Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device assembly and a method for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left atrium of a heart of a mammal Disclosed herein is a RF energy-based transcatheter interatrial septum excision device configured to create a sized interatrial aperture between the right and left atria of a heart for the relief of elevated left atrial pressure. The device assembly comprises a delivery catheter, a tissue stabilizer attached to a tissue stabilizer catheter, a tissue cutter attached to a tissue cutter catheter, a remotely located RF generator connected to an RF cathode and anode of the device assembly.

Abstract: Methods and surgical devices for performing an anastomosis of a living tissue. More particularly the methods and devices relate to anastomosis of tissue performed through tissue fusion performed by delivering energy to the tissue.

Abstract: Ultrasound-guided rete testis injection/aspiration devices and methods are described. Some methods include inserting a needle into the rete testis space of a patient and injecting a therapeutic medium through the needle into the rete testis space and seminiferous tubules of the testis. The therapeutic medium can help to treat infertility. In some examples, the method can include monitoring intra-testicular pressure of the patient. In some examples, the therapeutic medium can include stem cells. In some examples, the therapeutic medium can include gene therapy vectors. In some examples, the method can include flushing the rete testis space and seminiferous tubules with a saline solution through the needle. Exemplary devices can include a dual lumen needle, a collection tube, a dual function pump, and flexible tubing. The dual function pump can include a dual syringe pump and a vacuum pump.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: an electrode having a first portion whose exterior is electrically uninsulated, a second portion whose exterior is electrically insulated, and a third portion; an elongated hollow body having an internal cavity, a front end, a rear end, an external surface, and an electrical wire arranged within the body. The hollow body is configured to reversibly receive the third portion of the electrode at the front end of the body such that electrical contact is made between the electrode and the electrical wire and the second portion of the electrode is not surrounded by the hollow body. A first button is provided for controlling a current flow at a first level to the electrode and is arranged on the external surface. A vacuum tube is slidably engaged by the body and has an inlet generally facing the front end and adjacent the electrode.

Abstract: A medical device includes: an end effector configured to apply treatment energy for treating a living tissue according to supplied power; a drive source configured to supply the power to the end effector; and a processor configured to classify, in a first time period after a supply of the power to the end effector is started, the living tissue into any one of a plurality of tissue types based on a first parameter detected in the first time period, control an operation of the drive source after the first time period based on the classified tissue type, reclassify the classified living tissue into any one of the plurality of tissue types based on a second parameter detected after the first time period, and control an operation of the drive source based on the tissue type into which the classified living tissue is reclassified.

Abstract: An electrosurgery handpiece/pencil with smoke evacuation having features that support use at high frequencies without insulation breakdown and that provides increased efficiency of smoke evacuation during cutting and/or coagulation. The electrosurgery handpiece/pencil with smoke evacuation includes a handpiece and a planar platform located near a top of the handpiece where the planar platform has a recessed area and/or a rectangular shaped area in communication with a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A monopolar ionisable gas plasma coagulation applicator includes: an elongate shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and defining a hollow inner volume and a longitudinal axis of the applicator; an applicator tip mounted on the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the applicator tip defines an aperture extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and an electrode extending through the inner volume and with the applicator tip, the electrode includes an open channel having an electrode tip, wherein the electrode tip is received within the hollow inner volume of the shaft and the aperture of the applicator tip to define a gas flow channel defined by the electrode and the elongate shaft and by the electrode and the applicator tip, the gas flow channel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis within the elongate shaft and extending outwards along the longitudinal axis within the applicator tip.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided having a working lumen and a guide. The guide is configured to position a fragmentizing device within the working lumen. The guide is configured to prevent or minimize any unintended movement of a distal section of the fragmentizing device within the working lumen when the distal section of the fragmentizing device is positioned at a distal end of the working lumen.

Abstract: A surgical tool including an inelastic and elastic cable to impart a bend to a shaft. A steering assembly is coupled to the shaft and configured to cause longitudinal displacement of the shaft relative to the body to tension the cables to bend the shaft bendable section in a direction of the flexible inelastic cable. The surgical tool may include an active tip with one of the cables being configured to supply energy to the active tip. The surgical tool may be a shaver that includes a shaver shaft having a flexible section configured to be aligned with a shaft bendable section with the motor of the shaver supported on a cradle of a body. The shaft bendable section may be formed by links with the flexible inelastic cable being arcuately spaced apart from tabs within sockets that engage adjacent links.

