Abstract: A tissue ablation system is described that generates a uniform avascular plane of coagulated tissue to aid in the bloodless or near-bloodless resection of various biological tissues from a variety of organs. The tissue ablation system includes an energy director guide and two or more sets of bipolar energy directors. The energy director guide includes a series of channels that configure the energy directors to provide approximately uniform power distribution or current density through a target tissue volume or plane. The spacing among the channels of the energy director guide varies according to the total number of energy directors received in the energy director guide so that relative spacing among the center-most channels is largest and relative spacing among the end-most channels is smallest. The energy director guide secures a selected position of each of the energy directors in the target tissue volume.

Abstract: Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to altere the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred embodiment is a bougie-type device for trans-esophageal introduction that carries conductive electrodes for delivering Rf energy to walls of the LES (i) to induce the injury healing response or (ii) to “model” collagenous tissues of the LES by shrinking collagen fibers therein.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces separated by an insulating rib or film. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue.

Abstract: An electric operation apparatus including: a high frequency current generating circuit for feeding a high frequency current to electrodes; a direct power supply circuit for supplying variable electric power to the high frequency current generating circuit; a therapeutic condition monitoring circuit for monitoring a therapeutic condition brought about by the high frequency current on the basis of the high frequency current outputted by the high frequency electric current generating circuit; and a supplied power setting circuit for supplying a setting signal for supplied electric power to the power supply circuit on the basis of the monitoring results obtained by the therapeutic condition monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for resecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed. The apparatus can include an RF tissue cutting device disposed inward of a side opening in the device. A tissue stop can be used to control the depth of tissue resected, and the tissue stop can include holes for communicating vacuum for drawing tissue into the side opening. The tissue stop can be electrically grounded with respect to the RF tissue cutting device, and the tissue stop can provide one pole of an RF electrical circuit.

Abstract: A power supply for a thermokeratoplasty system. The power supply can be connected to an electrode and a return element that are both coupled to a cornea. The power supply can perform a test routine to determine whether the cornea is too “wet” or too “dry”.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ of a patients. An electrosurgical apparatus of the invention includes a shaft having a shaft distal end bearing an active electrode and a return electrode. At least one of the active electrode and the return electrode is moveable such that the shaft distal end can adopt a closed configuration or an open configuration. The apparatus can operate in an ablation mode or a sub-ablation mode. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping and coagulating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in the sub-ablation mode, while the open configuration is adapted for ablating the target tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components. A method of the present invention comprises clamping a target tissue or organ with an electrosurgical probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a female patient in a transcervical procedure comprises an elongated catheter with a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer at its distal end. The catheter is inserted transcervically into the uterus and guided to the intramural region of a fallopian tube. The transducer is inserted into the intramural region in direct contact with the surrounding tissue. The transducer produces a radially dispersing acoustical wave front, heating the adjacent tissue and forming a thermal lesion therein. A fibrous tissue forms during the healing process, sealing the fallopian tube. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a movable thermal sensor for monitoring the tissue temperature at multiple locations along the lesion. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a spring that centers the distal end of the catheter at the opening of the fallopian tube and provides a tactile means to determine that the catheter and transducer have been correctly positioned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument can apply a large closure force between its jaw without damaging the small yoke assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe comprises a shaft having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array (12) includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply (28) is provided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources and a connector. The electrosurgical probe and the power supply may be connected through their respective connectors so that the independent current sources are connected to individual electric terminals. By applying very high frequency electrical energy to the electrode array, target tissue may be cut or ablated while heat dissipation through low impedance paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be minimized.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting blade (1) comprises a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), and an electrical insulator (4) separating the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes have dissimilar characteristics (cross-sectional area, thermal conductivity etc.) such that the first electrode (2) is encouraged to become an active electrode and the second electrode (3) is encouraged to become a return electrode. The spacing between the first and second electrodes (between 0.25 mm and 3.0 mm) and the peak voltage supplied to the electrodes (2 and 3) are both selected such that arcing does not occur directly between the electrodes, but between the first electrode and the tissue at the target site. The arrangement is such that, in use, a thermal differential of at least 50° C. is established between the first and second electrodes (2 and 3), such that the second electrode is maintained below a temperature of 70° C.

