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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Dual-channel injection bipolar high frequency electrosurgical knife comprises an electrode part, a main part and an operation part. The electrode part comprises an active electrode, an insulating part and an inert electrode. The active electrode has a hollow tubular portion, which can cut the target lesion tissue when power on. The main part comprises a protective tube, an insulation sheath and an insulation coated screw, connector, seal. The insulation coated screw includes a conductive screw and an insulating coating on the surface. The operation part comprises a positioning structure, a slider, a core rod, a connection sheath, an infusion tube and a connection cable. 6% Luer tapers are attached to both the positioning structure and the infusion tube. Liquid can flow out from the dual-channel, a solution can be injected in submucosal layer to elevate the mucous membrane tissue or clean hemorrhage site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for treating skin and/or nails with cold plasma. The system includes a discharge device, which includes a handle and an applicator mounted thereon, and control infrastructure, which includes a waveform generator. The applicator includes an elongated tube housing therein a cathode. The handle includes a flyback amplifier. The waveform generator is configured to induce the flyback amplifier to establish a voltage at the cathode. The voltage produced by the flyback amplifier is configured to allow generating a self-sustaining Townsend avalanche when a distal end of the tube is positioned sufficiently near a target site on a skin surface or a nail of a subject, such as to produce a cold plasma discharge directed at the target site and having an average power between about 0.1 ?W and about 10 ?W, so that the target site is not heated.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand is disclosed for treating a plurality of tissues at a variety of tissue locations. The electrosurgical wand includes a handle on a proximal end and an elongate shaft with a combination active electrode at the distal end. The combination active electrode includes with a blade and screen portion; the blade portion extending along and laterally from the wand longitudinal axis, forming a dissecting tip. The screen portion extends from the blade portion at an obtuse angle and has at least one aspiration aperture through it. The wand also includes a second and third electrode, proximally spaced from the combination active electrode. The second electrode spans a portion of an outside surface of the wand adjacent the blade portion, while the third electrode spans a portion of the outside surface of the wand opposite the second electrode.

Abstract: An endoluminal access device including an outer sheath defining a lumen and a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes an expandable portion configured to be transitioned between a collapsed configuration having a first diameter and an expanded configuration having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The expandable portion includes a first arm defining a first lumen and an aperture in communication with the first lumen. The expandable portion is configured to expand outwardly from a central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion transitions to the expanded configuration and to deflect inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion is transitioned to the collapsed configuration. The endoluminal access device further includes an endoluminal tool deliverable from the first lumen of the first arm and outwardly from the aperture of the first arm.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for mapping and treating tissue during a medical procedure. In some cases, a device includes a mesh of wires with sensors coupled thereto. The device can be coupled to an expandable treatment element. The expandable treatment element can include multiple segments. The sensors can be used to map a tissue area and monitor the tissue during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A ceramic cutting member includes both a cutting window having sharp edges and one or more flutes with cutting burrs circumferentially spaced-apart from the cutting window. An electrode may be placed between a pair of flutes and opposite to the cutting window. A motor drive is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve to rotate the ceramic cutting member cut bone with the flute(s) and soft tissue with the cutting window. The electrode provides cautery or radiofrequency ablation of tissue when the sleeve and ceramic cutting member are not being rotated.

Abstract: Embodiments include an end effector including an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and an anvil face positionable on the first side of an anatomical structure, a cartridge operably configured to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge comprising a first end, a second end, and a cartridge face positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure. The end effector includes a blade assembly comprising a blade, a beam, and a nut, the blade comprising a first side and a second side joined at a cutting edge. The end effector includes first and second electrodes coupled to the first side of the blade and an electrosurgical power generating source in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly along a shaft axis, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an outer tube configured to rotate relative to the body assembly about the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes a slip ring assembly configured to enable electrical communication between the shaft assembly and the body assembly while permitting relative rotation therebetween. The slip ring assembly includes a first electrical contact supported by the outer tube, and a second electrical contact electrically coupled with the first electrical contact and positioned radially outward of the outer tube. The first electrical contact is configured to rotate with the outer tube about the shaft axis relative to the second electrical contact while the first and second electrical contacts remain electrically coupled.

Abstract: Systems for treatment of glaucoma comprise an excimer laser, a plurality of fiber probes, and a processor. Each fiber probe is attachable to the excimer laser to treat a subject having glaucoma by delivering shots from the laser. The processor is configured to monitor and limit a variable number of shots delivered by each fiber probe, the number of shots delivered by each fiber probe programmable within a range. Methods of treating glaucoma include programming a fiber probe to deliver a number of shots from an excimer laser. The fiber probe is inserted into an eye of a subject having glaucoma and adjusted to a position transverse to Schlemm's canal in the eye. A plurality of shots is applied from the excimer laser source while the probe is in the transverse position, thereby treating glaucoma by creating a plurality of perforations in Schlemm's canal and/or the trabecular meshwork.

Abstract: A surgical tool including first connecting elements, contacting elements, and conductive elements. The contacting elements are configured to contact nerve tissue of a patient. The conductive elements extend from the connecting elements to the contacting elements. The conductive elements have respective insulative outer layers. The insulative outer layers isolate the conductive elements from each other. The first connecting elements are configured to connect to and receive monophasic stimulation pulses from second connecting elements on a modular stimulation module. The modular stimulation module is configured to connect to the tool and other tools via the second connecting elements. The conductive elements are configured to transfer the monophasic stimulation pulses from the connecting elements to the contacting elements.

