Abstract: Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils include a lighting device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided having a treatment portion attached at a distal end thereof and a handle for actuating the treatment portion. The instrument includes at least one switch, each configured to close an associated open circuit upon activation thereof for controlling at least one respective function or parameter associated with the treatment portion. The instrument is provided with a cap configured to mechanically engage the housing and having an inner surface including a corresponding number of mechanical interfaces configured to align with each switch, such that an activation force against an outer surface of the cap and relative to the housing closes the open circuit associated with a corresponding switch.

Abstract: The effects produced by surgical devices that deploy an electrical circuit between electrodes are dependent on the nature of electrical work perform upon the conductive media in an around biologic tissues. Non-ablation radiofrequency surgical devices utilize a protective housing that provides, based upon procedure-specific needs, the ability to 1. move, manipulate, and segregate near-field effects both tangentially and perpendicularly to the tissue surface, 2. deliver far-field electromagnetic effects to tissue unencumbered by current deposition, and 3. serve as a 20 mechanical adjunct to and a selective throttling vent/plenum for energy delivery. Because the electrodes are non-tissue-contacting, this study characterizes the effects that non-ablation radiofrequency energy exerts upon interfacing media typically encountered during surgical applications.

Abstract: An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.

Abstract: An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element.

Abstract: An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a desiccation device for operation on a target tissue is provided. The device includes a handle; a shaft extending distally from the handle, wherein the shaft defines a lumen therethrough; and a head having a loop configuration supported on a distal end of the shaft, the head being hollow and defining a lumen therethrough, said lumen being in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. At least a portion of the cutting head is electrically connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. A fluid is circulatable through the lumen of the shaft and the head.

Abstract: A catheter handle includes a handle body. A steering control mechanism is displaceably carried on the handle body. An electrode sheath carrier is carried on the handle body, the electrode sheath carrier being displaceable at least relative to the steering control mechanism.

Abstract: A hernia repair system includes a surgical mesh, one or more electrosurgical instruments, and one or more return electrodes. The one or more electrosurgical instruments are configured to position the surgical mesh adjacent tissue in an underlying tissue site. The one or more return electrodes are positionable adjacent the tissue and externally relative to the underlying tissue site. The one or more electrosurgical instruments and the one or more return electrodes are configured to selectively apply an effective amount of pressure and electrosurgical energy to the surgical mesh such that upon the application of electrosurgical energy and pressure, the surgical mesh seals to one side of the tissue at the underlying tissue site.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an ablation apparatus includes a proximal body portion, a shaft extending distally from the proximal body portion, the shaft being selectively deformable utilizing at least one deformation system between a first position wherein the shaft is straight an a second position wherein the shaft is bent, the at least one deformation system configured to retain the shaft in each of the first and second positions, and at least one electrode disposed at least partially within the shaft, the electrode movable with the shaft upon movement of the shaft between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.

Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads.

Abstract: Various medical devices and methods for cutting, evacuating and/or performing work on tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy.

Abstract: A catheter includes: a shaft at least a part of which is to be inserted into a blood vessel; an inlet; an outlet formed in the shaft; a lumen which extends inside the shaft, and through which the inlet and outlet communicate with each other; a balloon disposed on an outer circumference of the shaft, and expandable and contractable; an electrode disposed on a surface of the balloon; a signal acquirer electrically connected to the electrode; a first hole formed in the shaft in a zone between the balloon and the inlet; and a second hole formed in the shaft in a zone between the balloon and the outlet. A blood flowing through the blood vessel is made possible to flow in one of the first and second holes, and flow out from the other hole.

Abstract: A medical device (100) for tissue welding is provided that comprises at least one processor (161) configured to regulate cold plasma production in a plasma head (102) by controlling an RF power source (141) to supply RF plasma-producing power to the plasma head.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.

