Abstract: An RF ablation apparatus has a delivery catheter with a delivery catheter lumen and a delivery catheter distal end. A first RF electrode is positioned in the delivery catheter lumen. The first RF electrode has a distal end, RF conductive surface, and a lumen. A second RF electrode has a distal end. The second RF electrode is at least partially positioned in the lumen of the first catheter, with its distal end positioned at the exterior of the first RF electrode distal end. Additionally, the second RF electrode distal end has a geometry that permits it to be substantially a groundpad. The distal end of the first RF electrode is moved in a direction away from the second RF electrode distal end to create a painting effect of an ablation band or line between the two distal ends. Alternatively, the distal end of the second RF electrode can be moved in a direction away from the distal end of the first RF electrode.

Abstract: A hand operable bipolar scissors instrument comprising two interfacing pivotal blade members which are each an electrode electrically insulated from the other and individually pivotable in relation to each other. Each blade member comprises a substrate base upon which a layer of non-conductive material is secured on the interior surface thereof so that the non-conductive material of each blade member interfaces with that of the other at the meeting surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control responds to impedance and temperature between active and return electrodes of the electrosurgical generator during tissue desiccation. Tissue contacts separately and independently provide high frequency power to effect tissue electrosurgically. An instantaneous impedance monitor between each contact and the return electrode signals. A regulator receives the signals and separately and independently controls tissue impedance at each contact in accord with signals to change independently the power to the return electrode. A temperature sensor for each contact transmits its temperature to the generator to regulate power to each contact. A first multiplexer provides high frequency electrosurgical power separately and independently to each contact from the generator. A second multiplexer relays temperature amounts of each contact to the generator.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in laparoscopic surgery or other minimally invasive internal surgical procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus (10) is provided which is suitable for laparoscopic applications. The apparatus (10) comprises an active electrode (18) and a current return electrode shoe (34). A spring (44) or other resilient member urges the shoe (34) into tissue contact when the active electrode (18) is positioned for surgery. In another embodiment, an axially retractable active electrode (90) is used to grip tissue and draw the tissue back to a passive electrode (92) The apparatus of the present invention is capable of functioning in cutting, coagulation and desiccation modes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe comprises an elongate probe body having a surgical hook at a distal end thereof. A paddle element is reciprocatably mounted within the distal tip of the elongate body so that it can be shifted between an extended position where it covers the hook tip and a retracted position where it leaves the hook tip exposed. The paddle thus can cooperate with the hook in tissue dissection, clean the hook, as well as provide an alternate electrosurgical probe tip for use in electrosurgical procedures.

Abstract: A method of this invention for treating body tissues containing cancerous cells or non-malignant tumors with RF ablation, alone or in combination with systemic or localized chemotherapy comprising introducing a stylet comprising an electrode surface and a sleeve longitudinally moveable thereon into the vicinity of the body tissues, retracting the sleeve from a portion of the electrode surface, and supplying RF power to the electrode surface sufficient to heat the tissue to a temperature of above about 45.degree. C. for a time to cause reduction of tissue mass in the vicinity of the electrode. The RF power supplied to the electrode surface is sufficient to effect a desiccated fluid diffusion barrier capsule surrounding the body tissue being treated. The stylet can include a hollow tube having fluid distribution ports therein, and the method can include the step of passing fluid through one or more distribution ports into the body tissue being treated.

Abstract: A cutting and coagulating forceps includes a housing with a protruding barrel, a pair of electrocautery jaws which are closed by camming contact with the mouth of the barrel when the jaws are retracted, and an independently sliding blade which passes between the jaws. The jaws are opened by squeezing a trigger, and the blade is advanced by pressing a lever with the thumb. Forward blade movement is limited by a stop whose position is a function of jaw position, so that the blade cannot strike the jaws, yet always can travel short of contact with the tips of the jaws.

Abstract: A dismantlable medical instrument has a central working rod (11) with worg tools (25), a guide tube (12) and an outer tube (13). The working rod (11), the guide tube (12) and the outer tube (13) are releasably attached to a handle (14).

