Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least three electrodes. The generator comprises an RF output stage having at least a pair of RF output lines, a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage, and a controller capable of varying the RF power signal supplied to the output lines. The system also includes a selection circuit having at least three output connections each in electrical connection with a respective one of the at least three electrodes. This selection circuit operates to vary the coupling between the RF output stage and the three or more output connections.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member suach as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: A bipolar coagulating instrument includes a blade-like electrode assembly comprising an upper planar face and a lower planar face separated by an intermediate portion of insulating material therebetween. The upper face includes first and second electrodes separated by a first insulating member, and the lower face includes third and fourth electrodes separated by a second insulating member. The first and second insulating members are out of correlation one with respect to the other, such that there is at least one region in which the first electrode overlies the third electrode, and at least one other region in which the first electrode overlies the fourth electrode. A cutting electrode is provided between the upper and lower faces, extending marginally beyond the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument including an introducer having a channel therein and an electrically conductive snare slidably positioned within the channel and slidable between an undeployed position wherein it is substantially retracted within the channel and a deployed position wherein a distal portion of the snare extends outwardly from the channel. The electrically conductive snare is substantially insulated along its length but has an active and a return electrode exposed through a predetermined exposed section. The instrument further includes a retention element at a distal end of the snare for securing the distal end of the snare to the introducer to form a looped configuration of the snare, and at least one fluid delivery channel extending through the introducer between a fluid inlet sand a fluid outlet at the distal end of the introducer and located in proximity to the exposed section of the snare.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of the heart. One exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia. This method includes positioning a distal tissue-contacting portion of a body in surface contact with a tissue surface of cardiac tissue; detecting the surface contact between the tissue-contacting portion and the tissue surface; and thereafter, injecting a tissue-ablating agent into the cardiac tissue through the tissue-contacting portion of the body.

Abstract: A bipolar tubular shaft instrument (1) has instrument legs (3) and (4), for the operation of which a pull- and/or push rod (6) is axially displaceable within a tube (7). These two parts are insulated relative to one another and are connected to current terminals (11) and (12). For electrically connecting the push rod, a plug pin (15) is provided which is displaceable relative to an opposing contact (14) and engaged therewith. The plug pin (15) is arranged on the push rod (6) neighboring the connecting joint (9) with the actuating handle (10) in generally in a direction of orientation and movement. Thus the contact remains in existence in spite of the movement, and is present in each case upon the instrument legs being closed.

Abstract: Improved pacing thresholds for capturing the heart are achieved by forming a discontinuity in the cardiac tissue of the heart chamber, disposing a pacing electrode at a distance exceeding a space constant of the cardiac tissue from the discontinuity in the cardiac tissue, and applying a stimulus of a first polarity at an energy insufficient to cause the directly stimulated tissue adjacent to the pacing electrode to propagate a depolarization wave through the cardiac tissue mass of the heart chamber but sufficient to induce a transmembrane potential change at the tissue adjacent to the discontinuity that results in a propagated wave front. Thus, pacing energy is advantageously reduced.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for spinal procedures comprises a generally scoop-shaped cup whose periphery is electrically active and is capable of applying RF electrosurgical currents to spinal tissue. The active electrode may comprise an exposed bare wire at the leading edge of the cup. A conduit in a handle section can convey suction to the cup. A tissue clearing member is pivotably mounted on or inside the cup and can be manipulated via a lever on the handle to help dislodge tissue. The tissue clearing member may be a radially-extending vane for rotation in the plane of the cup edge. The tissue clearing member may also be made electrically active thus selectively providing unipolar or bipolar operation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument and method is provided for transecting an organ. The electrosurgical instrument includes an introducer having a channel therein, and a conductive wire positioned in and deployable from the channel. A deployment device on the introducer is capable of moving the conductive wire between an undeployed position wherein it is substantially positioned within the channel, and a deployed position wherein a portion is deployed from and positioned outside of the channel and has a substantially looped configuration. A capture element at the distal end of the introducer can secure the distal end of the wire to the introducer, and the deployment device can subsequently move the wire toward the undeployed position to thereby cinch the conductive wire.

