Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a catheter tube having a distal end and a lumen, and configured to assist in applying tamponage to a bleeding source in a gastrointestinal tract when flexed. A catheter tip having a catheter tip outer surface is assembled with the tube adjacent the distal end of the tube. The catheter tip comprises a probe body comprising an electrically insulative material, at least one electrode pair located on the probe body which comprises a first electrode spaced from a second electrode, and a fluid distribution manifold to direct a fluid from inside the probe body towards the tip outer surface. The manifold comprises a central passage within the probe body and a plurality of lateral passages which extend from the central passage towards the tip outer surface. An extendable injection needle is housed within the central passage to provide treatment to tissue.

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: In order to develop an electric probe for microsurgery, which is provided in particular in ophthalmology for intraocular treatments of the eye, in such a way that the probe is constructed in a simple manner, can be produced inexpensively, is easy and safe to handle, and at the same time can be used for multiple functions as an illuminated intraocular probe, it is suggested that the electric probe comprises an outer electrode, an inner electrode and a light guide. The inner electrode has a contoured electrode end face and projects out over a front end of the light guide or is embedded in the light guide so as to terminate with it. When the electrodes and light guide are constructed cylindrically, the hollow space remaining between the electrodes and the light guide is provided as a suction channel for sucking out tissue particles, and in various embodiment forms, including an embodiment as an illuminating endoprobe, the electric probe is connected to an operating and controlling device by which pre.

Abstract: Efficient ablation with multiple prong electrodes is obtained by electrically isolating the prongs from each other and rapidly switching electric power between the prongs, between a prong and a ground pad, or both. In this way, power distribution to a tumor can be controlled efficiently without the need to change probe geometry.

Abstract: A medical probe for mapping is provided. The medical probe includes an elongated member, a first mapping ring electrode mounted to the elongated member, and a second mapping ring electrode mounted to the elongated member. The first and second mapping ring electrodes are electrically insulated from each other. The second mapping ring electrode is located substantially concentric to the first mapping ring electrode, and is coaxially surrounding the first mapping ring electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a catheter, a tissue penetration device carried by and deployable from the catheter, an energy delivery device carried by an deployable from the catheter, a backstop surface carried by the catheter, and a flexible, resilient tissue compression device. The tissue compression device can be coupled between the energy delivery device and the catheter and can be changeable between a first configuration in which the energy delivery device applies a first force to the backstop surface via intervening tissue, and a second configuration in which the energy delivery device applies no force or a second force less than the first force into the backstop surface via intervening tissue.

Abstract: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue which include a pair of first and second shaft portions each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween with at least one of the jaw members including a knife slot defined along a length thereof. The knife slot is dimensioned to reciprocate a knife blade therefrom. The forceps also have a cutting mechanism which selectively actuates the knife blade from a first position wherein the knife blade is disposed at least substantially entirely within the knife slot of the jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the knife blade is at least partially deployed from the knife slot of the jaw member. The knife blade is displaceable in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the forceps.

Abstract: A method of determining the size and/or placement of a prosthetic disc in a disc space between adjacent endplates of two vertebrae in a selected spinal area, comprising: using a computer to identify the disc space parameters of height, width, depth and lordosis between the adjacent vertebral endplates; using a computer to create an artificial volume corresponding to an actual prosthetic disc that can be positioned in the disc space in accordance with a manufacturer's size and lordosis specifications for prosthesis; using a computer to determine the center of the disc space and the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume; using a computer to position the prosthetic disc volume in the disc space such that the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume is positioned posterior to the center of the disc space; and using a computer to determine the prosthetic disc volume that fits within the disc space in accordance with a surgeon's or manufacturer's specification for prosthesis.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member and integrally associated with the knife. The monopolar element is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongated shaft having first and second electrically isolated electrodes coupled to the shaft such that an exposed portion of the second electrode is disposed around only part of a circumference of the elongated shaft, and includes a portion that is spaced proximally from the first electrode. Another surgical device also includes an elongated shaft having first and second electrically isolated electrodes coupled to the shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first side, and exposed surfaces of the first and second electrodes are side-facing toward the first side. Various embodiments of a “cool back” are provided, allowing arthroscopic surgery on a first side of a device without tissue effects on a back side of the device.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument for fusing tissue includes first and second grasping members each having an end effector assembly attached at a distal end thereof. Each end effector assembly including a first jaw member with an active electrode disposed thereon and a second jaw member with a dielectric member disposed thereon. The first and second jaw members of each end effector are disposed in substantial opposing relation relative to one another and are movable from a first spaced position relative to one another to a second closer position for grasping tissue. Each active electrode is operably connected to an electrosurgical energy source. A surgical crimping tool is included and is selectively positionable to mechanically engage and crimp the active electrodes of the grasping members in a juxtaposed, side-by-side manner relative to one another prior to electrosurgical activation to fuse tissue into a unified tissue mass.

