Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument is disclosed, which includes an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior chamber containing a battery powered lighting assembly for illuminating a surgical site, the housing having a smoke evacuation tube associated therewith for removing smoke generated at the surgical site, wherein the smoke evacuation tube is adapted and configured to extend and retract relative to the distal end portion of the housing to accommodate different length end effectors associated with the handheld electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system monitors and visually indicates a degree of contact between a return electrode and a patient's skin. The system includes an electrosurgical generator and a return pad. The return pad includes a return electrode, a lighting element, and a cable electrically and mechanically coupling the return electrode to the generator. The lighting element is configured to emit light based on the degree of contact between the return electrode and the patient.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerabilily to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an RF current generator, a handle body, and an end effector in mechanical communication with the handle body. The end effector has a first jaw including a first electrode having a first electrode surface in electrical communication with a first terminal of the generator. The end effector also includes a second jaw including a second electrode having an essentially planar second electrode surface in electrical communication with a second terminal of the generator The first jaw includes at least one feature configured to apply an amount of a compressive force to a tissue compressed between the at least one feature and the second electrode surface that differs from an amount of a compressive force applied to the tissue compressed between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface when the first jaw is placed in a proximate position to the second jaw.

Abstract: An arthroscopic system includes a hand piece with a motor drive. an elongate shaft assembly is detachably secured to a distal end of the hand piece, and the elongate shaft assembly includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve rotatably mounted in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve couples to the motor drive when the elongate shaft assembly is attached to the hand piece, and an inner distal cutting window on the inner sleeve moves in and out of alignment with an outer distal cutting window on the outer sleeve as the motor drive rotates the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A tunable static balancer arrangement on a mechanic device, for adjustably compensating a positive force needed to actuate a moveable part of the device from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Surgical forceps can include a drive pin an outer tube, a first jaw, a second jaw, and an inner tube. The outer tube can define a longitudinal axis. The first jaw can be pivotably connected to the outer tube. The first jaw can include a pair of flanges located at a proximal portion of the first jaw, where each flange can include a track receiving the drive pin. The inner tube can be located within the outer tube and can extend along the longitudinal axis. The inner tube can include a pair of arms extending from a distal portion of the inner tube. The drive pin can be securable to the pair of arms. The inner tube can be translatable within the outer tube to drive the drive pin along the tracks to move the second jaw between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical unit electrically coupled to a surgical retractor. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output and an RF return. The surgical retractor includes a return pad electrically coupled to the RF return of the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical device, such as an electrosurgical device configured in a monopolar mode. A controller is configured to determine an impedance in tissue at a surgical area electrically disposed between the RF output and the and the RF return. The surgical retractor includes a handle and a blade configured to interface with tissue. The blade includes a return electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electroporation systems, methods of controlling electroporation systems to limit electroporation arcs through intracardiac catheters, and catheters for electroporation systems. One method of controlling an electroporation system including a direct current (DC) energy source, a return electrode connected to the DC energy source, and a catheter connected to the DC energy source is disclosed. The catheter has a at least one catheter electrode. The method includes positioning the return electrode near a target location within a body and positioning the catheter electrode adjacent the target location within the body. A system impedance is determined with the return electrode positioned near the target location and the catheter electrode positioned within the body. The system impedance is adjusted to a target impedance to arcing from the catheter electrode.

