Abstract: An electrode tip is provided for use in a bi polar electrosurgical instrument. The electrode tip has a generally loop shaped working portion, including a first and second electrode, The first electrode is generally loop shaped. The second electrode generally surrounds the first electrode and is generally spaced from and coplanar with the first electrode. The electrodes have sharp edges in cross-section which emit concentrated energy in the radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating at least a portion of a uvula includes an electrode with a proximal end and a distal end sufficiently sharpened to pierce an exterior of the uvula without a retainer device supporting the uvula. An advancement and retraction device coupled to the electrode is configured to advance the electrode distal end through an exterior surface of the uvula and into an interior region of the uvula. The advancement and retraction device is configured to retract the electrode distal end from the interior of the uvula. A handle is coupled to the electrode proximal and, and a cable is coupled to the electrode to deliver energy thereto.

Abstract: An appliance for epilating hair of the human skin includes an epilation head with at least two electrical conductors and a clamping device for gripping and plucking the hair. The electrical conductors at least temporarily engaging the skin during hair plucking. A casing is attached to the epilation head and a motor housed in the casing drives the clamping device to cause the clamping device to automatically and periodically perform its functions of gripping and plucking. A generator electrically connected to the electrical conductors provides a stimulator current to the skin when the electrical conductors are in contact with the skin so as to electrically stimulate the nerve system under the skin during hair plucking.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a handle, an end effector and an elongated hollow tube. The handle includes first and second grip members. The end effector includes first, second and third electrodes. The first electrode is substantially triangular in shape. The first electrode is adapted to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode also pivots around its proximal to distal axis and includes a coagulating surface and a cutting edge. The second and third electrodes are arranged substantially parallel to the first electrode when the first electrode is in the closed position. The elongated hollow tube includes a mechanism connecting the handle to the end effector such that movement of the first and second grip members relative to one another causes the first electrode to move relative to the second and third electrodes.

Abstract: A flexible bipolar electrode for neurosurgery includes an inner hypotube defining an irrigation passageway and a hollow outer electrode surrounding the hypotube, with the outer electrode and hypotube together establishing a bipolar electrode. An empty void is established between the electrodes to facilitate flexibility of the bipolar electrode when, for example, the electrode is advanced through a curved lumen of a neuroendoscopy instrument.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors adapted to electrically cauterize and desiccate organic tissue prior to cutting the tissue in order to reduce or prevent bleeding. The bipolar electrosurgical scissors include a pair of scissor members attached through an electrically insulating point. Each scissor member includes, at a distal end, a shearing surface with a plurality of electrode regions interspersed between a plurality of insulating regions. The insulator regions are offset such that upon closure of the shearing members, the insulation region of one shearing member opposes a corresponding electrode on the other shearing member.

Abstract: An adaptor cable and methods are provided for use with electrosurgical bipolar instruments and standard commercially available electrosurgical generators that reduce arcing. The adaptor cable limits the peak-to-peak voltage developed between the electrodes of the electrosurgical instrument by providing a minimum load impedance between the output terminals of the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A bipolar push rod assembly for use in conjunction with an endoscopic bipolar cautery scissors instrument. The push rod assembly has two conductive push rods which are substantially covered and insulated from each other by a double lumen flexible sheath. The proximal ends of the push rods are stabilized by an overmolded plastic collar and the distal ends of the push rods are stabilized by a ceramic insulator. The plastic collar is provided with a snap retainer for coupling it to a plastic plug retainer having a pair of spaced apart passages. A pair of female plug adapters are press fit onto the proximal ends of the push rods and are maintained in place by the plug retainer with each adaptor residing in a respective one of the passages. The distal ends of the push rods are swaged approximately 90.degree. in opposite directions. A ceramic insulator is disclosed as a one-piece unit into which the distal ends of the push rods are inserted.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus has a multiple antenna device of adjustable length including an adjustable length primary antenna and an adjustable length secondary antenna. The primary antenna has a longitudinal axis, and the secondary antenna is deployed in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis. The secondary antenna is constructed to be structurally less rigid than the primary antenna. The adjustable lengths of the primary and secondary antennas permits a desired geometric ablation of a selected tissue mass. An adjustable insulation sleeve is positioned on an exterior of one of the primary or secondary antennas. An energy source is connected to the multiple antenna device. A variety of energy sources can be used including RF, microwave and laser.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a hollow tube having a substantially solid, optically clear tip attached thereto. A distal cutting end of the tip is formed by a pair of opposing, angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line at that point with a cutting element disposed along the line. For electrosurgical operation, an electrode is positioned along the line. The tip serves as a viewing window and defines a viewing port at its proximal end for an endoscope inserted into the hollow obturator tube for viewing a tissue wall as it is penetrated. The trocar obturator tip may include an axial bore extending between its proximal and distal ends with a viewing rod within the bore for viewing the area ahead of the tip. Here again, the distal cutting end of the tip may be formed by a pair of opposing angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line. Two cutting elements extend linearly along the distal end of the tip, one on either side of the bore.

