Abstract: A laparoscopic nephrectomy device is disclosed. The device has an upper jaw and a lower jaw designed to clamp a portion of an organ, such as a kidney, so as to cut off blood flow locally to a portion of that organ. The upper jaw includes a mid-jaw piece and a top jaw piece, with each piece separately articulated. The mid-jaw piece is pivotably connected to the lower jaw. A top jaw piece is pivotably connected to the mid-jaw piece. The mid-jaw and top jaw pieces include a mechanism to fix the angular orientation of the mid-jaw and top jaw pieces with respect to one another, including a retractable slide piece that is carried by the mid-jaw piece and received in a slot in the top jaw piece. The jaws have insulated troughs that carry electrode structure for applying coagulative therapies.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first, open position to a second, closed position. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes a bore. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the bore to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members from the first to second position for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. An end effector for treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft. One or more tensile members extend at least partially through the elongated shaft. A proximal end of a tensile member is operatively coupled to at least one actuator and a distal end is operatively coupled to the end effector such that manipulation of the actuator induces movement of the tensile member to move the end effector. A de-tensioning mechanism is operatively associated with the tensile member to move the tensile member between a first relaxed configuration and a second stressed configuration. The de-tensioning mechanism includes a spacer insertable into a cavity defined in the housing to move the tensile member to the first relaxed configuration and removable from the cavity to move the at least one tensile member to the second stressed configuration.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezoelectric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably attached about a pivot member and moveable from a first spaced position to a second grasping position. Each jaw member includes a jaw housing and a seal plate formed on an inner surface of the jaw member including at least two seal plate segments extending along a substantial portion of the length of the jaw members. An insulating member is positioned between adjacent seal plate segments and configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent seal plate segments. Each sealing plate segment is adapted to selectively connect to an electrosurgical energy source and form part of an electrosurgical energy delivery circuit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having first and second actuators and a shaft extends therefrom. End effector attaches to shaft and includes a first actuating device and a tissue treatment member. First actuating device is actuated by first actuator and includes first and second jaw members that actuate relative to one another about the first pivot. In a first position, jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation and in a second position cooperate to perform a first surgical procedure on tissue positioned therebetween. Second actuator deploys tissue treatment member relative to first jaw member from a first condition to a second condition. Tissue treatment member contacts the first jaw member in a first condition and a portion of the tissue treatment member is spaced away from the first jaw member and forms a loop between the tissue treatment member and first jaw member in a second condition.

Abstract: A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to move from an open, spread position to a closed, grasping position; creating at least one opening in the patient for inserting the forceps therein; inserting through the opening and manipulating jaw members of the forceps to grasp a portion of a first heart valve leaflet and a portion of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween; activating the forceps to close the jaw members about the leaflet portions under a working pressure, applying radiofrequency energy to the jaw members to seal the portion of the first heart valve leaflet to the portion of the second heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. At least one of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes first and second longitudinal jaw halves. At least one of the first and second jaw halves of each jaw member is moveable with respect to the other jaw half between an aligned position and a displaced position for cutting tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: An adaptive algorithm monitors the rate of tissue impedance change during an electrosurgical procedure. Impedance levels are examined to determine an impedance ramp and/or slope rate, which indicates the rate at which a target tissue is undergoing a phase or state change. The level of electrosurgical energy applied to the target tissue is adjusted in real time. Energy is applied to the target tissue at levels that allow tissue phase or state change to occur in an optimum fashion. Undesired results such as thermal damage and defective sealing are mitigated. Another embodiment determines impedance achieved within a specific interval and adjusts the electrosurgical energy applied to the tissue after a threshold impedance has been maintained or exceeded for a predetermined interval. A further aspect of the invention provides mitigation during processing for partial tissue coverage of device electrodes or thin tissue.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a clevis defining a longitudinal axis and a jaw comprising a first member and a second member. A slider is slidably engaged to the clevis, the slider comprising a pin. The pin is receiveably engaged in the first slot and the jaw is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position through longitudinal movement of the slider. In various embodiments, the first and second members are movable between an angular open position, a parallel open position, and a parallel closed position.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body: In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members one of which is movable with respect to the other. A heat activated drive assembly operably couples to an actuation mechanism that is operably associated with the forceps and configured to supply thermal energy to the heat activated drive assembly. The heat activated drive assembly operably coupled to movable jaw member and configured to impart movement of the movable jaw member when the actuation mechanism is activated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The shaft includes a distal portion movable between aligned and articulated configurations. First and second drive cables are coupled to the distal portion such that reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables induces movement of the distal portion between the aligned and articulated configurations. An articulation drive mechanism is operable to induce reciprocal longitudinal motion of the drive cables. The drive mechanism includes an actuator and a pair pulleys operatively coupled to the actuator to rotate about an axle. The first and second drive cables are coupled to the pulleys such that the drive cables extend on opposite lateral sides of the axle. A biasing mechanism is configured to bias the first and second pulleys to at least one discrete orientation to maintain the distal portion of the elongated shaft in a discrete articulated position.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation tool is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle, and an elongated shaft extending from the handle. An end effector extending from the elongated shaft is in communication with a source of electrosurgical energy and defines an end effector axis. A roll joint couples the end effector to the elongated shaft and includes a first tubular structure extending distally from the elongated shaft and a second tubular structure rotatably coupled to the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure supports the end effector such that the end effector is rotatable about the end effector axis. A cable wrap volume may be disposed within one of the first and second tubular structures, and a conductor for supplying the end effector with electrosurgical energy is coiled about the end effector axis within the cable wrap volume such that rotation of the end effector about the end effector axis in a first direction unwinds the conductor.

