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

Abstract: Maximum HF current is initially introduced into tissue at a pre-specified maximum coagulation voltage. In this initial state, the tissue behaves in accordance with Ohm's law and can take up the maximum energy per unit of time. After the tissue has changed from an initial state to a state in which the tissue impedance or resistance is voltage-dependent, the HF parameters are selected such that the maximum possible energy input per unit of time is set.

Abstract: Method and device for cutting a blood vessel using a cutting tool from within the blood vessel. A first cut portion of the blood vessel is fused to a second blood vessel to provide a flow channel therebetween.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated first intravenous guidewire that includes a first branch and a second branch fixably secured relative to the first branch at a first location. The device can further include an elongated second intravenous guidewire that is movable relative to at least one of the first and second branches between a first position in which the first and second branches are releasably secured relative to each other by the second guidewire at a second location, and a second position in which the first and second branches are separated from each other at the second location.

Abstract: A mammal undergoing an energy-based therapy is treated by administering at least one vasoconstrictive agent to the mammal prior to or during the procedure. The at least one vasoconstrictive agent is added in amounts sufficient to reduce or prevent vasodilation. This treatment method increases or promotes the size of the coagulation zone created after energy-based therapy.

Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: A mammal undergoing an energy-based therapy is treated by administering at least one vasoconstrictive agent to the mammal prior to or during the procedure. The at least one vasoconstrictive agent is added in amounts sufficient to reduce or prevent vasodilation. This treatment method increases or promotes the size of the coagulation zone created after energy-based therapy.

Abstract: A method for suppressing arc formation during an electrosurgical tissue treatment procedure includes the steps of supplying pulsed current from an energy source to tissue and measuring the pulsed current supplied from the energy source. The method also includes the steps of comparing an instantaneous measured pulse to a predetermined threshold and controlling the pulsed current supplied from the energy source based on the comparison between the instantaneous measured pulse and the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A radio-frequency thermal balloon catheter includes a catheter tube including an outer tube and an inner tube, a balloon connected to an end part of the outer tube and an end part of the inner tube, and capable of coming into contact with a target diseased part when inflated, a radio-frequency electrode placed in the wall of the balloon or inside the balloon to transmit radio-frequency current, a lead wire electrically connected to the radio-frequency electrode, a temperature sensor capable of measuring temperature inside the balloon, and a swirling current producing means for making a fluid contained in the balloon swirl in a vertical plane in the balloon so as to reduce an upper-lower temperature difference between an upper part and a lower part of the interior of the balloon due to convection of the fluid to naught.

Abstract: A medical device system and method provide an RF electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrosurgical electrode via a patient box disposed in close proximity to the patient. An RF signal is delivered from the generator to the patient box where signal power is increased and the RF signal delivered to the electrosurgical electrode. The patient box is coupled to the electrosurgical electrode by a short cable capable of carrying an HV, high frequency 5 MHz signal without leakage. An electrical characteristic associated with the electrosurgical electrode is monitored and a desired RF power output and duty cycle maintained by adjusting DC input voltage applied to an RF amplifier, responsive to the monitoring. The system determines when the electrosurgical cutting electrode has started cutting and switches from a start mode to a run mode having a different RF duty cycle and a reduced RF power output controlled by a servo system.

Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.

Abstract: A radiofrequency perforation apparatus for creating a channel at a target location in a body of a patient, the radiofrequency perforation apparatus being usable by an intended user having a hand, the radiofrequency perforation apparatus comprising: a handle graspable by the hand; a distal portion, the distal portion defining a distal portion length, the distal portion including an electrode and an electrical insulator extending from the electrode; and a force transmitting portion extending between the distal portion and the handle, the force transmitting portion defining a force transmitting portion length, the force transmitting portion length being larger than the distal portion length, the force transmitting portion having a force transmitting portion flexural rigidity of at least about 0.

Abstract: Provided is a coagulation apparatus using cold plasma. In the coagulation apparatus, the cold plasma is generated by a microwave resonator with low power consumption in the atmosphere, and the cold plasma is vented on a bleeding portion of a wound. Accordingly, it is possible to accelerate coagulation process, to reduce unfavorable side effect such as burns on the wound, and to efficiently sterilize the wound, simultaneously. In addition, it is possible to implement a small-sized portable coagulation apparatus.

