Abstract: An RF treatment apparatus includes a catheter with a catheter lumen. A removable needle electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen in a fixed relationship to the catheter. The needle electrode includes a needle lumen and a needle electrode distal end. A removable introducer is slidably positioned in the needle lumen. The introducer includes an introducer distal end. A first sensor is positioned on a surface of the needle electrode or the insulator. An RF power source is coupled to the needle electrode and a return electrode. An insulator sleeve is slidably positioned around the electrode and includes a second sensor. Resources are associated with the electrodes, sensors as well as the RF power source for maintaining a selected power at the electrode independent of changes in current or voltage.

Abstract: Open surgery and endoscopic versions of an electrosurgical cutting instrument incorporating a unique cutting arrangement for opening and closing the cutting edge parallel to an anvil surface resulting in a simultaneous cutting of a linear section of tissue, large vessels, or a group of vessels. Simultaneous with the cutting, the instrument further being capable of either a monopolar or bipolar cauterization of tissue. Also disclosed herein, are methods for use of the various electrosurgical cutting instruments.

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: A method and device for electrical emulation of pulsed laser is disclosed. The device utilizes high voltage electrical discharges of sub-microsecond duration in a liquid medium to produce cavitation bubbles of sub-millimeter size for use in high speed precision cutting. Such bubbles are produced by a micro-electrode (1.6) having a central wire having a diameter of 1 microns to 100 microns embedded in an insulator. A coaxial electrode (1.9) surrounds the insulator, and may be spaced from the outer surface of the insulator to provide a path for removing tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical handpiece, and electrode for use with the handpiece, that is configured for use in MIS and other electrosurgical procedures. The handpiece is constructed with a flexible end controllable by the surgeon so as to allow the surgeon to manipulate the end as desired during the surgical procedure. The electrode is housed in a tubular member. The electrode ends comprise bare loops projecting from the end of the housing in spaced parallel planes. When energized, a bipolar discharge is generated between the bare loops.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors are disclosed having a pair of blades joined for relative movement in a scissor-like action between open and closed positions. At least one of the blades comprises a tissue contacting surface and first and second spaced apart electrodes extending along the surface. Current flow between the first and second electrodes promotes hemostasis in tissue contacting the surface. Preferably, each blade of the scissors includes first and second spaced-apart electrodes.

Abstract: In order to improve the cutting properties of surgical bipolar scissors with two scissor blades pivotable relative to each other, the first of which consists of an electrically conductive material and the second of an electrically insulating material on the side thereof facing the first scissor blade, but of an electrically conductive material on the side facing away from the first scissor blade, it is proposed that the second scissor blade comprise a ceramic shaped body in the form of a complete scissor blade which extends beyond a bearing point of the two scissor blades, that a metallic support blade which similarly extends beyond the bearing point rest against the outer side of the shaped body over the surface thereof, and that the shaped body and the support blade be permanently connected to each other at their contact surface.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical device comprises a pair of actuable jaws. A first electrode member which optionally includes a line of electrically coupled tissue-penetrating elements is formed on one of the jaws, and a second electrode member which optionally includes a line of electrically coupled tissue-penetrating elements is formed on the same or the other jaw. The electrode members are laterally spaced-apart and arranged in a parallel, usually linear manner so that the lateral distance therebetween remains generally constant. In operation, tissue may be grasped between the jaws so that the electrode members contact and/or the tissue-penetrating elements enter into the tissue. By energizing the electrode members at opposite polarities using a high frequency energy source, tissue between the jaws will be heated, coagulated, and/or necrosed, while heating of tissue outside of the lines will be minimized.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system comprises a radio frequency generator (1), an electrosurgical instrument (E1), and a fluid enclosure (42). The generator (1) has a radio frequency output for delivery of power to the electrosurgical instrument (E1) when immersed in an electrically-conductive fluid. The electrosurgical instrument (E1) has an electrode assembly (32) at the distal end thereof, the electrode assembly comprising a tissue treatment electrode (34), and a return electrode (38) axially spaced therefrom in such a manner as to define, in use, a conductive fluid path that completes an electrical circuit between the tissue treatment electrode and the return electrode. The fluid enclosure (42) is adapted to surround an operation site on the skin of a patient or an incision leading to a cavity surgically created within the patient's body.