Abstract: A bipolar radiofrequency (RF) device for treating tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid includes a headpiece and a probe. The handpiece has a motor drive, a receiving channel, and an active electrical contact on an inner wall of the receiving channel. A return electrical contact is disposed proximally of the active electrical contact on the inner wall of the receiving channel. A probe includes a proximal hub and an elongated shaft extending distally about a longitudinal axis from the proximal hub, and the hub being may be inserted into and removed from the receiving channel of the handpiece. A working end of the probe is located at a distal end of the elongated shaft, and the working end includes an active electrode and a return electrode. A return electrical contact is located proximally of an active electrical contact on an outer surface of the hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy using energy delivery devices with flexible and adjustable tips.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a movable handle coupled thereto and movable between an initial position and a compressed position. A drive bar is operably coupled to the movable handle such that movement of the movable handle between the initial and compressed positions effects longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The drive bar further includes a coupling member disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. Each jaw member defines a cam slot. A cam pin is slidably disposed within the cam slot of each of the jaw members. The coupling member is configured to releasably engage the cam pin such that movement of the movable handle between the initial position and the compressed position effects movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade assembly with argon beam capability and an ultrapolar electrosurgery pencil with argon beam capability that are both capable of using monopolar energy in a bipolar mode for cutting and coagulation and using ionized gas for cutting and coagulation.

Abstract: A medical device includes a thermal source that generates heat, a base that has an outer surface and to which the heat from the thermal source is transferred, a first coating that contacts one part of the outer surface of the base and a second coating that is provided on the outer surface of the base, and is exposed and electrically conductive. The second coating supplies, a high-frequency current to an object to be treated. The medical device also includes a laminated portion that includes the first coating in the outer surface of the base extends and a portion of the second coating that is laminated on the first coating.

Abstract: An end effector of an electrosurgical forceps includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a cap. The first jaw member has a pivot pin extending inwardly from an inner lateral side thereof. The second jaw member is pivotably coupled to the pivot pin. The cap couples the first and second jaw members to one another.

Abstract: A knife assembly for use with a surgical instrument includes a knife having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end including an aperture defined therein having a series of spaced apart fins extending thereacross. A knife drive rod is included and is configured to operably engage the fins to secure the knife drive rod to the knife. A retention mechanism is operably disposed at a distal end of the knife drive rod and is configured to secure the knife drive rod in engagement between the fins.

Abstract: A fluid injection line compensation assembly for an intravascular catheter system including a balloon catheter having a guidewire lumen and a cryoballoon, includes a fluid injection line, a proximal fluid injection line stop, and a distal fluid injection line stop. The fluid injection line has a fluid discharge region positioned within the cryoballoon. The fluid discharge region includes a fluid port so that cryogenic fluid can be distributed from the fluid injection line to within the cryoballoon. The fluid discharge region is not affixed to the guidewire lumen. The proximal fluid injection line stop is positioned adjacent to the guidewire lumen, the proximal fluid injection line stop being positioned within the cryoballoon. The distal fluid injection line stop is positioned adjacent to the guidewire lumen so that the fluid discharge region is positioned between the proximal fluid injection line stop and the distal fluid injection line stop.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and an ultrapolar electrosurgery pencil that can be used in both monopolar and bipolar modes for cutting and coagulating tissue. The ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes a non-conductive member with opposing planar sides, a cutting end with a sharp cutting edge, and an opposite non-cutting end, an active electrode located on one of the opposing planar sides of the non-conductive member, and a return electrode located on the other opposing planar side of the non-conductive member.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a distal end of an applicator and delivering RF energy inside a mouth, applying one or more electrodes to a treatment area inside the mouth, and applying RF energy to the treatment area to increase its temperature. The method includes measuring tissue surface temperature in the treatment area with a temperature sensor; and adjusting RF energy automatically to achieve collagen remodeling and avoid tissue coagulation or ablation and thereby treat a sleep obstructing disorder.