Abstract: A device for vessel harvesting is disclosed. The device for vessel harvesting includes a distal housing, a dissector coupled to the distal housing, a drive element coupled to the dissector, and an actuator coupled to the drive element. The device for vessel harvesting may also include a rotatable dissector, a shaft coupled to the distal housing having a first articulation joint movable within a first plane, and a second articulation joint movable within a second plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane, a barrel chain drive element coupled to the rotatable dissector, and an actuator coupled to the drive element. The device for vessel harvesting may also include a member slidably engaged to the distal tip.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a catheter shaft including a distal end portion, wherein the distal end portion includes an ablation assembly. The ablation assembly includes an expandable frame including a base, an end region and a plurality of struts extending between the base and the end region, the struts defining a plurality of apertures along the frame. The ablation assembly also includes an electrical circuit coupled to an inner surface of the second end region of the frame, the electrical circuit including a plurality of ablation electrodes coupled thereto. Further, the expandable frame is designed to shift from a delivery configuration in which the ablation electrodes face inward from the inner surface of the expandable frame to an expanded configuration in which the ablation electrodes face away from the base of the expandable frame.

Abstract: A cautery pen tip accessory cover comprises a cylindrical member that can receive a cautery pen in a first end and the tip of the cautery pen can extend from a second opposite end when the cover is in a retracted configuration. The cylindrical member has an opened lateral exposure that allows the feel of the cautery pen therethrough. A cover exposure opening in the cylindrical member to provide access to a trigger of the cautery pen when the cautery pen tip cover is in the retracted configuration. A resilient member urges the cautery pen tip cover to the non-retracted configuration where access to the cautery pen trigger is prevented. The cylindrical member is easily retracted by a finger ring configured permanently into the cylindrical member, allowing easy retraction of the cover by the operator squeezing the cover to a resistance bar stabilization system accessory configured over the cautery pen.

Abstract: A flexible delivery catheter can be used to deploy valve repair and replacement devices at an implant site for the repair or replacement of poorly functioning native heart valves. Such a catheter can include a flexible tube having a plurality of links. A control wire can be connected to the plurality of links, such that applying tension to the control wire causes the flexible tube to bend.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical fusion/sealer and dissector is provided that is arranged to simultaneously fuse and cut tissue captured between jaws of the instrument. The jaws include particularly positioned, shaped and/or oriented electrodes along with a compressible landing pad to perform the simultaneous fusion and cutting of tissue. An electrosurgical generator is arranged to supply RF energy through the instrument and monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle to optimally fuse and dissect the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a controller configured to control application of RF or ultrasonic energy at a low level when displacement or intensity of a button is above a first threshold but below a second threshold higher than the first threshold, and control application of RF or ultrasonic energy at a high level when the displacement or intensity exceeds the second threshold. In another aspect, a surgical instrument comprises a first sensor configured to measure a tissue characteristic at a first location, a second sensor configured to measure the tissue characteristic at a second location, and a controller configured to, based at least in part on the measured tissue characteristic at the first location and the second location, control application of RF or ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw that comprising an anvil, and a second jaw. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other to grasp tissue. The second jaw comprises an elongated channel comprising retaining features, and a staple cartridge insertable into the elongated channel for assembly therewith. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge pan, and a sled translatable relative to the cartridge pan from a first position toward a second position. The retaining features are configured to resist a movement by the sled beyond the first position up to a predetermined force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planning device for generating control data for a treatment apparatus, which by means of a laser device generates at least one cut surface in the cornea, and to a treatment apparatus having such a planning device. The invention further relates to a method for generating control data for a treatment apparatus, which by means of a laser device generates at least one cut surface in the cornea, and to a corresponding method for eye surgery. The planning device is thereby provided with calculating means for defining the corneal incision surfaces, wherein the calculation means determines the corneal incisions such that after inserting an implant into the cornea, existing refractive errors are counteracted.

Abstract: An electrocautery device for dissecting biological tissue is provided. The electrocautery device includes an insulated electrode comprising a distal tip configured to provide energy to biological tissue and an electrocautery device body having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is radially disposed upon the insulated electrode. The upper portion comprising a proximal first portion comprising a gas supply connection and a distal second portion defining a gas delivery channel and having a gas tip. The electrocautery device may optionally include a buffer. Systems for dissecting biological tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Polymer catheters and guidewires for use in intravascular surgery, and more particularly polymer catheters and guidewires micro-machined with a micro-cutting machine to provide sufficient flexibility to travel through a patient's vasculature while retaining sufficient torquability to transmit torque from a proximal end to the distal end of the catheter or guidewire, and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a main body fabricated from a conductive material, and a conductive blade extending inwardly from an inner surface of the main body. The blade has an edge configured to concentrate RF for cutting tissue.

