Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: An engaging mechanism, which restricts rotation of a cutter section about an axis of a sheath, is provided. In accordance with an advancing/retreating operation of an operation wire by an operation slider, switching is made between a rotation restriction position where rotational restriction of the cutter section is effected by the engaging mechanism and a restriction release position where the cutter section is released from the rotation restriction position and is made rotatable about the axis of the sheath relative to the sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: In a needle electrode device with a temperature sensor, having a hollow outer needle (1), which can be pierced into an affected area and is coated with an insulating layer (11) on an outer peripheral surface except at its distal end, and an inner needle (2), which is passed through the outer needle and has the temperature sensor (21) at its distal end, so that a high frequency current is supplied to the outer needle through the inner needle, and having a coupled tube (3) coupled to the rear end of the outer needle, so that the rear end (22) of the inner needle is inserted into the coupled tube in such a way as to be freely adjustable in its position in an axial direction, the position adjustment of the inner needle is provided with a simple operation. The coupled tube (3) is provided inside with a spring member (32) including a winding portion (32a) around the outer circumference of the rear end (22) of the inner needle (2) and a fixed portion (32b) fixed to the coupled tube (3).

Abstract: A surgical probe and methods for targeted treatment of structures of the heart with heat and radiofrequency energy. The probe which is designed to operated by hand has a elongate member with a handle and an energy-delivering member in an adjustable loop configuration. The control placed on the handle allow the user to alter the length of the loop configuration of the energy-delivering member and to thus place energy-delivering elements located on the energy-delivering member at selected or targeted portions of the heart or structures within the heart. The elongate member is conformable and can be bent into different configurations to allow additional targeted treatment of the particular portions of the heart.

Abstract: An electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a substantially malleable elongated tube-like shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end thereof. The elongated tube-like shaft includes a tube-like outer wall having a tube-like dielectric sheath at least partially disposed thereon. A tube-like electrode is disposed coaxially through the tube-like outer wall and is configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy. A distal end of the tube-like electrode protrudes at least partially from a distal end of the tube-like outer wall and the tube-like electrode has at the distal end thereof at least one aspiration port defined therein. The tube-like electrode is adapted at the proximal end thereof to operably couple to a source of suction. A vacuum space is disposed concentrically between the tube-like electrode and the tube-like outer wall to impede the propagation of thermal energy along the tube-like shaft.

Abstract: A PFO closing device includes a suction and hold portion at a distal portion of a catheter for sucking and holding biological tissue of a foramen ovale valve and an atrial septum secundum from one side, an electrode portion on the side contacting the biological tissue; a negative pressure supply unit for applying negative pressure to the suctional portion and hold portion, a hold mechanism adapted to protrude from the distal tip of the catheter, and be inserted into the foramen ovale to hold the foramen ovale valve while pressing it from the other side and an energy supply unit for supplying energy to the electrode portion. Energy is supplied from the energy supply unit to the electrode portion, and the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are mutually fused together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising a handle and a tool head. In the case of bipolar instruments, at least two mutually separate conducting paths must be provided within the instrument to supply the bipolar tool head. Reliable electrical insulation of these conducting paths relative to one another is often associated with a high cost in known electrosurgical instruments, such as scissors and clamps, since these instruments have a crossed joint. The present invention solves this problem in that the tool head is connected to the handle without crossing over itself.

Abstract: A surgical system including a surgical glove having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation. The surgical glove may include one or more lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation positioned on distal ends of fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The surgical system may also include a surgical gown having a connection system for attaching support conduit to the surgical gown. The surgical system enables a surgeon to have a plurality of support systems immediately available and reduces entanglement problems endemic with conventional systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrosurgical device that include one or more floating electrodes and are specifically adapted to remove, cut, resect, ablate, vaporize, denaturize, drill, coagulate and form lesions in soft tissues, with or without externally supplied liquids, preferably in combination with a resectoscope, particularly in the context of urological, gynecological, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and ENT procedures. Specific adaptations for urological and gynecological applications, for example kidney stone removal and BPH treatment, are also described.