Abstract: A method, and device utilized to practice it, for the resolution of tissue by radio frequency sparking. The device of the present invention having a distal end which is insertable within and along the lumen of a tubular body member and manipulated there through to desired position where the device will be operated. The device comprises an elongated flexible hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tubular, body member into which the device is being inserted; passage means within the tube; a plurality of electrodes adjacent the distal end of the device; and means for selectively supplying radio frequency electrical current to at least one of said electrodes.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for bipolar diathermy has a radio frequency generator connectible to a cutting assembly which includes a support structure having a pair of electrical supply conductors and, mounted at the distal end of the support assembly, a tissue cutting head. The cutting head comprises a loop of material which is electrically conducting and has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) of resistance, such as silicon carbide. In operation, radio frequency power from the generator causes heating of the loop to a temperature at which its resistivity rises to level which exceeds that of living tissue with the result that diathermy currents pass through the tissue. Also disclosed is a pair of forceps with electrodes made of NTC material, for cauterization.

Abstract: A device for retrograde hole opening through tissue has a member elongate on an axis with a cross section shaped to insert axially through external tissue. A distal and a proximal end on the member respectively enter the tissue during placement and remain outside the tissue for control. A tip at the distal end has a deployable tissue divider with one or more tissue parting elements and each has a splitter. The tissue parting elements are located within the cross sectional dimensions of the member in a storage position and are movable relative to the tip for placement in an exposed position relative to the tip when shifted from storage so that the splitter thereof splits tissue during retrograde extraction along the axis and contact with tissue. Linkage between the proximal end and the deployable tissue divider retains each of the tissue parting elements with its splitter exposed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe is disclosed which provides the ability to both cut and cauterize tissue. The probe includes at least one cauterization electrode mounted upon a distal portion of the electrode and adapted to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. Further, a central lumen is disposed within the probe. The lumen is adapted to accommodate the flow of fluid from a remote source to tissue through an outlet port in the distal end of the probe. Also, the lumen houses a cutting electrode which is selectively deployable. Both cauterization and coagulation can be conducted in a bipolar mode. The flow of fluid through the lumen serves to limit the heat transfer from the cauterization electrode to adjacent tissue to an extent sufficient to prevent the sticking of tissue to the probe. A feedback system is also provided to optimize the electrode temperature.

Abstract: A method of ocular refractive surgery which employs heat application to reshape and enhance the refractive power of the central cornea of a surgical subject. Radio frequency energy is employed to coagulate segments of corneal stroma in the perilimbal area at the pole of the corneal meridian having the lowest keratometric reading, causing the radius of curvature of the central cornea to increase in that meridian, whereby astigmatism can be safely and permanently corrected.

Abstract: An auxiliary tubing probe for converting a monopolar electrosurgery probe having a main electrode at one end, into a bipolar electrosurgery probe. The auxiliary probe has an inner electrically insulated tube in which the monopolar electrosurgery probe is slidably inserted. An electric conductor extends externally over and along the inner insulated tube. An auxiliary electrode connected to the electric conductor projects forward away from the inner tube, in such a manner as to be adjacent to the main electrode when the monopolar electrosurgery probe has been inserted in the auxiliary probe. An outer electric insulator covers the electric conductor from the first extremity to the second extremity. The insertion of the auxiliary probe over the monopolar electrosurgery probe, and electricity going through the auxiliary electrosurgery probe and monopolar electrosurgery probe, allows conversion of the monopolar electrosurgery probe into a bipolar electrosurgery probe.

Abstract: A catheter includes a flexible elongated catheter body that defines a needle-receiving, or probe-receiving, lumen, a retractable tissue-penetrable needle, or probe, and an electrode mounted on the distal portion of the catheter body. The needle provides a fluid passage for introducing fluid into tissue to permit the introduction of sclerotic agents for enhancing electrocoagulation of the tissue, heat-responsive drugs for improving the bonding to tissue surfaces, or vaso-constrictor drugs. The probe can also have a passage for fluid. The electrode can provide bipolar electro-coagulation of tissue in combination with an additional electrode mounted on the catheter body, or alternatively, the electrode can be employed in combination with either the needle or probe to establish a bipolar electro-coagulation path through tissue. The needle, or probe, in combination with an external electrode can be used to provide unipolar electro-coagulation, or ablation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for cauterization and/or welding of tissue of varying impedances, thicknesses and vascularity especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument compresses the tissue between one pole of a bipolar energy source located on one interfacing surface, and a second interfacing surface. A second pole is located one of the two interfacing surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the second pole is located on the same interfacing surface as the first pole and an insulator electrically isolates the two poles. A preferred application of the invention is in a cutting instrument wherein a hemostatic line is formed along a cut line using RF energy.

