A method for use with an intra-body probe, a distal end of which includes an ablation electrode and a temperature sensor, is described. While (i) the ablation electrode is driving an ablating current into tissue of a subject, and (ii) fluid is passed from the distal end of the intra-body probe at a fluid-flow rate, a processor receives a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The processor estimates a temperature of the tissue, based at least on the sensed temperature and at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: the fluid-flow rate, and a parameter of the ablating current. The processor generates an output in response to the estimated temperature. Other embodiments are also described.

An electrosurgical device including an elongated body extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion and defining an internal passageway configured to convey tissue from the distal portion to the proximal portion, and a coring electrode positioned at the distal portion of the elongated body, where the coring electrode is at an opening to the internal passageway, and where the coring electrode is configured to deliver electromagnetic energy to adjacent tissue to cut a volume of the tissue as the tissue is conveyed into the internal passageway.

An electrosurgical device including an elongated body extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion and defining an internal passageway configured to convey tissue from the distal portion to the proximal portion; a coring electrode at the distal portion of the elongated body, where the coring electrode is positioned at an opening to the internal passageway, and where the coring electrode is configured to deliver electromagnetic energy to adjacent tissue to cut a volume of the tissue as the tissue is conveyed into the internal passageway; and a powered conveyance mechanism positioned within the internal passageway configured to further cut the volume of the tissue and convey the volume of the tissue proximally within the internal passageway.

An intervertebral disc surgical system has at least one optical cannula configured with a working channel and an optical channel, wherein the working channel and the optical channel are positioned parallel to one another. The working channel is configured to receive the elongated tubular member of an electrosurgical instrument and the optical channel is configured to receive an optical scope. The optical cannula has an optical cannula operative end for entering an operative field of a patient.

Certain aspects relate to systems, devices and techniques for vessel sealing and cutting. In particular, an instrument is provided that is capable of performing multiple functions, including sealing and cutting. The instrument can be robotically controlled, and can include a shaft, a multi-DOF wrist, and an end effector. The end effector is capable of generating and delivering heat via different energy modalities to perform the various functions at different temperatures.

A sheath adapted for use with a catheter is disclosed comprising an electrical lead having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, 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 extend from the proximal end to the distal end laid on the non-conductive tubular member, and an outer layer of non-conductive material is 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 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.

A device for applying radiofrequency energy for sphincter treatment comprising a flexible outer tube, an expandable basket having a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and a plurality of electrodes movable with respect to the arms from a retracted position to an extended position. An advancer is slidably disposed within the outer tube to move the plurality of electrodes to the extended position. An actuator moves the advancer from a first position to a second position to advance the plurality of electrodes. An aspiration tube extends within the outer tube. An assembly includes an aspiration disabler having a first position to enable aspiration from a distal portion of the aspiration tube to a proximal portion and a second position to disable aspiration.

Dual coil ablation systems are provided. Methods of using the systems to ablate tissue are also provided. The dual coil ablation systems can include a first guide needle and a second guide needle, and the methods can include securing the tissue and guiding the dual coil ablation system into the tissue for the ablation, the securing and the guiding facilitated by the first guide needle and the second guide needle. The dual coil ablation systems can also include a phase-offset between the coils to achieve a significant and surprising enhancement to the energy density provided by the systems, and the uniformity of ablation provided by the methods.

Ablation electrode assemblies include an inner core member and an outer shell surrounding the inner core member. The inner core member and the outer shell define a space or separation region therebetween. The inner core member is constructed from a thermally insulative material having a reduced thermal conductivity. In an embodiment, the space is a sealed or evacuated region. In other embodiments, irrigation fluid flows within the space. The ablation electrode assembly further includes at least one thermal sensor in some embodiments. Methods for providing irrigation fluid during cardiac ablation of targeted tissue are disclosed that include calculating the energy delivered to irrigation fluid as it flows within the ablation electrode assembly through temperature measurement of the irrigation fluid. Pulsatile flow of irrigation fluid can be utilized in some embodiments of the disclosure.

Neuromodulation catheter systems with controlled irrigation capabilities and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. One such method includes, for example, positioning an irrigated neuromodulation catheter at a treatment site within a renal blood vessel of a human patient, delivering neuromodulation energy at the treatment site, and delivering irrigation fluid to the treatment site having characteristics coordinated with the delivered energy. The characteristics can be adjusted to maintain an energy delivery element and/or tissue of the blood vessel at a constant temperature as power is increased. The method can further include monitoring at least one parameter of the tissue and/or of the energy delivery element, and adjusting the neuromodulation energy and/or the characteristics of the irrigation fluid if the at least one parameter falls outside of a treatment range of values.