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: 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 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 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: Various methods and devices are provided for surgically treating tissue. In one embodiment, the device can include a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a conductive tip disposed within the distal end of the shaft and movable between a first and second position. In the first position, the conductive tip is disconnected from a conductive contact which is adapted to communicate with an energy source. In the second position, the conductive tip is in contact with the conductive contact such that energy can be delivered from an energy source through the conductive contact to the conductive tip. The conductive tip can have a variety of shapes and sizes, but in one exemplary embodiment, the conductive tip is a blunt tip. The conductive contact can include at least one lead extending therefrom and adapted to communicate with an energy source.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a tissue includes a handpiece and a tissue engaging portion arranged to be received by the handpiece. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaw members having an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue therebetween, where the first and second jaw members are arranged to receive surgical energy from a surgical generator. The tissue engaging portion further includes at least one cooling member spaced from at least one of the first and second jaw members, where the cooling member has an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue. Positioning the jaw members in their closed position and applying surgical energy to the tissue allows for treatment of the tissue, and positioning the cooling member in its closed position provides at least one of a pressure gradient or a thermal gradient between the jaw members and the cooling member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an injection device and a dosing device. These devices are designed such that a predetermined amount of an adhesive or an adhesive containing filler can be injected into a sealing section of the blood vessel. The blood vessel can then be cut at the filled point and is sealed on both sides.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a selectively advanceable knife and a knife deployment alarm configured to emit a signal under predetermined conditions. An alarm is configured to emit a signal when the cutting blade moves relative to the blade channel. A series of resistances are arranged so that a shorting of each resistor is indicative of a predetermined operating condition triggering the alarm to emit a signal. Pressure sensors, optical measurement devices, and electrical contacts are envisioned for determining blade or trigger actuation or translation.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical electrocautery method and apparatus that achieves sealing along the entire tissue length, and that also is able to deliver adequate force to produce an effective electrocautery seal. This problem is solved by using an incompressible fluid contained in a sac or sacs positioned to support the one or more electrodes used for electrocauterization. The profile of the electrodes thus conforms to the tissue surface and thickness variations, while exerting an optimized pressure along the entire length of the surface.

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: The invention provides a surgical electrocautery method and apparatus that achieves sealing along the entire tissue length, and that also is able to deliver adequate force to produce an effective electrocautery seal. This problem is solved by using an incompressible fluid contained in a sac or sacs positioned to support the one or more electrodes used for electrocauterization. The profile of the electrodes thus conforms to the tissue surface and thickness variations, while exerting an optimized pressure along the entire length of the surface.

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. Cartidges 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: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves 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 are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target 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: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end, 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 and it includes first and second gear-like cam members. A movable handle is also included, such that movement of the handle rotates the first gear-like cam member into cooperation with the second gear-like cam member to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to each other.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first portion encapsulated by a membrane and a second portion comprising a surgical instrument body and a cavity in the surgical instrument body. The cavity is configured to receive the first portion. The second portion comprises a first region comprising an opening in communication with the cavity, and a closure member movable between a first position and a second position. The closure member is in sealable engagement with the second region when it is in the first position and is at least partially free from sealable engagement with the second region when it is in the second position. One or more electrical contacts on the first portion or the second portion are configured to penetrate the membrane to allow a connection to be made between the first portion and the second portion when the closure member moves from the second position into the first position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering monopolar energy to a treatment area in order to cut and/or coagulate tissue. In one embodiment, the device can include an elongated shaft having a distal end that is mated to a cutting head. The cutting head can include opposed jaws and an active monopolar cutting element coupled to at least one of the jaws and adapted to communicate with an energy source for delivering energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting element is slidably retractable relative to the jaws to cut and/or coagulate tissue engaged therebetween. Exemplary methods for cutting and/or coagulating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation device can include a lower jaw assembly including a proximal jaw having a proximal electrode and a distal jaw having a distal electrode, and an upper jaw assembly including an upper jaw having an upper electrode. A proximal actuator can be movable between a first position in which the proximal jaw is open and a second position in which the proximal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw. A distal actuator can be movable between a third position in which the distal jaw is open and a fourth position in which the distal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw.

Abstract: A blood treatment method using high-degree-of-freedom forceps. The forceps main body includes a joint portion and a tip working portion provided on a distal end portion, a handle provided on a proximal end, which is held and manipulated, and an input portion provided on the handle. The controller drives the joint portion and the tip working portion with at least 2 degrees of freedom and in response to an input to the input portion. In the blood vessel treatment method, a membranous tissue covering a blood vessel is incised, the blood vessel is detached from the tissue, a branch is cut off from the blood vessel, or a peripheral side of the blood vessel is cut off, by respective inputs to the input portion, in the state where a distal side of the forceps main body is inserted into the body cavity.