Abstract: A bipolar instrument for use by a surgeon to seal tissue with bipolar electrosurgery. The bipolar instrument is a modified hemostat including two elongate members. Each elongate member has a proximal end to be held by a surgeon and a distal end. The elongate members substantially defining a plane and are electrically conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. A pivot transverse to the plane connects the two elongate members for scissors-like motion between the distal ends. A first tissue contacting pole integral with one elongate member and positioned at its distal end is electrically conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. Latching elements extend from each elongate member for cooperative interengagement with opposed ramps and abutting stops for sliding conjugation to hold the first and second tissue contacting poles with a predetermined force.

Abstract: A bipolar medical instrument is provided comprising a tubular shaft having two jaw parts disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The jaw parts are pivotally connected to one another and each forms an electrode to which a high frequency electric power is applicable. The jaw parts comprise metallic bases, which are pivotally connected to one another. The metallic bases each comprise an insulator element on the sides facing one another. A conductive element forming an electrode is connected to each of the insulator elements. Two insulated electrical lines extend through the tubular shaft to the conductive elements and are electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: An endoscopic implement including two electrodes connected to the terminals of an hf generator and mounted to a distal end of an elongated insertion element. An insulator is disposed between and secured to the two electrodes. One of the electrodes is mounted to a lateral surface of the insulator at a location that is laterally spaced from an axis of the insertion element. The other electrode is mounted at a distal end of the insulator.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse endoscopic in situ therapies. The assembly includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal electrode tip portion that acts as a hemostat, and a cutting wire for making incisions in or ablating tissue. A cutting wire hub provides a sealing entrance for a cutting wire. An operator enables the physician to displace the cutting wire between extended and retracted positions. The cutting wire and electrode are electrically isolated. The apparatus of the present invention allows the physician to make incisions in or ablate tissue using electrosurgery, irrigate tissue, and cauterize or coagulate tissue without having to remove the apparatus from the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a telescope (12), an electrode assembly (13) comprising at least one electrode (13T), and elongate conductive means (13S) for supplying electrosurgical power to said at least electrode from the proximal end of the conductive means. Means are provided for supporting the electrode assembly (13) on the telescope (12) for pivotal movement, in a plane substantially normal to the axis of the telescope, towards, and away from, an operational position in which the conductive means (13S) is substantially parallel to the telescope. Sealing means (16,29) seals the electrode assembly (13) to prevent fluid passing from an operation site adjacent to said at least one electrode (13T) to the proximal end of the conductive means (13S).

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having an improved pivot screw design is disclosed. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a first half which has a first pivot surface and a first bore. The first bore has a first stepped portion and an elongated portion proximate to the first pivot surface. A second half has a second pivot surface and a second bore having a second stepped portion. An insulating material is disposed on the first pivot surface and the elongated portion of the first bore. A first insert having a third bore in which the third bore has first threads is disposed in the second bore and prevented from entering the first bore by the second stepped portion. A second insert having a fourth bore is disposed in the second bore between the second stepped portion and the first insert and prevented from entering the first bore by the second stepped portion.

Abstract: A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with two end effectors. Current is passed through the second end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the first end effector. The first and second end effectors allow the current to travel along exposed conductive strips which are spaced apart cutting surfaces by a gap of preferably approximately 0.020-0.040 inches when the first and second blade supports are brought into contact with tissue. Current flows between the exposed metal strip on the first blade and the exposed metal strip on the second blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades. The first and second end effectors may be partially insulated to direct current between the conductive strips, and both may have gaps at their respective surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inducing large volume heat ablations of tissue in a patient involving electrodes that are in contact with the patient's external surface or the surface of an internal organ. A high frequency signal or output from a generator is applied to the tissue near the area electrodes by connection of the generator to the electrodes. Various applications and configurations of electrodes and temperature monitoring are appropriate for different clinical needs and thermal distributions. The use for interoperative ablation of a tumor site within an internal organ or for ablation of a tumor from electrodes placed on the surface of the patient provides a clinical advantage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cauterizing predetermined volumes of abnormal biological tissue using a user selectable or adjustable energy applicator including two or more electrodes having electrode parameters configured cause cauterization of predetermined volumes when operated in a bipolar mode. The energy applicators are employed with a control device that couples the energy applicators to a power source and includes circuitry for interrupting activation of the energy applicator when the current between the two or more electrodes decreases more than a predetermined amount from the current sensed upon initial activation of the energy applicator.

