Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an electrosurgical jaw structure that carries cooperating PTC bodies in both series and parallel circuit components for controlled RF energy application to engaged tissue to effectively weld tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a microprocessor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.

Abstract: A high-frequency incision tool for endoscope comprises a sheath inserted through and extracted from a treatment tool guide lumen of an endoscope; an operation unit connected to the rear of the sheath; a pair of electrode blades disposed in parallel and oriented forward at the front position of the sheath, the pair of electrode blades opening forward and closing back through remote manipulation of the operation unit; and a planar portion provided at the tip of at least one of the electrode blades, the planar portion having a projected area, when viewed from the front, larger than the cross sectional areas of the electrode blades at a portion close to their front ends.

Abstract: Biological tissue is sealed or fused to occlude an opening by compressing apposite sidewall portions of the tissue and applying sufficient energy to cause the fibers of the compressed apposed sidewall portions to intertwine and fuse with one another to form a permanent seal. The energy application is controlled by detecting a precursor fusion condition while applying the energy and before sufficient energy has been applied to achieve a permanent seal. The application of energy is terminated in a time-delayed relationship to the detection of the precursor fusion condition. The precursor fusion condition is detected from derivative values of an envelope established by peak values of cycles of high-frequency current conducted through the tissue.

Abstract: A soft bipolar forceps includes a long narrow flexible tube; paired forceps pieces that are formed extending in the axial direction, and are mutually insulated and disposed opposite one another; and a support that is disposed to the distal end of the flexible tube and supports the paired forceps pieces to permit relatively free opening and closing thereof; characterized in that a first electrode is disposed to one of the paired forceps pieces, a second electrode is disposed to the other of the paired forceps pieces opposite the first electrode, and a guide part that extends to permits elastic deformation is disposed to the distal end of the first electrode.

Abstract: A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. The device may include a swiveling head assembly that allows the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and/or roll. The device may include a malleable or articulating handle shaft, as well as, malleable or curved rigid jaws that can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can secure the jaws in a closed position during the procedure. The device may include one or more remote actuators making the hemostat-type device useful for minimally invasive procedures.

Abstract: A surgical clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws, each of which has a clamping surface for engaging a portion of a patient's body. An electrode forms a portion of the clamping surface of at least one of the jaws, the electrode being capable of heating, severing, or cauterizing the portion of the patient's body that is grasped by the clamp. If desired, the clamp assembly can be provided with a retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The clamp assembly also can include an actuator that can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. In this type of assembly, when it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer, and thereafter can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in an alimentary tract are provided. The apparatus include an ablation structure configured to be removably coupled to an endoscope and a deflection mechanism adapted to move the ablation structure with respect to the endoscope and toward a tissue surface.

Abstract: A particular embodiment of the invention provides an electrosurgical working end for performing high strength welding of tissue comprising a body having a tissue contacting energy delivery surface. The body includes pixel portions and non-pixel portions distributed within the tissue contacting surface. The pixel portions comprise a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) material with at least one pixel portion configured to switch Rf current on and off in the at least one pixel portion responsive to tissue temperature adjacent the at least one pixel portion. The pixel portions can be configured to be coupled to an Rf current source such as an Rf generator. The pixelated energy delivery surfaces are capable of highly localized modulation of Rf energy application to the engaged tissue to create high strength tissue welds.

Abstract: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue are provided which include first and second shaft portions pivotably associated with one another. Each shaft portion has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween and a slot formed through the sealing surface thereof. The forceps includes a cutting mechanism operatively associated with the first and second jaw members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting element disposed within the slot of the at least one jaw member, the cutting element being movable from a first position wherein the cutting element is retracted within the at least one jaw member and a second position in which the cutting element at least partially projects from a sealing surface of the at least one jaw member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having at least one tissue treating member attached thereto. The tissue treating member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue contacting surface is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy to tissue. An energy conductive, ablative material is disposed on the electrically conductive tissue contacting surface and is configured to at least partially deplete during electrosurgical activation to reduce tissue adhesion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for use in surgical procedures is disclosed. The electrosurgical device comprises a main body having a proximal end and a distal end. A heat delivery modality is situated and arranged at the distal end of the main body. A sensor arrangement is also situated and arranged at the distal end of the main body. The heat delivery modality provides thermal energy to a tissue being treated while the sensor arrangement is configured to engage and detect a change in dimension of the tissue being treated. Accordingly, the electrosurgical device of the present disclosure allows a surgeon to precisely achieve the desired amount of dimensional change of the tissue being treated.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The instrument also includes first and second opposing jaw members coupled to the shaft, the first jaw member having a conductive surface and movable relative to the second jaw member. The second jaw member is fixed relative to the shaft and includes an electrode rotatable along the longitudinal axis. The rotatable electrode has a sealing surface and a cutting edge. One or more non-conductive stop members are disposed on the first and/or second jaw members that are dimensioned to control the distance between the electrically conductive surfaces when tissue is held therebetween. The jaw members are connected to an electrosurgical energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of 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 therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy though tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