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: A PFO closing device for bringing the septum primum and the septum secundum into contact with each other and joining them together includes a clamping mechanism and energy supplying device. The clamping mechanism includes a needle part for puncturing the septum primum, and a clamping member for cooperating with the needle part in clamping therebetween tissue of the septum primum and the septum secundum. The energy supplying device supplies energy for joining the tissues clamped by the needle part and the clamping member. The clamping mechanism is mounted in a catheter so as to be protrudable from and retractable into the catheter.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmural ablation includes using an instrument comprising first and second jaws which each includes an ablation member. A clamping force is exerted on the two ablation members such that the tissue of the hollow organ is clamped therebetween. At least one of the first and second jaws further includes at least one EKG monitoring sensor on a tip of the associated jaw. The EKG sensor is spaced distally from its associated ablation member for contacting cardiac tissue. The EKG sensor is adapted to be connected to an EKG monitor, so that when cardiac tissue is grasped between the first and second grasping jaws, the EKG sensor contacts the cardiac tissue and transmits the signals generated by the tissue to the EKG monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel wall is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one member which is extended through a tissue tract formed through the epidermis and subcutaneous layer of skin and through the opening in the blood vessel. The member includes a proximal end and a distal end with the distal end being positionable proximate to the opening in the blood vessel wall. A positive electrode is positioned next to the distal end with a negative electrode being positioned next to the proximal end When the electrodes are energized an electric field is created therebetween, blood cells are attracted to the positive electrode, and a thrombus is formed at the opening in the blood vessel wall. The member may include a balloon at the distal end to temporarily occlude blood flow from the blood vessel to the tissue tract to facilitate formation of the thrombus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrically induced thrombosis. The surgical device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is for placement adjacent to, near, or within a treatment site of a patient. The second electrode can be movable with respect to the first electrode. When the electrodes are charged by an electricity source, negatively charged blood components are attracted to the positively charged electrode while being repelled from the negatively charged electrode. Due to the electric potential between the adjacent electrodes, thrombosis is induced. The negatively charged blood and components form a thrombus or a clot adjacent to the positively charged electrode. The surgical device can be used to induce the otherwise natural process of thrombosis. When the surgical device is used in a treatment site such as a puncture or incision, the thrombosis can seal the opening created by the treatment site.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency power, an electrosurgical instrument including at least first and second bipolar electrodes carried on the instrument, and a monopolar patient return electrode separate from the instrument. The generator comprises a source of radio frequency (RF) power, and has a first supply state in which the RF waveform is supplied between the first and second bipolar electrodes of the electrosurgical instrument, and a second supply state in which the RF waveform is supplied between at least one of the first and second bipolar electrodes and the monopolar patient return electrode. A controller is operable to control the generator such that, in at least one mode of the generator, a feeding means is adapted to alternate between the first and second supply states to supply an alternating signal.

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 electrode 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 endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member and integrally associated with the knife. The monopolar element is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member.

Abstract: A method for disrupting blood flow to undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of vessels supplying blood to the undesirable tissue and through the application of electrical pulses causing blood flow disruption. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The process may further comprise monitoring blood flow and/or infusion of a material such as a chemotherapeutic agent or marker into the blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member and integrally associated with the knife. The monopolar element is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical devices and methods to treat tissue. In one device embodiment, the invention comprises a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency power and a fluid provided simultaneously from a distal portion of the device, with the device comprising a disc shaped distal end. In one method embodiment, the invention comprises a method of treating tissue having a blood vessel during spine surgery, with the method comprising pressing a portion of the blood vessel against a supporting spine structure with a surgical device to provide a compressed portion of the blood vessel, and heating the compressed portion of the blood vessel with the surgical device sufficiently to inhibit a blood flow through the vessel after the surgical device is removed from the blood vessel.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse endoscopic in situ therapies. The assembly includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal electrode tip portion that acts as a hemostat, and a cutting wire for making incisions in or ablating tissue. A cutting wire hub provides a sealing entrance for a cutting wire. An operator enables the physician to displace the cutting wire between extended and retracted positions. The cutting wire and electrode are electrically isolated. In addition, the catheter assembly may include a planar tip which, when extended outside the distal end of the assembly, assumes a substantially flat unbiased configuration for use. The apparatus of the present invention allows the physician to make incisions in or ablate tissue using electrosurgery, irrigate tissue, and cauterize or coagulate tissue without having to remove the apparatus from the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors for treating biological tissue include first and second scissor blades. A shearing surface and cutting edge of each blade is electrically neutral. The scissors include a pair of electrical connections for receiving electrical currents of opposing polarities. Each blade includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode positioned on a surface opposite the shearing surface The at least one first electrode on the first blade and the at least one second electrode on the second blade are coupled to the first electrical connection. The at least one second electrode on the first blade and the at least one first electrode on the second blade are coupled to the second electrical connection. In a first energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current only to the first electrodes. In a second energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current to all of the electrodes.