Abstract: A surgical probe, and procedure using the same, enabling a surgeon to cut body tissue by delivering energy, such as a laser beam, to the body tissue and without removing the instrument to cauterize the body tissue by direct application of electric current. The surgical probe includes an elongated member having a fiber optic positioned on a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and pair of elongated electrodes that span an entire length of the elongated member. The elongated electrodes slide lengthwise in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. During cutting procedures, the distal ends of the electrodes are in a retracted position not beyond the distal end of the elongated member, and during cauterization procedures, the distal ends of the electrodes are in an extended position beyond the distal end of the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment, the distal ends of the electrodes are pre-bent so as to converge toward each other as they are extended beyond the distal end of the elongated member.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating diathermy coagulation or ablation of tissue by the application of an electrical current to tissue is connectable to an electrosurgical generator having an active lead and a return lead, and has both monopolar and bipolar embodiments. A preferred monopolar embodiment includes a shaft and a knurled active electrode rotatably secured to the shaft. A preferred bipolar embodiment includes a knurled active electrode separated by an insulator from a return electrode, with the active and return electrodes rotatably secured to a shaft by axles. The shafts may be Y-shaped, crook-shaped, or otherwise. The active electrodes have a plurality of discrete electrically conductive discharge points for applying the electrical current to a plurality of discrete tissue locations, the discharge points preferably being formed as knurl peaks.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe is disclosed which provides the ability to both cut and cauterize tissue. The probe includes at least one cauterization electrode mounted upon a distal portion of the electrode and adapted to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. Further, a central lumen is disposed within the probe. The lumen is adapted to accommodate the flow of fluid from a remote source to tissue through an outlet port in the distal end of the probe. Also, the lumen houses a cutting electrode which is selectively deployable. Both cauterization and coagulation can be conducted in a bipolar mode. The flow of fluid through the lumen serves to limit the heat transfer from the cauterization electrode to adjacent tissue to an extent sufficient to prevent the sticking of tissue to the probe. In another embodiment the probe is adapted only for cauterization and does not include a cutting electrode.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scissors instrument comprising a proximal portion having a proximal linear axis and a distal blade portion having blade members with a nonlinear axis in relation to the proximal linear axis. The blade members each comprise an electrically conductive outer surface and an electrically nonconductive inner surface, with the inner surface comprising a ceramic layer having a honed cutting edge. At least one, and preferably both, of the blade members can pivot in relation to each other. Pivoting of the blade members causes the honed cutting edge of the first blade member to wipe the honed cutting edge of the second blade member to thereby cause separation of tissue therebetween. The blade members in one preferred embodiment are curved in relation to the proximal linear axis, while the blade members in a second preferred embodiment are angled in relation to the proximal linear axis.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe is disclosed which provides the ability to both cut and cauterize tissue. The probe includes at least one cauterization electrode mounted upon a distal portion of the electrode and adapted to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. Further, a central lumen is disposed within the probe. The lumen is adapted to accommodate the flow of fluid from a remote source to tissue through an outlet port in the distal end of the probe. Also, the lumen houses a cutting electrode which is selectively deployable. Both cauterization and coagulation can be conducted in a bipolar mode. The flow of fluid through the lumen serves to limit the heat transfer from the cauterization electrode to adjacent tissue to an extent sufficient to prevent the sticking of tissue to the probe. A feedback system is also provided to optimize the electrode temperature.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse in situ therapies includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal tip portion that acts as a hemostat and a needle for injection therapy that extends through the catheter lumen and a lumen in the distal tip portion. A needle hub structure carries the catheter and provides a sealing entrance for a needle that can be displaced between extended and retracted positions. The needle and electrodes are electrically isolated. The apparatus provides a physician the options of irrigating tissue, cauterizing tissue or injecting tissue without the need for removing the apparatus from the working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-surgical treatment instrument with a der 16 connectable to a radio frequency generator with two electrodes 11, 12 being arranged at the proximal end of the holder which can be brought into contact with the tissue of a patient, which are mutually insulated relative to one another and which are fed with rf-voltage. A cutting electrode 13 is centrally provided.