Abstract: In a needle electrode device with a temperature sensor, having a hollow outer needle (1), which can be pierced into an affected area and is coated with an insulating layer (11) on an outer peripheral surface except at its distal end, and an inner needle (2), which is passed through the outer needle and has the temperature sensor (21) at its distal end, so that a high frequency current is supplied to the outer needle through the inner needle, and having a coupled tube (3) coupled to the rear end of the outer needle, so that the rear end (22) of the inner needle is inserted into the coupled tube in such a way as to be freely adjustable in its position in an axial direction, the position adjustment of the inner needle is provided with a simple operation. The coupled tube (3) is provided inside with a spring member (32) including a winding portion (32a) around the outer circumference of the rear end (22) of the inner needle (2) and a fixed portion (32b) fixed to the coupled tube (3).

Abstract: An electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a substantially malleable elongated tube-like shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end thereof. The elongated tube-like shaft includes a tube-like outer wall having a tube-like dielectric sheath at least partially disposed thereon. A tube-like electrode is disposed coaxially through the tube-like outer wall and is configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy. A distal end of the tube-like electrode protrudes at least partially from a distal end of the tube-like outer wall and the tube-like electrode has at the distal end thereof at least one aspiration port defined therein. The tube-like electrode is adapted at the proximal end thereof to operably couple to a source of suction. A vacuum space is disposed concentrically between the tube-like electrode and the tube-like outer wall to impede the propagation of thermal energy along the tube-like shaft.

Abstract: A high frequency operation apparatus includes: a treatment section provided with electrodes for performing treatment of a living tissue; a switch section connected to each of the electrodes and switching conduction of the electrodes to configure paired electrodes from the electrodes; a power supply section for supplying high frequency power to the living tissue via the paired conductive electrodes; a biological information measuring section for sequentially measuring biological information; a determining section for determining if the measured values of biological information are within a predetermined range; and a control section for performing control so that the high frequency power is supplied to the living tissue by using only the paired electrodes corresponding to the measure value determined as being within the predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention features compact apparatuses useful in electrosurgery. The compact apparatuses have a housing having a cavity, an electrosurgical system located within the cavity, the electrosurgical system having optionally a monopolar output system, optionally a bipolar output system, optionally an argon plasma coagulation output system, a processor located within the cavity, the processor operatively coupled to each output system of the electrosurgical system to control outputs generated by each output system, optionally a high frequency generator located within the cavity and operatively coupled to the processor; and a gas canister holder and control system located within the cavity of the housing for receiving a gas canister within the cavity of the housing.

Abstract: A reflux trap for use in a plasma generator and delivery system to prevent back flow of fluid and debris from a patient during a surgical procedure including a trap housing having a proximal diffuser chamber and a distal deflection chamber with a collection area separated by a baffle disposed within the trap housing including a diffuser member disposed in the proximal diffuser chamber to diffuse gas through a gas flow aperture to the surgical site on the patient and a deflection member disposed in the distal deflection chamber to deflect fluid and debris away from the gas flow aperture to the collection area to prevent fluid and debris from migrating into the proximal diffuser chamber to isolate the plasma generator against back flow of fluid and debris from the patient.