Abstract: A multi-functional medical device including a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The medical device further includes an end-effector slidably disposed within the lumen. A portion of the end-effector may be configured to transition between a collapsed state while in the lumen and an expanded state while out of the lumen. Further, the end-effector may include a tool configured to dissect tissue, and a retracting member having a plurality of legs disposed about the tool.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating obesity, insulin resistance and co-morbidities of these conditions by removing tissue from the abdomen. More specifically, it relates to a method of removing abdominal fat and omentum to which the fat is attached, in order to improve health. The invention includes a device for safely removing this tissue material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe having a plenum which prevents contact of the active electrode with tissue, while simultaneously allowing a fluid/interfacing agents to contact the active electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for endometrial ablation. The systems include a handle and elongated introducer sleeve extending to an expandable working end having a fluid-tight interior chamber. A thin dielectric wall surrounds at least a portion of the interior chamber and has an external surface for contacting endometrial tissue. The thin dielectric wall surrounds a collapsible-expandable frame and receives an electrically non-conductive gas. First and second polarity electrodes are exposed to the interior and exterior of the chamber, respectively. A radiofrequency power source operatively connects to the electrode arrangement to apply a radiofrequency voltage across the first and second electrodes, wherein the voltage is sufficient to initiate ionization of the neutral gas into a conductive plasma within the interior chamber, and to capacitively couple the current in the plasma across the thin dielectric wall to ablate endometrial tissue engaged by the external surface of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: A method for capturing small objects in a confined space such as an artery or duct in a body by bringing an elongated flexible body having a distally disposed operative head provided with a plurality of nanostructures into proximity with the object. When in proximity intermolecular forces are created between the nanostructures and the object that attract the object to the operative head. By application of high frequency electrical current the nanostructures act as electrical knives to cut away or cauterize an object.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a desiccation device for operation on a target tissue is provided. The device includes a handle; a shaft extending distally from the handle, wherein the shaft defines a lumen therethrough; and a head having a loop configuration supported on a distal end of the shaft, the head being hollow and defining a lumen therethrough, said lumen being in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. At least a portion of the cutting head is electrically connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. A fluid is circulatable through the lumen of the shaft and the head.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system for treating fibrillation in a patient comprises a steerable interventional catheter having an energy source that emits a beam of energy to ablate tissue thereby creating a conduction block for aberrant electrical pathways. The system also includes a handle disposed near a proximal end of the interventional catheter and has an actuation mechanism for steering the interventional catheter. A console allows the system to be controlled and provides power to the system, and a display pod is electrically coupled with the console. The display pod has a display panel to display system information to a user and allows the user to control the system. A catheter pod is releasably coupled with the handle electrically and mechanically, and also electrically coupled with the display pod.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for preventing or significantly reducing the risk of thrombus formation. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention provide energy to blood flowing within a chamber or vessel to prevent or reduce blood stasis and thereby prevent or significantly reduce the risk of thrombus formation. The present invention is ideally suited for prevention or reduction of risk of blood clot formation in the atria in patients with atrial fibrillation, in blood vessels of patients at risk of clot formation, in areas adjacent to, or on, artificial heart valves or other artificial cardiovascular devices, and the like.

Abstract: A cautery pen cover can cover a cautery pen, with little modification thereto, such that the cover must be retracted to both expose the tip and the trigger of the cautery pen. The cover is designed as a protective sleeve that prevents actuation of the cautery pen trigger until the cover is retracted. The cover automatically returns to the covered position when it is released. The cover is always on the cautery pen, whether in use or just lying on the operating field, thereby not requiring users to place and secure the cautery pen in a plastic holster. The cautery pen use various energy sources, such as electro or radio frequency, or any other source that results in cautery or cutting of tissue.

Abstract: Cardiac ablation systems include vacuum-stabilized, irrigated ablation devices that have ablating elements capable of providing regions of relatively low pressure to maintain the ablating element in a stable position relative to the tissue, or minimize relative movement of the ablating element relative to the tissue. The ablation elements have integrated structures for vacuum-stabilization. The devices also include one or more electrodes for both orienting the ablating element as well as for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode assembly configured to cauterize tissue. The treatment devices may include an elongate cutting member with a safety tip. The treatment devices may include a multi-lumen catheter with a lumen configured to deliver fluid and another lumen configured to accommodate an injection needle, a cutting member, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a quantum fluid flow management apparatus which controls and facilitates delivery of liquid and/or air to the surgical site during a surgical procedure via a trumpet valve, various restriction (crimping) devices, and a network of tubing for selectively passing air or fluid through to the surgical site. The trumpet valve allows for selective control of air or fluid or both or neither. Additionally the flow management apparatus controls the application and suction of fluids from the surgical site which may be used in cooperation with the injection of a fluid such as water to irrigate the surgical site to remove body fluids, debrided material or the like.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe having a plenum which prevents contact of the active electrode with tissue, while simultaneously allowing a fluid/interfacing agents to contact the active electrode.