Abstract: An ablation treatment apparatus has a multiple antenna device with a primary antenna and a secondary antenna. The secondary antenna is positioned in a lumen of the primary antenna as the primary antenna is introduced through tissue to a selected tissue site. At the tissue site the secondary antenna is deployed from the primary antenna in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the primary antenna. At least a portion of a distal end of the secondary antenna is structurally less rigid than the primary antenna. The primary antenna is constructed to be rigid enough to be introduced and advanced through tissue. A cable couples the energy source to one or more of the antennas.

Abstract: An ablation treatment apparatus has a multiple antenna device. The multiple antenna device includes a primary antenna with a lumen, a longitudinal axis and an ablative surface area of length L.sub.1. The multiple antenna device also includes a secondary antenna that is positioned in the primary antenna as the primary antenna is introduced through tissue. A secondary antenna distal end is deployed at a selected tissue site from the primary antenna lumen in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis. A sensor is at least partially positioned at an exterior of the secondary antenna distal end at a distance L.sub.2 from the primary antenna along the secondary antenna distal end. L.sub.2 is at least equal to 1/3 L.sub.1. An energy source is coupled to the primary antenna.

Abstract: A surgical system has a multiple electrode electrosurgical capability in combination with a gas plasma capability for delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue or bodily fluids of a patient. The system includes a holder, a source of electrical energy, electrodes connected to the source of electrical energy, one or more passages carried on the holder for transporting ionizable gas, and a source of ionizable gas of a selectable flow rate. The gas passages may include at least one electrode extending toward the operative site. The gas passages may include a part that creates a vortex in the gas flow. The electrodes may be coaxially placed in the gas passages. The system may also be configured such that two electrodes are each shrouded by the ionized gas so that the electrosurgical energy is conducted to the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site by passing along conductive pathways in the ionized gas from each electrode. There may also be a dielectric barrier between the conductive pathways.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element moveable along a linear cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through the cutting element and to tissue adjacent the cutting element. The cutting element may be formed of a sharp or non-sharpened material. During surgical procedures the electrosurgical cutting device is able to simultaneously cut tissue and cauterize, or fuse, the tissue in areas adjacent the incision through the application of electrical energy. The effect is a reduced amount of bleeding associated with surgical procedures and an enhanced ability to control and eliminate bleeding. Optionally, the electrosurgical cutting device may also include a supply of surgical staples which are deployed simultaneously with the cutting action and delivery of electrosurgical energy to adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors has an improved coagulation capability. Both poles of electrosurgical energy are exposed on the exterior surfaces of each shearing member so that the scissors can be used to coagulate tissue using only one shearing member. There may be two or more electrically conductive regions on the exterior surface of each shearing member. The conductive regions may be formed by laminating, depositing, or inlaying electrically conductive material on the exterior surfaces. The conductive regions are electrically insulated from each other. In one embodiment, the shearing surfaces are also electrically conductive and are each connected to the same electrical pole. In another embodiment, the conductive material that forms one of the conductive regions on each exterior surface also extends through the shearing member to also form a conductive shearing surface.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a resectoscope includes, a cutting electrode with a loop distal tip and a coagulation electrode with a loop distal tip. A support frame connects the cutting and coagulation electrodes to an energy source which supplies energy from the energy source to the electrodes. The coagulation electrode provides tissue coagulation simultaneously while the cutting electrode cuts tissue. A resectoscope is disclosed which includes the electrode assembly. The resectoscope includes a sheath with a sheath lumen, a working element, and a visualization apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical tissue penetrating probe (e.g., a trocar) for use with surgical procedures such as a laproscopy. The trocar has a stylet disposed within the housing member, having an active electrode disposed on a distal end thereof to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue in contact with the stylet. A return electrode is disposed on the housing member to form part of a return electrical path to the delivery electrosurgical energy. The invention also provides an electrosurgical trocar system having an impedance monitor and associated power regulating circuitry to control the amount of electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue so that the measured tissue impedance is maintained within a preselected range.

