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

Abstract: An ablation catheter for the generation of linear lesions in the myocardium is provided with an elongated catheter body and a linear, substantially cylindrical ablation electrode on the distal end of the catheter body. At least one sensing electrode is disposed in the ablation electrode, insulated therefrom and embedded in the jacket thereof.

Abstract: A wire loop type instrument for an endoscope has a control wire axially movably inserted in a flexible sheath, and a wire loop connected to the distal end of the control wire. The wire loop is formed by an elastic wire. When the control wire is advanced, the wire loop projects from the distal end of the flexible sheath and expands in a loop shape by its own elasticity. When the control wire is retracted, the wire loop is pulled into the distal end of the flexible sheath and folded. The elastic wire is a stranded wire formed by twisting together a plurality of thin metal wires. The control wire is formed by twisting together a pair of elastic wires extending from the rear end of the wire loop in the opposite direction to the direction of twist of each elastic wire.

Abstract: Apparatus system and method for cauterizing a volume of tissue wherein electrode assemblies are deployed from the forward end region of an instrument in conjunction with an electrosurgical cutting activity. Upon deployment to one or more deployed orientations, the electrodes assemblies are made biactive and the cauterization of tissue is carried out in a bipolar fashion. Following the procedure, the electrode assemblies are retracted toward the instrument and the instrument is withdrawn from the tissue region.

Abstract: A medical ablation device system for treating endometrosis, gingivae, valvular annulus, or reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein an elongate tubular element comprises an electrode disposed at its distal section that is extendible from an opening at one side of the tubular element, the energy generator, and means for generating rotational sweeping force at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the heat treatment and the rotational sweeping massage therapy for target tissues.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool includes a cutting loop, which can be an RF cutting loop, which is secured to a shaft which rotates about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

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

Abstract: A surgical snare instrument according to several embodiments includes a first handle capable of controlling the rotational position of the snare, and a second handle adapted to control the opening and closing of the snare and cauterization. The first handle serves as a grippable element on the sheath and contains a system which rotates the shaft, and consequently the snare, so that when the physician grips the first handle, the physician is capable of steering the snare by operating the first handle. In addition, the physician is also capable of positioning the entire sheath relative to the endoscope by sliding the sheath into and out of the working channel of the endoscope. The proximal handle is operable by an assistant and permits longitudinal movement of the shaft and cautery application. According to other embodiments, the snare instrument is provided with a mount which enables the snare instrument to be adjustably fixed relative to an endoscope handle.

Abstract: A flexible sheath is removably inserted into an instrument-inserting channel of an endoscope. A treating member for applying a treatment to mucous membrane in a body cavity is projected from and withdrawn into the distal end of the sheath by an operation conducted at the proximal end of the sheath. An exposed electrode is provided at the distal end surface of the sheath. An electrically conductive member extending through the sheath is electrically connected at a distal end thereof to the electrode and at a proximal end thereof to a high-frequency power supply at the proximal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An improved radio-frequency catheter system for ablating biological tissues of a body vessel in a patient including a catheter, a deployable antenna guide disposed at the distal portion of the catheter and a radio-frequency (“RF”) antenna mounted on the antenna guide. The RF antenna includes a helical coil which defines an axial passageway to accommodate the antenna guide, and is adapted to receive and transmit RF energy for tissue ablation. Upon deployment, the antenna guide acquires a loop configuration which establishes line contact with the body vessel conformable to its internal contour to prescribe the precise and affixed tissue ablation pathway despite body vessel movements. The RF antenna is carried by the antenna guide to be deployed along the established tissue ablation pathway. Alignment of the loop with the desired tissue ablation pathway is facilitated with the use of radio-opaque markers and intracardiac electrodes mounted along the antenna guide.