Abstract: Method for the non-thermal treatment of human or animal tissue with high-voltage electrical discharge plasma is disclosed. The disclosed method employs current through plasma and through tissue not for the purpose of heating the tissue, but instead to maintain the plasma proximate to the tissue being treated. Also disclosed is a method of limiting the current through plasma and through tissue to minimize tissue heating by placement of an insulator or semiconductor between an electrode and tissue resulting in generation of a high-voltage discharge similar to a dielectric barrier discharge. The disclosed non-thermal plasma treatment can be employed to promote coagulation of blood, sterilization, disinfection, re-connection of tissue, and treatment of tissue disorders without causing significant thermal tissue damage.

Abstract: Various medical devices and methods for cutting, evacuating and/or performing work on tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a clamp including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and at least one energy transmission device carried by the base member. An apparatus for use with a clamp and a probe that carries at least one energy transmission device including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and an engagement device associated with the base member and configured to engage the probe. A clamp including first and second clamp members, at least one of which is malleable, and a movement apparatus that moves at least one of the first and second clamp members relative to the other. A surgical system including a clamp with first and second clamp members and a device that removably mounts at least one electrode on at least one of the first and second clamp members.

Abstract: A medical device is configured to perform a holding operation by a clamping mechanism with respect to a biological tissue at a periphery of a defect and a supply operation of electric energy independently by flowing current in the clamping mechanism while sandwiching biological tissue composed of an atrial septum secundum and a foramen ovale valve by way of the clamping mechanism to fuse the biological tissues by, for example, turning on a switch which on-off controls the supply of the electric energy.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a needle cannula including a proximal end and a distal end The needle cannula includes a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. A handle is disposed at the proximal end of the needle cannula. An electrocautery receiver is associated with the handle and electrically coupled to the needle cannula, wherein, with an electrocautery device activated and placed within the electrocautery receiver, electrical energy is conducted from the electrocautery device to the distal end of the needle cannula to selectively electrocauterize tissue in contact with the distal end of the needle cannula.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously heating a plurality of discrete skin volumes to a coagulation temperature. The system comprises an applicator containing an electrode having a plurality of spaced apart protruding conducting elements configured to contact the skin surface at a plurality of discrete locations. A controller applies a voltage to the electrode so as to simultaneously heat a plurality of skin volumes to a coagulation temperature when the applicator is applied to the skin surface.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided with a balloon on the tip of a main shaft. The balloon catheter is provided with: protruding parts that are furnished on the outer surface of the balloon and protrude outward from the outer surface of the balloon at least when the balloon is expanded; and electrodes that are furnished on the leading edges of the protruding parts in the direction of protrusion and are capable of transmitting energy to living tissue. The leading edge electrodes can thereby be delivered near the desired site of treatment by thrusting the protruding parts into living tissue and, in this configuration, energy is transmitted to said treatment site.

