tissue during a second phase upon detection of the predetermined condition and providing tension to the tissue during the second phase to separate the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency treatment apparatus including: an electrode assembly electrically connected to a high-frequency generating unit for generating a high-frequency current, the assembly having, at the distal end thereof, a current-applying electrode for discharging the high-frequency current, the proximal end of the current-applying electrode being covered with an insulator; an insertion section receiving the electrode assembly, the insertion section being located on the return side of the high-frequency current discharged from the current-applying electrode; a liquid supply section for supplying an irrigation liquid to the vicinity of the current-applying electrode; and an opening section provided at the distal end part of the insulator, the opening section supplying a gas to the vicinity of the current-applying electrode.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope including a flexible sheath being made of electrically insulating material to be inserted through an insertion channel of the endoscope, a conductive operation wire, which is adapted to be advanced and retracted inside the flexible sheath, and a partially elongated electrode being arranged at a distal end of the high-frequency treatment tool separately from the operation wire, to which high-frequency electrical current is supplied for high-frequency treatment, is provided. The electrode is adapted to be protruded and retracted in an axial direction thereof from the distal end of the high-frequency treatment tool by an operation to the operation wire. The electrode is allowed to be removed from the high-frequency treatment tool independently from the operation wire.

Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The device includes an elongate shaft having a distal end coupled to a proximal end of an articulation joint, and an actuation wire extending through the elongate shaft and the articulation joint. The device further includes an end effector having a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the articulation joint and receiving therethrough a distal end of the actuation wire. The end effector includes a hook knife disposed adjacent the distal tip and having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the actuation wire. The actuation wire is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to extend and retract the distal end of the hook knife relative to the distal tip of the end effector, and the articulation joint is laterally articulatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft to allow the end effector to be angularly oriented relative to the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A bipolar medical instrument for cutting tissue under the action of high-frequency current comprises an elongate electrode carrier, an active electrode arranged at the distal end of the electrode carrier, and a neutral electrode adjacent to the active electrode, said neutral electrode being arranged entirely to the distal side of said active electrode. The neutral electrode and the active electrode are spaced apart from one another in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the electrode carrier. The invention also describes an electrosurgical system comprising a high-frequency generator and provided with such an instrument.

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: An endoscopic high-frequency treatment tool includes an insulating flexible sheath; a conductive stranded wire made of metal; and a cover sheath which is fitted on a portion of the conductive stranded wire in the vicinity of a end thereof. The conductive stranded wire is inserted into the insulating flexible sheath so as to be rotatable about an axis of the conductive stranded wire from a proximal end side thereof, and a part of wire strands of the conductive stranded wire is extended outwards from a portion of the insulating flexible sheath in the vicinity of a end thereof to be used as a high-frequency cutting electrode.

Abstract: A treatment instrument for endoscope that is suitable for cutting submucosal layer in endoscopic submucosal dissection is provided, and the treatment instrument for endoscope has a treatment section at a distal end of an insertion section which is inserted in a body. The treatment section includes a conductor that is connected to a high-frequency source, and is configured to have a sandwich structure in which the conductor is sandwiched between a non-conductor on the distal end side thereof and a non-conductor on a proximal end side thereof. The conductor is formed to be exposed in a strip-shape at a side surface of the treatment section, and a lateral movement of the treatment section causes a cutting of a submucosal layer with the conductor to be performed.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto. The shaft includes first and second jaw members attached to the distal end thereof which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel disposed substantially along the length thereof. The knife channel has a depth, a width and an aspect ratio which is defined as the depth of the knife channel divided by the width of the knife channel. Preferably the aspect ratio of the knife channel is at least 1.3. The forceps is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy and also includes an actuator for moving the jaw members relative to one another. A knife assembly is included which allows a user to selectively move a knife to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for treating tissue by means of high-frequency current. The inventive instrument comprises at least one electrode that can be impinged upon with a high-frequency current and that is disposed on the distal end of an elongated electrode carrier. At least one electromagnetically active position sensor is disposed in the distal zone of the electrode carrier in the direct vicinity of the at least one electrode in such a manner that it detects the intracorporeal position and/or location of the at least one electrode. The invention further relates to a medical system that comprises such an instrument.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of tumours comprising an elongate catheter (102), a plurality of flexible needles (402) confined within the catheter which, when extended therefrom, take up a curved form and which, together, define a structure for surrounding a tumour to be treated; the needles being arranged to heat and embolise a shell of tissue surrounding the tumour, thereby cutting off the tumour's blood supply. The invention further extends to a method of treatment using such a device.