Abstract: A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for treating hard and soft tissues in the body comprises a shaft, a distal end section, an active electrode associated with the distal end section, a first fluid supply adapted to deliver a first electrically conductive fluid to the target site, and a second fluid supply adapted to deliver a second electrically conductive fluid to the active electrode. The system is adapted to treat a wide variety of hard tissues such as, for example, bones, calcified structures, calcified deposits, teeth, plaque, kidney-stones, gall-stones and other types of tissue by generating plasma in the vicinity of the active electrode, and applying the plasma to the tissue or structures.

Abstract: Methods for treating anatomic tissue defects such as a patent foramen ovale generally involve positioning a distal end of a catheter device at the site of the defect, exposing a housing and energy transmission member from the distal end of the catheter, engaging the housing with tissues at the site of the defect, applying suction or other approximating tool to the tissue via the housing to bring the tissue together, and applying energy to the tissue with the energy transmission member or to deliver a clip or fixation device to substantially close the defect. Apparatus generally include a catheter body, a housing extending from a distal end of the catheter body for engaging tissue at the site of the defect, and further adapted to house a fusing or fixation device such as an energy transmission member adjacent a distal end of the housing, or a clip or fixation delivery element.

Abstract: A combination tissue removal and cauterization instrument includes one or more heads configured to remove tissue by mechanical cutting action resulting from rotation, vibration and/or other type of powered motion. The heads also have electroconductive outer surfaces to which electrical energy is supplied, thereby permitting the heads to simultaneously cauterize tissue that is not removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anastomosis ring and to an anastomosis ring assembly for connecting hollow organs made from human or animal tissue. The anastomosis ring includes a first support ring and a second support ring, which can be coupled with the first support ring for fixating the tissue, so that the support rings are essentially disposed fixated relative to one another. The anastomosis ring is at least partially made form a biofragmentable material which disintegrates after a predetermined time period in a human or animal body. In order to facilitate better tissue connection the anastomosis ring includes at least one energy delivery element connectable with an energy source. The energy delivery element is configured to fuse the tissue at least partially through delivering energy during operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for cauterising tissue, the device arranged to be mounted to a biopsy and/or sampling instrument and including a conductive cauterising portion and means for heating the cauterising portion. The device may be mounted either permanently or releasably removable from the biopsy and/or sampling instrument.

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: A disposable open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed in the present disclosure. The disposable open electrosurgical forceps comprise a pair of first and second shaft members containing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic blend material having fiber strands of at least 2 millimeters in length. Each shaft member includes a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members also includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong.

Abstract: A device for localizing a target tissue mass in a body includes a tubular trocar portion having a distal end and a proximal end portion that is removably attachable to a handle portion. The trocar portion contains at least a first plurality of locator wires that are movable between a retracted position within the trocar and a deployed position extending radially from the trocar. The first plurality of locator wires mounted for axial movement within the trocar portion between a proximal retracted position and a deployed distal position. The second plurality of locator wires is mounted for movement between a distal retracted position and a proximal deployed position. The locator wires are electrically energized to facilitate their deployment electrosurgically.

Abstract: A protective sheath including a first portion configured to receive a medical instrument and a second portion configured to accommodate movement of a distal end of said medical instrument within the second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion. The protective sheath is configured to control contamination of the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within a patient. The protective sheath also includes a tube configured to assist the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within said patient. The tube is disposed along a length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: A method for producing hemostasis of an artery of a patient having a puncture following arterial catheterization including introducing a hemostasis device including at least one electrode into the vicinity of the puncture, supplying an electric current to the at least one electrode, thereby heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture and causing coagulation of the blood and subsequently removing the hemostasis device from the patient.

Abstract: Medical devices that useful during electrocauterization procedures. The present invention encompasses a needle-tipped electrocautery device in which the needle tip is housed within the body of the device when the device is not in use. When an extension mechanism on the electrocautery stylus is activated, the tip is exposed and may be used for surgical procedures. The mechanism may be either mechanically driven or electronically driven. The present invention thereby dramatically reduces the risk of injury or infection by inadvertent pricks from an electrocautery tool.