Abstract: An endoscopic high-frequency treatment tool includes a flexible sheath, a manipulating wire, a fixed electrode and a moving electrode. The manipulating wire is inserted within the flexible sheath and is movable back and forth along a longitudinal axis thereof. The fixed electrode is connected to a tip of the flexible sheath. The moving electrode is connected to a tip of the manipulating wire, and opposes the fixed electrode to form a predetermined gap therebetween in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the manipulating wire. At least one of the fixing and moving electrodes receives a high-frequency current, and the moving electrode is movable toward and away from the fixed electrode by moving the manipulating wire back and forth.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting apparatus for performing laparoscopic section of an organ makes use of an electrical current transporter. The transporter includes a conducting wire, electrical insulation portions around the conducting wire at the first end and at the second end, forming respectively a first and a second insulated end and defining a non-insulated cutting portion between said first insulated end and said second insulated end, and a first fastening device located at the first end of the conducting wire and a second fastening device located at the second end of said conducting wire. The second fastening device is in electrical contact with the conducting wire.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

Abstract: A high-frequency snare for an endoscope has an electrically conductive control wire axially movably inserted in an electrically insulating sheath. A wire loop formed from an electrically conductive elastic wire is connected at the rear end thereof to the control wire. A distal end tip is attached to a bent portion at the distal end of the wire loop. The distal end tip has a pair of parallel through-holes. Two approximately parallel portions of the elastic wire bent in a U-shape at the bent portion of the wire loop are loosely passed through the through-holes, respectively, without being secured to the distal end tip.

Abstract: A surgical device including a relatively short shaft, a bendable spline assembly associated with the distal end of the shaft and having a predetermined configuration, the spline assembly being adapted to collapse in response to an application of an external force and to expand to the predetermined configuration in response to a withdrawal of the external force, and an operative element associated with the bendable spline assembly.

Abstract: In a surgical instrument for endoscopes, one end of an resecting section of a wire to be used for resecting a lesion is fixedly connected to a fluid injection needle, and the other end of the same is fixedly connected to a surgical instrument operation section. As a result, the retraction of the fluid injection needle and the resection of the lesion can be carried out by means of a single operation for sliding the treatment instrument operation section.

Abstract: A medical device for treating the uvula or airway obstructions by reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein a plurality of elongate tubular shafts comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer means disposed at its distal end portion of each shaft, an ultrasonic energy generating means, and a means for generating vibration at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the ablation having an additional vibrational massage therapy for the tissues.

Abstract: A steerable electrophysiology catheter includes a shaft having a distal ablation segment with one or more electrodes coupled to a source of electrical energy by a connector extending through the shaft. The distal ablation segment of the shaft is movable between a collapsed configuration sized for percutaneous introduction into the patient and/or endoluminal delivery to the target site and an expanded configuration, in which the distal ablation segment forms a substantially continuous surface transverse to the shaft axis for engaging the heart tissue and creating a linear lesion thereon. The catheter includes one or more force element(s) positioned to apply an axial force between the distal and proximal ends of the ablation segment. The force element(s) provide a sufficiently uniform force against the distal ablation segment to establish continuous contact pressure between the electrodes and the patient's heart tissue.

Abstract: An intravascular device and methods for forming multiple percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) holes in a heart chamber wall simultaneously. One device includes a basket formed of flexible arms carrying cutting probes over their length. The basket arms are outwardly arcuately biased so as to assume an outwardly bowed, arcuate shape when unconstrained. The device includes an inner shaft distally secured to a proximal portion of the basket and slidably disposed within an outer shaft. The inner shaft and collapsed basket can be retracted within the outer shaft, delivered intravascularly to the left ventricle, and distally advanced, forcing the basket to assume the bowed shape. Radio frequency current supplied to the electrical cutting probes burn holes into the ventricle wall and myocardium. One embodiment has high pressure fluid jet cutting means. Another embodiment uses a basket as an anchor to position a steerable cutting probe.

Abstract: A device for cutting tissue from a body comprises a cutting member including a cable formed of first and second conductors insulated from one another. The first and second conductors are arranged in an alternating distribution along the cutting member with the first conductor having a plurality of exposed portions forming a plurality of first electrodes and the second conductor having a plurality of exposed portions forming a plurality of second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are distributed along a cutting edge of the cutting member.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for treating the hemorrhoid, or reducing the dilatation of tubular cellular tissues, wherein an elongate tubular shaft comprises at least one extendible wire means disposed at its distal end portion of the shaft to form a cylindrical void and adapted to encircle the tubular cellular tissues with a RF energy therapy, and a means for pressing the wire means against the target tissue to effect the ablation and the pressure therapy for the tubular tissues.