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: A dual mode lesion formation apparatus including a probe component and clamp component.

Abstract: A medical device system comprising a guide catheter and a leaflet fastening applicator, the guide catheter having suitable dimensions for deployment and insertion percutaneously into a human heart in a vicinity of a heart valve, the leaflet fastening applicator having a size allowing insertion through the guide catheter and being capable of holding portions of opposing heart valve leaflets, wherein the fastening applicator comprises a pair of grasping-electrodes adapted for holding and engaging the portions of opposing heart valve leaflets together and for applying energy to fasten the portions, in which heart valve leaflets can be captured and securely fastened, thereby improving coaptation of the leaflets and improving competence of the valve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle and an elongated shaft that defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector extends from the elongated shaft and defines an end effector axis. The elongated shaft includes an articulating portion that both pivotally and rotationally movable with respect to the longitudinal axis. The end effector is rotationally movable with respect to the end effector axis. A drive mechanism includes at least one actuator disposed on the handle that is operable to move the end effector in at least three independent modes relative to the longitudinal axis or the end effector axis. The three modes include an articulation mode wherein the articulating portion of the elongated shaft pivots relative to the longitudinal axis, a shoulder roll mode wherein the articulating portion of the elongated shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis, and a wrist roll mode wherein the end effector rotates about the end effector axis.

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 endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a handle assembly having a elongated shaft extending therefrom that is movable relative to the handle assembly by an actuator. The forceps also includes an end effector assembly with first and second jaw members that are movable about a pivot for clamping tissue. Each of the jaw members include: an insulative housing having an electrically conductive, inwardly facing tissue contacting surface and a flange with a camming surface. The flange includes a spring-like tail that mounts at least partially within the distal end of the elongated shaft to bias the jaw members in an open configuration. A proximal portion of the spring-like tail is biased radially outward within the distal end of the elongated shaft. The actuator is movable to actuate the elongated shaft to cam the flanges to pivot the jaw members to clamp tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaques embedded in the wall of a patient's blood vessel includes an intravascular catheter containing a microwave antenna, an extracorporeal radiometer having a signal input, a reference input and an output, a cable for electrically connecting the antenna to the signal input, and a device for applying an indication of the patient's normal tissue temperature to the reference input so that when the catheter is moved along the vessel, the locations of the vulnerable plaques are reflected in a signal from the output as thermal anomalies due to the higher emissivity of the vulnerable plaques as compared to the normal tissue. A second embodiment of the apparatus has two coaxial antennas in the catheter serving two radiometers. One measures the temperature at locations in the vessel wall, the other measures the temperature at the surface. By subtracting the two signals, the locations of vulnerable plaque may be visualized.

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: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

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 end effector assembly of a surgical forceps, the end effector assembly including first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members including opposing sealing surfaces configured to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the opposing sealing surfaces has a knife channel defined therein. The opposing sealing surfaces of the first and second jaw members are shaped complementarily to one another to align the knife channels of the first and second jaw members upon movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A disposable open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed in the present disclosure. The disposable open electrosurgical forceps comprise a pair of first and second shaft members containing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic blend material having fiber strands of at least 2 millimeters in length. Each shaft member includes a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof which are 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 also includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong.

Abstract: An end effector for an electrosurgical forceps is provided. The end effector includes a first jaw member having proximal and distal ends and a second jaw member having proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the first jaw member includes a recess defined therein. The distal end of the second jaw member includes a first prong configured for receipt within the recess defined in the first jaw member. Wherein engagement of the first prong of the second jaw member within the recess of the first jaw member creates a gap between the first and second jaw members to enable tissue sealing.