Abstract: Methods for treating anatomic tissue defects such as patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve positioning a distal end of an elongate catheter device at the site of the anatomic defect, exposing an expandable housing and energy transmission member out of the distal end of the catheter device, engaging the housing with tissues at the site of the anatomic defect, applying suction to the tissues via the housing to bring the tissues together; and applying energy to the tissues with the energy transmission member to substantially close the anatomic defect acutely. Apparatus generally include an elongate catheter body, a housing extending from a distal end of the catheter body for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect, and an energy transmission member adjacent a distal end of the housing, the energy transmission member having at least one substantially planar surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.

Abstract: A portable, thermal cauterizing forceps device for use in surgery. The device incorporates a pair of ceramic heater elements mounted within the tips of the tines of a forceps. The forceps is used to grasp tissue or blood vessels and apply heat to effect cauterization. In the case of the first embodiment of the invention, the forceps instrument incorporates a battery and control electronics. The thermal-forceps is of a self-contained wireless, handheld disposable design. In a second embodiment of the invention, the forceps handpiece is connected to an external power source. Both embodiments of the forceps incorporate set of rapidly heating ceramic heater elements that may be composed of silicon nitride. An LED provides the operator feedback as to the operating level of the heaters and/or battery reserve. Enhancements to the second embodiment include a rechargeable power supply, variable control of the heater temperature, as well as a, digital display of the tip temperature.

Abstract: A surgical kit comprises two percutaneous instruments each having an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a handle; at least two end effectors attachable and detachable to the distal ends of the percutaneous instruments; a laparoscopic loader adapted to receive the end effectors; a trocar; and a laparoscopic surgical stapler. The surgical kit may further comprise laparoscopic energy based clamping and coagulating device and/or a laparoscopic suture device. Optionally, the surgical kit may further comprised a third percutaneous instrument having an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a handle, and at least three end effectors attachable and detachable to the distal ends of the percutaneous instruments. The surgical kit may further comprise a magnetic camera and/or a magnetic external control unit adapted to anchor a magnetic camera. The components of the surgical kit may be contained in a sterile sealed package.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions to conductively or to inductively fix substrates, including tissues, using electromagnetic energy. Also provided is a method of controlling the fixing process via feedback monitoring of a property of the composition and/or of the electromagnetic energy used.

Abstract: Methods for treating anatomic tissue defects such as a patent foramen ovale generally involve positioning a distal end of a catheter device at the site of the defect, exposing a housing and energy transmission member from the distal end of the catheter, engaging the housing with tissues at the site of the defect, applying suction or other approximating tool to the tissue via the housing to bring the tissue together, and applying energy to the tissue with the energy transmission member or to deliver a clip or fixation device to substantially close the defect. Apparatus generally include a catheter body, a housing extending from a distal end of the catheter body for engaging tissue at the site of the defect, and further adapted to house a fusing or fixation device such as an energy transmission member adjacent a distal end of the housing, or a clip or fixation delivery element.

Abstract: A medical instrument for coagulation of tissue has an electrode carrier and, at a distal end of the electrode carrier, an electrode that can be supplied with high-frequency current. The medical instrument also has a stripper arranged directly adjacent to the electrode. The stripper and the electrode can be moved relative to each other in order to remove contaminants from the electrode.

Abstract: An electrocautery instrument is disclosed comprising: a handle having a handle axis; a first electrode assembly, the first electrode assembly having a first handle electrode section retained in the handle, a first oblique electrode section extending from the handle, and a first ablation electrode section disposed at an offset distance from the handle axis; and a second electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly having a second handle electrode section retained in the handle, a second oblique electrode section extending from the handle, and a second ablation electrode section disposed at the offset distance from the handle axis, the second electrode assembly being generally congruent to the first electrode assembly, the handle being configured to retain the first ablation electrode section in generally parallel relationship to the second ablation electrode section.