Abstract: An electric operation apparatus includes a high-frequency generating device which generates high-frequency current for treating the body anatomy, an active electrode which supplies to the body anatomy, the high-frequency current generated by the high-frequency generating device, a solution supply device which supplies a conductive solution around the active electrode, a return electrode which returns, via the conductive solution supplied by the solution supply device, the high-frequency current supplied to the body anatomy from the active electrode in the conductive solution, a sensor which detects a conductive state of the high-frequency current that flows between the active electrode and the return electrode, and a control device which determines a state of bubbles generated around the active electrode and which changes an operation mode, based on the conductive state of the high-frequency current detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forcep having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member (439) for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is provided having an active power element and a current return element extending through a flexible multilumen tube to be electrically insulated from each other. The active power element extends through the multilumen tube and terminates in a “J-hook” and is connected to a conductive power contact through a constructed form fit. The return element extends through the multilumen tube and directly connects to a power return contact, thus eliminating any joints in the electrical path.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes an RF device that has an RF electrode with dielectric and conductive portions. The RF device is configured to be coupled to an RF energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the RF device. A memory is coupled to the RF device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member, and the RF energy source.

Abstract: A multifunctional telescopic monopolar/bipolar electrosurgery pencil is disclosed for use with an electrosurgery unit (ESU). The monopolar/bipolar electrosurgery pencil includes a bipolar electrode having an insulator sandwiched between an active electrode and a return electrode wherein the bipolar electrode is connected to a handpiece capable of alternately effectuating cutting and coagulation with the bipolar electrode. The monopolar/bipolar electrosurgery pencil is capable of functioning as both a monopolar and bipolar device and can be used for open and closed laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. Telescopic means for adjusting the length of the bipolar electrode is also provided as are means for smoke evacuation and suction/irrigation. The multifunctional telescopic monopolar/bipolar device can also be adapted for use with an ESU argon beam coagulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a molecule through a mammalian barrier membrane of at least one layer of cells comprising the steps of: ablating the membrane with an electric current from a treatment electrode; and utilizing a driving force to move the molecule through the perforated membrane.

Abstract: A virtual ablation electrode assembly includes a non-conductive outer cap fitted over an inner electrode to form a fluid chamber between a cap inner surface and an exterior surface of the electrode. The inner electrode includes an interior fluid trunk and one or more fluid distribution branches extending from the fluid trunk to the exterior surface. A plurality of pores extends between the cap inner surface and a cap outer surface. When the electrode is energized and when fluid is delivered through the one or more fluid distribution branches from the trunk, the conductive fluid fills the fluid chamber and flows out from the chamber through the plurality of pores of the cap establishing ionic transport of ablation energy from the inner electrode to a target site in close proximity to the cap.

Abstract: A cooled electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device having at least one electrode for applying electrical energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the electrode includes an internal cavity in which a cooling medium such as water is contained. The internal cavity is closed at both ends of the device such that the cooling medium is contained within the electrode at the surgical site such that the cooling medium does not contact the tissue being treated. The electrosurgical device has an electrode and a heat pipe to conduct heat from the electrodes where substantially all heat conducted from the electrode through the heat pipe is dissipated along the length of the heat pipe. The heat pipe can have a thermal time constant less than 60 seconds and preferably less than 30 seconds.