Abstract: Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a cutting slot defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting instrument therealong for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. An actuator advances the cutting instrument from a first position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting instrument is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members.

Abstract: Disposable, bipolar electrosurgical forceps are designed to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips of the forceps and include a pair of electrode arms having lengths with opposite proximal and distal ends, with thin layers of biocompatible metal on the forceps arm distal ends and bipolar electrical conductors permanently secured to the forceps arm proximal ends.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a hollow joint shaft, wires extending through the joint shaft, pulleys mounted on an end of the joint shaft, for imparting a drive force to the wires, a distal-end working unit mounted on another end of the joint shaft, for being actuated by the wires, and a sealing member for preventing liquid such as blood from flowing from the distal-end working unit through the joint shaft to a connector. The sealing member has holes defined therein, and the wires are slidably inserted through the holes.

Abstract: Electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed. The forceps includes a shaft member having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. One or more of the sealing plates includes one or more springs, the sealing plate is configured to slowly flex to accommodate pressure applied to the tissue until a specified closure pressure is obtained based upon at least one of tissue type and tissue thickness.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members includes a jaw frame including an engagement recess defined on each lateral side thereof and a replaceable component configured for slidable positioning about the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an outer jaw housing having an engagement tang disposed on each lateral side thereof. The engagement tangs are configured to engage the engagement recesses of the jaw frame upon slidable positioning of the replaceable component about the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate engaged to the outer jaw housing to define a tissue sealing surface.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue includes an elongated element having a distal end, a proximal end, a body extending between the distal and the proximal ends, and a lumen located within at least a portion of the body, wherein the lumen has a cross-sectional shape that is a polygon. A device for penetrating tissue includes an elongated element having a distal end, a proximal end, and a body extending between the distal and the proximal ends, at least a portion of the body having a cross-sectional profile that is a polygon, wherein the elongated element is a cannula.

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: Disposable, bipolar electrosurgical forceps are designed to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips of the forceps and include a pair of electrode arms having lengths with opposite proximal and distal ends, with thin layers of biocompatible metal on the forceps arm distal ends and bipolar electrical conductors permanently secured to the forceps arm proximal ends.

Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.

Abstract: Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing, a shaft, an end effector assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft and including opposing jaw members, and a drive rod slidingly disposed within the shaft. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate attached thereto. Longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves at least one of the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes at least one sensor configured to sense a gap distance between the opposing jaw members, and a linear actuator operably coupled to the drive rod. The linear actuator is configured to reciprocate the drive rod in a longitudinal direction as a function of the sensed gap distance in response to signals provided by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting electrosurgical energy from a generator to an electrosurgical instrument are provided. The electrosurgical system includes a generator adapted to generate electro surgical energy for treating tissue. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to the tissue. The active output terminals are operatively connected to one or more supply lines. The generator also includes one or more return output terminal which returns energy from the tissue. The return output terminals are operatively connected to at least one return line. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument operatively connected to the one or more supply lines and one or more return electrodes operatively connected to one or more return lines. The system further includes an electrosurgical cable including one or more supply lines and one or more return lines.