Abstract: An electrode sealing assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument includes first and second jaw members which are movable from a first, spaced-apart position to a second position to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an insulative housing, a thermally conductive, electrically non-conductive material and a sealing plate. The insulative housing has a series of electromechanical interfaces which mate with a corresponding series of electromechanical interfaces which extend from the sealing plate such that the sealing plates are a capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held between the jaw members. The thermally conductive, electrically nonconductive material is configured to encapsulate and secure the sealing plate to the insulative housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a clamp including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and at least one energy transmission device carried by the base member. An apparatus for use with a clamp and a probe that carries at least one energy transmission device including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and an engagement device associated with the base member and configured to engage the probe. A clamp including first and second clamp members, at least one of which is malleable, and a movement apparatus that moves at least one of the first and second clamp members relative to the other. A surgical system including a clamp with first and second clamp members and a device that removably mounts at least one electrode on at least one of the first and second clamp members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to said the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical system including a source of electrical energy, the source including a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a first jaw member including a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first electrical connection, a second jaw member pivotally connected to the first jaw member and including a second electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the second electrode being electrically connected to the second electrical connection and electrically isolated from the first electrode, and an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are connected to the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.

Abstract: A hemostatic forceps for an endoscope has a support section for supporting the pair of clamp pieces and so that they can rotate and change their distal parts direction. The pair of clamp pieces and are formed in tapered shape so that widths of the pair of clamp pieces gradually decrease in a direction from a side of the support section to a side of the distal parts. Length of the pair of clamp pieces at arbitrary location along the direction from a side of the support section to the distal sides, times the width of the pair of clamp pieces at the same location, is set to be substantially constant.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue is disclosed which includes an electrosurgical forceps having a shaft member and 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 at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members including a sealing plate which 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 which determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members and a microprocessor which is adapted to communicate with the sensor and measure an initial gap distance between the sealing plates as well as to generate a desired gap distance trajectory based on the initial gap distance.

Abstract: An electrode sealing assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes first and second jaw members which are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members include electrically conductive sealing plates designed to selectively transmit electrosurgical energy to tissue disposed between the sealing plates. The jaw members also include a thermoelectric cooling plate having a first surface in direct contact with an outer surface of the sealing plate. The thermoelectric cooling plate includes first and second electrical connections on opposite sides of the jaw member. The first connection is configured to selectively transmit a first electrical potential and the second connection is configured to selectively transmit a second electrical potential such that heat generated by the sealing plates is transferred away from the tissue via the thermoelectric cooling plate.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are provided for treating a bleeding side of an internal bodily organ that are robust and versatile for use in a variety of endoscope applications. One embodiment of a medical device includes a catheter, a sheet and elongated forceps. The catheter defines a catheter lumen and is sized to be received within the accessory channel of the endoscope. The sheet is formed of hemostatic fabric formed into a tubular configuration having opposing first and second ends. The elongated forceps have a pair of collapsible grasping jaws. The grasping jaws are collapsed around the first end of the sheet, and the grasping jaws and sheet are received within the catheter lumen.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns an application device for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation of body tissue, wherein the instrument is in the form of a gripping instrument having two gripping arms which are movable relative to each other and which each have at their distal end at least two respective electrodes, namely at least one coagulation electrode and at least one cutting electrode.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool is provided which includes: a grasping portion that has a first shoulder portion and second shoulder portion; a current-carrying portion that protrudes out from a distal end of each of the first and second shoulder portions; a pivot portion that is disposed in the distal end of the first shoulder portion so as to protrude in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first shoulder portion, the distal end of the pivot portion being provided with an insulating portion; a wire that is connected to the grasping portion; a sheath which has a tubular shape, and into which the wire and grasping portion are inserted; a main body to which the sheath is fixed; and a sliding portion which is disposed to move in the longitudinal direction of the main body in a sliding manner, and to which the wire is connected.

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 being movable relative to the second jaw member and the second jaw member being fixed relative to the shaft having an electrode rotatable along the longitudinal axis. The rotatable electrode has a sealing surface and a cutting edge. At least one non-conductive stop member is disposed on at least one of the first and second jaw members which controls the distance between the electrically conductive surfaces when tissue is held therebetween. The jaw member are connected to an electrosurgical energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a flexible shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The flexible shaft has first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof and each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof and a second actuator operably coupled to the drive rod for rotation thereof. A knife is operably coupled to a distal end of the drive rod.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having at least one shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft operatively supports an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members pivotably connected to each other and moveable from an open spaced apart position to a closed position to grasp tissue. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. At least one of the jaw members has a serrated edge disposed thereon for selectively sectioning tissue upon rotation of the end effector assembly about the longitudinal axis. The electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus that includes a housing having at least one shaft extending therefrom that operatively supports an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof is provided. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members pivotably connected to each other and moveable from an open spaced apart position to a closed position. Each of the jaw members operatively couples to an electrically conductive seal plate. One or both of the jaw members is configured to support one or more filaments thereon for selectively sectioning tissue. The electrically conductive seal plates and the filament are adapted to connect to an electrical surgical energy source. The electrosurgical apparatus is in operative communication with a control system having one or more control algorithms for independently controlling and monitoring the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the one or more filaments and the tissue sealing plate.

