Abstract: A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebrae. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae by contacting a surface of the superior vertebrae.

Abstract: An endoscopic shank instrument has a tool carrier which is arranged at a distal shank end, is bendable relative to the shank and carries a tool. The tool includes at least one electrode which is conductively connectable to a voltage source via an electrical lead led through the shank. The lead is formed by a flexible circuit board in the region of the tool carrier and of the bending of the tool carrier.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the method including configuring a first sequence of subsets of one or more electrode channels of a signal generator as an anode sequence. Each electrode channel includes an electronic switch configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state, and a drive circuit coupled to the electronic switch to control the state of the electronic switch. The method also includes configuring a second sequence of subsets of one or more electrode channels of the signal generator as a cathode sequence such that respective electrode channels of the first and second sequences are paired for energy delivery. The method also includes delivering, from an energy source, a pulse waveform to a set of electrodes via the paired sequences of electrode channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device (1) for a robotic surgical system, said holding device having a clamping device (11?) for removably holding a surgical object (12), said clamping device comprising at least two clamping jaws (14, 15) and a bearing part (8) on which at least one of the clamping jaws (10, 15) is movably mounted, and having at least one actuation element (18, 19) for actuating at least one of the clamping jaws (14, 15). The holding device (11) can be provided with a sterile encasement (13) in an intended use. According to the invention, the actuation element (18, 19) is guided in an axially movable manner on the bearing part (8).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the system including a pulse waveform signal generator for medical ablation therapy that may be coupled to an ablation device including at least one electrode for ablation pulse delivery to tissue. The signal generator may generate and deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulse waveform in a predetermined sequence where the signal generator may independently configure a set of electrodes of an ablation device. The signal generator may further perform active monitoring of a set of electrode channels and discharge excess energy using the set of electrode channels.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument for removing nodes such as lymph nodes may include one or more of a blade for mechanical cutting of the ducts that connect the node to surrounding tissue and/or an energy emitter for emitting energy to seal the ducts and/or contribute to the gentle removal of the node from its connecting ducts. The biopsy instrument may include a ring clamp assembly made up of two opposing ring structures that may be clamped together such that the desired tissue sample (e.g., a lymph node) is captured within the inside opening of the clamped rings. Connecting ducts may be severed using either a blade or energy emitted from the ring clamps.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an extended working channel, a magnetic field generator, a sensor, a workstation, a computer readable recording medium, and a remote control handle. The extended working channel is sized for insertion into the working channel of a bronchoscope and to receive one or more instruments therethrough. The sensor is associated with a distal end of the extended working channel for detecting a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator. The workstation includes a display and is operably connected to the sensor. The computer readable recording medium is associated with the workstation for storing a software program that enables association of the sensed magnetic field with a location of the sensor and that generates one or more images including one or more fields for presentation on the display. The remote control handle enables manipulation of the one or more fields generated by the software.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument including a housing, an elongated member, an end effector assembly, a drive assembly, a solenoid assembly, and a switch assembly. The end effector assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongated member. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and an opposing second jaw member. The drive assembly is disposed within the elongated member and operably coupled to the end effector and configured to move the first jaw member from a first position to a second position. The solenoid assembly is disposed within the housing. The solenoid assembly is operably coupled to the drive assembly and adapted to connect to a power source. The switch assembly is activatable to energize the solenoid assembly such that the solenoid assembly actuates the drive assembly to move the first jaw member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having a stop and a plurality of overmold teeth within at least one jaw member. 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 stop molded within an insulative housing, and an insulator plate with the overmold teeth formed from plastic. The overmold teeth extend through openings within a sealing plate and protrude past the tissue sealing surface of the sealing plate. The stop primarily controls the gap distance between opposing jaw members by bearing most of an applied load and the overmold teeth assist in controlling the gap distance by bearing the remaining applied load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ablating tissue are disclosed that comprise positioning two or more bidirectional ablation energy sources in spaced-apart relation in sufficient proximity to the tissue to be ablated so that, upon activation each energy source creates an energy field in the tissue to be ablated. The energy sources are spaced such that the energy fields created by at least one of the activated sources partially overlaps with the energy field created by one or more of the other energy sources. The energy sources are alternately activated and deactivated, so that a substantially constant energy field results where the energy fields created by at least two of the energy sources overlap. While the energy sources are preferably RF energy sources, other energy sources, such as microwave, may be used.

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 piezo electric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.