Abstract: Methods for treating maladies such as cutaneous vascular lesions. A patient in need of vascular lesion treatment is identified. A hyperosmotic agent is administered to a region adjacent the lesion. Blood flow velocity is slowed within the region using the hyperosmotic agent, and the lesion is exposed to laser radiation.

Abstract: An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer/cutter and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue. A chassis on a handle extends axially for axial movement. An effector on a distal end of the chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of a tube. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and a part on the member electrically isolated. A generator supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle and connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or cut through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes. The effector and the part have complimentary sealing or cutting surfaces for partial mating engagement upon axial movement toward one another.

Abstract: In accordance with a currently preferred exemplary embodiment, the present invention involves an electro-surgical bipolar forceps having a first member, a second member, and a tip assembly. The first member has a first insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The second member has a second insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. At least one of the first and second insert tube has an inner surface, a portion of which is covered with an electrically insulating material. The first tip assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tip assembly is selectively engageable with one of the first and second insert tubes. The first tip assembly includes an electrically conductive tip disposed at the distal end of the first tip assembly.

Abstract: A treatment electrode of a resectoscope apparatus is substantially semicircular-shaped. A length a of a first segment and a length b of a second segment satisfy a relationship of (a>2·b). The first segment is in parallel with the plane on which a parallel lead member exists and has the maximum width of the treatment electrode. The second segment is vertical to the first segment and has the maximum distance between an intersection to the first segment and an intersection to the treatment electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmural ablation using an instrument containing two electrodes or cryogenic probes. A clamping force is exerted on the two electrodes or probes such that the tissue of the hollow organ is clamped therebetween. Bipolar RF energy is then applied between the two electrodes, or the probes are cryogenically cooled, thus ablating the tissue therebetween. A monitoring device measures a suitable parameter, such as impedance or temperature, and indicates when the tissue between the electrodes has been fully ablated.

Abstract: A catheter tip for mapping and/or ablation is provided. The medical probe tip includes a first ring electrode and a second ring electrode that is electrically insulated from the first ring electrode. The second ring electrode is located substantially concentric to the first ring electrode, and is coaxially surrounding the first ring electrode.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac arrhythmia, including guiding a distal end portion of a catheter, the distal end portion having a distal tip and accommodating an elongated configuration of ablation electrodes, from the inferior vena cava into the right atrium of a human heart, guiding the distal end portion from the right atrium into the right ventricle of the heart, deflecting the distal tip into a hook configuration, pulling the catheter towards the inferior vena cava until the hook configuration engages the tricuspid annulus of the heart and the configuration of electrodes engages the isthmus of tissue between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava of the heart, and activating the configuration of electrodes to produce a substantially continuous lesion on the isthmus of tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the issue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body tissue. The apparatus includes a first probe having a loop structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue and a second probe with an expandable push structure that may be used to urge the loop structure against body tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmural ablation using an instrument containing two electrodes. The electrodes extend along the surfaces of mating jaw members which are moveable between open and clamped positions. The electrodes are connected to an RF energy source so that, when activated, they are of opposite polarity. An EKG sensor is located on one of the jaw members and spaced from the electrode so that, when the electrodes are activated to form a line of ablation, the EKG sensor contacts the tissue outside the line of ablation. A pacing electrode is located on one of the jaw members so as to be on the opposite side of the line of ablation from the EKG sensor. Thus, if the line of ablation is not transmural, the EKG sensor will be able to detect signals generated by the pacing electrode.