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: In electrosurgical apparatus for tissue desiccation and cutting, an electrosurgical generator has a series-connected output inductor which forms a series resonant circuit with the capacitance of the generator load, the load including an electrode unit and a cable coupled to the generator output. The series resonant frequency is typically 1.5 f where f is the operating frequency of the generator. A capacitor may be included, coupled between the conductors which connect bipolar electrodes to the generator, to increase the load capacitance. The effect of these measures is to boost the output voltage available for electrosurgical treatment, especially for tissue cutting.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgery apparatus for causing the lumen of a vein to collapse to prevent blood flow through the vein, e.g., a varicose vein or a side branch of the saphenous vein, includes an electrode which is electrically connected to a power source, and the electrode is percutaneously advanced into the vein. Then, the power source is activated to energize the electrode and thus the blood vein until the blood vein sufficiently collapses to block the lumen of the vein. A feedback loop is also provided for sensing electrical impedance of the tissue within the vein being energized and for deenergizing the electrode when the impedance reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument including four shearing members is disclosed. The shearing members are movable to an open position for grasping tissue, a closed position for desiccating tissue by application of electrical current and a cutting position for shearing tissue. The electrical current may be applied in an X-shaped pattern to thereby localize desiccation to the maximum extent possible. A method of using the bipolar electrosurgical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A RF valvulotome and method of use is described. The valvulotome comprises an elongated, flexible polymeric tube or rod supporting a pair of paddle members at its distal end, the paddle members defining opposed facing surfaces having a gap therebetween. A pattern of metallization, comprising electrodes, are formed on the opposed facing surfaces and means are provided for applying RF energy between the electrodes after the instrument has been introduced into a vein and advanced to the point where the cusp of a vein valve is disposed in the gap. In a preferred embodiment, the paddles are movable toward and away from the center of the instrument and may incorporate a flushing lumen through which saline may be injected for effecting valve closure and facilitating placement of the paddle members within the pockets defining the valve. An optical-fiber bundle may also be passed through the lumen of the instrument to facilitate viewing of the internal vein structure as the catheter is being advanced.

Abstract: An RF treatment system includes first and second catheters with first and second needle electrodes positioned at least partially in lumens of the first and second catheters. Each electrode is surround by a insulator sleeve which is slideable along the electrode and defines an ablation surface. An RF power source is coupled to the first and second needle electrodes. The electrodes provide bipolar RF ablation between the two, defining an ablation volume. A deflectable introducer has a laterally deflectable distal end and an ablation volume temperature sensor positioned at the distal end. The deflectable introducer is advanced in and out of the electrodes distal ends to measure a temperature of tissue in the ablation volume. The treatment system can include more than two electrodes, such as two pairs of electrodes. Further, the system can include a needle electrode extension with a laterally deflectable distal end.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided having a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, and a tool mechanism. The body portion comprises an outer tubular member and an inner rod member coaxially slidable within the outer tubular member. Attached to a distal end of the body portion is a tool mechanism. The tool mechanism includes pivotally connected jaw members operatively connected to the inner rod member for movement by the handle assembly between open and closed positions. Each jaw member is fabricated from insulating material and is provided with a conductive pathway. The conductive pathways are positioned to permit sparking between the pathways when the jaw members are open. As the jaw members are approximated, the insulating jaw member material blocks the electrical path between the conductive pathways to terminate electrical treatment of tissue positioned between the jaw members.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument has an elongate tubular shaft with electrodes mounted on a distal end and, on a proximal end of the shaft, means for detachably mounting the assembly in a handpiece of the instrument. Electrical conductors pass through the shaft from the electrodes to contacts on the mounting means which are located so as to make a connection with a radio frequency source. The mounting means takes the form of a housing shaped for attachment to the handpiece in a non-rotational relationship and, rotatably located within the housing, a sleeve which is fixed to the shaft. The conductors terminate in contact portions secured in the housing of the mounting means and are so formed as to allow the electrodes, the shaft, parts of the conductors in the distal end portions, the shaft, and the sleeve to rotate with respect to the housing and the contact portions about the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A double acting bipolar endoscopic scissors includes a hollow tube with an integral clevis and a bipolar push rod extending therethrough. The tube is rotatably mounted in a handle member which is provided with a manual actuation lever. The bipolar push rod includes a pair of spaced apart rods which are insulated along substantially their entire lengths by polypropylene sheaths, and which are insert molded in a distal insulating collar near their distal ends, in a proximal insulating collar near their proximal ends, and in a plurality of non-conductive cylinders therebetween. The distal collar includes a flattened distal portion and the distal ends of the rods are bent approximately 90 degrees and exit the flattened portion. A pair of scissor blades are mounted in the clevis with an axle screw and a nut and are insulated from the clevis and the axle screw. One of the scissor blades has a ceramic coating on its face to insulate it from the other scissor blade.