Abstract: A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery. A treatment element at the distal end of the shaft is dimensioned for deployment within the renal artery. The treatment element comprises a radially expandable structure configured to maintain positioning within the renal artery. A multiplicity of electrodes are spaced apart on the treatment element and configured for switchable activation and deactivation in a predetermined sequence to generate overlapping zones of heating directed at perivascular nerves of the renal artery. The overlapping heating zones comprise a distal zone associated with relatively high current densities at a distance from the treatment element sufficient to ablate the perivascular renal nerves and a proximal zone associated with current densities lower than those of the distal zone and insufficient to cause thermal injury to tissue of the renal artery adjacent the treatment element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument for cutting and/or coagulating a tissue to be treated, comprising at least one cutting electrode for conducting a high-frequency (“HF”) current through the tissue for carrying out a cutting process and comprising power supply devices for supplying the HF current at least to the cutting electrode. The design of the electrosurgical instrument is improved so that the cutting process can be carried out with an increased reliability while prolonging the serviceable life of the cutting electrode at the same time.

Abstract: A sheath system for selectively covering a distal end of an electrocautery blade is provided. The sheath system includes a hub having a body portion defining a lumen therethrough and a sheath having a body portion defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the sheath is configured and dimensioned to operatively receive an electrocautery blade therein. The sheath is translatably associated with the hub such that rotation of the hub in a first direction results in axial movement of the sheath in a first direction to expose a distal end of the electrocautery blade and rotation of the hub in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, results in axial movement of the sheath in a second direction to cover the distal end of the electrocautery blade. The hub and the sheath may be concentric with one another.

Abstract: A device for automatically aligning bipolar electrodes on opposing sides of operative tissue is provided for performing minimally invasive RF ablation. The device includes complementary magnetic electrode assemblies, each having a permanent magnet mechanically coupled to and electrically insulated from an electrical conductor. When positioned on opposing sides of tissue such as an atrial wall, the complementary assemblies automatically align their respective electrical conductors through mutual magnetic attraction to complete an electrical circuit. Each electrical conductor may provide an alignable elongated transmitting element adjacent to a magnetic coupling surface to allow for ablation of linear segments of tissue. Each electrode assembly includes mechanical linkage for coupling to an intracorporeal positioning device and a wire receiving terminal for connection to an external generator.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. Devices may include a tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue and an ablation member for ablating the tissue. Suction apertures attach the contacting member to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to stabilize the tissue with the device. The devices and methods can be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of a pulmonary vein or to ablate cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. A combined pacing and ablation probe is described for treating cardiac arrhythmia by: advancing the probe through an incision into the vicinity of the patient's heart, verifying at least one location of a cardiac parasympathetic ganglion, and applying ablation energy to the cardiac parasympathetic ganglion.

Abstract: Various medical devices and methods for cutting and/or evacuating 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 or discectomy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for providing an ionized gas to a surgical site includes a receptacle for a cylinder of pressurized surgical gas and a frame having a port near the distal end for emitting the surgical gas. A passageway extending between the receptacle and the port delivers the surgical gas to an electrode that is adapted for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy. A puncture assembly for rupturing a seal on the cylinder to release the surgical gas into the passageway includes a spring movable between a first state for storing mechanical energy and a relaxed state. An actuator is operable to move the spring to the relaxed state. A puncture pin is operatively coupled to the spring such that energy released by movement of the spring to the relaxed state is effective to move the puncture pin relative to the cylinder to rupture the seal.

Abstract: A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided. The endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom and defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a movable jaw member and a non-movable jaw member. The movable jaw member has a substantially flexible medial portion and is movable relative to the non-movable jaw member from an initial position for positioning tissue therebetween, to a subsequent or clamping position wherein the movable and non-movable jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive assembly is operably coupled to the housing and includes a drive wire that operably couples to the movable jaw member. Proximal movement of the drive rod causes the medial portion of the movable jaw member to flex inwardly along a substantial length thereof and toward the non-movable jaw member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle is selectively movable to actuate a pair of first and second opposable jaw members pivotably connected to each other at a distal end of the shaft. The jaw members are moveable from an open position to a closed position and are each adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. A first linkage is disposed at least partially within the shaft and is operably coupled between the first jaw member and a second linkage disposed proximal to the first linkage. Selective movement of the handle rotates the second linkage in a first direction, thereby rotating the first linkage in an opposite second direction to move the jaw members between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the jaw members are configured in a releasably locked configuration when in the closed position.