Abstract: Endoscopic surgical instruments are provided that have bipolar electrodes on opposing movable members for passing a high frequency current through tissue for simulataneously severing or manipulating the tissue and causing hemostasis of the tissue. An electrically insulating material is interposed between the movable members so that the electrodes are spaced apart from 0.002 to 0.050 inches and the current passes between the opposing electrodes through the tissue. Methods of endoscopically achieving hemostasis while simultaneously, manipulating and cutting tissue are also provided. Use of a constant voltage high frequency power supply to deliver current to the tissue to cause hemostasis is described in conjunction with those methods.

Abstract: A bipolar snare instrument for use in surgery is provided. The snare instrument has a snaring loop comprising a flexible continuous electrically-insulating loop for supporting bipolar electrodes. The electrodes may be arranged in various geometries on the insulating loop to provide localized selective necrosis and hemostasis of a patient's protruding tissue. Methods of performing surgery with such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical ligation and electrosurgical coagulation device has an elongated handle sized to be received in a trochar and having a central passageway extending therethrough. A first channel is provided in the handle along one side of the passageway and is generally parallel thereto. A second channel is provided in the handle which is generally parallel to the passageway and spaced from the first channel. A suture extends through the central channel passageway and has a loop with a slip knot on the distal end thereof and a pull on the proximal end thereof, so that by pulling on the pull the loop can be drawn tightly about a tissue to be ligated. An electrosurgical wire is slidably received in the first channel and has an electrically insulated body extending through the first channel with an exposed wire hook formed at the distal end thereof for grasping the tissue to pull it through the suture loop.

Abstract: This is an electrocautery device having an electrically active tip and an electrically active portion of the terminal end of the device spaced from the tip.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the removal of tissue polyps and the like is disclosed. It features a bipolar pair of conductive electrodes for the cutting of tissue in which at least one electrode is moveable in relation to the other. These electrodes are mounted relative to an insulating plug, which is secured at the distal end of a tubular member. Pressure exerted on a thumb loop shifts the position of one electrode relative to the other. Upon application of RF voltage, the distance at which the electrodes are placed controls the amount of arcing which will occur between electrodes, when placed within a proper range. The electrodes are supplied with power from a standard RF energy source, controlled from a foot or hand switch. The insulating plug may further include metal traces disposed on the peripheral surface. When energized, these traces function as a bipolar pair of electrodes for effecting electrocoagulation of tissue and blood.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical scalpel comprising a handle having a pair of loop electrodes extending outwardly from the distal end thereof in parallel, spaced relation, such that the spacing defines a dielectric such as an air gap therebetween. When a RF voltage of a predetermined amplitude is applied across the two electrodes and they are drawn across tissue, cutting occurs by virtue of the arc established between the two electrodes. The electrodes may be formed from tungsten wire to withstand high operating temperatures and are sufficiently rigid to withstand the pressure forces encountered during electrosurgery without shorting together across the gap. The electrodes may be formed in various shapes, depending upon the nature of the cutting desired. Possible configurations include open rounded loops, open elongated loops, open triangular-shaped loops, L- or J-shaped hooks.

Abstract: An electrosurgical bipolar treating apparatus comprising a handpiece to which is connected a first active electrode and a second return electrode having exposed distal ends which define a bipolar tip for electrosurgically treating tissue at an operational site on a patient, which tip is structured so that both distal ends simultaneously contact said tissue and wherein the active electrode has a higher tissue to electrode impedance than the return electrode.