Abstract: A disposable thumb light and a method of providing direct lighting for a medical procedure on a patient using a disposable thumb light is described. The disposable thumb light includes a housing, a light source, and at least one attachment configured to couple the disposable thumb light to a thumb of a user or a glove. The housing can include at least one flexible portion. The disposable thumb light can further include a flex responsive switch that is configured to move between at least a first position and a second position when the housing moves from a first housing position to a second housing position and energize or de-energize the light source in response. In the method of providing direct lighting for medical procedure, the disposable thumb light is coupled to a thumb of a user; the light source is energized by moving the thumb of the user from a first position to a second position; and the light source is de-energized by moving the thumb of the user from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: The present application relates to a monopolar electrode and a bipolar electrode that are used for electrosurgical instruments. The monopolar electrode and the bipolar electrode each include a conductive non-stick coating which is made by doping graphene and/or metal particles in a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) base material. The present application also relates to a preparation method of a composite material forming the conductive non-stick coating. Since PTFE itself can prevent adhesion, the conductivity of PTFE can be improved by doping various conductive materials. After the composite material coating formed thereby covers a metal electrode, it is ensured that the working region and work energy of an electrotome are not reduced, the electrical conductivity of the electrode can be guaranteed, not only the blood coagulation effect of the electrotome is not affected but also the adhesion of the electrode on a tissue can be reduced. Furthermore, the structure is simple, and manufacturing is easy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RF treatment apparatus controlling the RF energy so that the target tissue is maintained within a range of a treatment temperature if the target tissue is determined to have reached the treatment temperature based on the impedance, a method of controlling the RF treatment apparatus, and a skin treatment method using RF energy. The RF treatment apparatus, the method of controlling the RF treatment apparatus and the skin treatment method using RF energy according to the present invention have an effect in that they can improve the accuracy and efficiency of treatment because whether a target tissue corresponds to a treatment temperature is determined based on impedance of the tissue and the volume of the target tissue corresponding to the treatment temperature can be maximized while maintaining the target tissue to the treatment temperature for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Presented are an apparatus and method for fluid evacuation. An exemplary fluid evacuation system includes a surgical apparatus having a fluid conduit therethrough. The fluid conduit includes a gaseous fluid sorbent material. Additionally, the fluid conduit is fluidly coupled with a vacuum tube fluidly coupled with a vacuum source, wherein the vacuum source is operable to create a flow of fluid through the surgical apparatus fluid conduit and the vacuum tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling electrical power of an electrotherapeutic signal that is provided to a biological tissue engaged by an electrosurgical instrument during a medical procedure. Electrical power—a product of a voltage difference across and an electrical current conducted by the engaged biological tissue—is controlled according to a therapeutic schedule. The electrotherapeutic schedule can be reduced or terminated in response to a termination criterion being met. In some examples, the termination criterion is a current characteristic, such as, for example, a decrease in current conducted by the engaged biological tissue. In some examples, the termination criterion is a biological tissue resistance characteristic, such as, for example, an increase in the biological tissue resistance that exceeds a predetermined delta resistance value.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the system including a pulse waveform signal generator for medical ablation therapy, and an endocardial ablation device includes an inflatable member and at least one electrode for focal ablation pulse delivery to tissue. The signal generator may deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulse waveform. The system may include a cardiac stimulator for generation of pacing signals and for sequenced delivery of pulse waveforms in synchrony with the pacing signal.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic treatment instrument that can maintain a state where the treatment instrument protrudes, by a simple manipulation and that can keep an amount of protrusion of the treatment instrument constant. The endoscopic treatment instrument (1) has an operation unit having: an operation unit body (50) fixed to a cylindrical member; and a slider (60) that is fixed to a linear object and is slidable with respect to the operation unit body (50) in the longitudinal direction. The operation unit is provided with a first stop position and a first stop release position distal to the first stop position, the first stop position being a position where the operation unit body (50) and the slider (60) contact each other as a result of relative movement of the operation unit body (50) and the slider (60).