Abstract: The device and method of the present invention is a medical probe device which has an elongated guide having a longitudinal axis, and a handle and probe end, the guide defining a port at its probe end. The device also has a flexible, resilient tape stylet, movably mounted relative to said longitudinal guide for movement along the longitudinal axis, having two opposed side portions, a proximal end, a piercing end and a sharpened tip on said piercing end, and a deflector, housed within said longitudinal guide, which deflects said flexible resilient tape stylet through said port. A method of moving a stylet through an elongated guide to an outlet port is also disclosed. A method of manufacturing a flexible resilient tape stylet of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode-carrying catheter has elongate, flexible tubing defining a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrically insulative outer tubular layer intermediate the ends, the tubing including a flexible core and a flexible non-conductive core-covering layer of plastic about the core. A plurality of electrically conductive electrodes is disposed on the outer tubular layer. In order to conduct electrical signals between the proximal end and each of the electrodes, a longitudinally-spaced plurality of flexible electrically conductive wires are helically wound around and at least partially into the core-covering layer. The wound wires define a removed section beneath a segment of each of the electrodes to enable electrical contact between a respective one of the wound wires and a respective one of the electrodes. Each electrode is in the form of an electrically conductive flexible flat ribbon for providing electrical communication with a respective one of the wound wires.

Abstract: A coaxial electrosurgical instrument has an elongate inner electrode insulated from and contained coaxially within a hollow tubular elongate outer electrode. Both electrodes have respective distal end portions which are uninsulated and contactable simultaneously to tissue to be operated on. A controlled, high-frequency, potential difference is provided between the electrodes under the user's control when the uninsulated distal end portions thereof are simultaneously contacted to tissue. A high frequency, high density, electrical current is thus caused to flow substantially only through that part of the contacted tissue which lies between the contacting portions of the inner and outer electrodes. Tissue is readily and cleanly cut between the inner and outer electrodes applying a continuous, undamped high frequency voltage difference.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe includes a pair of arms between which a roller electrode is mounted. The arms are joined at their proximal ends to an electrode lead and a mounting sleeve is provided intermediate of the arms and the lead for slideably coupling the probe to a resectoscope. According to the invention, the roller electrode is provided with a plurality of longitudinal surface grooves which increase surface area of the electrode and also enhance traction of the electrode. Other embodiments of the invention have eccentric convex or concave surfaces to further increase the surface area of the electrode. The electrodes according to the invention are preferably made of copper, chromium cobalt, or carbonless stainless steel. They preferably have an overall diameter of from about 0.115 to about 0.187 inches and an overall length of from about 0.110 to about 0.120 inches.

Abstract: An electro-surgical radio-frequency instrument is described for the coagulating and/or cutting of tissue with a shaft having a radio-frequency voltage connection. A working tip is arranged at the distal end of the shaft and has two electrodes which are connected or connectable to a radio-frequency voltage connection. The working tip is shaped as a hook or a spatula and comprises the two electrodes which are arranged next to one another, and an insulation layer which is arranged between them and which is connected to the electrodes so as to form a unit.

Abstract: A dual-channel RF power delivery system for applying RF energy to dual electrodes of an RF ablation device with independent control of the power level, frequency, phase, and time duration of the RF energy applied to each electrode to more accurately control the ablation of a target tissue. The power delivery system supplies a first controlled RF signal having a first power level, frequency, phase, and time duration to the electrode of a first flexible stylet and a second controlled RF signal having a second power level frequency, phase, and time duration to the electrode of a second flexible stylet. The difference between the first and second power levels and the temperature of the tissue between the first and second stylers are monitored to control the ablation of the target tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors for use in open or endoscopic surgery has a pair of opposed metal blade members pivotally joined to one another and to the distal end of the scissors itself by a rivet. Each of the blade members comprises a cutting blade having an electrode on the non-shearing surface. An intermediate insulative coating is disposed between each cutting blade and its associated electrode coating. The cutting blade is preferably fabricated from metal such as stainless steel and the electrode coating comprises metal traces deposited thereon through a mask to yield a desired pattern extending along but separated from the blade's cutting edge. Cutting is performed, steel-on-steel, without causing a short circuit between the blades which themselves may function as one of the bipolar electrodes.