Abstract: A radio frequency coagulation instrument has two concentric tubular feedls (15, 16) with coagulation electrodes (13, 14) at their end. The tubular feedlines (15, 16) are simultaneously used to supply the radio frequency current to the coagulation electrode (13, 14) and for the supply and removal of a flushing liquid. Moreover, the passage (19) formed within the tubular feedline (16) which serves for the removal of flushing liquid, and which is expediently connected to a vacuum source, can be used independently of the supply of flushing liquid to suck away not only flushing liquid but also, or alternatively, blood, body fluids, secretions and pieces of body tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar medical coagulation and/or cauterizing instrument has two elongated electrodes with first end portions which constitute the working end of the instrument and second end portions which are connectable to different poles of a high-frequency generator. The intermediate portions of the electrodes are surrounded by deformable insulators which are shrunk onto the respective electrodes and are confined in a tubular member serving to prevent the electrodes from moving relative to each other. To this end, the intermediate portions have cross sections which are out-of-round and/or which vary in the longitudinal direction of the respective electrodes. The insulators closely follow the outlines of the respective intermediate portions, and the tubular member closely follows the outlines of the insulators.

Abstract: A electrosurgical device for selectively carrying out bipolar coagulation tissue has a preferably elongate instrument housing (10) with a guide tube (14) for three mutually insulated contact rods (11, 12, 13) which are arranged therein. Two of the contact rods (12, 13) serve at their free ends as coagulation electrodes (22, 23) and the center one (11) serves as a cutting electrode (21) which can be moved towards or through the two coagulation electrodes. In this arrangement a switching device (16) is provided with the aid of which an Rf current suitable for bipolar coagulation can be applied to the coagulation electrodes (22, 23) in a first switch position. In a second switch position, the coagulation electrodes (22, 23) are connected in parallel while a potential suitable for tissue cutting is applied to the cutting electrode (21).

Abstract: A medical coagulation-cutting instrument has an instrument shaft (11) with wo stationary coagulation electrodes (12, 13) and a movable cutting electrode (14). An actuating head (19) is arranged at the distal end of the instrument shaft (11). The radio frequency feedlines for the two coagulation electrodes (12, 13) are conductive tubes (15, 16) arranged concentric to one another and to the instrument shaft within which the high frequency feedline for the cutting electrode (14) is arranged in an insulated manner as an axially directed conductive bar (17) which is axially movable by the actuating head (19).

Abstract: An instrument for cauterizing blood vessels while performing an endoscopic procedure includes a rigid outer tube with a proximal end, a distal end and an inner, semi-rigid, tube passing through the outer tube from its proximal end to its distal end. The inner tube has at least one lumen allowing passage of a pair of conductive leads therethrough. The leads terminate at the distal end of the tube in a pair of forceps jaws. The leads are mechanically connected to a scissors-style handle and are electrically connected to an RF generator. The outside diameter of the outer tubular body is sufficiently small that it can readily pass through the working lumen of an endoscope. Associated with the handle is a knob for rotating the inner tube and the conductive leads. The handle also contains a means for effecting translational motion of the inner tube within the outer tube and over the forceps and a means for introducing a preset gap to prevent complete closure of the forceps' jaws.

Abstract: A method and device is described for removing concretions such as calculus stones within human ducts such as the ureter or kidney. The device includes a flexible probe insertable through the human duct so that a tip thereof is juxtaposed against the concretion. The probe includes a positive electrode extending coaxially within the conduit and embedded in a solid electrically insulative material. A negative electrode is coextensive with and outwardly encircles the positive electrode. The solid electrically insulative material stops short by a distance R from the end of the probe, thereby leaving a recess without solid insulation between negative and positive electrodes at the tip end of the probe. The recess achieves a more efficient fragmentation of target calculi at lower energy, with less human tissue damage and increase in useful probe life.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for use in endoscopic procedures features an electrode assembly which can be readily connected and disconnected from the remaining body of the instrument to allow a replacement electrode assembly to be substituted. The instrument comprises an elongated rigid tube having a handle on the proximal end, the handle including a spring-loaded plunger which is connected by a push rod to a stem member disposed in the lumen of the tube near its distal end. The electrode assembly is designed to mate with the stem and when the plunger is actuated to extend the stem beyond the distal end of the tube, the electrode assembly may be installed. Retraction of the stem within the lumen of the tube serves to hold the electrode assembly in place.