Abstract: Delivery elements, including needle electrodes and sheaths of tissue ablation devices, containing a conductivity-enhancing agent are discussed. The delivery elements contain a body member and optionally one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is disposed on or in the body member and/or at least one of the one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is capable of eluting from the delivery element when the delivery element is contacted with bodily tissue or fluid and increases conductivity of the tissue, making tissue ablation more efficient.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and tissue vaporizing instrument, also referred to as an electrosurgical instrument, is in the form of a scalpel or scissors. The scalpel has a handle portion and a blade portion mounted on the handle portion. The blade portion has a smaller front section which acts as an active electrode, a larger rear section which acts as a return electrode, and an insulating middle section separating the two electrodes. A plurality of ports and conduits are formed in the blade portion, with the conduits extending through the handle portion, so that saline may be supplied to the handle and blade portions and out of the ports to the targeted area for tissue transection, and so that excess saline may be drawn by suction through other ports formed on the blade portion. The scissors include two cross-pivotally joined blades, each having a tip portion functioning as either an active electrode or as a return electrode.

Abstract: Endoscopic bipolar scissor blades are formed in a laminate assembly of an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically insulating material, and a metal shearing surface which is electrically insulated and physically spaced from the electrode by the insulating material which is disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the electrode is a metal blade, while the insulating material is a ceramic which is fixed to the metal blade, and the metal shearing surface which also provides the cutting edge is of a metal material which is fixed to the ceramic. In a second embodiment, the insulating material is a molded ceramic blade, with the electrode and the metal shearing surface layer metalized or otherwise fixed to the ceramic blade. In a third embodiment, the electrode is metalized on a thin layer insulating material which is fixed onto a metallic blade. In a fourth embodiment, metallic shearing and electrode layers are laminated to opposite sides of a fiberglass material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises at least two elongate hollow tubes (14, 15), each having an aperture (18) at the distal end portion. The inner tube (14) is disposed within the other tube (15), and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A cutting tool (4) is located at the distal end of the tube (14), and is positioned adjacent to the apertures (18). A motor (5) is provided for rotating the inner tube (14), and the inner tube (14) has a central lumen (21) through which tissue cut by the cutting tool (4) is removed under the action of a source of suction (12). Heat is supplied to the tissue, prior to, or simultaneously with, the cutting thereof, such that the tissue being cut by the cutting tool (4) is coagulated tissue. In one embodiment, there is a third tube (16), and saline is fed to the apertures (18) via a channel (19) between the tubes (15) and (16). The outer tube (16) constitutes an active electrode, and the inner tube (14) constitutes the return electrode of an electrosurgical device.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ a guide element that carries a region of energy emitting material. The systems and methods electronically couple the region to a source of energy that, when emitted by the region, ablates tissue. The systems and methods are responsive to user commands for changing the physical characteristics of the lesions being created by electronically altering the energy emitting characteristics of the region itself.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery using a cutting tool with rotational cutting edges. The surgical instrument includes a tube having a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the tube. Within the tube is a shaft having a longitudinally extending blade at its distal end that is adjacent to the distal end of the tube. The blade is revolvable about the longitudinal axis of the instrument to provide rotational cutting action. One or both of the blade and the cutting edge on the tube can be electrically energized to provide for electrocauterization of the body tissue being cut.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps are described that have jaws capable of being closed relative to one another, the jaws each supporting electrode structures especially shaped to enhance the ability of the instrument to desiccate/seal or cut tissue structures clamped between the opposed jaws. One of the opposed jaws has a generally arcuate cross-section with a raised central zone and the other electrode has a recess adapted to accommodate the raised central zone of the cooperating electrode. By appropriating the shaping the mating electrode surfaces, tissue structures placed between the jaws are stretched laterally as clamping occurs. The stretching action prevents bunching of the tissue and results in improved desiccation, sealing and cutting. A fine, uninsulated conductor disposed on the one jaw, but insulated from the electrode surface on that jaw, serves as a cutting electrode.

Abstract: A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator (10) for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument (12) including at least three electrodes. The generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having at least a pair of output lines (60C), and a power supply (66) coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage. The generator also includes a controller (72) capable of varying a radio frequency signal supplied to the output lines, and a switching circuit (62) having three or more output connections (62A, 62B, 62C) each electrically connected with a respective one of the at least three electrodes. This switching circuit is operable to vary the connections between the output lines (60C) and the output connections (62A, 62B, 62C).