Abstract: A device for localizing a target tissue mass in a body includes a tubular trocar portion having a distal end and a proximal end portion that is removably attachable to a handle portion. The trocar portion contains at least a first plurality of locator wires that are movable between a retracted position within the trocar and a deployed position extending radially from the trocar. In a preferred embodiment, the trocar portion has an electrosurgical cutting element at its distal end, and first and second pluralities of locator wires that, when deployed, respectively define first and second locating perimeters. The first plurality of locator wires is connected to a first wire carrying member longitudinally mounted for axial movement within the trocar portion between a proximal position corresponding to the retracted position of the first plurality of locator wires, and a distal position corresponding to the deployed position of the first plurality of locator wires.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar high-frequency treatment tool for coagulating and incising the vital tissue, comprising a pair of jaws provided at a distal end portion of an elongated member such that they can be closed and opened between a closed position and an open position, an operation unit having a handle provided at a proximal end portion of the elongated member, the operation unit closing and opening the jaws when the handle is operated, a first electrode portion provided at one of the jaws, and a second electrode portion provided at the other of the jaws. When vital tissue is gripped between the jaws, the effective electrode surface of the second electrode portion, which is to be brought into contact with the vital tissue, is smaller than that of the second electrode portion.

Abstract: A bipolar medical instrument is provided for cutting tissue. The instrument comprises a first working element and at least one second working element, which are arranged adjacent to one another at a distal end of the instrument. The first working element and the second working element are configured as an electrode connectable to high frequency current and a counter electrode. One of the first working element and the second working element comprises at least one projection, which is directed toward the other working element. The free end of the projection is configured such that a concentration of the current density occurs at the free end.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-channel radio frequency (RF) power delivery and control system for applying energy to multiple electrodes of an RF tissue heating device. In a first embodiment of the invention an apparatus for controlling electrical cross-talk in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a driver, a first electrode, a second electrode, a ground for delivery of power to a surgical site, a power measurement circuit and a waveform generator. The power measurement circuit computes differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the first electrode and the second electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power emanating from the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode for performing an ELF procedure comprises an elongated thin, electrically-conductive tube shaped to substantially match the curvature of the skull extending from the brow upward to a position at or above the hairline. The electrically-conductive tube terminates at a distal end in a generally spade-shaped end with an opening whose tip is bare but of which the remainder of the spade-shaped end is covered with a thin coating of an electrically-insulating coating. The remainder of the electrically-conductive tube is also covered with an electrically-insulating coating. The proximal end of the electrically-conductive tube is connected to a handpiece whose interior is hollow and which can be connected to a flexible suction tube coupled to a source of suction. Connected to the handpiece is a connector which makes a good electrically-conductive contact to the electrically-conductive tube.

Abstract: An electro-surgical forceps are provided which minimize sticking to tissue of a patient. The forceps include a pair of electrically conducting blade members extending from an insulated cap portion. The blade members include an inner layer of copper or copper alloy having a thickness sufficient to dissipate heat generated at the tip to prevent sticking of tissue to the forceps during use. An outer covering of nickel or a nickel alloy covers the inner copper layer to prevent exposure of the copper. The outer covering comprises a first nickel layer metallurgically bonded to one side of the inner copper layer and a second nickel layer metallurgically bonded to an opposite side of the inner copper layer. The thickness of the nickel layers is sufficient to withstand the forming process, to minimize or prevent delamination from the inner copper layer, and to minimize or prevent exposure of the inner layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bipolar electrosurgical end effector for use in medical instruments. A bipolar end effector according to the present invention includes a tissue slot and electrodes arranged on either side of the tissue slot. The opposing electrodes are electrically connected such that tissue passing through the slot is electrically treated with electrosurgical current passing laterally through the tissue. An end effector according to the present invention further includes a tissue separator arranged at the end of the slot to divide tissue as it is passed through the slot and after it is treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.