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: The invention is concerned with cauterizing and resecting tissue. A pair of electrodes are placed on opposed tissue surfaces, and radio frequency power is applied through the electrodes to cauterizing a tissue mass therebetween. After cauterization has been effected, the tissue may be resected along a plane within the cauterized region with minimum or no bleeding. The tissue mass may then be removed.

Abstract: Large tissue regions are treated using pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays may be concave and disposed in tissue so that their concave portions are opposed to each other. Axial conductors may be provided extending from the arrays and toward each other in order to increase the heating of tissues lying along the axis between the deployed electrode arrays. By properly spacing the electrode arrays apart and selecting the diameters of the arrays, desired volumes of tissue may be treated, typically with a bipolar, radiofrequency current.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse endoscopic in situ therapies. The assembly includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal electrode tip portion that acts as a hemostat, and a cutting wire for making incisions in or ablating tissue. A cutting wire hub provides a sealing entrance for a cutting wire. An operator enables the physician to displace the cutting wire between extended and retracted positions. The cutting wire and electrode are electrically isolated. In addition, the catheter assembly may include a planar tip which, when extended outside the distal end of the assembly, assumes a substantially flat unbiased configuration for use. The apparatus of the present invention allows the physician to make incisions in or ablate tissue using electrosurgery, irrigate tissue, and cauterize or coagulate tissue without having to remove the apparatus from the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which connects a pair of first and second jaw members such that the jaw members are movable relative to one another to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a four-bar handle assembly attached to the housing for actuating a drive rod assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle and a cam-like piston which cooperate to impart a uniform closure pressure against tissue grasped between the jaw members. The instrument also includes a rotating assembly for rotating the jaw members, a knife assembly for separating tissue and a pair of electrical leads connect the jaw members to a source of electrical energy. The electrical leads include slack loops disposed in the rotating assembly which permit rotation of the jaw members about the axis.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing, a shaft, a drive assembly, a handle assembly and a slide activated cutting assembly. The shaft is affixed to the housing and comprises an end effector assembly comprising two jaw members at its distal end. The drive assembly is configured to move the end effector assembly. The handle assembly is in mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly. The slide-activated cutting assembly is disposed at least partially within the housing and move a knife rod comprising a knife blade at its distal end to cut tissue along a tissue seal. A source of electrosurgical energy is adapted to connect to each jaw member to enable them to conduct energy through tissue to affect a tissue seal.

Abstract: Methods for treating a tissue site. Introducing at least first and second mono-polar electrodes to a tissue site of the patient. Positioning the at least first and second mono-polar electrodes at or near the tissue site. Applying an electric field in a controlled manner to the tissue site in an amount sufficient to produce electroporation of cells at the tissue site and below an amount that causes thermal damage to a majority of the tissue site.

Abstract: A systems for treating a tissue site. At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are configured to be introduced at or near a tissue site of the patient. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second mono-polar electrodes to induce electroporation of cells in the tissue site, to create necrosis of cells of the tissue site, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the tissue site.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus is described that includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end including a tissue contacting surface having a plurality of apertures. The housing defines an interior. An electrode array is positionable in the housing interior. The electrode array includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes. The electrode array is configured to be advanced from the housing interior so a first spacing between a deployed pair of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes is different relative to a second spacing between at least one other deployed pair of electrodes. An advancement device is configured to selectively advance the plurality of electrodes from the housing interior into a target tissue site and withdraw advanced electrodes into the housing interior.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of hyperconductive fluids to coagulate tissue within the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding coagulation of fluids and tissue during surgery is provided. The apparatus includes a suction tube and first and second electrodes shaped as a cylindrical section extending from the suction tube. Two spaces are formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the distance between the tips of the electrodes and the suction tube is large enough to allow unobstructed viewing of the tissue that is being treated.

