Abstract:
A flexible circuit of a surgical instrument includes a rigid section and a flexible section. The rigid section is configured to mechanically interlock with a component of the surgical instrument and has at least one of the following mounted thereon: (1) a processing device and (2) a logic element. The flexible section is aligned with one of the following: (1) an active bending portion of a shaft assembly of the surgical instrument and (2) an articulation joint of the shaft assembly.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, an anvil, a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable into the tissue, wherein the staples are deformable by the anvil, and a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal according to a physiological parameter of the tissue. The surgical instrument further includes a control circuit coupled to the sensor, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive the sensor signal, and assess proximity of the sensor to cancerous tissue based on the sensor signal.
Abstract:
Systems and methods provided herein concern a fluid delivery system for use with medical devices and, more specifically, for activating surface coatings of medical devices prior to use in medical procedures. The fluid delivery system comprises one or more sheets of biocompatible wicking material that is attached to a reservoir. Sealed within the reservoir is a fluid, such as physiologic saline or other appropriate hydrating solution. In addition, the reservoir comprises at least one outlet, such as a frangible seal, that can be selectively breached prior to use by applying pressure to the reservoir, e.g., by squeezing or twisting the reservoir. Breaching the frangible seal thus releases the fluid onto the wicking material, which, in turn, serves to wet the medical device and consequently activate the surface coating.
Abstract:
An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include a discharge port, an aspiration port, two electrodes, and a diverter formed from a porous material. The diverter includes a matrix having voids to receive fluid from the discharge port. A releasable diverter assembly may include an assembly body configured to receive a pair of electrodes and a diverter composed of a porous material. A shaft assembly of an electrosurgical device may include two electrodes and two fluid cannulae. Each cannula may be disposed proximate to a surface of each of the electrodes. An end effector of an electrosurgical device may include a fluid discharge port, two electrodes, and a diverter disposed therebetween. A proximal edge of the diverter may form a secant line with respect to the end of the discharge port so that fluid emitted by the discharge port is disposed on a surface of the diverter.
Abstract:
The electrosurgical device (1) comprises at least one hollow body (2, 3) of elongated shape and having: a gripping portion (2), in turn, comprising a proximal ending part (4) connectable to a current generator (5) and to feeding means (6) of an electro-conductive fluid (7); a contact portion (3) comprising a distal ending part (13) having one active electrode (14) and one neutral electrode (15) adapted to come into contact with the body of a patient; and at least one tubular duct (21) passing through the hollow body (2, 3) and having one feeding hole (22) of the fluid (7) formed on the proximal ending part (4), and one delivery hole (27) of the fluid (7) formed on the distal ending part (13); the delivery hole (27) is at least partially circular and extends around at least one of the electrodes (14, 15).
Abstract:
Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are provided. An integrated therapy and imaging device is provided for single handheld use. The device may have a hollow elongated cannula, a therapeutic element coupled to a distal portion of the cannula, an imaging assembly coupled to the cannula to provide visualization of the therapeutic element, and an articulating region operably coupled to the imaging assembly to articulate the imaging assembly. The imaging assembly may be articulated so as to translate vertically, laterally, axially, and/or rotationally.
Abstract:
A sheath adapted for use with a catheter comprising an electrical lead having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end and the electrical lead including a tubular member of non-conductive material. At least a first set of electrical conductors and a second set of electrical conductors extending from the proximal end to the distal end laid on the non-conductive tubular member, and an outer layer of non- conductive material applied over the electrical conductors to cover the conductors. One or more electrodes are disposed on a distal portion of the sheath. Each electrode is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical conductors through the outer layer. The first set of electrical conductors is helically wrapped around the lumen and the second set of electrical conductors is helically wrapped around the first set of electrical conductors.
Abstract:
Periodontal disorders such as disorders associated with a dental implant are treated. An average power for a laser is selected via a user interface on a tablet, along with a set of permissible laser parameters provided in response to the selected average power. A gingival trough or flap is created around the implant with the laser. Infected tissue is selectively ablated or denatured via photothermolysis, and a pocket is lased around the affected implant. Marginal tissues are compressed against the implant.
Abstract:
An open-irrigated catheter system includes a catheter body and a tip assembly, coupled to a distal end of the catheter body. The tip assembly includes an exterior wall that is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure, and that defines an interior region. The exterior wall includes a number of proximal irrigation ports and a number of distal irrigation ports. At least one fluid chamber is defined within the interior region and is in fluid communication with at least one of the proximal irrigation ports and the distal irrigation ports. At least one fluid lumen extends from a fluid source, through the catheter body, to the tip assembly, and is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid chamber.
Abstract:
Variable size snare devices include devices which can be reliably and predictably opened to the required size, can be reliably and predictably opened to the required shape, and can provide visual cues indicative of the size of the deployed snare loop. The snare devices also include variable stiffness levels wherein the devices comprise shape memory alloys such that the stiffness of the snare loop can be controlled for desirable effect.