A return pad of an electrosurgical system is disclosed. The return pad includes a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of sensing devices. The conductive members are configured to receive radio frequency current applied to a patient. The sensing devices are configured to detect at least one of the following: a nerve control signal applied to the patient; and a movement of an anatomical feature of the patient resulting from application of the nerve control signal.

A surgical instrument includes a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation mechanism. The end effector is movable between a first position where the end effector is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a second position where the end effector is disposed at an angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism includes a proximal gear disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, a distal gear disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, a first lateral gear disposed in contact with the proximal gear and the distal gear, and a second lateral gear disposed in contact with the proximal gear and the distal gear.

An endoscopic instrument is disclosed that includes an elongate shaft and an instrument insert releasably connected to a distal end portion of the shaft, the distal end portion of the shaft being in the form of a sleeve and a proximal end region of a base of the instrument insert being in the form of a coupling shaft, or the distal end portion of the shaft being in the form of a coupling shaft and a proximal end region of a base of the instrument insert being in the form of a sleeve, with the coupling shaft being releasably held in the sleeve and the sleeve and/or the coupling shaft at least in portions having a cross-sectional profile which is reversibly changeable for detaching the coupling shaft from the sleeve. The invention also relates to a shaft for an endoscopic instrument, and to an instrument insert for an endoscopic instrument.

An adapter assembly for selective connection to a surgical device is provided. The adapter assembly includes an outer tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a housing secured to the proximal end of the outer tube, and a cable drive assembly supported by the housing. The cable drive assembly includes a worm gear drive assembly, a cable gear assembly coupled to the worm gear drive assembly, and one or more cables coupled to the cable gear assembly and axially translatable within the outer tube.

A medical instrument includes a housing, a movable handle, and a spring. The movable handle is configured to move between a first position as an opened position and a second position as a closed position with respect to the housing. The spring is provided between the housing and the movable handle. The spring is configured to apply a biasing force to the housing or the movable handle. The spring is provided to alleviate an increase in the biasing force generated in the spring in response to the movable handle moving from the first position to the second position.

Surgical devices and systems having rotating end effector assemblies for treating tissue are provided. Methods for using the same are also provided.

A biopsy forceps device includes a tension member and an end effector including first and second jaws movable between an open configuration, in which the jaws are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration, in which cutting edges of the jaws are moved toward one another to cut a portion of the target tissue. The jaws define a tissue receiving space therebetween to house the cut tissue. The jaws are pivotable relative to one another, each of the jaws including a serrated cutting edge extending therealong, the end effector further including a tension member attachment including a proximal end coupled to the tension member. The attachment is movably coupled to the jaws so that distal movement of the attachment moves the jaws to the open configuration while proximal movement thereof moves the jaws to the closed configuration.

A biopsy forceps device includes a tension member and an end effector including first and second jaws movable between an open configuration, in which the jaws are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration, in which cutting edges of the jaws are moved toward one another to cut a portion of the target tissue. The jaws define a tissue receiving space therebetween to house the cut tissue. The jaws are pivotable relative to one another, each of the jaws including a serrated cutting edge extending therealong, the end effector further including a tension member attachment including a proximal end coupled to the tension member. The attachment is movably coupled to the jaws so that distal movement of the attachment moves the jaws to the open configuration while proximal movement thereof moves the jaws to the closed configuration.

Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion, a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle, the first articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and the second articulating portion extends distally from the first articulating portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the first articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the first articulating portion deflects; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend from the handle to the second articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the second articulating portion deflects.

Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion, a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle, the first articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and the second articulating portion extends distally from the first articulating portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the first articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the first articulating portion deflects; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend from the handle to the second articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the second articulating portion deflects.