Abstract: A jaw of a grasping treatment apparatus includes abutment portion spacing a distal treatment section and a jaw electrode portion apart from each other in a state that the abutment portion abuts on the distal treatment section, and a jaw insulation portion disposed in a part spaced apart from the abutment portion in a width direction of the jaw on an electrode facing-surface. a spacing distance from the distal treatment section to an insulation facing-surface is less than a distance from the electrode facing-surface to the distal treatment section in the state that the abutment portion abuts on the distal treatment section.

Abstract: A cautery apparatus and method are provided that coagulate tissue along a seam and near the ends of the seam. The cautery apparatus and method include a cautery device and an EMG system. When a set of electrodes for the EMG are placed in the lower extremities of a patient, the cautery method injects a current at the cautery device and monitors the EMG electrodes. When nerve stimulation is detected at the EMG electrodes, during tissue coagulation, the position of the cautery device is changed. Generally, the cautery device is repositioned to eliminate nerve stimulation, thereby avoiding nerve damage.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide for automatic angular adjustment of an end effector thereby improving on the operability of a medical instrument. The medical system of the invention comprises a medical instrument including a driver for driving adjustment of the angle of the end effector relative to a shaft, a trocar having an insertion opening through which the medical instrument is inserted, a sensor that produces a sensor signal including at least an angle of a shaft in a reference coordinate system, and a driver for enabling follow-up control processing for driving the driver based on a sensor signal produced out of the sensor such that the angle of the end effector follows a follow-up criterion in a reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable with respect to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife is longitudinally translatable with respect to the first and second jaw members between a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position. The knife coupled to one or both of the jaw members via a pin-slot engagement such that, upon translation of the knife from the retracted position to the intermediate position, the first and second jaw members are moved to the approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween and such that, upon translation of the knife from the intermediate position to the extended position, the knife is extended between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: An electrosurgical vessel sealing instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes a jaw housing, a seal plate having a tissue contacting surface and a side wall, and an insulating region disposed on the side wall of the seal plate. The instrument includes the ability to move the 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. The insulating region enables precision overmolding of the jaw housing to the seal plate, while advantageously reducing thermal spread and edge cutting during vessel sealing procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating tissue parameters, including mass of tissue to be treated and a thermal resistance scale factor between the tissue and an electrode of an energy delivery device, are disclosed. The method includes sensing tissue temperatures, estimating a mass of the tissue and a thermal resistance scale factor between the tissue and an electrode, and controlling an electrosurgical generator based on the estimated mass and the estimated thermal resistance scale factor. The method may be performed iteratively and non-iteratively. The iterative method may employ a gradient descent algorithm that iteratively adds a derivative step to the estimates of the mass and thermal resistance scale factor until a condition is met. The non-iterative method includes selecting maximum and minimum temperature differences and estimating the mass and the thermal resistance scale factor based on a predetermined reduction point from the maximum temperature difference to the minimum temperature difference.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved ablation catheter. In particular, the present disclosure provides an improved renal denervation ablation catheter and system including a catheter handle and a means for tracking, monitoring, and/or recording the circumferential angular history of the renal denervation ablation catheter handle. The renal denervation ablation catheters in accordance with the present disclosure are well-suited for use with a renal denervation ablation system that can record the circumferential angular history of the renal denervation catheter handle, and hence the circumferential angular ablation history of the catheter electrode within a vessel, and use this data in combination with other known information to estimate the percent circumferential denervation of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for laparoscopic abdominal surgery are disclosed. For example, a system or kit is provided for performing a procedure within a surgical space within a patient's body that includes a plurality of tool heads, and a tool head carrier including features for removably receiving one or more tool heads, the tool head carrier sized for introduction through a trocar or other port into a surgical space. The system or kit may also include a surgical tool including a tool shaft introduceable into the surgical space and including features for securing a tool head to the tool. Optionally, the tool head carrier may include a clip for securing the tool head carrier to an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a trigger configured to be actuated by a proximally directed force and by a distally directed force. The trigger may include a proximal trigger portion having a first length and a distal trigger hook comprising a distal portion having a second length. The second length may be less than the first length. The distal trigger hook may be coupled to the proximal trigger portion.

Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tissue clip for use in electrosurgical procedures. The tissue clip includes an arm having a first electrode formed thereon. The tissue clip also includes a body pivotally coupled to the arm. The body includes a power source and a second electrode. The arm is moveable from a first position relative to the body for approximating tissue and a second position closer to the body for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm may be disposed in the first forceps arm housing and the second forceps arm may be disposed in the second forceps arm housing. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps jaws. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical instrument, a power supply, and an accessory. The surgical instrument has a first induction device positioned therein. The accessory is selectively operably couplable to the surgical instrument. The accessory includes a second induction device that is inductively coupled with the first induction device when the accessory is operably coupled to the surgical instrument such that the power supply provides power to the accessory.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a temperature sensor and a control unit that is operable to deactivate an end effector of the surgical instrument. In some versions the temperature sensor detects the temperature of a transducer, while in others the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the end effector. The surgical instrument may also include a trigger and a trigger position sensor. A force sensor or a position sensor may be included to determine the force and/or position of the transmission assembly. The end effector may also include a force sensor or a micro coil. A surgical instrument having a sensor may be included in a surgical system that includes a control unit and a remote controller. In some instances the remote controller may have one or more force-feedback components. In addition, a device interface and a surgeon interface may be included to remotely adjust the settings of the control unit.

Abstract: A thermocoagulation/cutting device 11 includes an exothermic part 13 made of a meta; a first current supply portion 41 projecting integrally from the exothermic part 13; a second current supply portion 42 projecting integrally from the exothermic part 13; and a third current supply portion 43 projecting integrally from the exothermic part 13. The thermocoagulation/cutting device 11 includes a controller 16. The controller 16 is capable of causing an electric current to flow between the first current supply portion 41 and second current supply portion 42, between the first current supply portion 41 and third current supply portion 43, or between the second current supply portion 42 and third current supply portion 43.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprising a first arm carrying at least a first and optionally a second and third electrode, and a second arm opposing the first arm, the second arm carrying one of a nonconductor element or one or more conductive elements.

Abstract: A tendon stripper includes a stripping device and a rod. The stripping device includes a stripping member and at least one coupling member coupling to the stripping member. The stripping member has a blade portion and a separating portion separating the stripping member into several parts. The rod has a handle end and a coupling end opposite to the handle end. The coupling end couples to the coupling member of the stripping device. The separating portion allows the stripping member to be divided into first and second parts, and the first and second parts can be combined to each other to jointly receive the tendon. This avoids the generation of the incisions during the tendon transplantation. In addition, since the tendon stripper does not require any instrument for retaining the free end of the tendon, a convenient surgical procedure is provided.

Abstract: An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.

Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps that can provide improved hemostatis and tissue-cutting capabilities during surgical procedures. The electrosurgical forceps include opposing jaw members, each including first and second electrode members. The first and second electrodes included in the respective jaw members are disposed directly opposite one another, the first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another. A first high frequency (HF) electric power source is connectable across the first electrode members, and a second HF electric power source is connectable across the second electrode members, electrically isolating the first electrode members from the second electrode members, and allowing current to flow diagonally through the tissue between one or both of the first electrode members and the second electrode members.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing defining a window and having an outer shaft extending therefrom. An end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft includes first and second jaw members including distal portions and proximal portions and movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft such that, when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, the inner shaft is disposed in a distal position. When the jaw members are moved to the approximated position, the proximal portions urge the inner shaft to a proximal position. An indicator member coupled to the inner shaft includes first and second indicators. The first indicator is visible through the window when the inner shaft is disposed in the distal position. The second indicator is visible through the window when the inner shaft is disposed in the proximal position.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue, and surgical assemblies and related methods are disclosed in which a single input is used to sequentially articulate two members. A surgical assembly includes an end effector, a base supporting the end effector, an input link movable relative to the base through a range of motion between a first configuration and a second configuration, and an actuation mechanism. The end effector includes a first articulated member and a second articulated member. The actuation mechanism drivingly couples the input link to the first articulated member within a first portion of the range of motion and drivingly coupling the input link with the second articulated member within a second portion of the range of motion so that a movement of the input link from the first configuration to the second configuration articulates the first articulated member and then articulates the second articulated member.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector first and second tissue engaging surfaces that are slanted with respect to a transection plane. The end effector may, for example, have an electrode defining a V-shaped cross sectional profile. The end effector may comprise a plurality of raised surfaces that are received by a plurality of indentions when the end effector is in the closed position. The end effector may comprise a cutting member having a plurality of bands.