Abstract: A surgical instrument and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ of a patients. An electrosurgical apparatus of the invention includes a shaft having a shaft distal end bearing an active electrode and a return electrode. At least one of the active electrode and the return electrode is moveable such that the shaft distal end can adopt a closed configuration or an open configuration. The apparatus can operate in an ablation mode or a sub-ablation mode. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping and coagulating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in the sub-ablation mode, while the open configuration is adapted for ablating the target tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components. A method of the present invention comprises clamping a target tissue or organ with an electrosurgical probe.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least three electrodes and. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage having at least a pair of RF output lines, and a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage. A controller is operable to limit the radio frequency output voltage developed across the output lines to at least a first predetermined threshold value to produce a cutting RF waveform, and a second threshold value to produce a coagulating RF waveform. In a combined mode, the controller delivers both cutting and coagulating waveforms, either simultaneously or by alternating constantly between the first and second threshold values to form a blended signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaw without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating tissue using suction is also provided.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe comprises a shaft having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array (12) includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply (28) is provided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources and a connector. The electrosurgical probe and the power supply may be connected through their respective connectors so that the independent current sources are connected to individual electric terminals. By applying very high frequency electrical energy to the electrode array, target tissue may be cut or ablated while heat dissipation through low impedance paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be minimized.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting blade (1) comprises a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), and an electrical insulator (4) separating the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes have dissimilar characteristics (cross-sectional area, thermal conductivity etc.) such that the first electrode (2) is encouraged to become an active electrode and the second electrode (3) is encouraged to become a return electrode. The spacing between the first and second electrodes (between 0.25 mm and 3.0 mm) and the peak voltage supplied to the electrodes (2 and 3) are both selected such that arcing does not occur directly between the electrodes, but between the first electrode and the tissue at the target site. The arrangement is such that, in use, a thermal differential of at least 50° C. is established between the first and second electrodes (2 and 3), such that the second electrode is maintained below a temperature of 70° C.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least three electrodes. The generator comprises an RF output stage having at least a pair of RF output lines, a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power to the output stage, and a controller capable of varying the RF power signal supplied to the output lines. The system also includes a selection circuit having at least three output connections each in electrical connection with a respective one of the at least three electrodes. This selection circuit operates to vary the coupling between the RF output stage and the three or more output connections.

Abstract: A treatment electrode of a resectoscope apparatus is substantially semicircular-shaped. A length a of a first segment and a length b of a second segment satisfy a relationship of (a>2·b). The first segment is in parallel with the plane on which a parallel lead member exists and has the maximum width of the treatment electrode. The second segment is vertical to the first segment and has the maximum distance between an intersection to the first segment and an intersection to the treatment electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for ablating body tissue using radio frequency (RF) energy. A catheter having a lumen for delivering fluid can be inserted into a patient's body. A porous member, which may be expandable, is attached to the distal portion of the catheter. The porous member defines an interior region in communication with the lumen, such that the interior region is capable of receiving electrolyte fluid delivered from the proximal portion of the catheter. An RF electrode is disposed in the interior region and is configured for coupling to a source of RF energy, whereby RF energy may be transferred from the electrode to selected tissue areas in a patient's body via electrolyte fluid delivered through the lumen and into the interior region of the porous member.

Abstract: A catheter tip for mapping and/or ablation is provided. The medical probe tip includes a first ring electrode and a second ring electrode that is electrically insulated from the first ring electrode. The second ring electrode is located substantially concentric to the first ring electrode, and is coaxially surrounding the first ring electrode.