Abstract: A tissue ablation apparatus includes a delivery catheter with distal and proximal ends. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter. At least partially positioned in the delivery catheter is an electrode deployment device. The electrode deployment device includes a plurality of retractable electrodes. Each electrode has a non-deployed state when it is positioned in the delivery catheter. Additionally, each electrode has a distended deployed state when it is advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end. The deployed electrodes define an ablation volume. Each deployed electrode has a first section with a first radius of curvature. The first section is located near the distal end of the delivery catheter. A second section of the deployed electrode extends beyond the first section, and has a second radius of curvature, or a substantially linear geometry.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical tool comprises a retractable cutting element movable along a cutting path and an electrical energy supply source which communicates electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) through one or more energy delivering electrodes associated with a tissue affecting portion of the tool to tissue adjacent the electrodes. One or more additional electrodes, such as return electrodes, form a second pole of the bipolar electrical connection are also associated with the tissue affecting portion and are electrically isolated from the energy delivering electrode. Various combinations of electrically conductive and electrically isolated elements associated with the tissue affecting portion of the device can be used as the two poles of the bipolar system.

Abstract: An RF ablation apparatus has a delivery catheter with a delivery catheter lumen and a delivery catheter distal end. A first RF electrode is positioned in the delivery catheter lumen. The first RF electrode has a distal end, RF conductive surface, and a lumen. A second RF electrode has a distal end. The second RF electrode is at least partially positioned in the lumen of the first catheter, with its distal end positioned at the exterior of the first RF electrode distal end. Additionally, the second RF electrode distal end has a geometry that permits it to be substantially a groundpad. The distal end of the first RF electrode is moved in a direction away from the second RF electrode distal end to create a painting effect of an ablation band or line between the two distal ends. Alternatively, the distal end of the second RF electrode can be moved in a direction away from the distal end of the first RF electrode.

Abstract: A hand operable bipolar scissors instrument comprising two interfacing pivotal blade members which are each an electrode electrically insulated from the other and individually pivotable in relation to each other. Each blade member comprises a substrate base upon which a layer of non-conductive material is secured on the interior surface thereof so that the non-conductive material of each blade member interfaces with that of the other at the meeting surfaces.

Abstract: An RF treatment apparatus provides multi-modality treatment for tumors and other desired tissue masses, and includes an RF indifferent electrode and an RF active electrode. The RF indifferent electrode has a compacted, non-deployed state, and an expanded deployed state. In the deployed state, the RF indifferent electrode forms a helical structure with four or less coils that surround an exterior of the tumor. The indifferent electrode becomes a microwave antenna when it is coupled to a microwave source. RF ablation energy is delivered to the tumor by the RF active electrode after it has been introduced into the tumor. Both electrodes are coupled to an RF energy source. The indifferent electrode is coupled to a microwave source. Either or both of the electrodes is hollow and include fluid distribution ports for the purpose of providing a chemotherapeutic agent to the tumor site. Ablation energy is supplied to the tumor by the active electrode.

Abstract: An irrigation arrangement is provided for electrically powered endoscopic probes that supplies the surgeon with suction or irrigation on demand. The irrigation arrangement is described for use with endoscopic probes employing thermal auto-regulating and bipolar electrosurgical probe tip configurations. An extendable shroud is also provided for selectively covering tip of the endoscopic probe while positioning or manipulating the endoscopic probe at the surgical site.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument which may be in the form of forceps or a cutter has, at the end of a hollow tube for introduction through the body cavity wall, a housing, a pair of pivotally mounted metallic jaws, a reciprocable control rod in the tube, and an actuator secured to the control rod. The actuator has a pair of guide grooves which are oppositely inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the instrument, and each jaw has a lug which fits in a respective groove, the lugs being spaced from the jaw pivots so that reciprocation of the control rod causes opening and closing of the jaws. The housing and the actuator are electrically insulating and the jaw pivots are spaced apart to achieve electrical isolation of one jaw from the other, for applying a radio frequency voltage across the jaws for bipolar electrosurgery.

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

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in laparoscopic surgery or other minimally invasive internal surgical procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus (10) is provided which is suitable for laparoscopic applications. The apparatus (10) comprises an active electrode (18) and a current return electrode shoe (34). A spring (44) or other resilient member urges the shoe (34) into tissue contact when the active electrode (18) is positioned for surgery. In another embodiment, an axially retractable active electrode (90) is used to grip tissue and draw the tissue back to a passive electrode (92) The apparatus of the present invention is capable of functioning in cutting, coagulation and desiccation modes.

