A device for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal tapered end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal tapered end surface. A first heating assembly, including an energized heating element, is disposed on at least one of the distal tapered end surface and the proximal tapered end surface. A second heating assembly, comprising a passive non-energized heat spreader, is disposed on the other one of the distal tapered end surface and the proximal tapered end surface. The distal tapered end surface and the proximal tapered end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. The taper of the proximal tapered end surface matches the taper of the distal tapered end surface, so that the two surfaces match one another.

An electrosurgical instrument includes a jaw member having an electrically conductive tissue sealing plate configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. A polydimethylsiloxane coating having a thickness in the range of from about 35 nm to about 85 nm is disposed on the tissue sealing plate.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention there is provided a device for vaporizing one or more holes in tissue, comprising an array of vaporizing elements and a heating element configured to heat the vaporizing elements, wherein a geometry of at least a portion of the vaporizing elements is configured to prevent excessive penetration of other vaporizing elements into the tissue. In some embodiments, the vaporizing elements are heated to a temperature ranging between 300-600 degrees Celsius.

An electrode for high frequency medical device includes: a base; and a coating layer which is laminated onto the base, includes at least either one of a fluororesin and a silicon compound, has a volume resistivity of 1.010.sup.0 to 1.010.sup.13.Math.cm, and has a thickness of 1 to 30 m. The electrode is configured to denature and dissect a living tissue by a Joule heating due to a high frequency current and an arc discharge.

An electrode for high-frequency medical device, has a substrate; an intermediate layer laminated on the substrate, wherein the intermediate layer has a top layer formed on the outermost part of the intermediate layer and the top layer is formed from a metal layer having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the substrate; and a coating layer laminated on the intermediate layer, wherein the coating layer is configured such that a plurality of metal particles having a thermal conductivity equal to or larger than 250 W/(m.Math.K) are distributed in a nonmetal material.

An electrode for a high-frequency medical device in which a coating film is formed on at least a part of a surface of a treatment section of the medical device, wherein the coating film includes a silicone resin, and at least one type of filler having conductivity. Particles of the fillers are fusion-bonded to each other to form a conductive path, and/or a particle of the filler and an electrode substrate disposed on a surface of the treatment section are fusion-bonded to form a conductive path.

An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

In various embodiments, surgical devices and methods are provided. One such surgical device includes a ferromagnetic heater assembly. The ferromagnetic heater assembly includes an electrical conductor, a ferromagnetic heater, and an encapsulant. The electrical conductor has a first leg, a second leg, and a bend between the first and second legs. The bend is located at a distal tip of the electrical conductor, and the first and second legs are spaced apart from one another between the distal end and a proximal end of the electrical conductor. The ferromagnetic heater is disposed on the first leg of the electrical conductor. The encapsulant at least partially surrounds the ferromagnetic heater and a portion of the second leg opposite the ferromagnetic heater, and a surface of the ferromagnetic heater is at least partially exposed by the encapsulant.

The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode assembly and an apparatus manufactured by said method. According to the method, an electrically conductive sheet is laminated to an electrically insulative sheet. An electrode is formed on the electrically conductive sheet. An electrically insulative layer is formed on a tissue contacting surface of the electrode. The individual electrodes are separated from the laminated electrically insulative sheet and the electrically conductive sheet. In another method, a flexible circuit is vacuum formed to create a desired profile. The vacuum formed flexible circuit is trimmed. The trimmed vacuum formed flexible circuit is attached to a jaw member of a clamp jaw assembly.

A handheld electrosurgical instrument with jaws at a distal end of a shaft. For moving the jaws, the instrument includes a linkage structure with at least three pivots which are movable relative to the housing and with at least pivot which is fixed to the housing. By this arrangement, one of the movable pivots may move as a substitute for movement of the jaws, and the instrument may therefore always have the same limits for handle movement e.g. also if the jaws are prevented from moving. Additionally, a more uniform closure pressure may be ensured independently on the force applied to the handle.