Abstract: A medical instrument for coagulation of tissue has an electrode carrier and, at a distal end of the electrode carrier, an electrode that can be supplied with high-frequency current. The medical instrument also has a stripper arranged directly adjacent to the electrode. The stripper and the electrode can be moved relative to each other in order to remove contaminants from the electrode.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for transvascular interstitial interventions, including transvascular, catheter based vascular bypass, transmyocardial revascularization, bypass grafting of blood vessels, and interstitial surgical/interventional procedures wherein a catheter is advanced translumenally through the vasculature to a desired location and an operative instrument is passed through the wall of a blood vessel and to a target location (e.g. another blood vessel, an organ, a tumor, another anatomical structure) such that one or more operative devices may be advanced to the target location to perform the desired operative or interventional procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smoothes out abusive tissue forces. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural swing of the surgeon's thumb, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device to generate a plasma stream and method to perform endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery within a patient's body comprising an electrosurgical generator coupled to a electrical power source to supply power to the electrosurgical device and a plasma generator including an electrode operatively coupled to the electrosurgical generator to receive electrical energy therefrom and concentrically disposed within an inner noble gas conduit to form a plasma channel coupled to a noble gas source to feed noble gas to the inner noble gas conduit and an outer electronegative gas conduit disposed in surrounding coaxial relation relative to the inner noble gas conduit to cooperatively form an electronegative gas channel therebetween coupled to a gas source to feed electronegative gas to the electronegative gas channel or an outer aspiration conduit disposed in surrounding coaxial relation relative to the inner noble gas conduit to cooperatively form an aspiration channel therebetween coupled to a negat

Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.

Abstract: A method for creating a channel through a foreign material located in a body of a patient, the foreign material defining a material first surface and a substantially opposed material second surface, the channel extending through the foreign material between the material first and second surfaces, the method using an apparatus including a substantially elongated member defining a proximal end region and a substantially longitudinally opposed distal end region, the apparatus including an electrode located about the distal end region, the method comprising: introducing the distal end region into the body of the patient; positioning the electrode substantially adjacent to the material first surface; energizing the electrode with a radiofrequency current; and using the electrode energized with the radiofrequency current to deliver energy into the foreign material to create the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining contact between tissue and a fluid injection device. An apparatus in the form of a suction device for use with a probe that includes at least one energy transmission device and a wettable structure around at least a portion of the energy transmission device includes a suction pod and a connector. The suction pod defines a suction region and includes a suction aperture within the suction region. The connector is configured to secure the probe to the suction device such that at least a portion of the wettable structure is within the suction region in spaced relation to the suction aperture. A support device positioned within the suction region is configured to engage the wettable structure and maintain a predetermined space between the wettable structure and the suction aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for argon-plasma coagulation in which working gas is supplied to a tissue that is to be treated by passage through gas-supply devices (20) in a supply-flow direction, and the working gas flows out of a distal end of the gas-supply devices. This apparatus for argon-plasma coagulation is further developed with the aim of preventing contamination of the gas-supply devices by working gas, bodily gases and/or bodily liquids. For this purpose at least one obstructor (30) is provided, which is or can be connected to the gas-supply devices and serves to obstruct a flow of gas and/or liquid into the gas-supply devices, against a supply-flow direction.

Abstract: A medical device system and method provide an RF electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrosurgical electrode via a patient box disposed in close proximity to the patient. An RF signal is delivered from the generator to the patient box where signal power is increased and the RF signal delivered to the electrosurgical electrode. The patient box is coupled to the electrosurgical electrode by a short cable capable of carrying an HV, high frequency 5 MHz signal without leakage. An electrical characteristic associated with the electrosurgical electrode is monitored and a desired RF power output and duty cycle maintained by adjusting DC input voltage applied to an RF amplifier, responsive to the monitoring. The system determines when the electrosurgical cutting electrode has started cutting and switches from a start mode to a run mode having a different RF duty cycle and a reduced RF power output controlled by a servo system.

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 the total accumulated amount of high-frequency energy conducted through the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus in accordance with at least some of the present disclosure employ a measured heat transfer property to evaluate electrode/tissue contact. Methods and apparatus in accordance with at least some of the present disclosure employ the relationship between impedance measurements and sub-surface temperature to control power.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ablation devices and methods utilizing pressure sensitive conductive composites, such as quantum tunneling composites, or other contact-sensitive, conductive polymers. The materials provide for electrodes and methods capable of differentiating between a soft and a hard push. The present invention thus provides an electrode for delivering selective electrical energy for ablation that may be varied based upon the pressure exerted on the surface area of the targeted tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for the treatment of biological tissue. The electrosurgical generator comprises a generator part which supplies a high-frequency (“HF”) treatment current with an HF voltage set according to a voltage control signal. A measuring device detects the HF treatment current and the HF voltage and generates corresponding current and voltage signals. The current signal and the voltage signal are fed to a conversion device which forms a real current signal corresponding to the real component of the HF treatment current. A regulation device compares the real current signal with a pre-settable target value and generates the voltage control signal on the basis of the comparison. The real component of the treatment current is determined and the generator part is adjusted so that said real component approximates to a pre-determined target value.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system to generate a pulsed plasma stream and method thereof are provided. The system includes an electrosurgical generator coupled to an electrical power source to supply power for the electrosurgical system; a plasma generator including a noble gas conduit and an electrode disposed with the noble gas conduit, the electrode operatively coupled to the electrosurgical generator to selectively receive electrical energy therefrom such that the electrode at least partially ionizes a carrier gas feed to the noble gas conduit to create a plasma discharge; and a flow controller coupled to the noble gas conduit to pulse the flow of the carrier gas from a gas source to the noble gas conduit such that when the electrode is energized pulses of plasma discharge are generated at the surgical site.