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 surgical instrument for performing three functions at the tip of a tube. The first function is for suction or irrigation of an area where surgery is being performed. The tubing can have a vacuum attached for sucking solid particles, liquids, gases or smoke from the area adjacent the end of the tubing. The tubing may also be used to pump fluids into the area adjacent the end of the tube to flush the area or apply a treatment. The tubing has an electrical current such that when the tube is applied to blood it will coagulate the blood. The tubing also has a cutting electrode for electrically cutting tissue. The cutting electrode extends out from the lumen of the tube and retracts therein when not in use. Therefore a surgeon has three instruments compactly arranged at his disposal at the distal end of the tube. Since the tube can be made long and thin it is useful when operating in a limited space and can be used in laparascopic or other microsurgeries. The tube is malleable for shaping it for ease of use.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps including two electrodes, each having a tip that is composed of a material that has the characteristics of electrical conductivity, high thermal diffusivity, and biocompatibility. Such characteristics allow the forceps to be used in medical applications to perform electrosurgery with a minimum of sticking to the tissue. These desired characteristics are found with pure silver and pure gold, as well as biocompatible alloys of silver and/or gold that are nearly entirely composed of silver and/or gold. The electrodes may include a thermal reservoir of this material spaced apart from a distal end of the electrode, with the thermal reservoir having a greater cross-sectional area than the distal end.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors having a first cutting blade which has a first cutting portion, the first cutting portion having a corresponding first cutting edge; a second cutting blade which has a second cutting portion, the second cutting portion having a corresponding second cutting edge in cutting cooperation with the first cutting edge; and electrical insulation disposed on portions of the first and second cutting blades, the electrical insulation extending into the first and second cutting portions except for the corresponding cutting edges for preventing electrical conduction from the electrically insulated portions of the cutting blades. In a first embodiment of the bipolar electrosurgical scissors of the present invention, the electrical insulation extends into the first and second cutting blades such that ⅓ of their distal tip is uninsulated.

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: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps 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 for controlling the distance the electrodes move relative to one another.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for electrosurgical removal of tissue immersed in an electrically conductive liquid has an elongate support structure including at least a pair of wire conductors for carrying radio frequency current, and a bipolar electrode assembly, extending transversely between the two conductors. The tip assembly has a ribbed transversely extending active electrode and a smooth-surfaced transversely extending return electrode mounted on opposite faces of a ceramic insulator body. The electrodes comprise metallic plates on the insulator body, the surface area of the active electrode being between 1.25 to 2 times that of the return electrode. To provide for endoscope mounting, the wire conductors are secured to a spring chip for detachable mounting to the telescope tube of an endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating body tissue includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode, with at least the first electrode formed of porous conductive material, such as porous metal. Conductive fluid is delivered to the operating site through the porous metal of the first electrode via a fluid supply conduit. The apparatus may also include a fluid withdrawal conduit. The second electrode may also be formed of porous metal, and may serve as the intake opening for the fluid withdrawal conduit. The electrode assembly may be positioned on a catheter shaft having a distal end, with the first electrode positioned on the catheter shaft distal end. In treating desired tissue at a selected operational site, the electrode assembly is introduced to the site with the first electrode positioned adjacent to the desired tissue. Conductive fluid, such as a saline solution, is delivered to the operational site via the supply conduit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece that is bipolar or unipolar in operation and that is configured for use in MIS. The bipolar operation confines the electrosurgical currents to a small active region between the active ends of the bipolar electrode and thus reduces the possibility that excessive heat will be developed that can damage patient tissue. The position of the active region can be controlled to avoid patient tissue that may be moire sensitive to excessive heat. In one embodiment, the handpiece is constructed with a flexible end controllable by the surgeon so as to allow the surgeon to manipulate the end as desired during the surgical procedure. This feature allows the surgeon to position the active electrode end at the optimum location within, say, a herniated disk to remove undesired regions and to provide controlled heat to shrink the tissue during surgery.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment tool includes an insertion portion which can be inserted into a body, a pair of gripping portions arranged at a distal end portion of the insertion portion and having gripping surfaces for gripping vital tissue, a driving mechanism for opening/closing the gripping portions between closing positions where the gripping portions abut against each other and open positions where the gripping portions are separated from each other, electrode portions formed on the gripping surfaces of the gripping portions, to which a high-frequency current is flowed to coagulate/incise the vital tissue gripped by the gripping portions, and a short circuit prevention portion for preventing a short circuit between the electrode portions of the gripping portions when the gripping portions are placed at least at the closing positions.

