An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

A cannula for transferring a substance to and/or from a patient includes a tubular support sleeve and a transfer tube. The support sleeve includes a rigid tubular member defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular member. The transfer tube is positioned in the lumen and extends beyond each of the proximal end and the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member includes a rigid, MRI-compatible material.

A surgical instrument comprises a first member extending between a proximal end and a distal end configured for fixation with tissue. A second member defines a longitudinal passageway and is connected with a navigation component such that the distal end is disposable with the passageway at a selected distance from the navigation component. The navigation component is positioned relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of an orientation of the first member. A third member extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The third member is mountable with the first member along the orientation such that the distal end of the third member is engageable with the tissue. Systems, spinal implants, constructs and methods are disclosed.

Apparatus and systems of liquid metal-based tunable coaxial antenna for microwave ablation are described. Tunable antennas are capable of maintaining the optimal impedance matching in different organs of treatment as well as actively improving tissue heating during the course of the ablation. Efficient energy delivery to various tumor tissue and tissue conditions is critical in creating larger tumor margins and reducing the risk for local tumor progression. Efficient energy delivery can also help decrease the need for aggressive cooling mechanism from reflected power and antenna shaft heating. The tuning can be achieved by small physical motion of liquid metal plug actuated by pressure regulator.

An arthroscopic tissue resecting probe includes an elongated shaft having outer and inner sleeves which are formed from an electrically conductive material extending about an axis to a working end. Outer and inner resecting windows are formed in the sleeves in the working end. The working end includes a ceramic body having a collar portion extending fully around a region of the outer sleeve proximal to outer resecting window. A radiofrequency (RF) electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the ceramic body and is spaced-apart from the outer resecting window.

An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical pencil includes an insulative core configured to support an active wire around a peripheral surface thereof and a ground electrode coupled about the insulative core and adapted for insertion within an electrosurgical pencil. A hypotube is disposed between the ground electrode and the active pin and encapsulates the active pin to insulate the active pin from the ground electrode. An active pin is included that is adapted for insertion within the pencil and has a tensioning assembly including: a set screw with threads that engage grooves of the active pin such that, upon rotation, the set screw advances to secure the active wire within the active pin; and a nut is fixed within the hypotube that includes grooves that engage threads of the active pin such that, upon rotation, the active pin translates proximally to tension the active wire about the insulative core.

An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member extends distally from the distal end of the elongated sleeve and has sharp cutting edges. The cutting head is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material, and a motor coupled to the proximal end of elongated sleeve rotate the cutting member. The cutter is engaged against bone and rotated to cut bone tissue without leaving any foreign particles in the site.

Embolic coils with detachable segments that are separated by detachment capsules that are thermolytically degradable such that varying lengths of coil may be implanted into a vascular malformation to occlude same. The capsules are radiotransparent when compared to the adjoining coil segments to the location of the segments is easily seen. The capsules further include protruding electrical contacts that make positive contact with terminals on a delivery catheter. The terminals on the delivery catheter serve as markers so the relationship between the detachment capsules and the terminals is easily visible under x-ray.

An electrode for the electrosurgical end effector of a surgical instrument is manufactured by laser etching or roughening an area of the electrode's surface. This provides an area to which an insulating stop may be attached. Beneficially, the roughened area provides a good bond between the insulating stop and the electrode, allowing a greater potential use-life for the surgical instrument. Compared to conventional methods, using a laser reduces costs, increases manufacturing flexibility and allows precise control over the creation of the roughened area.