Abstract: A magnetic switching device includes an electromagnetic component adapted to be arranged proximate to an exterior surface of an object having a magnetically-switchable device therein and a control circuit electrically connected to the electromagnetic component. The electromagnetic component is constructed to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength and orientation to engage a switch in the magnetically-switchable device. The invention further includes an electrocautery system, including an electrocautery device, a control circuit electrically connected to the electrocautery device, and an electromagnetic component electrically connected to the control circuit. The electromagnetic component is adapted to be arranged proximate to an exterior surface of an object having a magnetically-switchable device therein. Operation of the electrocautery device causes the electromagnetic component to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength to engage a switch in the magnetically-switchable device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for pressure-sensitive control of ablation treatment is disclosed. The assembly includes a conductive element, an electrode, and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member positioned between the conductive element and the electrode. At least one of the conductive pin, the pressure sensitive conductive composite element and the ablation electrode are moveable to create an engagement position and a non-engagement position. In the engagement position, the elements are electrically coupled such that ablation energy may be delivered from the conductive pin to the ablation electrode via the pressure sensitive conductive composite element. In the non-engagement position, the elements are electrically decoupled such that ablation energy is not delivered to the ablation electrode. A related method for pressure-sensitive control of ablation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting electro surgical 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: A cosmetic method of regenerating the skin in the region of a stretch mark is disclosed. The method comprises operating a source of thermal energy with a low thermal time constant, and directing it at the surface of the skin adjacent to and within a stretch mark forming first and second adjacent regions of thermally-modified tissue. The first region is adjacent to, and overlies, the second region, and the first region is thermally modified to a greater extend than the second region such that, following treatment, the width of the stretch mark is reduced and the reticular architecture of the dermis in the stretch mark is at least partially restored.

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: A device for resection and/or ablation of organic tissue by means of high-frequency current comprises, at the distal end, a loop that can be acted upon by high-frequency voltage and, in the proximal direction from the loop, at least one helix that can likewise be acted upon by high-frequency voltage, the arrangement of loop and helix being able to be moved in rotation about the longitudinal axis of the helix.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment system in accordance with the present invention comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a handpiece, a probe, a sheath, a clamping member, an operation unit, an operating member, a suction base, and a perfusion base. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The handpiece has the ultrasonic transducer incorporated therein and serves as an operation unit. The probe is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and serves as a vibration transmitting member for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a distal member realizing a stationary portion that is a treatment portion for treating a living tissue. The sheath serves as a protecting member for shielding the probe. The clamping member is opposed to the distal member at the distal end of the sheath, and realizes a movable portion that is another treatment portion for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the distal member.

Abstract: An APC device to simultaneously operate a plurality of instruments for argon plasma coagulation. In order to enable simultaneous connection and operation of several instruments, the APC device provides several instrument hubs to connect the plurality of instruments and to connect a control device to all instrument hubs. The control device controls the amplitude of a high-frequency voltage and operates the APC device such that, on actuation of at least one actuation means and generation of at least one actuation signal, the high-frequency voltage is interrupted for a defined duration and then the high-frequency voltage is set to the ignition voltage level and, after ignition of the plasma on all of the APC instruments for which the actuation means is actuated, the high-frequency voltage is set to the operational voltage level.