Abstract: A treatment system that applies energy to a living tissue to treat the same, the treatment system includes a sealing member which joins desired sealed regions of at least two living tissues when the energy is applied to the living tissues in a state where the desired regions are sealed, a maintaining member which maintains living tissues near the sealed regions in a contact state when the energy is applied to the living tissues in a state where the tissues near the regions sealed by the sealing member are in contact with each other, at least one first control section which controls an output of the energy that is applied to the sealing member, and at least one second control section which controls an output of the energy that is applied to the maintaining member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for sealing vessels using capacitive (RF) dielectric heating and a method thereof are provided. The system includes an electrosurgical instrument having an end effector with parallel plate electrodes that will clamp onto a vessel and maintain a specified gap distance; however, the electrodes will be coated with a non-conductive dielectric material. Such an end effector will ensure that direct conduction between the electrodes does not occur through tissue or fluids and effectively creates a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric, e.g., tissue and coating, in between the plates. The electrosurgical instrument will be activated with an AC signal at a specified RF frequency, e.g., a Debye resonance frequency, via an electrosurgical generator. An effective AC current will flow through the tissue and cause heating due to fictional losses from rotating polar molecules in the tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has an end effector assembly that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation and moveable from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween and a knife. One or more jaw members include knife blade channels defined therein. Each knife blade channel includes a polygonal longitudinal cross-section defined therein. The knife includes a knife edge and a knife base. The knife base includes a corresponding polygonal longitudinal cross-section. The knife is configured to translate through the knife blade channels and the knife base is configured to slidingly engage the knife base channel having the polygonal cross section upon translation of the knife. In embodiments, the knife blade channel and the knife base have a T-shaped longitudinal cross-section.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes one or more elongated shafts having an end effector assembly attached at a distal end thereof that includes a pair of opposing jaw members movable by an actuator from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue. One or both jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that electrosurgical energy can be supplied to tissue disposed therebetween. A controller is coupled to the actuator for regulating a closing pressure between the jaw members and a sensor is configured to provide feedback to the controller regarding a seal pressure of tissue disposed between the jaw members.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. A rigid structural support is included which is configured to support the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface and includes at least one flow channel defined therein.

Abstract: A tissue ablation device has a handle and an ablation head coupled to the handle. The ablation head has a first jaw, a second jaw, and an ablative element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaws. A thickness measurement device may be coupled to the ablation device to indicate the distance separating the first and second jaws. Further, a force measurement device may be coupled to the ablation device to measure the force being applied by the first and second jaws to a piece of tissue. Further, a strain measurement device may be coupled to the ablation device to indicate the strain resulting in a piece of tissue disposed between the first and second jaws when a stress is applied to the tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to effect a tissue seal to tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is included within the housing for moving the jaw members. A movable handle is also included, and movement thereof actuates the drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to each other. A knife channel is included within the end effector configured to allow reciprocation of a knife blade within the knife channel. The knife blade includes a proximal edge adapted to engage a proximal edge of the end effector to impede translation of the knife blade when the jaw members are in an open configuration and the knife blade is retracted within the end effector assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for transmitting, monitoring, and controlling electrosurgical energy and tissue parameter quality at the tissue site. The electrosurgical system includes a generator adapted to generate electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to the tissue. The active output terminals are operatively connected to one or more active leads. The generator also includes one or more return output terminal which returns energy from the tissue. The return output terminals are operatively connected to at least one return lead. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument operatively connected to the one or more active leads and one or more return electrodes operatively connected to one or more return leads. The system further includes an electrosurgical cable including one or more active leads and one or more return leads.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft has a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. The end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. Each jaw member has an opposing sealing surface and at least one of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The pivot is positioned offset from the longitudinal axis defined through the shaft. When the jaw members are disposed in the second position, a plane is formed between the opposing sealing surfaces, the plane offset from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure. A link assembly includes two or more links that are operably coupled to each other and the drive structure. The two or more links are operably coupled to respective ones of the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members includes an electrode having an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface. An electrical energy source may be connected to the tissue sealing surfaces so that the sealing surfaces can conduct energy to tissue. A pivot mechanism is operably connected to the jaw members and configured to allow selective movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position. The pivot mechanism is configured to promote substantially parallel movement of the jaw members through a range of motion between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and related method for sealing and/or dissecting body tissue using a reverse action instrument. The devices and methods described permit laparoscopic or natural body orifice access to an anatomical space and facilitate sealing portions of tissue together, dissecting tissue or combinations thereof. A surgical instrument for sealing and dissecting body tissue is described having distal and proximal ends with an elongated body. The body includes a jaw member positioned at the distal end that is defined by a stationary arm and a pivotable arm. A moveable closure sleeve is disposed at least partially about the body and the closure sleeve is configured such that coaxial movement of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the body causes the jaw member to open or close.

Abstract: A medical device for simultaneously cutting tissue with a heating element, cauterizing the tissue with sealing elements, and stapling the tissue together. The heating elements comprise bipolar RF electrodes.

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 test fixture for making an electrical connection with electrical contacts of a circuit board includes jaws made of conductive material. The jaws may be monolithic pieces of copper, with a pair of sections that pivot along a thin hinged portion at one end. The jaws float freely within a test fixture housing, allowing the jaws to reposition themselves within the housing to adjust to variations in position of the electrical contacts. A clamping mechanism pushes free ends of the jaw sections toward one another, causing engagement between the sections and the electrical contacts. The test fixture provides a way to provide good contact area and good contact pressure, allowing large-current flows between the jaws and the electrical contacts, while at the same time providing substantially no force on the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a support member and an electrode. The electrode is disposed on the support member and has a coating disposed thereon. The coating includes a seed layer and an atomic-layer-deposition (“ALD”) layer. The ALD layer is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The seed layer may be conductive or insulative.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporization at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment. Also disclosed is an electrosurgical generator in combination with a cutting forceps instrument, such that the coagulation and cutting of the tissue may be performed simultaneously.