Abstract: An endoscopic high-frequency knife includes an insulating flexible sheath, a conductive wire inserted into the insulating flexible sheath, and a high-frequency cutting electrode. The high-frequency cutting electrode is installed in the endoscopic high-frequency knife so that an outer surface of the high-frequency cutting electrode is exposed at a side surface of the insulating flexible sheath in the vicinity of an end thereof. The conductive wire is electrically connected with the high-frequency cutting electrode. The insulating flexible sheath includes a distal portion and a proximal portion which are separated from each other. The distal portion and the proximal portion are freely rotatable relative to each other. A portion of the conductive wire in the vicinity of an end thereof is fixed to the distal portion to thereby prevent the distal portion from separating from the conductive wire even if the high-frequency cutting electrode breaks.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises multiple types of treatment tools including a treatment-tool insertion unit, and a function unit having a function for performing treatment; an electrically-driven operation device which electrically drives the function unit; an electrically-driven advance/retreat device which electrically drives the treatment-tool insertion unit; a control device including at least one of a control unit for outputting a control signal to the electrically-driven advance/retreat device and the electrically-driven operation device, and an operating program corresponding to a treatment tool; and an operation instructing device including a first operating instruction unit for outputting an instruction signal for placing the electrically-driven operation device and the electrically-driven advance/retreat device into a manually-driven operating state, and a second operating instruction unit for outputting an instruction signal for placing the electrically-driven operation device and the electrically-dr

Abstract: A reconfigurable surgical apparatus that includes a surgical instrument assembly that is formed with a hollow manipulation shaft. A linearly or rotationally movable prime mover is received within the shaft and is activated by an actuator located at a proximal end. A coupler is formed about a distal end of the shaft to have a capture ledge that is configured to releasably engage an interchangeable surgical tool that is formed with an anchor adapted to releasably mate to the capture ledge. The coupler may optionally incorporate a frangible portion that severs a portion of the coupler when the interchangeable surgical tool is removed from the apparatus to ensure single use operation of the tool.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another for manipulating tissue and a knife assembly for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. The forceps also includes a knife lockout mechanism operatively connected to the drive assembly. Movement of the drive assembly moves the knife lockout mechanism from a first orientation in obstructive relationship with the knife bar to prevent movement thereof to a second position which allows selective, unencumbered movement of the knife assembly to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The device includes a body that is sized and shaped to engage a working end of an endoscope. The body has a recess therein. The device also includes an electrode positioned on the body and communicative with an energy source for delivering energy to the electrode when performing the Therapeutic procedure on the patient. The device further includes an infection needle positioned in the recess and communicative with a fluid source for delivering fluid to the needle when performing the therapeutic procedure on the patient.

Abstract: A medical instrument for electrosurgery comprises a tubular shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, at least one jaw part arranged at the distal end of the shaft and movable relative to the tubular shaft about a pivot axis, at least one electrode arranged at the at least one jaw part, and at least one current supply line leading to the at least one electrode and designed as a wire-shaped element, a distal end of which being connected to the at least one electrode, the wire-shaped element being configured as a loop in the region of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A multifunction device for endoscopic surgery including a supply means for the supply of at least one fluid and forceps or a clamp which comprise forceps-shaped electrodes with jaw parts for high-frequency surgery. The supply means is formed to dissect tissue by means of a fluid jet at or in a jaw part of the forceps or clamp. The multifunction device is one for both water jet surgery and high-frequency coagulation and/or cutting that occupies no more space than a conventional high-frequency instrument or conventional forceps or clamps.

Abstract: An endoscopy system includes: a motor-driven operating device that an operation section of an accessory is attachable to, the operating device operating the operation section in a motor-driven manner, the accessory having an accessory insertion section to be introduced into a body cavity through an insertion section of an endoscope; a motor-driven forward/backward moving device, arranged in an operation section of the endoscope, for moving the accessory insertion section forward or backward in a motor-driven manner; a control device electrically connected to the motor-driven forward/backward moving device and the motor-driven operating device, the control device including a control unit for outputting control signals to the forward/backward moving device and the operating device and a memory unit for storing one or more treatment operation programs corresponding to accessories to be mounted on the motor-driven forward/backward moving device; and an operation instructing device electrically connected to the co

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument (5) for an endoscope or a catheter, which can be operated by means of a high-frequency current, contact electrosurgical treatment and non-contact plasma coagulation in an ionisable gas. A stationary electrode (33) is arranged on the distal end of a guiding tube (7) that can be introduced into the instrument channel (1) of an endoscope catheter (3), and when the electrosurgical electrode for the contact treatment is in the retracted position in the guiding tube (7), the stationary electrode is connected to the electrosurgical electrode (11) by means of a contact element (37).The retracted position of the electrode (11) can, but not necessarily, be maintained by an abutment (21) of a handling device (13) and/or by a suitable arrangement and measurement of the contact element (37). The retracted position of the electrode (11) does not need to be optically controlled.

