A colpotomy system includes an energy source and a uterine manipulator that is electrically coupled to the energy source. The uterine manipulator supports a colpotomy cup and extends to a conductive distal tip portion. The colpotomy cup includes a conductive surface. One or both of the conductive distal tip portion and the conductive surface of the colpotomy cup are configured to return monopolar energy to the energy source.

In a method of forming a FinFET, a first sacrificial layer is formed over a source/drain structure of a FinFET structure and an isolation insulating layer. The first sacrificial layer is recessed so that a remaining layer of the first sacrificial layer is formed on the isolation insulating layer and an upper portion of the source/drain structure is exposed. A second sacrificial layer is formed on the remaining layer and the exposed source/drain structure. The second sacrificial layer and the remaining layer are patterned, thereby forming an opening. A dielectric layer is formed in the opening. After the dielectric layer is formed, the patterned first and second sacrificial layers are removed to form a contact opening over the source/drain structure. A conductive layer is formed in the contact opening.

Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

An apparatus comprises an electrically power surgical instrument having a handle assembly. The apparatus also comprises a communication device positioned within the handle assembly. The communication device is operable to communicate with at least a portion of the electrically powered surgical instrument. The apparatus further comprises an external device in wireless communication with the communication device. The external device is operable to receive information from the communication device and the external device is operable to provide an output viewable to the user.

Example embodiments relate to robotic arm assemblies. The robotic arm assembly includes forearm and upper arm segments. Upper arm segment includes distal motor. Robotic arm assembly includes elbow coupling joint assembly connecting distal end of upper arm segment to proximal end of forearm segment via a serial arrangement of proximal and distal elbow joints. Proximal elbow joint is located between upper arm segment and distal elbow joint. Distal elbow joint is located between proximal elbow joint and forearm segment. Proximal elbow joint forms proximal main elbow axis. Distal elbow joint forms distal main elbow axis. Elbow coupling joint assembly includes distal elbow joint subassembly connected to forearm segment. Elbow coupling joint assembly includes proximal elbow joint subassembly connecting upper arm segment to distal elbow joint subassembly. Proximal elbow joint subassembly is configured to be driven to rotate forearm segment relative to proximal main elbow axis.

An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of deflecting an end effector include an acoustic waveguide with a proximal waveguide body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a distal waveguide body portion having an ultrasonic blade distally projecting therefrom, and an articulation body portion extending between the proximal and distal waveguide body portions. The articulation body portion of the acoustic waveguide is configured to flex a first direction to thereby deflect the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis and through a first plane. In addition, the articulation body portion of the acoustic waveguide is further configured to flex a second direction to thereby deflect the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis and through a second plane. The second direction is different than the first direction such that the second plane is different than the first plane for multiplanar deflection of the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis.

Various aspects of a generator, ultrasonic device, and method for estimating and controlling a state of an end effector of an ultrasonic device are disclosed. The ultrasonic device includes an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A control circuit measures a complex impedance of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the complex impedance as defined as

[00001]$Z_g\left(t\right)=\frac{V_g\left(t\right)}{I_g\left(t\right)};$

The control circuit receives a complex impedance measurement data point and compares the complex impedance measurement data point to a data point in a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern. The control circuit then classifies the complex impedance measurement data point based on a result of the comparison analysis and assigns a state or condition of the end effector based on the result of the comparison analysis. The control circuit estimates the state of the end effector of the ultrasonic device and controls the state of the end effector of the ultrasonic device based on the estimated state.

An electrosurgical instrument is provided that captures, compresses, fuses and cuts tissue between upper and lower jaws connected to pivotably movable handles. The instrument includes a force and over compression regulation mechanism that is configured such that in a clamped configuration, the jaws delivers a gripping force between the first jaw and the second jaw between a predetermined minimum force and a predetermined maximum force.

An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes first and second sections defining a passage therebetween. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the passage to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members between the open and closed positions for grasping tissue therebetween.

Electrosurgical coagulation devices. At least some of the example embodiment are methods including: applying RF energy between a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes define an interstice; flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a first nozzle and a second nozzle of the first electrode, the first nozzle defines a first spray direction, the second nozzle defines a second spray direction, and a first angle between the first spray direction and the second spray direction is 180 angular degrees or less measured through the interstice; flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a third nozzle and a fourth nozzle of the second electrode, the third nozzle defines a third spray direction, the fourth nozzle defines a fourth spray direction, and a second angle between the third spray direction and the fourth spray direction is 180 angular degrees or less measured through the interstice.