Abstract: The knife has the flexible, electrically insulating casing (24) inserted into a body cavity via an endoscope. A wire within this casing receives the HF current from a HF source and can be displaced to project relative to a suction opening (38) at the distal end of the casing to define the cutting zone (42).The operating device at the proximal end of the casing has a suction mouthpiece coupling to the suction opening (38). The casing is strengthened via an inserted support ring (56) between the suction opening (38) and the cutting zone (42) and/or via an internal strengthening wire (50).ADVANTAGE--Prevents blockage of suction path during bending. (20 pp Dwg.No.

Abstract: A papillotome has an elongated sheath and plural longitudinal lumens, a proximal end and a distal end wherein the sheath is sized to be received within an endoscopic lumen. The distal end has a pre-curved shape memory tip for controlling the bending and orientation of the distal end. The pre-curved shape memory tip has a set configuration wherein the tip retains the set curve configuration when the distal end is in a relaxed configuration. A cutting wire having a longitudinal cutting edge is located along the distal end of the sheath which is movable in a cutting plane. The cutting wire is connected to a conductor disposed within one lumen of the sheath. A guidewire is disposed within another lumen of the sheath for guiding the pre-curved shape memory tip within the endoscopic lumen. A third lumen may be provided for delivering or injecting a fluid such as contrast.

Abstract: A surgical snare instrument includes a tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible shaft having proximal and distal ends extending through and axially movable relative to the sheath, a snare loop at the distal end of the shaft, and a handle assembly coupled to the proximal ends of the sheath and shaft for moving the shaft axially relative to the sheath. The handle assembly is provided with cautery capability to provide a cautery current to the snare loop. The snare loop is trained to have a proximal portion which extends along an angle or curve relative to the tubular member and a distal portion which is substantially parallel to the tubular member. As such, when the snare loop is axially moved beyond the distal end of the sheath, the distal portion of the snare loop; i.e., that portion which is adapted to engage a polyp, is oriented substantially parallel, yet non-axial, with the tubular member.

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: The heart catheter has at least one electrode pole, which is arranged on a spreadable device at the distal end of a catheter shaft. The device comprises at least two struts manufactured from an elastic material, which can be spread out following the contours of a cavity of the heart, in particular of a vestibule. Means are provided with which the electrode pole is displaceable along a strut.

Abstract: A medical ablation device system for treating endometrosis, gingivae or reducing the mass of cellular tissue, wherein an elongate tubular element comprises an electrode means disposed at its distal section, the energy generating means, and means for generating rotational sweeping force at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the heat treatment and the rotational sweeping massage therapy for the target tissue.

Abstract: A rotatable sphincterotome/papillotome is inserted into a flexible endoscope and is used for orienting the distal cutting wire tip of the rotatable sphincterotome/papillotome in a twelve o'clock position, where the distal cutting wire tip cuts the sphincter muscle of a patient. The sphincterotome has a housing and a flexible tubular member protruding from the housing. A slidable member is slidably connected on the housing for moving the distal cutting wire tip in a longitudinal direction to cut the sphincter muscle. A ratchet mechanism is rotatably attached to the housing for orienting the angle of the distal cutting wire tip to a correct cutting position, where the gripping assembly is rotatable on the ratchet mechanism. To change the angle of the distal cutting wire tip of the sphincterotome, a user must use one hand to hold the ratchet mechanism while the other hand rotates the housing, and thereby the angle of the distal cutting wire tip changes to a specific degree.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe with a variable morphology electrode includes a coil electrode extending through the distal end of a probe, an adjustment mechanism operable from a proximal end of the probe for changing the morphology of the coil electrode, and a connection for receiving a current for application through the electrode. The morphology of the electrode can be changed by adjusting the length of electrode which extends from the probe. In a preferred embodiment, the morphology of the electrode can also be changed through the use of slider having a shaped head which extends from the distal end of the probe and presses against the electrode. The shaped head of the slider can have a variety of shapes and when the shaped head of the slider urges against the electrode, the electrode is formed to the same shape as that of the distal end of the slider head. Also provided are mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the position of the slider and shaped head with respect to the electrode.