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: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for ablating, cauterizing and/or coagulating body tissue using radio frequency energy. More in particular, the systems utilize voltage threshold means for controlling the voltage applied to tissue in a cycle-to-cycle manner.

Abstract: A tissue ablation assembly comprises an elongate probe device, at least one ablation electrode element carried by the probe device for conveying ablation energy, and at least one magnetic element for substantially altering the path of the ablation energy conveyed by the electrode element(s). In one embodiment, the magnetic element substantially urges the ablation energy radially outward. In another embodiment, magnetic element takes the form of a ring magnet that exhibits at least four alternating magnetic poles circumferentially disposed around the probe device axis. A method of treating tissue (e.g., a tumor) is also provided. The method comprises introducing a probe device into the patient, conveying ablation energy from the probe device, and applying a magnetic field adjacent the probe device to substantially alter the path of the ablation energy, e.g.

Abstract: Provided is a coagulation apparatus using cold plasma. In the coagulation apparatus, the cold plasma is generated by a microwave resonator with low power consumption in the atmosphere, and the cold plasma is vented on a bleeding portion of a wound. Accordingly, it is possible to accelerate coagulation process, to reduce unfavorable side effect such as burns on the wound, and to efficiently sterilize the wound, simultaneously. In addition, it is possible to implement a small-sized portable coagulation apparatus.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided which can prevent the decrease of the effect of a treatment performed by an operator or the like on a biological tissue. A high-frequency voltage generated in an alternating power supply is transformed in a transformer. A high-frequency current in accordance with the transformed high-frequency voltage is supplied to the biological tissue via two high-frequency current supply lines. In this case, the impedance between the two high-frequency current supply lines is set in an impedance matching circuit so as to become maximum with respect to the frequency of the high-frequency current. Accordingly, the decrease of the effect of the treatment performed on the biological tissue can be prevented.

Abstract: For the coagulation of tissue by plasma, instruments are known that comprise a tubular probe body through which inert gas is conducted and an ignition electrode within the lumen in the region of an outlet of the probe body. A current conductor is provided to supply a coagulation current to the ignition electrode. The ignition electrode is fixed to the probe body substantially in the middle, by means of fixing devices. The present invention provides an instrument for plasma coagulation wherein a fixing device for the ignition electrode comprises a piece of sheet metal, a wafer or similar flat body, which is fixed by its longitudinal edges to the tube wall so that it extends substantially diametrically across the lumen, and to which the ignition electrode is attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the power available at the manipulator of an electronic scalpel so as to make said manipulator adapted to be used to obtain blood clotting, said electronic scalpel being of the kind comprising: at least a mains voltage rectifying circuit supplying rectified and direct voltage to at least a radio frequency circuit adapted to emit as output a current carrier signal at a main frequency set by an oscillator, said current signal feeding said manipulator through a radio frequency transformer, wherein said method consists in applying to the manipulator a wave form resulting from the sum of the carrier wave and a modulating wave of such frequency that the energy transmitted to the tissue to be coagulated is such to raise the temperature of the tissue to be coagulated until denaturation of the fibrinogen contained therein is caused and transforming it into fibrin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling patient catheters are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a catheter carrying multiple active elements, and a controller connected to the catheter. The controller can include a housing having directional indicators, and multiple control elements coupled to the multiple active elements. Individual control elements can be moveable relative to the housing to control the motion of the active elements, and the multiple control elements can be positioned so that manipulation of the multiple control elements in a first order that is clockwise or counterclockwise as identified by the directional indicators moves the multiple active elements in a first manner, and manipulation of the multiple control elements in a second order opposite the first order moves the multiple active elements in a second manner opposite the first manner.

Abstract: A sidewall of biological tissue which surrounds and defines an opening in the tissue is sealed or fused to occlude the opening by compressing apposite sidewall portions 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 an adequate seal. The application of energy is terminated in a time-delayed relationship to the detection of the precursor fusion condition such that sufficient energy has been applied to achieve an effective seal. The precursor fusion condition is detected upon the peak RF current delivered to the tissue remaining below a threshold value for a threshold time.