A vitreous enamel coating for an electrosurgical metal cutting blade, the coating having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially near the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal cutting blade. Selection of materials having similar coefficients of thermal expansion results in an electrosurgical cutting blade with an improved insulating layer, substantially improved durability, or both.

Described herein are devices and methods for performing ablation using ablation catheters with one or more patterned and textured active areas. An ablation catheter includes a proximal section, a distal section, and a sheath coupled between the distal section and the proximal section. The distal section includes an active area with a patterned, textured surface that is configured to apply radiofrequency (RF) energy, cryogenic cooling, or laser energy output to a portion of target tissue, such that the portion of target tissue is ablated. The patterned, textured surface of the active area is configured to maintain contact between the target tissue and the active area.

This disclosure relates to methods for modulating activity of a cell capable of being activated by light and treating diseases with such methods. The disclosure also provides systems suitable for use in such methods, particularly systems having silicon nanostructures.

A vitreous enamel coating for an electrosurgical metal cutting blade, the coating having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially near the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal cutting blade. Selection of materials having similar coefficients of thermal expansion results in an electrosurgical cutting blade with an improved insulating layer, substantially improved durability, or both.

This disclosure relates to methods for modulating activity of a cell capable of being activated by light and treating diseases with such methods. The disclosure also provides systems suitable for use in such methods, particularly systems having silicon nanostructures.

An electrosurgical system for puncturing tissue includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate radiofrequency (RF) energy and a crossing device connected to the electrosurgical generator. The crossing device includes an electrode positioned at a distal tip of the crossing device, wherein the electrode has a surface texture that is configured to form and hold a gaseous insulation layer that is formed when the crossing device is positioned in an electrically conductive liquid medium and is energized by the electrosurgical generator.