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: A wire loop type instrument for an endoscope that uses an elastic wire formed from a stranded wire bent into a U-shape and looped at the rear of the U-shaped bent portion. Each strand of the stranded wire has a non-circular cross-sectional configuration in which the strand is more resistant to bending in other directions than in a direction toward the center of the elastic wire. The stranded wire is formed by twisting together a plurality of strands each having a circular cross-section. The stranded wire is passed through a die with a hole having a smaller diameter than that of the stranded wire, thereby compression-deforming each strand into a non-circular cross-sectional configuration. A composite stranded wire may be used as the elastic wire, which is formed by twisting together a plurality of stranded wires each formed from a plurality of strands twisted together.

Abstract: A steerable electrophysiology catheter includes a shaft having a distal ablation segment with one or more electrodes coupled to a source of electrical energy by a connector extending through the shaft. The distal ablation segment of the shaft is movable between a collapsed configuration sized for percutaneous introduction into the patient and/or endoluminal delivery to the target site and an expanded configuration, in which the distal ablation segment forms a substantially continuous surface transverse to the shaft axis for engaging the heart tissue and creating a linear lesion thereon. The catheter includes one or more force element(s) positioned to apply an axial force between the distal and proximal ends of the ablation segment. The force element(s) provide a sufficiently uniform force against the distal ablation segment to establish continuous contact pressure between the electrodes and the patient's heart tissue.

Abstract: A novel electrode for use in an electrosurgical dermatological curretage procedure. It comprises a blade-shaped loop formed by folding a blade-shaped band to form at its center a generally circular loop with a sharpened edge. The electrode is uniquely configured to fit into a commercially available blade handpiece. The procedure using the electrode of the invention is based on performing essentially the same kind of dermatological excisions as was used heretofore but the structure of the electrosurgical electrode of the invention uses electrosurgical currents to excise or scoop out the diseased tissue and simultaneously electrocoagulates blood vessels and destroys any diseased tissue adjacent to and underlying the cavity or area that was curettaged.

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: 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: A flexible electrode support is bent to define an arcuate shape that extends beyond the distal end of an associated guide body. At least one of the ends of the support is free of attachment to the distal end. By moving the free end, a user can push upon or pull against the structure to alter its arcuate shape to assure intimate contact with tissue.

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 device (24) for creating a smooth transition in the intimal lining (18) of a blood vessel (16) during an endarterectomy procedure on a patient (2) includes a delivery catheter (28) insertable into the blood vessel at an opening (8) in the blood vessel. An intimal lining cutter (38, 56) is disposed at the distal end (30) of the catheter. When in proper position, that is where the intimal lining separates from the vessel wall (20), the cutter is actuated to cut the intimal lining without leaving a flap of intimal lining within the blood vessel. The cutter can be of different types, including electrocautery coil (38) or a radially extending cutter blade (56). The invention is typically used with a ring stripper (14) and permits the endarterectomy to be performed using only a single incision into the vessel.

Abstract: A sphincterotome adapted to be used in the lumen of an endoscope for cutting a sphincter in a patient's body using a cutting wire energized by an electrosurgical unit. The sphincterotome has a distal end segment and cutting plane orienting mechanism extending through the length of a sphincterotome tubular body between a handle assembly at the proximal end of the sphincterotome body and a distal end segment thereof for shifting the cutting plane laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sphincterotome tubular body exiting the endoscope lumen. The lateral shift is in at least one lateral direction from an un-shifted position of the cutting plane with respect to the longitudinal axis whereby in use during a sphincterotomy, the cutting wire may be oriented into alignment with a particular feature of the sphincter, e.g.