Abstract: Combination ablation and visualization apparatus for ablating cardiac tissue which comprises an elongated body including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. First and second jaws are carried at the first end of the body and are movable between a spaced-apart open position and a closed position. Each jaw comprises an electrode for connection to a terminal of an RF energy generator for ablating cardiac tissue located between the jaws. A dissecting member is carried by the jaws for separating adjoining cardiac tissues to obtain access to or visualization of a selected epicardial surface. A fluid pathway extends between the first and second ends of the body and terminates in at least one aperture at the first end of the body. Fluid may be introduced through the apparatus to clear an operative field to enhance visualization of a site for ablation by the jaws.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument that includes opposing grips that can engage the tissue. A current is delivered from an electrosurgical power source to electrodes disposed on the grips to cauterize the tissue. The electrode configurations provide efficient cauterization of the tissue. In some embodiments, the positive and negative electrodes will be offset from each other to prevent shorting and to provide a thin line of coagulation heating to the gripped tissue. In some embodiments the electrodes are removably coupled to the grips through nonconductive sleeves. In some embodiments, the first electrode is disposed in a groove and the second electrode is disposed on a boss.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ of a patient. An electrosurgical apparatus of the invention includes a shaft having an articulated electrode support at a distal end of the shaft, the electrode support bearing an active electrode on an inferior surface of the electrode support, a return electrode in the form of a tube, and an electrically insulating return tube tray affixed to the tube, the tube adapted for delivering an electrically conductive fluid between the active electrode and the return electrode. The probe can adopt a closed configuration or an open configuration. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping, coagulating, and ablating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in a sub-ablation mode, while the open configuration is adapted for severing the target tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus, and methods for dissecting, resecting, severing, cutting, contracting, coagulating, or otherwise modifying a tissue or organ of a patient. An apparatus of the invention includes an electrosurgical probe configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the probe including an active electrode terminal, a fixed return electrode disposed proximal to the active electrode terminal, and a movable return electrode configured to move linearly with respect to the active electrode terminal between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A method of the present invention comprises clamping a blood vessel between the active electrode terminal and the movable return electrode, coagulating the clamped blood vessel by application of a first high frequency voltage, and severing the coagulated blood vessel by application of a second high frequency voltage.

Abstract: A surgical device for applying radio frequency energy to a portion of a captured vessel is provided. The device including: a first tube having an internal lumen for passage of a viewing device therein, the first tube having a substantially transparent first window at a distal tip thereof; a second tube slidingly disposed over the first tube, the second tube having a substantially transparent second window at a distal tip thereof, the second tube further having a slot for capturing a portion of the vessel; an actuator for sliding the second tube relative to the first tube between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position an inner surface of the second window is aligned with an outer surface of the first window and captures the portion of the vessel therebetween; and at least one electrode affixed to one of the inner or outer surfaces and facing the other of the inner or outer surfaces for applying radio frequency energy to the captured portion of the vessel.

Abstract: Described is a fingertip electrosurgical device useful for tissue grasping and tissue cutting, coagulating, welding and ablating in open and laparoscopic surgery applications. The electrosurgical medical device has a finger cuff assembly that attaches to the distal end of a surgeon's finger. An electrode is attached to, or is intrinsically part of, the finger cuff assembly. This electrode is connected to at least one electrically conductive wire that is adapted to transmit electric current to the electrode. The electrode may take any number of shapes depending upon the surgical procedure. Generally, two finger cuff assemblies are used in an opposable relationship to facilitate energy transfer or tissue grasping functions performed by the surgeon.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a distal probe sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the probe comprising an active and return electrode which are each spirally wrapped around the probe such that there are multiple alternating bands of the same active and return positioned longitudinally along the length of the distal section of the probe, the active and return being adapted to deliver bipolar electromagnetic energy to tissue within the intervertebral disc; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting blade (1) comprises a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), and an electrical insulator (4) separating the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes (2 and 3) have dissimilar characteristics (cross-sectional area, thermal conductivity etc.) such that the first electrode (2) is encouraged to become an active electrode and the second electrode (3) is encouraged to become a return electrode. The spacing between the first and second electrodes (between 0.25 mm and 3.0 mm) and the peak voltage supplied to the electrodes are both selected such that arcing does not occur directly between the electrodes, but between the first electrode and the tissue at the target site. The arrangement is such that, in use, a thermal differential of at least 50° C. is established between the first and second electrodes, such that the second electrode is maintained below a temperature of 70° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating tissue using an electrosurgical system. The system includes an electrosurgical system having an RF generator, a treatment electrode electrically coupled to the RF generator and positioned in contact with target tissue to be treated, and a spark gap switch positioned between the RF generator and the target tissue. The spark gap includes a threshold voltage and is configured to prevent conduction of current from the RF generator to the tissue until the voltage across the spark gap reaches the threshold voltage. The method includes the steps of using the RF generator to apply a voltage across the spark gap switch, the spark gap switch causing conduction of current from the RF generator to the target tissue once the voltage across the spark gap reaches the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical hook probe includes an end effector that includes first and second electrodes placed in parallel, closely-spaced relationship, each being of a relatively large surface area and a conductive reciprocally movable hook member that is movable into and out of a space between the first and second electrodes. A switch mechanism is provided by which an RF current can alternatively be made to flow between the first and second electrodes during electrocoagulation and from the hook electrode to each of the first and second electrodes when the instrument is operating in its cut mode.