Abstract: An elongate medical device having a device longitudinal axis and a device distal region, the medical device comprising a balloon at the device distal region and having a balloon longitudinal axis, the balloon comprising a balloon inflatable portion with a first length configured to transition from a deflated state to an inflated state and includes a portion of the balloon proximal portion and a portion of the balloon distal portion, a balloon proximal portion with a second length, a balloon distal portion with a third length, wherein, in the inflated state, the balloon is symmetrical about the balloon longitudinal axis and the balloon comprises a first profile shape with a second length and a second profile shape with a third length, and wherein the balloon distal portion comprising the second profile shape comprises a tissue contacting surface where a substantial portion of the tissue contacting surface is concave.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method and device for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue with an electrosurgical device having an electrode and a channel wherein said channel has a port near a proximal end of said electrode, wherein the method comprises the steps of causing an inert gas to flow through said channel and exit said port, applying high-frequency energy to said electrode while said inert gas flows through said channel, wherein said high-frequency energy applied to said electrode continuously plasmatizes inert gas exiting said port, initiating an electrical discharge from said electrode through said continuously plasmatized inert gas to said tissue, cutting tissue with said electrode, maintaining said electrical discharge from said electrode through said plasmatized inert gas while cutting tissue with said electrode to cause coagulation of said tissue simultaneously with said cutting.

Abstract: Catheter systems, tools and methods are disclosed for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation, with the system controller configurable to apply voltages to an independently selected subsets of electrodes, such that voltages of one polarity are applied to a multiplicity of electrodes on a first medical device and voltages of the opposite polarity to a multiplicity of electrodes on a second medical device. The first and second medical devices can be epicardial catheters positioned such that their opposing distal tips are approximately aligned and whose segments with electrodes collectively wrap around the pulmonary veins.

Abstract: A method of forming an energy delivery portion of a medical device includes contacting a distal portion of an electrode shaft with an insulating material, and heating the insulating material to couple the insulating material to the distal portion of the electrode shaft to form an insulation tip. The distal portion of the electrode shaft includes one or more surface contours to entrain the insulating material.

Abstract: In an embodiment a device includes a low voltage assembly having an output contact, the low voltage assembly configured to provide a low voltage at the output contact, a high voltage assembly having an input contact and a transformer and a plug-in connection interconnecting the low voltage assembly and the high voltage assembly, wherein the plug-in connection is configured to provide an electrical contact between the output contact of the low voltage assembly and the input contact of the high voltage assembly, wherein the low voltage provided at the output contact is applied to the transformer via the input contact, wherein the transformer is configured to convert the low voltage into a high voltage, and wherein the device is configured to generate a gas discharge.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first and second electrode assemblies can each include a rotary connection assembly to allow spatial orientation of the cutting window relative to the housing and/or cutting tip.

Abstract: In methods for treating a patient, a time varying magnetic field is applied to a patient's body and causes a muscle contraction. The time-varying magnetic field may be monophasic, biphasic, polyphasic and/or static. The method may reduce adipose tissue, improve metabolism, blood and/or lymph circulation. The method may use combinations of treatments to enhance the visual appearance of the patient.

Abstract: A firing mechanism and a circular stapler are provided. The firing mechanism includes a staple pushing assembly, which includes an actuating rod provided with a stopping groove; a firing handle, wherein a pin post is provided in the firing handle, a first end of the pin post is capable of protruding from a first end of the firing handle and entering the stopping groove, to stop the firing handle from rotating relative to the actuating rod; and a pressing button capable of moving along a first direction to press the first end of the pin post to move towards a second end of the firing handle. Before the stapler reaches a ready-to-fire state, the pin post is inserted in the stopping groove of the actuating rod, to limit the rotation of the firing handle, therefore the operator cannot press the firing handle to fire the stapler.

Abstract: Heat resistant and/or nonstick polymer materials and composites, and cookware including a food support surface comprising an integrated or attached cooking surface formed of the materials and composites. The cookware includes a laminate material with structural rigidity, wherein the laminate material includes a flexible substrate impregnated with the heat resistant polymer material and/or coated with a nonstick coating, and pressed or molded in a shaped cookware or other nonstick items or component. Various cooking devices can be pressed from the material, as well as oven or vehicle components.

Abstract: A method comprises introducing an ablation catheter assembly into a heart chamber of the patient, deploying an ablative loop structure from an elongated shaft of the ablation catheter assembly, placing the ablative loop structure in an expanded geometry, disposing the expanded ablative loop structure on the endocardial tissue around an ostium of a blood vessel extending from the heart chamber, activating the ablative loop structure, thereby creating a circumferential lesion around the ostium of the blood vessel, disposing the ablative shaft distal end, when the ablative loop structure is housed within the elongated shaft, at a target region of the endocardial tissue remote from the ostium of the blood vessel, and activating the ablative shaft distal end, thereby creating another lesion at the target region.

Abstract: In this patent disclosure, various embodiments of using near-field communication (NFC) to facilitate secure data exchange between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool attached onto the robotic surgical system are disclosed. In one aspect, a process for enabling secure data exchange between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool begins by detecting a coupling of the surgical tool onto the robotic surgical system. The process next establishes a NFC link between a first NFC module embedded in the robotic surgical system and a second NFC module embedded in the surgical tool. The process then determines whether the surgical tool is authenticated to the robotic surgical system via the NFC link. Next, in response to the authentication of the surgical tool, the process establishes secure data exchange between the robotic surgical system and the surgical tool.