Abstract: Electrosurgery blades including electrosurgery blade assemblies having argon beam capability. The electrosurgery blade includes a non-conductive planar member having opposite planar sides and a sharp cutting tip and a conductive layer located on one or both of the opposing planar sides of the non-conductive layer. In embodiments of the electrosurgery blade assemblies having argon beam capability, the electrosurgery blade assembly includes a non-conductive tube member having a hollow tubular shaped opening and a slot where at least a portion of the conductive layer of the electrosurgery blade is positioned within the slot of the non-conductive tube member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endoscopic implant cutting and/or fragmenting apparatus of the bipolar type, operating on direct current, comprising an endoscope instrument having at least two opposing electrodes at its distal instrument head forming a cutting gap inbetween for receiving an electrically conductive implant or implant section to generate punctiform physical contact with the implant, and a DC-impulse generator connected to a control device adapted to generate a direct current in a pulsed way such that in a first phase of physical contact, the current pulse is adjusted to induce electric energy into the implant material being sufficient to melt the implant material exclusively in the area of the contact portion and in a second phase of physical noncontact, the current pulse is adjusted to generate an electric arc between at least one electrode and the melted implant material being sufficient to cut the melted implant material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided that includes a handset having a shaft extending therefrom, a pair of active electrodes at a distal end of the shaft, and a movable, electrically floating electrode selectively positionable between the active electrodes. The floating electrode, when positioned to contact tissue between the active electrodes, modifies the electrosurgical current flows through tissue. The resultant modified current flows enables a surgeon to more effectively to control tissue desiccation by focusing electrosurgical energy toward targeted tissue and by reducing peripheral current flows. Embodiments are provided wherein the active electrodes include cooling provisions. Related electrosurgical systems and method of use are also provided.

Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.

Abstract: In general, surgical devices switchable between monopolar functionality and bipolar functionality are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is configured to selectively apply each of bipolar energy and monopolar energy.

Abstract: Electrosurgical devices including a shaft, a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes an electrically insulating material covering a substantial portion of the distal end portion and leaving an exposed portion which acts as an active electrode for delivery of electrical energy to tissue. A conduit in the shaft extending to an opening in the distal end portion facilitates aspiration of tissue and may provide suction simultaneous with delivery of electrical energy. Systems include an electrosurgical device, a source of electrical energy and may optionally include a source of suction and/or a source of fluid delivery or irrigation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided and includes a handset having a shaft extending therefrom. The electrosurgical device includes a pair of electrodes disposed at a distal end of the shaft. One or more sensors are in operable communication with the pair of electrodes to detect a pressure applied thereto. The amount of electrosurgical energy that is transmitted to the pair of electrodes is proportional to the amount of pressure that is applied to the pair of electrodes and detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An endoscopic vessel harvester cuts and cauterizes side branches from a target vessel using a cutter member that extends at a distal end of an insertion member. The cutter member has a plate defining a slit for receiving a side branch. A cutting electrode is disposed at a base of the slit and a pair of grounding electrodes are each mounted to an outer surface of the plate on opposite sides of the slit. Each grounding electrode has a raised longitudinal ridge adjoining a portion of the slit including the base of the slit and has a spot cautery wing extending laterally away from the slit with a surface configured to engage a surface of the tunnel. The longitudinal ridges each have an upright jamb surface configured to contact the side branch remotely from the cutting electrode so that it is unnecessary to make a grounding contact on the tunnel.

Abstract: In a treatment system, an energy treatment instrument includes a pair of grasping pieces closing with respect to each other. An energy output source outputs electric energy to the energy treatment instrument, thereby applying treatment energy to a treatment target grasped between the grasping pieces. A processor creates an optical flow of the treatment target observed by an observation element, and switches an actuation state of the energy treatment instrument between a first mode for treating the treatment target and a second mode for treating the treatment target that is different from the first mode, based on the optical flow.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes lop and bottom thin elongated conductive members in vertical, alignment and spaced apart, from one another along their lengths, a non-conductive coating covering both the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members and the space located between them to create opposing non-conductive sides of the blade with conductive cutting and ends and conductive non-cutting ends exposed, and both return and active contact layers located on each of the opposing non-conductive sides of the blade. An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade assembly having argon beam capability further includes a non-conductive tube member having a slot positioned over the top of the ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and a conductive hollow tubular member contained within at least a portion of the non-conductive tube member.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and an ultrapolar electrosurgery blade assembly. The ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes top and bottom thin elongated conductive members in vertical alignment and spaced apart from one another along their lengths where each of the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members includes opposing planar sides, a sharp cutting end, and an opposite non-cutting end, and a non-conductive coating covering both opposing sides of the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members and the space located between them where the cutting ends of the elongated conductive members and their opposite non-cutting ends remain exposed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a marking assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw; a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween; and a tissue-treatment mechanism configured to apply a tissue treatment to tissue grasped between the first jaw and the second jaw. The marking assembly configured to apply a distinct marking to the tissue unique to each tissue treatment application, wherein the distinct marking distinguishes the tissue treatment application from other tissue treatment applications.