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: Systems and methods are provided for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location on an external body surface, such as skin tissue removal and/or collagen shrinkage in the epidermis or dermis, e.g., the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and for other surgical procedures on the skin, such as tissue rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, wrinkle removal, hair removal and/or transplant procedures. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals adjacent an external body surface, such as the outer surface of the skin, to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures within the skin. Depending on the specific cosmetic procedure, the present invention may be used to: (1) volumetrically remove tissue or hair (i.e.

Abstract: With reference to the figure, an ablation catheter (1) for use in heart surgery comprises a probe (2), a tubular electrode (3) mounted on the probe, so as to axially be slidable relative thereto, and remote-operated actuator means (4) for so sliding the electrode (3). The probe (2) is of electrically-insulating material, and comprises a tip (6), an axially-extending shaft (7), and a rear end portion (8). A surface groove (9) is formed in the probe which extends longitudinally up to the tip (6). The groove (9) locates a conductor (10) which interconnects the electrode (3) with a controllable source (15) of electrical energy and is enclosed in an insulating sheath (16) of flexible construction. The flexible sheath (16), and conductor (10) therein are axially slidable within the groove (9) of the catheter (1). The sheath (16) provides for electrical insulation of the conductor (10) as the electrode (3) is moved along the probe shaft (7).

Abstract: A surgical heating probe, comprising a handle, a radio-frequency-shielded neck extending from the handle and having an unshielded cathode and an unshielded anode present in the neck with a shielded insulating section of the neck located between the cathode and the unshielded anode, the neck being formed so that three points located in the cathode, the anode, and the insulating; section, respectively, form a triangular plane, the cathode, the anode, and the insulating section being spaced apart at distances adapted so that the cathode and the anode can closely approach opposite sides of an animal tendon, and an energy connector fixture located in the handle and adapted to connect a supply of heating energy to the anode and the cathode. The probe is particularly useful for the treatment of strabismus, and the invention involves the use of radio frequency heating to shrink extraocular tendons in the treatment of strabismus.

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: The present invention is directed to a bipolar electrosurgical end effector for use in medical instruments. A bipolar end effector according to the present invention includes a tissue slot and electrodes arranged on either side of the tissue slot. The opposing electrodes are electrically connected such that tissue passing through the slot is electrically treated with electrosurgical current passing laterally through the tissue. An end effector according to the present invention further includes a tissue separator arranged at the end of the slot to divide tissue as it is passed through the slot and after it is treated.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to increase the patency of a body conduit includes an elongate tube having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and a balloon disposed at the distal end of the tube and having properties for being expanded to a high-profile state and for being contracted to a low-profile state. A sleeve disposed over the balloon has a pair of ends disposed on opposing sides of a central section, the ends having a floating relationship relative to the tube with the central section disposed circumferentially of the balloon. An electrode disposed outwardly of the sleeve has properties for being electrosurgically energized to incise materials defining the body conduit when the balloon is in the high-profile state. The electrode can be formed of a plurality of elements stranded to increase the surface area of the electrode.

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

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 handpiece that is bipolar in operation and that is configured for use in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The bipolar operation confines the electrosurgical currents to a small active region between the active ends of the bipolar electrode and thus reduces the possibility that excessive heat will be developed that can damage patient tissue. The position of the active region can be controlled to avoid patient tissue that may be more sensitive to excessive heat. In one embodiment, the electrosurgical electrode ends are configured as parallel prongs spaced apart to embrace a blood vessel. In another embodiment, the electrosurgical electrode ends are configured as one straight and one hooked prong to more easily embrace a blood vessel. The handpiece is constructed with a flexible end controllable by the surgeon so as to allow the surgeon to manipulate the end as desired during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: In the present invention, a surgical trocar is adapted to capacitively couple electrosurgical energy to specially adapted cordless electrosurgical instruments. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrosurgical trocar includes a cannula, a capacitive electrosurgical adapter and a locking connector adapted to connect the cannula to the capacitive electrosurgical adapter. The cannula is an elongated tube which may be inserted into a body cavity, duct or vessel. The electrosurgical adapter includes a housing with an elongated central aperture, an adapter proximal capacitor plate and an adapter distal capacitor plate positioned in and extending axially along the elongated aperture, first and second electrical conductors, first and second external conductors, a compression mechanism, an outer housing and an electrical cord.

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 the distal end 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.

Abstract: A method of forming a combination bipolar scissors and graspers surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.