Abstract: A resectoscope apparatus includes a high-frequency generating device which generates high-frequency current, a hollow sheath which can be inserted in the celom, a scope which is arranged in the sheath and which can observe the celom, an active electrode which transmits the high-frequency current to the body organ, and a solution supply device which supplies a solution to the hollow sheath. At least one of the sheath and the scope has conductivity. The sheath or the scope having the conductivity is connected to high frequency generating device via a connecting member so as to collect return current.

Abstract: A device for ablating tissue is provided. The device comprises a conductive element with a channel for irrigating fluid formed therein, which is in contact with a non-conductive microporous interface. All or a portion of the interface may be removable. When the interface is removed, a portion of the conductive element is exposed for use in ablating tissue. Methods of using the device and of removing the interface are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to incise, dissect, harvest or transect tissues or an organ of a patient. The electrosurgical systems and methods are useful, inter alia, for accessing, dissecting, and transecting a graft blood vessel, such as the internal mammary arteries (IMA) or the saphenous vein, for use in a by-pass procedure. A method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent the target tissue so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with a target site in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode and one or more return electrode(s). During application of the high frequency voltage, the electrosurgical probe may be translated, reciprocated, or otherwise manipulated such that the active electrode is moved with respect to the tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical working end and method for obtaining a tissue sample for biopsy purposes, for example, from a patient's lung or a liver. The working end provides curved jaw members that are positioned on opposing sides of the targeted anatomic structure. The working end carries a slidable extension member that is laterally flexible with inner surfaced that slide over the jaw members to clamp tissue therebetween. As the extension member advances, the jaws compress the tissue just ahead of the advancing extension member to allow the laterally-outward portion of the extension member to ramp over the tissue while a cutting element contemporaneously cuts the tissue. By this means, the transected tissue margin is captured under high compression. The working end carries a bi-polar electrode arrangement that engages the just-transected medial tissue layers as well as surface layers to provides Rf current flow for tissue welding purposes that is described as a medial-to-surface bi-polar approach.

Abstract: Atherectomy devices are guided by and manipulated by externally applied magnetic fields to treat total or partial occlusions of a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for resecting and ablating tissue at a target site of a patient, the apparatus including a probe having an elongate shaft. The shaft includes a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion, and a resection unit located at the shaft distal end portion. The resection unit includes a resection electrode support and at least one resection electrode arranged on the resection electrode support. The at least one resection electrode includes a resection electrode head. The probe and resection electrode head are adapted for concurrent electrical ablation and mechanical resection of target tissue. The shaft may include at least one digestion electrode capable of aggressively ablating resected tissue fragments. At least one fluid delivery port on the shaft distal end portion may provide an electrically conductive fluid to the resection unit or to the target site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly has a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with either the cannula so that the cannulas can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the housing. As the cannula is caused to reciprocate relative to the housing, the aspiration aperture formed through the distal end of the cannula assembly is caused to undergo periodic displacement.

Abstract: A vein stripper, includes a probe, and a coagulation and cutting instrument, which has an electrode assembly and a first end face formed with an opening for passage of the probe. The electrode assembly has at least two electrodes arranged in neighboring disposition in a peripheral zone of the coagulation and cutting instrument in an area of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention comprises electrosurgical apparatus and methods for maintaining patency in body passages subject to occlusion by invasive tissue growth. The apparatus includes an electrode support disposed at a shaft distal end having at least one active electrode arranged thereon, and at least one return electrode proximal to the at least one active electrode. In one embodiment, a plurality of active electrodes each comprising a curved wire loop portion are sealed within a distal portion of the electrode support. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to open and maintain patency in virtually any hollow body passage which may be subject to occlusion by invasive cellular growth or invasive solid tumor growth. Suitable hollow body passages include ducts, orifices, lumens, and the like, with exemplary body passages including the coronary arteries.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy device and method are disclosed. The device can include a probe housing having a rotatable RF loop cutter mounted at the distal end of the probe, and the RF loop cutter can include at least one electrode supplied with an RF actuating signal for cutting tissue. A rotational drive and specimen containment sheath can also be included.