Abstract: A catheter which can be utilized for mapping and/or for ablation in the chamber or chambers of a heart or another body organ has a flexible sheath the distal end of which can be advanced through a blood vessel or another body passage into a selected chamber. A wire-like guide has a distal end portion affixed to the distal end of the sheath and is slidable in a lumen of the sheath so as to form a loop adjacent to and located externally of the distal end of the sheath. The guide and its loop are used as a device for steering the distal end portion of a tubular conductor assembly to any one of a number of different positions relative to the surface surrounding the chamber. The size of the loop is reduced prior to introduction of the distal end of the sheath into and prior to extraction of such distal end from a selected chamber.

Abstract: A tissue segmentation device incorporated in an isolation bag for segmenting tissue during an operation such as in laparoscopic surgery. The device includes one or more loops of high strength wire which can be mechanically reduced in size to cut the tissue into smaller pieces. The wire loops can be heated electrically to aid in cutting through hard-to-cut parts of the tissue. The wire can be of a shape memory alloy which shrinks when heated to form a smaller diameter loop.

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 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal surface grooves which increase surface area of the electrode and also enhance traction of the electrode. Other embodiments of the invention have eccentric convex or concave surfaces to further increase the surface area 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: A surgical apparatus for simultaneously deploying a first instrument while retrieving a second instrument from the distal end of a sheath and vice versa with a single stroke actuator. The actuator includes an elongated support having a provision for grasping at one end thereof, a first sliding member having provisions for grasping and which is movable in first and second directions relative to the support, and a second sliding member operably coupled to the first sliding member such that translation of the first and second sliding members is in opposite directions relative to the support. The first sliding member is connected to the first instrument and the second sliding member is connected to the second instrument.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for delivering controlled heat to perform ablation to treat the benign prosthetic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). According to the method and the apparatus, the energy is transferred directly into the tissue mass which is to be treated in such a manner as to provide tissue ablation without damage to surrounding tissues. Automatic shut-off occurs when any one of a number of surrounding areas to include the urethra or surrounding mass or the adjacent organs exceed predetermined safe temperature limits. The constant application of the radio frequency energy over a maintained determined time provides a safe procedure which avoids electrosurgical and other invasive operations while providing fast relief to BPH with a short recovery time. The procedure may be accomplished in a doctor's office without the need for hospitalization or surgery.

Abstract: A medical probe for the treatment by radio frequency ablation of a target volume in tissue of a human having a urethral channel extending into the base of a bladder along a longitudinal axis. The probe comprises an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities and is sized so that it can be introduced into the urethra. The elongate probe member has a passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. Guide cannulae are mounted in the passage of the elongate probe member and have proximal and distal extremities with the distal extremities of the guide cannulae being in the vicinity of the distal extremity of the elongate probe member. Each of the guide cannulae have a lumen extending therethrough from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A radio frequency conductive electrode is disposed in each lumen. An insulating sleeve is coaxially disposed on each radio frequency electrode. A control handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member.

Abstract: A medical probe device for treatment of the prostate of a human male having a bladder with a base with a urethra formed by a urethral wall extending into the base of the bladder with the prostate having tissue surrounding the urethra near the base of the bladder with a catheter having a control end and a probe end and a passageway extending from the control end to the probe end along a longitudinal axis. A flexible stylet assembly is slidably mounted in the passageway in the catheter and has a distal extremity. The stylet assembly includes a conductive electrode and a sleeve of insulating material surrounding the conductive electrode and permitting a predetermined portion of the conductive electrode to be exposed.

Abstract: An elastically deformable element having multiple stacked strips for articulation in an endoscopic surgical instrument. The deformable element is usable in a variable retractor and an instrument having an articulating housing. The working section of the retractor variably moves from a curved configuration when outside of a sheath to a substantially straightened configuration when inside the sheath.

Abstract: Bipolar surgical instruments for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue are provided that feature increased manufacturability and durability, reduced component cost and reduced assembly requirements. The bipolar instruments include opposite polarity electrodes isolated by a layer of electrical insulation deposited and specially prepared to reduce electrical breakdown and increase smoothness. A pivot pin connecting the electrodes is impregnated with hydrophobic material, and organic materials are generally avoided in the components and manufacture of the instruments. A simplified design for an endoscopic bipolar instrument is also provided to reduce cost and improve manufacturability and durability of such devices.