Abstract: A loop section has a bending portion at the distal end. The bending portion bends in a direction that intersects the plane formed by the loop section. A diathermic snare is used in combination with an endoscope. When the loop section expands along the inner circumference of an engagement projection of a cap section, the bending portion of the loop section conforms to the corner of the bending portion of the projection.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that is configured for use in MIS electrosurgical procedures, comprises a handpiece with a separable electrosurgical electrode in the form of a micro-fiber, comprising a long, thin, flexible, insulated wire. The combination is configured to cooperate with the cannula of an endoscope to reach interior tissue. The handpiece is constructed to allow the tip with the micro-fiber active end to be deflected to navigate the fiber end in diverse directions under control of the user, and also allows the deflected position to be releasably clamped with the same hand that manipulates the micro-fiber active end.

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 invention is related to surgical instruments incorporating the usage of magnets for application in minimally invasive surgery to perform abdominal surgery with a single incision through the navel which is the most widely used, this incision can also be done through some natural orifice like the vagina, mouth, etc. The present invention also describes a surgical tool to manipulate the magnetic surgical devices, a surgical apparatus to position an external magnet during surgery, a surgical probe comprising at least a magnet at one of its ends, a surgical tool to manipulate spherical magnets and washers, a cannula with a system to fasten knots and to fit a catheter and a organ surgical retractor. Generally, the invention comprises instruments to perform cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), but they are also useful for all type of operation requiring mobilization, traction, counter-traction or also separation of abdominal organs.

Abstract: An ablation therapeutic device includes a therapeutic electrode which is disposed at a distal end portion of a resectoscope and has a first loop-shaped portion at a distal end thereof, and a compression section which has a second loop-shaped portion extending to a position in front of the therapeutic electrode, has a higher rigidity than the therapeutic electrode, and performs an ablation therapeutic treatment of a living body tissue by a push-out operation. The therapeutic electrode has a bend portion which is bent in an obliquely forward direction from a perpendicular plane to a direction of an axis of the resectoscope, and the compression section has a length in a direction of the perpendicular plane, which is less than a length of the bend portion of the therapeutic electrode in the direction of the perpendicular plane.

Abstract: A urological resectoscope having a tubular shaft (3) is disclosed, having a fixed optical guide tube (2), within which there is an optical system (1) that projects distally beyond the optical guide tube. An elongate, rod-shaped carrier (4) is provided, which carries a cutting instrument (6) at its distal end. The carrier (4) is longitudinally moveably mounted in the tubular shaft (3) outside the optical guide tube (2). The carrier is held distally from the optical guide tube (2) with a sliding tube (8) on the optical system (1) at a radial spacing from the axis of the optical system (1). The carrier is also secured in the peripheral rotary direction to the optical guide tube (2) with a rotary lock (9, 10). The rotary lock has a bar (9) parallel to the carrier (4) and connected to it and a distally open elongate slot (10) in the optical guide tube (2).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. The invention provides a variety of devices and methods for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternatively, heat-applying probes are configured to heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition to make the mucous membrane bulge during endoscopic surgery characterized in that it comprises a chitosan derivative containing carbohydrate chains. The use of the composition of the present invention as a liquid for bulging the mucous membrane during endoscopic surgery, maintain the bulge of the mucous membrane for a long period, and prevent perforation, resulting in the improved reliability of endoscopic surgery. The composition of the present invention also demonstrates prevention and inhibition of bleeding from the incised portion. The introduction of a photo-reactive group to the above chitosan derivative with carbohydrate chains allows the easy formation of a hydrogel through photo-crosslinking, leading to the further improvement in retention of the bulge and prevention of bleeding.

Abstract: A sphincterotome having a portion of its drive wire coated with a material selected from poly-p-xylylene, 2-chloro-p-xylylene, 2,4-dichloro-p-xylylene, poly(tetraflouro-p-xylylene), poly(carboxyl-p-xylylene-co-p-xylylene), fluorinated parylene, parylene HT, and any combination thereof. The coating preferably provides an electroinsulated coating on a portion of the drive wire exposed outside the sphincterotome shaft such that a non-electroinsulated portion of the exposed drive wire may be targeted more specifically to tissue desired to be cut.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure are disclosed. The method includes applying an active electrode to a patient and placing a return electrode on the patient so as to create a current path in tissue of the patient between the active electrode and the return electrode. A conductive element, which is operatively coupled to the active electrode, is coupled to a reference voltage with a low impedance path and a voltage is imparted to the active electrode so as to generate current in the current path. Any undesirable current flow that would otherwise flow from the active electrode to the reference voltage through the patient is limited to reduce a risk of harm to the patient.

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.