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a repair site. In one embodiment, a repair device is delivered with a delivery device system configured to move a cartridge with the repair device disposed therein toward an anvil with soft tissue positioned thereon. The delivery device linearly moves the cartridge toward the anvil with a worm drive positioned within a housing by rotating a thumb wheel disposed around the worm drive. Such linear movement is provided with a finger element extending from the worm drive that is configured to cooperate with an internal surface of the thumb wheel. With this arrangement, upon rotating the thumb wheel, the worm drive rotates with the finger element engaged with the internal surface of the thumb wheel to linearly move the cartridge toward the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical working instrument (3) is disclosed that is inserted in a working channel (7) of an endoscope (2) and is slidably located therein. A device (27) for determination of the relative position of the working instrument (3) to the endoscope (2) is configured to determine in an optical manner that the distal end (8) of the working instrument (3) has reached a distal end (8) of the working channel (7). The position determination device (27) comprises a light conductor (28) that is attached to the working instrument (3) and configured to receive light surrounding the working instrument (3) in the vicinity of its distal end (14), wherein based on the light received by the light conductor (28) the relative position of the light conductor (28) and thus the working instrument (3) in relation to the endoscope (2) can be determined.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (1) for fractional treatment of skin tissue of a patient. The apparatus (1) comprises a handpiece with a housing, at least one first electrode (11) and at least one second electrode (15) located on a distal end of the handpiece and an energy source, which is connected to said at least one first (11) and said at least one second (15) electrode. The apparatus (1) is adapted for applying radio frequency (RF) energy to the tissue. The at least one second electrode (15) is arranged on a base plate (13) and the at least one first electrode (11) is or comprises a pin or a needle (11), in particular a microneedle, which penetrates the base plate (13) through a through hole (17).

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument, the staple cartridge including: a longitudinal slot; a longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented inner staples positioned adjacent the longitudinal slot; a longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented outer staples; and a longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented intermediate staples. The longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented intermediate staples being positioned on the first side of the longitudinal slot intermediate the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented inner staples and the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented outer staples. The first lateral spacing being defined between the distal end of a staple of the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented inner staples and the distal end of a staple of the longitudinal row of obliquely-oriented outer staples.

Abstract: An integrated gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator. The generator comprises a high frequency power module, a low frequency power module and a gas module. The high frequency power module adapted to generate an electrical energy having a band of frequencies centered around a first frequency, wherein the electrical energy has a first power as the first frequency and a second power lower than the first power at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The low frequency power module having an input connected to an output of the high frequency module. The low frequency module comprises a resonant transformer comprising a ferrite core, a primary coil and a secondary coil, the secondary coil having a larger number of turns than the primary coil, wherein the resonant transformer has a resonant frequency equal to the second frequency. The gas module is adapted to control a flow of an inert gas.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by destroying bacteria. The apparatus comprises an elongate probe that includes a coaxial cable for conveying radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and/or microwave EM energy, a probe tip connected at the distal end of the coaxial cable for receiving the RF and/or microwave EM energy, and a gas conduit for conveying gas to the probe tip. The probe tip comprises a first electrode connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, and a second electrode connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and wherein the first electrode and second electrode are arranged to produce an electric field from the received RF and/or microwave EM energy across a flow path of gas received from the gas conduit to produce a thermal or a non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods for pacing contact, lead, conduit or other medical fixture placement in tissues or organs. The invention features an articulating multiple suction foot device, comprising an inner vacuum conduit and foot slidingly contained within an outer vacuum conduit and foot, with the inner vacuum conduit and foot configured to extend beyond the outer vacuum suction foot, and to be further articulated once extended; as well as a separate tissue or waste removal vacuum assembly that extends within the inner vacuum conduit to the inner vacuum foot to remove cut tissue prior to its advancement beyond the outer vacuum suction foot.

Abstract: A method of performing a rhizotomy includes directing an electrocautery probe through an incision in the body of a patient, navigating a distal tip of the probe to a location adjacent a target nerve, energizing the probe to deliver energy to the target nerve, and moving the distal tip of the probe in a plurality of directions to direct the energy at the target nerve.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a switch assembly. The end effector is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongated shaft and includes opposing first and second jaw members. The end effector is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The drive shaft is operably coupled to the end effector to move the end effector between the open and closed configurations. The switch assembly includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact is coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move with the drive shaft. The first electrical contact is configured to engage the second electrical contact in response to a movement of the drive shaft to determine a first angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument that includes a cartridge body, a longitudinal row of first staple cavities, a longitudinal row of second staple cavities, a third staple cavity, a first staple driver and a second staple driver. The cartridge body has a longitudinal slot that defines a longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal rows of staple cavities are obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis and a third staple cavity is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The staple cavities positioned in the first and second rows are configured to receive staples. The first and second staple drivers include staple supports and ramps. The first ramp of the first staple driver is positioned beneath at least one first staple support and the second ramp is laterally offset relative to the second staple support.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return tissue guard configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return specimen bag configured to connect to the return electrode port.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus with a retractable blade for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus employs a tip of the retractable blade as a sharp conductive point to generate a plasma beam or discharge. When the blade is retracted within the electrosurgical apparatus, it is electrically energized while an inert gas flows over it, producing a cold plasma discharge. In the de-energized state, the blade is advanced and used as a traditional, mechanical surgical blade.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for adaptive multivariate control for performing a radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedure with an energy delivery device. The system includes an energy source for delivering energy to a patient's body; one or more energy delivery devices; two or more sensors for measuring at least two factors related to an ablation procedure, respectively; and at least one processor.