Abstract: A bipolar biopsy device for removing tissue samples for biopsy purposes or other purposes. The bipolar biopsy device has an elongated flexible end and a lumen extending therebetween. A cutting head is mounted on the distal end and has a hollow fixed member containing an electrode having an electrical surface thereon and a hollow cup-shaped moveable relative to the fixed member. The electrode surfaces are electrically connected to an outside voltage source. A handle is affixed to the proximal end and a core wire is affixed to the handle which extends through the lumen and is affixed to the movable hollow cup-shaped member. The core wire manipulated by way of the handle facilitates the movement of the movable cup-shaped member. Tissue samples are obtained by positioning the electrode surfaces close to each other about the tissue sample. An arc is created to break tissue down by applying a voltage to the 2 electrode surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in penetrating and working in the vitreous humor of an eye comprises a finger grip member and a rigid needle extending from the finger grip member, with a single continuous fiber optic member extending from a distal end of the needle through the needle and the finger grip member to a cone shaped proximal end contained in a large connecting member constructed of heat conductive material. The surgical instrument includes a stripping tool at its distal end that is bent at a right angle and positioned in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle but does not intersect this axis. The surgical instrument also comprises an infusion/aspiration system including a hollow pipe attached to the needle that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needle but does not interfere with a beam of light projected from the distal end of the fiber optic member extending through the needle.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a protective, extendable and retractable sheath or sleeve is disclosed. The sheath is disposed around and coaligned with an elongated cylindrical rod, from which extends at least one electrode. A conductor extending from the electrode is joined to a conventional power supply cord for connection to a source of RF voltage. Power supply is regulated using either a convention hand or foot switch. The sheath protects the distal electrode(s) as the instrument is inserted through a laparoscopic trocar or endoscope. It also provides an effective extension of an irrigation/aspiration lumen which extends along the length of the cylindrical rod. The proximal end of the irrigation/aspiration lumen is joined to a supply tube which either may be connected to a fluid reservoir for irrigation or to a collection reservoir for aspiration of fluids. Alternative embodiments feature alternative mechanisms for extending the sheath.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for the removal of tissue polyps and the like is disclosed. It features a bipolar pair of conductive electrodes for the cutting of tissue in which at least one electrode is moveable in relation to the other. These electrodes are mounted relative to an insulating plug, which is secured at the distal end of a tubular member. Pressure exerted on a thumb loop shifts the position of one electrode relative to the other. Upon application of RF voltage, the distance at which the electrodes are placed controls the amount of arcing which will occur between electrodes, when placed within a proper range. The electrodes are supplied with power from a standard RF energy source, controlled from a foot or hand switch. The insulating plug may further include metal traces disposed on the peripheral surface. When energized, these traces function as a bipolar pair of electrodes for effecting electrocoagulation of tissue and blood.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting instrument with bipolar electrodes integrally formed into a pivoting ceramic working head. The ceramic head is pivotable about a pivot point by selectively retracting a substantially rigid wire internal to a working element which is slidably and rotatably received within an introducer and connected to a point on the ceramic head offset from a longitudinal axis. Radial incisions are induced into a prostate gland during a transurethral resectioning of the prostate gland (TURP) by applying an RF energy across the bipolar electrodes from an external power source and drawing the electrodes across prostate gland tissue. The pivotal head can be selectively reciprocated to approximately a 90.degree. angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the introducer to effectively cauterize tissue during surgery to perform resectioning of the prostate. Increased maneuverability of the instrument allows a surgeon to more quickly and effectively complete a TURP.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for use in snare cauterization operations comprises a tubular sheath member, a metallic cauterization loop, and a metal wire operatively connected to the loop, the wire passing longitudinally through the sheath. An electrical supply is operatively connectable to the wire for feeding an electrical current to the loop via the wire, while a manually actuatable shifter is operatively connected to the wire for longitudinally sliding the wire along the sheath in alternately opposite directions. A flexible web member is connected to the loop to form a capture pocket, the loop defining a mouth opening of the pocket. During use of the snare cauterization instrument, the loop is at least partially expanded from a collapsed configuration and passed over a polyp to be removed, so that the web member substantially surrounds the selected polyp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument useful for laparoscopic surgery comprising an insulated shaft, a control means and a connection to an electrosurgical radiofrequency power source, its distal end being of general J-hook form having a tissue-engaging ledge, and the shaft supporting a tissue-engaging clamping or cutting member movable toward the ledge in response to the control means so that an artery or other tissue in the pocket of the J-hook can be clamped or cut while radiofrequency current is applied. Instrument constructions disclosed incorporate one or two clamping members and a cutting member arranged such that with actuation, the clamping member(s) engages the ledge before the cutting member, and, by selective actuation of the electrosurgical power source, coagulation current can be applied while clamping an artery or other tissue against the ledge to stop flow of blood, and by further actuation of the control and suitable current to the cutting member, the artery or tissue may be cut.