Abstract: An active electrode switches from a monopolar mode extending from a handpiece and a patient return to a bipolar mode with the active and return electrodes extending. An active lead selectively connects the active output and the active electrode. A return lead selectively connects the return electrode and the return output in the monopolar mode or the return terminal when in the bipolar mode. Terminals connect with wiring to the electrodes to complete the circuit for the bipolar mode. One terminal is on the generator and one is in the handpiece to connect to the electrodes and complete the circuit for bipolar. The electrode has a control on the handpiece for the surgeon to change circuitry and to position the electrode for each mode. The return electrode in the monopolar mode is in the handpiece disconnected from its terminal. The return electrode connects to its terminal when extended from the handpiece but for monopolar a pair of patient pads connected to a monitoring circuit test continuity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in performing electrosurgery, wherein a power supply supplies an electrosurgical instrument with a low voltage power signal having a substantially constant peak-to-peak voltage that is independent of the load impedance and which has a crest factor near unity. A power supply is provided to supply a voltage waveform in accordance with the methods of the invention. A clipping circuit is also provided to permit practice of the methods using conventional electrosurgcial generators and previously known electrosurgical instruments, wherein the voltage amplitude and waveform is modified to the desired regime.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an electrode portion of a catheter disposed at a distal portion of the catheter includes two or more electrically conductive panels which: are disposed a substantially fixed radial distance from a directly-underlying axis extending lengthwise through the center of the catheter; are longitudinal strips disposed parallel to the axis, substantially equally around the circumference of the distal portion of the catheter, and substantially isodiametric with the remainder of the catheter; are electrically isolated from each other; are selectively energizable by energy transmitted from a source through the channels to the panels; and can transmit received signals through the channels to means for recording the signals. In another aspect of the invention, a catheter includes an electrically conductive electrode portion which is: disposed at a distal portion of the catheter; energizable; capable of receiving signals; and bent or bendable into a substantially coil configuration.

Abstract: A hand operable bipolar forceps instrument comprising two interfacing pivotal blade member's which are each an electrode individually pivotable in relation to each other. Pivotal movement of the blades is effectuated by two respective electrically-conductive rigid rods, each coupled to a respective blade member, extending through an elongated tubular member having disposed at its proximal end a scissors type handle whose hand operation causes the blade members to pivot in relation to each other. The rods are connectable proximally to an energy source to thereby electrically activate the blade members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe comprises an elongate probe body having a surgical hook at a distal end thereof. A paddle element is reciprocatably mounted within the distal tip of the elongate body so that it can be shifted between an extended position where it covers the hook tip and a retracted position where it leaves the hook tip exposed. The paddle thus can cooperate with the hook in tissue dissection, clean the hook, as well as provide an alternate electrosurgical probe tip for use in electrosurgical procedures.

Abstract: A method, and device utilized to practice it, for the resolution of tissue by radio frequency sparking. The device of the present invention having a distal end which is insertable within and along the lumen of a tubular body member and manipulated there through to desired position where the device will be operated. The device comprises an elongated flexible hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tubular, body member into which the device is being inserted; passage means within the tube; a plurality of electrodes adjacent the distal end of the device; and means for selectively supplying radio frequency electrical current to at least one of said electrodes.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for bipolar diathermy has a radio frequency generator connectible to a cutting assembly which includes a support structure having a pair of electrical supply conductors and, mounted at the distal end of the support assembly, a tissue cutting head. The cutting head comprises a loop of material which is electrically conducting and has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) of resistance, such as silicon carbide. In operation, radio frequency power from the generator causes heating of the loop to a temperature at which its resistivity rises to level which exceeds that of living tissue with the result that diathermy currents pass through the tissue. Also disclosed is a pair of forceps with electrodes made of NTC material, for cauterization.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe is disclosed which provides the ability to both cut and cauterize tissue. The probe includes at least one cauterization electrode mounted upon a distal portion of the electrode and adapted to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. Further, a central lumen is disposed within the probe. The lumen is adapted to accommodate the flow of fluid from a remote source to tissue through an outlet port in the distal end of the probe. Also, the lumen houses a cutting electrode which is selectively deployable. Both cauterization and coagulation can be conducted in a bipolar mode. The flow of fluid through the lumen serves to limit the heat transfer from the cauterization electrode to adjacent tissue to an extent sufficient to prevent the sticking of tissue to the probe. A feedback system is also provided to optimize the electrode temperature.