Abstract: A thermokeratoplasty system and method for locally heating and reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces a minimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe that is coupled to a power source which can provide current at a predetermined power, frequency and time duration. The probe has a sharp tip that is inserted into the stroma of the cornea. The tip has an insulated stop that controls the depth of tip penetration. Current flows into the cornea through the probe tip to locally heat and denature the corneal tissue. The denatured tissue causes a subsequent shrinkage of the cornea. A pattern of denatured areas can be created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye.

Abstract: An electrosurgical working end and method for transecting an anatomic structure along a targeted line and for creating a thermal welds along either of both transected tissue margins, for example for use in a partial lung resection procedure. In one embodiment, the working end provides elongate curved or linear guide members that can be positioned on opposing sides of the targeted anatomic structure. The working end carries a slidable member with interior channels that receive the guide or jaw members. The electrode or electrodes carried by of working end define a resistive gradient for creating controlled Rf ohmic heating in the engaged tissue.

Abstract: Endoscopic bipolar scissor blades are formed in a laminate assembly of an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically insulating material, and a metal shearing surface which is electrically insulated and physically spaced from the electrode by the insulating material which is disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the electrode is a metal blade, while the insulating material is a ceramic which is fixed to the metal blade, and the metal shearing surface which also provides the cutting edge is of a metal material which is fixed to the ceramic. In a second embodiment, the insulating material is a molded ceramic blade, with the electrode and the metal shearing surface layer metalized or otherwise fixed to the ceramic blade. In a third embodiment, the electrode is metalized on a thin layer insulating material which is fixed onto a metallic blade. In a fourth embodiment, metallic shearing and electrode layers are laminated to opposite sides of a fiberglass material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that allows precise modulation of active Rf density in an engaged tissue volume. The working end of the instrument has a tissue-contacting surface of a conductive-resistive matrix that is variably resistive depending on its temperature. The matrix comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) polymeric material hat exhibits very large increases in resistivity as any local portion increases beyond a selected temperature. In a method of use, the polymeric PTC material senses the temperature of engaged tissue in a manner akin to pixel-by-pixel sensing and thereby changes its resistance in a corresponding pixel-by-pixel manner. The instrument further carries cooling means to cause accelerated thermal relaxation of the PTC matrix during use to make the engagement surface highly responsive to temperature changes that in turn alter the matrix between being electrically conductive and electrically resistive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof and a handle. The handle is movable from a first position wherein the end effectors are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the end effectors are closer relative to one another. Each of the elongated shafts includes a hinge plate which mounts atop a pivot assembly for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument also includes a hinge assembly made from an overmold composition which encapsulates and secures the hinge plates and the pivot assembly. The overmold composition is made from an electrically insulating material which insulates the end effectors from one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrosurgical device having a hollow shaft, an electrically conductive distal tip that is also adapted for penetrating bone, and an intermediate electrically insulating spacer.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring temperature at a region near a surgical site during a procedure. A temperature-indicating element of an electrosurgical device comprises an indicator composition adapted to undergo a change in appearance in response to a pre-defined temperature range. The change in appearance of the temperature-indicating element indicates to the operator of the device a temperature condition at the working end of the device.