Abstract: The subject devices and methods retain surgical instruments and sterile portions of any accompanying cables within sterile surgical fields. One such surgical device includes a surgical instrument for performing surgical procedures within a sterile field. A cable is attached to the surgical instrument for connecting the surgical instrument located within the sterile field to support equipment located outside the sterile field. A self-retracting coil is operatively connected to the surgical instrument. The self-retracting coil is adapted and configured to be anchored within the sterile field to ensure that the surgical instrument and the sterile portion of the cable remain within the sterile field during performance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The generator is further adapted to supply an electrosurgical signal at a variable power level. The generator includes sensor circuitry adapted to sense tissue impedance and/or an electrosurgical signal zero crossing. The generator also includes a controller, which may include a microprocessor, that is adapted to receive a tissue impedance signal and/or a waveform zero crossing signal. The controller is configured to monitor tissue impedance, and in response to a threshold value of impedance being reached, to cause a power level of the electrosurgical energy to transition from a first power level to a second power level. The slew rate of the power transition may be in accordance with a transition function, such as a cosine function.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue includes the initial step of providing a pair of first and second jaw members each including an inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface. The method also includes the steps of: coating the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface of one or both jaw members with an insulative material, the coating having a thickness within the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches; allowing the insulative material to cure onto the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface; removing a portion of the insulative material from the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface to form a series of stop members arranged thereacross; and assembling the pair of first and second jaw members about a pivot such that the two inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surfaces are substantially opposed to each other in pivotal relation relative to one another.

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: System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection.

Abstract: One example of surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an effector including at least two jaws movable toward one another, where the effector holds and is configured to deploy a of clips in a clip application mode, and where the jaws are configured to deliver energy to coagulate tissue in a coagulation mode, where said effector is switchable between clip application mode and coagulation mode. Another example of surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an effector holding clips, and two fingers movable toward one another to close the clips one at a time, where each finger is a different pole of a bipolar coagulator. An exemplary method for treating tissue with a surgical apparatus may include placing the surgical apparatus adjacent to tissue at a location, selecting one of a plurality of operational modes of the surgical apparatus, where the operational modes include clip application mode and coagulation mode, and actuating the surgical apparatus according to the selected operational mode.

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 endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto with a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another and moveable from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange adapted to communicate with a drive assembly for moving the jaw members between the first and second positions. One or both of the of the jaw members has a curved knife channel defined therein having a proximal end that is offset from the longitudinal axis defined through the shaft. A knife guide is assembled to an outer surface of one of the proximal flanges of the jaw members on the same side as the proximal end of the knife channel and defines a knife path therein configured to guide a knife into the knife channel for translation therethrough.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is disclosed including an end effector assembly having two jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connectable to an electrosurgical energy source for conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are biased to the first position. The end effector assembly of the endoscopic forceps further includes a wire snare having a proximal end connectable to an electrosurgical energy source and a distal end translatably extending out of one of the jaw members and operatively associated with the other of the jaw members. In use, withdrawal of the proximal end of the wire snare results in movement of the jaw members from the first position to a second position and clamping of the tissue between the jaws.

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: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical instruments for use in sealing various tissues. The instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members attached thereto. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position for approximating tissue to at least one additional position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members have an elastomeric material disposed on an inner facing tissue contacting surface thereof with the elastomeric materials including an electrode disposed therein. The electrodes are offset a distance X relative to one another such that when the jaw members are closed about the tissue and when the electrodes are activated, electrosurgical energy flows through the tissue in a generally coplanar manner relative to the tissue contacting surfaces.