Abstract: Electrosurgery blades including electrosurgery blade assemblies having argon beam capability. The electrosurgery blade includes a thin conductive member having a lead sharp cutting end and an opposite noon-cutting end and a non-conductive coating covering the thin conductive member such that at least a portion of the lead cutting end and at least a portion of the opposite non-cutting end of the thin conductive member remain exposed. An electrosurgery blade assembly having argon beam capability includes the previously described electrosurgery blade, a non-conductive tube member having a hollow tubular shaped opening positioned on top of the electrosurgery blade, and a conductive hollow tubular member contained within at least a portion of the non-conductive tube member.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrosurgical pencil, the electrode comprising an elongated body made of a conductive material and extending in an axial direction from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end configured for engaging the electrosurgical pencil and the distal end forming a blade configured for cutting or coagulation of tissue by electrosurgical energy received from the pencil, the blade being defined by two main surface portions on opposite sides of an axially extending intermediate plane and joined by an edge extending through the intermediate plane. To concentrate electrical energy at the edge and thereby facilitate a more precise cutting and less burnt tissue sticking to the electrode, the main surface portions has a first surface roughness, the edge has a second surface roughness being lower than the first surface roughness, and at least the main surface portions are covered by a surface coating comprising silicone.

Abstract: A device for treating hemorrhoids includes a first ligating member which moves between a first position in which the first member is tightened to a degree required to maintain a desired position of the first member around the first portion without significantly cutting off blood flow and a second configuration in which the first member is cinched down around the first portion to substantially cut off blood flow to the encircled first portion. Also, the device includes a first applicator having a proximal lumen and first and second opposed distal lumens open to the proximal lumen. The first member is extending from a proximal end distally through the proximal lumen into the first lumen to exit a distal end of the first lumen, loop around and enter the distal end of the second lumen. The first member is passing through the second lumen into the proximal lumen.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the operation of a surgical instrument using machine learning in a surgical suite is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of gathering data during surgical procedures, wherein the surgical procedures include the use of a surgical instrument, analyzing the gathered data to determine an appropriate operational adjustment of the surgical instrument, and adjusting the operation of the surgical instrument to improve the operation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for treating back pain associated with a vertebral body of a patient. The system may include an external energy source configured to be positioned at a location external to the body of the patient, a linear configured to drive translation of the external source in one or more axes, a computer coupled to the external source and linear drive and programming executable on said computer for determining a target treatment site within or near the vertebral body based on acquired imaging data, positioning a focal point of the external energy source to substantially coincide with the target treatment site, and delivering a treatment dose of therapeutic energy at said target treatment site, wherein the treatment dose is configured to modulate a nerve within or near the vertebral body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical navigation instrument having a temperature sensor. The surgical navigation instrument can easily perform an autoclave action to remove microorganisms using saturated steam with respect to a part which can be contaminated during treatment, and enhance convenience in replacement of a grip part and the electrodes of the handpiece which are consumables, since a handpiece and electrodes are detachably screw-coupled with each other.

Abstract: Electrosurgical lysing devices and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the lysing device may comprise a lysing tip comprising at least one bead comprising an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface and at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending within a recess defined, at least in part, by the at least one bead, wherein the at least one bead protrudes both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft operably coupled to an actuating mechanism moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is moveable between an activated position to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector and a deactivated position to terminate delivery of electrosurgical energy to the end effector. A switch activation member is configured to move the switch between an activated position and a deactivated position. A switch control member is configured to maintain the switch in the activated position during at least partial movement of the actuating mechanism from the actuated position to the unactuated position.

Abstract: Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may also be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assessing tissue contact based on dielectric properties and/or impedance sensing are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more probing frequencies are delivered via electrodes including an electrode in proximity to a tissue (for example, myocardial tissue). In some embodiments, dielectric parameter values, optionally together with other known and/or estimated tissue characteristics, are measured to determine a contact quality with the tissue. In some embodiments, dielectric contact quality is used, for example, in guiding the formation of a lesion (for example, RF ablation of heart tissue to alter electrical transmission characteristics).

Abstract: A lighted electrocautery blade assembly is disclosed for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument, which includes a housing having an LED light assembly at a distal end thereof for illuminating a surgical site, and an electrode operatively associated with the housing and including a distal portion defining an electrocautery blade and a proximal portion defining a connector for electrically coupling with an electrosurgical instrument.