Abstract: In an electrosurgical system which is operable within the frequency range of from 100 kHz to 50 MHz and which has a handheld instrument with an elongate instrument shaft, the distal end of the shaft carries a bipolar electrode assembly for use in a conductive fluid field. The electrode assembly has an active electrode and, set back from the active electrode, a return electrode coated with an insulative dielectric layer. The insulative layer may be made of a plastics or a ceramic material and acts as the dielectric of a capacitor when the electrode assembly is immersed in the conductive fluid. One of the effects of the insulative layer is to provide a more uniformly distributed electric field over the return electrode than is obtained with an exposed return electrode, yielding improved tissue desiccation and vaporisation characteristics. The active electrode may have a similar dielectric covering.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument for electrothermal coagulation of tissue, which includes a front cylinder at the distal end of the instrument having a distal tip, an elongate carrier, and two spaced cylindrical or strip-shaped electrodes at or on the carrier which are connectable to an HF-ac voltage source.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a probe arrangement having a distal probe tip and a proximal hand portion for the electrothermal coagulation of tissue. The probe arrangement has at least a first and a second electrode in the region of the distal probe tip. An inner conductor of the probe arrangement extends from the distal probe tip to the proximal hand portion and contacts the first electrode in the distal probe tip. An outer conductor of the probe arrangement extends from the distal probe tip to the proximal hand portion and serves to electrically contact the second electrode in the distal probe tip. The inner and outer conductors of the probe arrangement are electrically insulated from each other. Furthermore the inner conductor is selected in such a way that the flexural stiffness of the probe arrangement is increased between the probe tip and the hand portion.

Abstract: A surgical system for controlled application of ultrasound energy to engaged tissue volumes for creating effective biological welds or seals in tissue. The invention provides an ultrasound transmission assembly including piezoelectric elements coupled to an elongate waveguide that is reciprocatable in an interior of an introducer. The reciprocatable waveguide assembly of the invention is adapted to have multiple functionality: (i) to couple ultrasound energy to both opposing jaws to thereby deliver energy to both sides of engaged tissues to create uniform thermal weld effects; (ii) to apply very high compressive forces to captured tissues over the length of elongate jaws by engaging substantially the entire length of the jaws, and (iii) to transect the captured tissues contemporaneous with the delivery of energy to create the thermal weld.

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: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to, ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a tissue or organ of a patients. An electrosurgical apparatus includes an electrode support bearing an active electrode in the form of a plasma blade or hook having an active edge and first and second blade sides. The active edge is adapted for severing a target tissue via localized molecular dissociation of tissue components. The first and second blade sides are adapted for engaging against, and coagulating, the severed tissue. s. A method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent to the target tissue so that a blade- or hook-like active electrode is brought into at least close proximity to the target tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid.

Abstract: A working end of a surgical instrument that carries first and second jaws for delivering energy to tissue. In a preferred embodiment, at least one jaw of the working end defines a tissue-engagement plane that contacts the targeted tissue. The cross-section of the engagement plane reveals that it defines a surface conductive portion and an elastomeric body portion. The elastomeric body portion is adapted to flex, deflect and extend laterally when engaging tissue to atraumatically engage tissue at the edges of the working end to create a smooth transition between welded tissue and undamaged tissue. The jaws can further carry a variably resistive matrix of a temperature-sensitive resistive material or a pressure-sensitive resistive material. An interior of the jaw carries a conductive material or electrode that is coupled to an Rf source and controller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an achieving low-rate collagen shrinkage using an electrode array comprising an elongated insulator strip having at least one pair of spaced-apart bi-polar RF electrodes, and a “channeling” disposed on the strip between the bi-polar electrodes to direct the flow of RF current therebetween. The channeling electrode is not directly coupled to the RF power source, but only indirectly through the tissue in contact with the channeling electrode. The apparatus enables low RF power levels (e.g., 0.5 watts to 25 watts) to be applied over time intervals of 5 seconds to 180 seconds to attain low-rate collagen shrinkage by directing or focusing the path of the RF current.

Abstract: There is provided a bipolar forceps for endoscopes that includes a clevis, two shafts, and two end effectors. The clevis has two arms that form a slot between them. The shafts are sustained between the two arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the end effectors is pivotably attached to a different one of the two shafts, respectively, such that the end effectors are able to move in a scissor-like action. The end effectors being made of conductive material. Thus the end effectors can be utilized as electrodes for applying a high frequency voltage between them.