Abstract:
The present invention provides systems and methods for applying RF energy to injured tissue, particularly the peritoneum, in order to prevent harmful post-surgical adhesions. One aspect of the invention is RF delivery systems (200) employing trocars (70), which are designed for use in laparotomies and laparoscopies. Another aspect of the invention is an RF delivery system comprising a surgical sheet (400) with one or more electrodes (401) for delivering the RF energy to the injured tissue resulting from conventional surgical incisions into the abdominal wall. Additionally, another aspect of the invention provides methods for controlling the treatment dosage of RF heat to the injured tissue using parameters such as treatment time, change in tissue temperature, and change in tissue impedance.
Abstract:
A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.
Abstract:
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an introduction member to be introduced through the oesophagus, the member having at its distal end an expandible basket consisting of a plurality of flexible arms, the basket being introduced through the sphincter and then mechanically expanded to dilate the sphincter. The basket has sensing electrodes to detect myoelectric potentials, and hosts a number of energy delivering electrodes, needle shaped, that can exit the basket arms to be deployed into the sphincter muscle for treatment. Cooliant and electrolyte can be used.
Abstract:
Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.
Abstract:
Apparatus for use with a blood vessel (10) of a subject includes (a) a longitudinal member (92) that has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and includes an electrode (94, 124) disposed at the distal portion, the distal portion being transluminally advanceable to the blood vessel; and (b) a control unit (100), in electrical communication with the electrode, and comprising circuitry (102). The circuitry is configured to: (a) during a dual- signal period, drive the electrode to apply a dual electric signal that has (i) an excitation component that has a frequency of 20 - 500 Hz, and (ii) an ablation component that has a frequency of 5 kHz - 1 GHz; and (b) during an ablation-signal period that is separate from the dual-signal period, drive the electrode to apply an ablation electric signal that has the ablation component but not the excitation component. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for operating a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising a radio frequency (RF) energy output, an ultrasonic energy output, and a first jaw and a second jaw configured for pivotal movement between a closed position and an open position, the method comprising: receiving a first input indicating a user selection of one of a first option and a second option; receiving a second input indicating whether the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed position or in the open position; receiving a third input indicating electrical impedance at the RF energy output; and selecting a mode of operation for treating a tissue from a plurality of modes of operation based at least in part on the first input, the second input and the third input.
Abstract:
Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator. The circuit may be configured to isolate a direct current (DC) voltage from the combined RF and ultrasonic signal. The DC voltage may then be used to power various electrical components of the surgical instrument while still providing RF energy and ultrasonic energy for surgical application.
Abstract:
A tissue segmentation device, controller, and methods therefore are disclosed. The device has an active electrode, a return electrode, a mechanical force application mechanism, voltage and current sensors, and a controller. The controller is configured to control a power output of the segmentation device. The controller has a processing component, responsive to the sensors, configured to execute the following: (a) derive a power factor of power applied to the at least one electrode; and (b) responsive to the deriving a power factor, assign a circuit status to a circuit comprising the at least one electrode. IF (PF ≈ 0) and ((Vrms/Irms) ≥ T), THEN the circuit status is "open". IF (PF ≈ 0) and ((Vrms/Irms)
Abstract:
An electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector movable between a first position and a second position, a first jaw member which includes first and second electrically conductive members, and a second jaw member which includes a third electrically conductive member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member from an open position to a closed position to grasp a tissue positioned between the first and second jaw members. At least one of the first and second jaw members is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that electrosurgical energy can be selectively communicated through the tissue positioned between the first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. A distance between the first electrically conductive member and the third electrically conductive member is less than a distance between the second electrically conductive member and the third electrically conductive member.