Abstract: A monopolar electrosurgical instrument including a pair of diverging shanks with a pair of uninsulated tips formed respectively on the distal ends thereof, a housing secured to one of the shanks and having a button disposed therein, a metal wire extending adjacent the one shank so that depression of the button bends the metal rod to energize the instrument.

Abstract: An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same.

Abstract: A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus to treat living tissues by applying energy to the living tissues, includes an energy source which supplies energy, a pair of holding faces to hold the living tissues, a joining treatment portion arranged in at least one of the holding faces to join the living tissues held between the holding faces, a detection portion which detects, through the joining treatment portion, living information of the living tissues by supplying energy to the living tissues through the joining treatment portion, a fluid feed portion disposed on at least one of the holding faces to feed fluid to the living tissues, and the fluid fed from the fluid feed portion guides energy to the living tissues, and a control portion to control a feed rate of the fluid fed from the fluid feed portion based on the living information of the living tissues detected by the detection portion.

Abstract: A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical tool having proximal and distal ends and adapted to transverse a curved passageway comprises an end effector disposed on the distal end of the surgical tool, the end effector having a first body section and a second body section and a releasable connector joining the end effector first body section with the end effector second body section. The connector is operable to reversibly engage the first and second end effector body sections in a first fixed position and in a second movable position. The surgical tool further comprises an actuation device for moving the first and second end effector body sections from the first fixed position to the second movable position. The end effector is adapted to maneuver through a larger radius of curvature in the second movable position than in the first fixed position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for scoring, welding and transecting tissue is provided. The electrosurgical instrument comprises first and second openable-closeable jaws and at least one scoring electrode extending from a distal end of at least one of the first and second openable-closeable jaws. The first and second openable-closeable jaws comprises first and second conductive tissue engaging surfaces, respectively, and first and second insulating members, respectively. The scoring electrode is coupled with at least one of the first and second insulating members. The at least one scoring electrode can be activated independently from the first and second openable-closeable jaws so that the electrosurgical instrument can independent score tissue and weld tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument comprises a body portion, an actuator mechanism associated with the body portion, and first and second jaw members each having a jaw body. The first jaw member includes a first electrode having a relatively large area conductive seal surface and a relatively smaller area edge portion. The second jaw member includes a second electrode also having a relatively large area conductive seal surface and a relatively smaller area edge portion. The first jaw member comprises a third electrode associated with its jaw body, and an insulator separating the first electrode from the third electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to tubular shaft instruments, which are provided with a handle, a tubular shaft and a tool head. The tool head usually has two mouth parts, which can be displaced in relation to one another for gripping and fixing tissue. The invention discloses a slotted guide system for forming the articulation, said system having a virtual fulcrum outside the tubular shaft instrument.

Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.

Abstract: A coagulating cutter according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting member for transmitting energy, for treating living body tissue, to the living body tissue; an outer sheath through which the transmitting member is passed; and a grasping section supported at the tip end portion of the outer sheath so as to be capable of turning with respect to the transmitting member, which allows the living body tissue to be grasped against the transmitting member.

Abstract: A removable handswitch and electrode assembly for use with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting relative movement of the end effectors with respect to one another includes a housing having at least one portion which removably engages at least a portion of a mechanical forceps and a handswitch assembly disposed on the housing. A pair of electrodes is included which removably engage a distal end of the mechanical forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation to one another. At least one electrode is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator through the handswitch assembly. At least one stop member is operatively associated with the electrodes and controls the distance between the opposing electrodes to affect a tissue seal.

Abstract: A vessel sealer has a stepped jaw that allows the jaw to have an overall shape and a width that provides desired strength, shape, and functionality while permitting a smaller raised portion to apply the sealing pressure. The smaller area applying the sealing pressure allows an actuating mechanism to apply a clinically desired sealing pressure without exceeding the force or torque limitations of the actuating mechanism and can limit thermal spread during a sealing procedure.

Abstract: A medical tubular shaft instrument for gripping and cutting tissue which provides a safe mode of operation. The instrument includes electrodes by which a mechanical contact between a blade and an associated cutting surface can be electrically determined. This determination allows the operating physician to be provided with sufficient information to determine whether the tissue that is to be severed has been successfully severed.