Abstract: A sphincterotome includes a plurality of tines that are longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the sphincterotome. One of the tines is configured as a cutting wire of the sphincterotome and is electrically coupled to an electrical source. The other tines are configured as stabilizing wires to stabilize the cutting wire in a cutting position. In addition, the other tines are electrically insulated from the cutting wire and the electrical source. The plurality of tines are movable between an expanded and a non-expanded configuration. Electrocautery is performed when the tines are in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment system comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a handpiece, a probe, a sheath, a clamping member, an operation unit, an operating member, a suction base, and a perfusion base. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The handpiece has the ultrasonic transducer incorporated therein. The probe is connected to the ultrasonic transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a distal member realizing a stationary portion that is a treatment portion for treating a living tissue. The sheath serves as a protecting member for shielding the probe. The clamping member is opposed to the distal member at the distal end of the sheath for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the distal member. The operation unit is manipulated for clamping a living tissue with the clamping member and distal member or freeing the living tissue therefrom.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: Surgical devices for treating tissue are provided. Also provided are systems for treating tissue and methods of treating tissue. An exemplary surgical device has a handle, a fluid passage connectable to a fluid source, a tip portion and a distal end. The tip portion can simultaneously provide RF power and conductive fluid to tissue. The tip portion includes an electrode having a domed portion having a domed surface and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical surface. The domed portion is located distal to the cylindrical portion and occupies at least a portion of the distal end of the surgical device. The device includes a fluid outlet opening in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the fluid outlet opening configured to provide the conductive fluid to a surface of the electrode proximal to the distal end surface of the surgical device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus for coagulating tissue, including a gas-delivering device for delivering a plasma comprised of an ionized inert gas from the outlet of the gas-delivering device, an electrode adapted to supply a high-frequency current that projects out of the gas-delivering device and a guiding device disposed at a distal end of the electrode. The relative configuration of the outlet of the gas-delivering device and the guiding device are such that the plasma (and an electric arc) can be directed in any direction 360° with respect to the outlet of the gas-delivering device. The plasma is directed along a path of least electric resistance, thus causing the plasma to be directed to a tissue to be treated, regardless of a position of the tissue relative to a rotational position of the outlet of the gas-delivering device.

Abstract: According to one configuration, an electrocautery electrode for use in electrocautery or electrosurgery is provided which has a light-emitting component disposed thereon. The electrode is configured to be inserted into or positioned between components of standard electrocautery pencils, making wide distribution easier. According to another configuration, a sleeve is provided with a light-emitting component disposed thereon, the sleeve being sized to fit on any standard electrocautery pencil. The light-emitting component on the electrode or sleeve reduces shadows and allows improved illumination of the treatment sight without necessitating purchase of a new electrocautery device.

Abstract: A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter body with an ablation assembly at its distal end. The ablation assembly has a preformed generally circular curve generally transverse to the axis of the catheter body, and comprises a flexible tubing that carries a tip electrode at its distal end. In use, the generally circular curve contacts the inner circumference of a tubular region of a patient's heart so that the tip electrode contacts tissue along the inner circumference. After ablating the tissue at this first position, the ablation assembly can be rotated so that the tip electrode contacts tissue at a second position along the inner circumference. After ablating the tissue at the second position, the procedure can be repeated to form a lesion of the desired length.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.

Abstract: An endoscopic electrosurgical instrument is presented for encapsulating and resecting biologic tissue, such as a polyp, from an anatomical structure, such as a lumen. The instrument includes an encapsulation assembly which includes a snare coupled to an electrically non-conductive, shrinkable pouch in a drawstring-like configuration. The encapsulation assembly may be folded within the elongated cylindrical housing of the endoscopic instrument, positioned within the patient at the surgical site, and deployed for use. Once positioned over the polyp, the snare is tightened around the peduncle thereof, and the pouch is activated, thereby shrinking and encapsulating the polyp. The polyp may then be resected using conventional or electrosurgical techniques. The disclosed instrument may include surgical tools and/or electrosurgical electrodes for performing surgical procedures. The disclosed system may reduce the occurrence of undesirable arcing and may aid retrieval of resected tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes a housing. An outer shaft extends from the housing. The outer shaft includes a bifurcated distal end having a pair of first spaced-apart members with an elongated slot extending therebetween. The pair of first spaced-apart members configured to receive tissue therebetween. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes a bifurcated distal end having a pair of second spaced-apart members with an elongated slot extending therebetween. The pair of second spaced-apart members is configured to receive tissue therebetween. Each of the pairs of the first and second spaced apart members includes one or more electrodes thereon. The inner shaft is rotatable from an initial configuration for positioning tissue between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members to a subsequent configuration for compressing the tissue disposed between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members.