Abstract: An instrument for performing a percutaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy includes a generally rigid, tubular body with a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between these two ends and with a pair of bipolar electrodes projecting from the distal end of the tubular body and a handle member affixed to its proximal end. The outside diameter of the tubular body is sufficiently small that it can readily pass through a cannula inserted through a puncture made through the abdominal wall. A pair of conductors, connected at one end to the bipolar electrodes and at their other end to a source of radio frequency voltage, extend through the tube's lumen and a handle. Moreover, a fluid port may be formed through the handle so as to be in fluid communication with the lumen of the tube whereby fluids may be perfused through the instrument during its use or a suction may be applied to the proximal port for aspirating the surgical site.

Abstract: This inventon is directed at a disposable bipolar coagulator which includes a coaxial conductor with a unitary housing. The coaxial conductor includes an outer conductor, an inner conductor and a circumferential insulator. The coaxial conductor is formed by passing the inner conductor through the outer conductor after the insulator has been formed over the inner conductor. The coaxial conductor thus formed includes three terminal ends. The first and second terminal ends of the coaxial conductor are formed in spaced, parallel relation to each other. A first connector pin is coupled to the first terminal end and a second connector pin is coupled to the second termianl end. The unitary housing is molded over the electrical sub-assembly formed by the coupling of the coaxial conductor and the connector pins forming the coagulator.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument comprises an elongated flexible tube having a sharpened metal sleeve affixed to its distal end. An anvil member is affixed to the distal end of an elongated rod or wire which fits through the lumen of the tube and which is reciprocally moveable in the longitudinal direction by appropriately manipulating a handle device affixed to the proximal end of the tube. Affixed to the anvil member and electrically connected to the rod is an electrode. Means are provided for connecting an RF voltage between the electrode and metal sleeve for coagulating blood at the site where a tissue sample is excised from the internal wall of a body organ. The tissue sample is excised by positioning it against the sharpened edge of the metal sleeve and drawing back on the anvil to sever the sample and draw it into the interior of the sleeve where it remains until removed.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an improvement is set forth in an electrosurgical electrode having a conductor from which a radio frequency electrical signal is generated, which signal sparks to and performs a surgical procedure upon the tissue adjacent the conductor and is received by a receiver. The improvement comprises a dielectric sheath surrounding the conductor in the region where the surgical procedure is being performed, the sheath having a slit extending longitudinally along it in the region exposing only a portion of the lateral surface of the conductor.

Abstract: The method for resolving atherosclerotic plaque buildup and/or eroding unwanted tissue in a blood vessel includes the steps of: inserting an electrode in and along the lumen of a blood vessel; manually manipulating said electrode through the blood vessel; positioning said electrode proximate to atherosclerotic plaque buildup site or unwanted tissue site in the blood vessel; supplying a predetermined high-frequency, high-voltage electrical current to said electrode; maintaining said predetermined current for a predetermined time period; and sensing from time to time, the amount of plaque or unwanted tissue at the site.