Abstract: A handle for a medical instrument includes an actuation element, which is arranged on the handle and which is displaceable into at least a first and a second functional position. The actuation element can be moved in a plane transverse to its displacement direction, in each of the first and second functional positions, for carrying out a function. A pivotable actuation lever is arranged in the handle, the actuation lever being coupled in movement to the actuation element for displacing the actuation element into the at least two functional positions.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for applying variable compression to tissue are described herein and can have particular utility when cutting and sealing tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument end effector is described that includes first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector can include a compression member configured to translate along the end effector to move the first and second jaw members and apply a variable compression force to the tissue. The variable compression force can have different profiles along the length of the end effector, including, for example, a continuously increasing profile or a profile that alternates between different values. The provided variable compression can reduce the force required to actuate the surgical instrument and increase the quality of a tissue seal formed thereby.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly and a deployment mechanism for deploying a proximal hub associated with an energizable member between proximal and distal positions. The deployment mechanism includes a rotatable shaft, a cord including a proximal end engaged to the rotatable shaft and a distal end engaged to the proximal hub, a biasing member positioned to bias the proximal hub towards the distal position, and a gear assembly operably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The gear assembly is configured to move the proximal hub from the distal position to the proximal position against the bias of the biasing member by rotating the rotatable shaft relative to the cord to at least partially wind-up the cord about the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a proximal hub, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The proximal hub is disposed within the housing, coupled to the energizable member, and translatable relative to the housing along a translation axis to deploy the energizable member. The deployment mechanism is configured to selectively translate the proximal hub and includes an actuator movable along a surface of the housing that extends in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis. The actuator is operably coupled to the proximal hub and is movable along the surface of the housing in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis between a proximal position and a distal position to translate the proximal hub along the translation axis and move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.

Abstract: Laparoscopic surgical devices include a first member having a first gear, a second member having a second gear corresponding to the first gear, a connection member configured to connect the first member and the second member; first and second wire mounting pieces respectively at the first and second members, a first wire wound on the first wire mounting pieces so as to be pulled upon receiving a first drive force; and a second wire wound on the second wire mounting pieces so as to be pulled upon receiving a second drive force. The drive unit is configured to selectively transmit the first and second amplified driving forces to a respective one the first member and the second member to cause tilting of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof, which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to affect 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, such that movement of the handle 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 instrument includes a handle assembly and an end effector assembly operatively coupled with the handle assembly. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member including a first jaw housing and a first electrically conductive surface, a second jaw member including a second jaw housing and a second electrically conductive surface, and a knife assembly. The knife assembly includes a base member translatably disposed in the first jaw housing, a pivot portion coupled with the base portion, and a blade pivotally associated with the pivot portion. The knife assembly is transitionable between a retracted state in which the blade is disposed within the first jaw housing and an extended state in which the blade is disposed at least partially within the second jaw housing.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade translatable within the first and second jaw members. A knife blade lockout mechanism is in operative communication with the knife blade assembly and includes an elongated cam slot with a cam pin translatable therein from a distal end of the elongated cam slot corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism engaged with the knife blade assembly, to a proximal position corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism disengaged from the knife blade assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end having a jaw member assembly at the distal end including a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative thereto. The jaw members can be transferred relative to each other from an opening position into a gripping position in which they are arranged to be closer to each other than in the opening position. Each jaw member has at least one electrode connectable to an electric power source and electrodes of both jaw members being adapted to interact for sealing body tissue held between the jaw members in the gripping position, actuating means for transferring the jaw members from the opening position into the gripping position and means for limiting the closing width of the jaw members, when they are transferred from the opening position into the gripping position.

Abstract: In order to reliably cut off a living tissue by using a microwave in a surgical operation without causing excessive damage to the living tissue or without bleeding, it is necessary to suppress energy attenuation until the microwave reaches electrode blades for nipping, coagulating, and cutting off a tissue. However, it is difficult to suppress the energy attenuation. The present invention relates to a medical treatment device capable of reliably cutting off a living tissue by using a microwave while sealing vasculature by coagulating the living tissue without excessively damaging the living tissue. Specifically, the present invention relates to a medical treatment device including a movable first electrode blade connected to an external conductor and a fixed second electrode blade connected directly to a central electrode.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom, an outer sleeve disposed about the shaft and selectively translatable relative to the shaft, a first drive shaft disposed within the shaft and translatable relative to the shaft independently of the outer sleeve, a second drive shaft disposed within the first drive shaft and coupled to the outer sleeve to translate in conjunction with the outer sleeve, and a rotatable nose wheel. The rotatable nose wheel is mounted about a distal end of the housing and is rotatably coupled to each of the outer sleeve, the shaft, the first drive shaft, and the second drive shaft such that rotation of the rotatable nose wheel effects corresponding rotation of the outer sleeve, the shaft, the first drive shaft, and the second drive shaft in conjunction with one another and relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.