Abstract: A colpotomy system includes a colpotomy cup that extends to a distal surface and defines a longitudinal axis. The colpotomy system further includes a cutter operably coupled to the colpotomy cup and configured to travel along an arcuate path defined about the distal surface of the colpotomy cup. The cutter actuatable to separate a uterus from a vagina as the cutter rotates about the longitudinal axis of the colpotomy cup.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.

Abstract: An electrosurgical medical device includes an elongate shaft defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen there through. A fluid conduit is disposed within the lumen. A first electrode is at least partially disposed within the lumen and extends distally from the distal end of the shaft, the first electrode is sized and configured to cut tissue with radiofrequency energy. A second electrode is arranged in a bipolar configuration with the first electrode, the second electrode is coupled to ground and configured to receive radiofrequency energy from the first electrode. The second electrode is defined by at least a portion the shaft and extending a distance away from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface assembly and a shaft assembly. The interface assembly is for use with a robotic system and includes a first drive assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first slot having a distal recess and a transverse recess. The shaft assembly is removably couplable with the interface assembly and includes an end effector and a first coupling feature. The first drive assembly of the interface assembly actuates the end effector of the shaft assembly. The first coupling feature is couplable with the first slot of the first drive assembly to longitudinally fix the shaft assembly relative to the interface assembly.

Abstract: Surgical devices for use with robotic surgical systems and their methods of use are described. In some embodiments, the surgical device may include an actuator that interfaces with an end effector of an arm of a robotic surgical system. An output from the end effector may actuate the actuator to perform an operation of the surgical device. In some embodiments, the surgical device may include a retainer that retains at least a portion of the surgical device on a distal portion of the arm of the robotic surgical system during actuation. In other embodiments, the surgical device may include a portion that is engaged by a second robotic surgical arm to hold at least a portion of the surgical device stationary relative to the robotic surgical arm engaged with the actuator of the surgical device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. A knife deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the first shaft member and includes at least one trigger and at least one linkage coupling the at least one trigger with the knife such that pivoting of the at least one trigger relative to the first shaft member translates the knife between the retracted and extended positions. A knife lockout biased towards a locked position inhibits distal translation of the knife. The knife lockout is movable from the locked position to an unlocked position upon approximation of the jaw members to permit distal translation of the knife.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly rotatable relative to the body, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly and having an RF electrode operable to seal tissue with RF energy. An electrical contact assembly is arranged proximally of the end effector and is configured to electrically couple the RF electrode with an RF energy source. The electrical contact assembly includes a first electrical contact secured to the body and a second electrical contact secured to the shaft assembly. The first contact is configured to electrically couple with the RF energy source. The second contact is electrically coupled with the RF electrode and the first contact, and is configured to rotate with the shaft assembly relative to the first contact. The first and second electrical contacts are configured to remain electrically coupled throughout rotation of the shaft assembly relative to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first handle, and a second handle. The second jaw is pivotally coupled with the first jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to grasp tissue. The jaws provide offset electrode surfaces that are operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. The apparatus is further operable to sever tissue. A lockout feature selectively prevents tissue severing, based on an energization state of the jaws.

Abstract: A manipulator includes: an elongated body portion that can be inserted into a body; and an energy treatment mechanism provided at a distal end of the body portion. The energy treatment mechanism is provided with gripping pieces that can grip body tissue and an energy applying part configured to apply energy to the body tissue gripped by the gripping pieces. The body portion is provided with an energy transfer part configured to transfer energy to the energy applying part and a force amplifying mechanism configured to amplify gripping force of the gripping pieces.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.