Abstract: An improved electrode for electrosurgery comprises at least one orifice in the active surface of the electrode connected to a lumen in the probe of larger cross-sectional area than the area of the orifice(s), the lumen being connected to a vacuum, such that a venturi is formed extending from the one or more orifices in the active surface of the electrode to the lumen, whereby flow of fluid, ablated tissue, and other debris in the vicinity of the surgical site is accelerated through the orifice(s), reducing clogging, whereby any particle passing through the orifice(s) is unlikely to become clogged downstream, and whereby the edges of the orifice(s) are ablative, tending to reduce any particles caught at the orifice(s) to a size small enough to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A welding element is provided for applying heat, chemicals, pressure, or any combination thereof to tissues inside a patient's body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale. In one aspect, the welding element is connected to a radio frequency energy source and includes an electrode and a locator. The locator facilitates positioning of the welding element and is capable of moving from an open position to a clamping position. In another aspect, a needle is provided for transseptal puncturing before the application of heat. In yet another aspect, the welding element is configured as a coil. The welding element can be made of Nitinol.

Abstract: Methods for using a surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue with at least one diagnostic element coupled to an energy transfer element of the device. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source and a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.

Abstract: A particular embodiment of the invention provides an electrosurgical working end for performing high strength welding of tissue comprising a body having a tissue contacting energy delivery surface. The body includes pixel portions and non-pixel portions distributed within the tissue contacting surface. The pixel portions comprise a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) material with at least one pixel portion configured to switch Rf current on and off in the at least one pixel portion responsive to tissue temperature adjacent the at least one pixel portion. The pixel portions can be configured to be coupled to an Rf current source such as an Rf generator. The pixelated energy delivery surfaces are capable of highly localized modulation of Rf energy application to the engaged tissue to create high strength tissue welds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating or deterring injuries to or disorders of the brain or spinal cord of a subject. A heat exchange catheter device is inserted into the subject's body and used to cause heating or cooling the subject's cerebrospinal fluid. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger may be positioned within the subject's vasculature so as to heat or cool the flowing blood, thereby resulting in heating or cooling of the cerebrobpinal fluid.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing, a shaft, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A cutting member having a plurality of cutting edges symmetrically-disposed about a longitudinal axis thereof is disposed within the shaft and is longitudinally translatable between a retracted position and an extended position. The cutting member extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween when in the extended position. The cutting member is fixedly-oriented with respect to the shaft and is configured for translation between the jaw members to cut tissue therebetween when the jaw members are rotated with respect to the shaft between about zero degrees and about 180 degrees in at least one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at a taper angle generally in parallel with a proximally tapered portion of the tip electrode to provide improved electrode surface cooling. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface, the distal member including an electrode. The external surface of the distal member has a tapered proximal portion narrowing toward the proximal member at a taper angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal member.

Abstract: A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope configured to project forward and retreat, through a forward end portion of a flexible over tube, a rod electrode disposed close thereto by remote operation from an operating unit connected to a proximal end portion of the over tube. The high-frequency incision instrument includes a fixed stopper and a movable stopper located close to a forward end portion of the over tube and to a proximal end portion of the rod electrode respectively, to be butted to each other to define a maximum projection length of the rod electrode from the forward end portion of the over tube. The movable stopper is axially movable with respect to the rod electrode, and the operating unit includes a stopper position adjuster that adjusts by remote operation a distance between a farthest end portion of the rod electrode and the movable stopper.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a support base and a sealing plate formed from a ferrous material. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member including a support base, an electrical jaw lead and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate includes a first layer formed from a non-stick material and a second layer having a coil formed thereon.

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.