Abstract: Tissue clamp systems and methods assess the transmurality of a lesion created by ablation. Exemplary clamp systems for ablating tissue include a first jaw, an ablation element mounted on the first jaw, a second jaw, and a sensing element mounted on the second jaw. The sensing element can be configured to assess transmurality of a lesion created by the ablation element. Systems may also include a connection mechanism that connects the ablation element and the sensing element to a connector for connecting the ablation element and the sensing element to an ablation system.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member. A movable handle is included which moves the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The forceps is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A trigger assembly is operatively disposed relative to the movable handle for selectively advancing a knife assembly for cutting tissue along the tissue seal. The trigger assembly includes a safety mechanism which operatively cooperates with the movable handle such that the trigger assembly automatically deploys from a retracted position when the movable handle is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A biopsy device is provided. The device requires a first elongate substantially tubular member that defines a distal end portion and a proximal end portion with a lumen defined therethrough and a second elongate substantially tubular member that is telescopically and slidably disposed within the lumen of the first member. The second member includes a distal end portion and a proximal portion with a lumen defined therethrough, the distal end portion comprising two or more metallic jaws that are biased toward each other. A third elongate tubular member is telescopically and slidably received within the lumen of the second member, the third member includes a distal end portion with an open distal end, configured to allow foreign material to enter the lumen therefrom, the distal end portion of the third portion configured to maintain the jaws in a separated configured when the jaws surround the distal end portion of the third tubular member.

Abstract: A method for medical treatment includes beginning coagulating patient tissue using an energy-based clamp coagulator, determining the clamping force, and measuring the acoustic impedance of the patient tissue. The method also includes compensating the measured acoustic impedance for clamp pressure and monitoring the coagulation using at least the compensated measured acoustic impedance. A first medical treatment system includes an energy-based clamp coagulator, an acoustic-impedance measurer, and a force measurer. A second system includes an energy-based clamp coagulator having a clamping member which includes, or is adapted to function as, an electrical-impedance-measuring electrode for measuring an electrical impedance of the clamped patient tissue. A third system includes an energy-based clamp coagulator having a clamping member which includes, or is adapted to function as, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the clamped patient tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue is disclosed that includes an electrosurgical forceps. The forceps includes a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members 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 a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. The system also includes one or more sensors that determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members and a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod. The pressure applicator is configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical cutting and/or holding instrument having a shaft, a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft and consisting of two jaw members, and also having a handle that is mounted on the proximal end of the shaft, consists of two gripping members, and serves to open and close the jaw members of the tool. In order to produce a simply constructed and easily cleanable medical cutting and/or holding instrument, it is proposed according to the invention that the shaft should consist of two shaft rods, each configured without joints as a single construction with one gripping member of the handle.

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: A combined electrical tissue sealing and mechanical tissue cutting instrument. The instrument has two opposing jaw members. A removable cartridge is positioned in one of the jaw members. The cartridge includes a tissue sealing electrode and a tissue cutter. As either the tissue sealing electrode or the cutter deteriorates with use, the cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge. Cartridges are configured with various electrode geometries to accommodate various associated electro-surgical units. One or more pressure sensors in the cartridge or in the instrument jaw that supports the cartridge provide an indication that a required clamping pressure exists between the jaw members to carry out the tissue sealing. A cut and seal controller allows various actions to be carried out when particular clamping pressures are sensed, or when an indication that tissue sealing is complete is sensed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system is described. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrically live wrist member is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. An electrocautery end effector is mounted to the wrist member. An interface is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft. The interface is removably connectable to the robotic surgical system. A conductor extends from the interface to the end effector so as to deliver electrical energy to tissue engaged by the end effector. A tip cover is disposed over the wrist member so that electrical current can only be conducted to tissues through the exposed end effector (e.g., to promote blood coagulation during usage) and not to other parts of the patient's body.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope which grasps an object of treatment, includes: a flexible sheath; a forward-and-backward moving section; and elastic grippers, wherein each of the pair of arms includes: a connector; a bent portion; a rectilinear portion; and a distal clasp, wherein in conjunction with the forward and backward movement operation of the forward-and-backward moving section, the distal ends of the pair of arms are deployed when the pair of arms are projected from the distal end of the sheath, the distal ends of the pair of arms are closed by elastic deformation when the pair of arms are moved into the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector including a pair of jaw members configured to move with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration for clamping tissue. At least one jaw member includes an elongate cam slot extending in a longitudinal direction over a substantial a length a tissue clamping surface of the at least one jaw member. A plurality of electrically isolated, and longitudinally spaced electrodes is supported by the tissue clamping surface and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. A reciprocating member engages the elongate cam slot and is extendable to a sealing position with respect to each of the electrodes to define a predetermined gap distance between a particular electrode and an opposing tissue clamping surface.