Abstract: A medical device and procedure is described which can be used for occluding a fallopian tube. In one implementation, the apparatus includes an elongate member, an electrode carrier and one or more conductors. The elongate member has a lumen operable to couple to a vacuum source and draw moisture way from one or more electrodes included in the electrode carrier, and a lumen configured to receive a hysteroscope. The electrode carrier includes one or more bipolar electrodes and can to couple to a radio frequency energy generator. The one or more conductors connect to a controller operable to control the delivery of radio frequency energy to the one or more bipolar electrodes. The elongate member is a substantially rigid member configured with a curve to facilitate advancement of the distal end transcervically through a uterus and into a region of a tubal ostium of a fallopian tube to be occluded.

Abstract: In an electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, the generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections, one or more sources of output power coupled to the output stage, and a controller operable to cause the generator to supply a first cutting RF waveform to the output connections or a second coagulating RF waveform to the output connections. In a combined mode, the controller causes the generator to deliver both first and second RF waveforms, the controller including means for feeding the waveforms to the output connections such that the first RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections. The combined mode is adjustable between various settings, each setting having a different proportion of the first and second RF waveforms.

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: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for treating tissue at a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end, and an electrode assembly disposed at the shaft distal end. The electrode assembly includes at least one active electrode disposed on an electrode support. The instrument is adapted for coupling to a high frequency power supply or electrosurgical generator. Each active electrode is adapted for removing tissue from a target site and/or for localized coagulation of the target tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument is adapted for laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing vascular penetrations comprise a shaft having an electrode or other energy-applying element at a distal end. The shaft is placed in a tissue tract over a blood vessel penetration and located using a locator which engages an inner wall of the blood vessel. Once in position, an anchor is used to hold the shaft, allowing the locator to be removed. Energy is then applied through a distal tip of the shaft in order to induce desiccation and plug formation in a blood pool formed between the distal end of the shaft and the wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ligating and coagulating tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a device is provided having an end effector that is adapted to access tissue to be treated at a surgical site and has the capability to both ligate and coagulate the targeted tissue. The end effector can include at least one ligation band that is removably disposed in a delivery configuration on a portion of the end effector and is adapted to be configured in a tissue-engaging configuration upon release from the end effector. The end effector can also include a pair of spaced electrodes disposed adjacent to each other on a tissue contacting portion of the end effector.

Abstract: An electrosurgical bipolar instrument includes an instrument housing having a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated body therebetween. The electrosurgical bipolar instrument includes a pair of radio frequency (RF) electrodes disposed at the distal end of the instrument housing and a control circuit mounted within the instrument housing. The control circuit has a first cut/coagulate mode pad, a common pad and a first cut/coagulate mode push button configured to electrically couple the first cut/coagulate mode pad to the common pad when actuated. The electrosurgical bipolar instrument further includes a plug coupled to the proximal end of the instrument housing having first and second RF contacts electrically coupled to the pair of RF electrodes. The plug has a first cut/coagulate mode contact and a first common contact electrically isolated from the first and second RF contacts and the pair of RF electrodes.

Abstract: A medical device (5) is provided which comprises a catheter tube having a distal end and a lumen, and configured to assist in applying tamponage to a bleeding source in a gastrointestinal tract when flexed. A catheter tip having a catheter tip outer surface is assembled with the tube adjacent the distal end of the tube. The catheter tip comprises a probe body comprising an electrically insulative material, at least one electrode pair located on the probe body which comprises a first electrode spaced from a second electrode, and a fluid distribution manifold to direct a fluid from inside the probe body towards the tip outer surface. The manifold comprises a central passage within the probe body and a plurality of lateral passages which extend from the central passage towards the tip outer surface. An extendable injection needle is housed within the central passage to provide treatment to tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an elongated insertion section, a pair of holding portions which hold tissue, a heat source portion, and an operation section which relatively opens/closes the holding portions. The holding portions are provided at a distal end portion of the insertion section. The heat source portion is provided to at least one of the holding portions, generates heat, and transfers the heat toward the other holding portion. At least a part of the heat source portion is covered with an insulating member provided to the holding portions. The operation section is provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion section.

Abstract: An bipolar electrosurgical tool (10) for cauterizing or ablating tissue. The tool has a nose cone (12) which serves as a handle. A conductive shaft (14) extends from the nose cone. A tip assembly (18) with an active electrode (20) is mounted to the shaft. A circuit board (78) is mounted in the nose cone. Conductive traces that forming contact pads (96, 102) are formed on the circuit board. A web (108) formed from a single piece of elastomeric material is seated over the opening in which the printed circuit board is mounted to seal the opening shut. Integrally formed with the web are buttons (116, 118) that are in registration over the contact pads. The buttons can be depressed downwardly towards the contact pads. When a button is so depressed, a conductive landing pad (120) integral with the button closes the connection between the traces that form the contact pad. Thus, the tool of this invention is provided with switches. The circuit board also has two conductive traces (92, 104a) that run in parallel.