Abstract: Provided is a bipolar electrode probe, which includes a conductive needle, an insulation layer, a conductive sleeve, and an insulation sleeve. The conductive needle has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The insulation layer covers the conductive needle and has a first opening. The conductive sleeve covers the insulation layer and has a second opening. The insulation sleeve covers the conductive sleeve. When the bipolar electrode probe is turned on, a longitudinal electric field is formed from a front end of the conductive needle to the conductive sleeve along the longitudinal direction. A transverse electric field is formed from the conductive needle to the conductive sleeve via the first opening and the second opening along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical implant-cutting instrument of the bipolar type, operated with direct current, with an instrument head which is located at the distal end of an instrument shank, wherein at least two mutually opposing instrument branches, preferably of the linear type, are arranged on the instrument head and between them define a cutting gap for receiving an electrically conductive implant or implant section between them. The electrodes are formed on the mutually facing longitudinal sides of the branches or these are each equipped with at least one electrode, which electrodes are in turn shaped at their mutually facing longitudinal sides to form a cutting edge in order to effect a quasi-linear or punctiform physical contact engagement with the electrically conductive implant or implant section for an electrical short circuit of the mutually opposing electrodes.

Abstract: A clip-over disposable assembly includes a switch assembly and a disposable body. The disposable body includes a first disposable member, a second disposable member including first and second wall portions, and a third disposable member. The first wall portion defines a first aperture therethrough and a first cavity configured to receive therein a first portion of the switch assembly. The third disposable member includes a third wall portion, wherein a body of the second disposable member and the third wall portion define an opening configured to allow a shaft of a hemostat-style surgical instrument to pass therethrough. The second wall portion and the third wall portion cooperatively define a chamber in communication with the opening and configured to receive therein at least a portion of the shaft of the hemostat-style surgical instrument, wherein the at least a portion of the shaft is received in the chamber from an off-axis position.

Abstract: The devices and method described herein allow for therapeutic damage to increase volume in these hyperdynamic hearts to allow improved physiology and ventricular filling and to reduce diastolic filling pressure by making the ventricle less stiff.

Abstract: An end effector includes a grasping portion that includes a first jaw member having a first electrode, a second jaw member having a second electrode, a first electrically conductive member located either on the first jaw member or the second jaw member, and a gap setting portion having a second electrically conductive member located at the distal end of either the first jaw member or the second jaw member. The electrically insulative member is sized and configured to engage tissue and the second electrically conductive member sized and configured to define a minimum distance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a tissue with an electric treatment by rotating a pattern of electrodes partway through a treatment is disclosed. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses to treat tissue, including treating skin disorders, by selectively de-nucleating epidermal cells without provoking a significant inflammatory response, e.g., without increasing the density of leukocytes in the treated skin, and without affecting the non-cellular components of the dermis.

Abstract: An emitter assembly can include a proximal shaft, a distal shaft, a shunt that connects the proximal shaft to the distal shaft, and a tip that is connected to a distal end of the distal shaft. An inner conductor can extend through the proximal shaft, the shunt, and the distal shaft and into the tip to provide microwave energy to the tip. An outer conductor can extend into the shunt. The shunt can therefore form an electrical connection between the outer conductor and a proximal ring of electrically conductive material formed on an exterior surface of the distal shaft. Distal shaft can be made of a thermally conductive but electrically insulated material to facilitate transfer of heat from the distal shaft to the proximal shaft.

Abstract: A tissue fusion instrument having electrodes that are only connected in a punctiform manner to their electrode carrier such that they are electrically conducting and thus, heat-conducting.

Abstract: The devices and method described herein allow for therapeutic damage to increase volume in these hyperdynamic hearts to allow improved physiology and ventricular filling and to reduce diastolic filling pressure by making the ventricle less stiff.