A tissue sensing device for use with an electrosurgical knife is proposed which comprises a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a grip portion there between. The proximal end portion is configured for attachment to a housing of the electrosurgical knife. The distal end portion is configured for movably supporting a blade of the knife. A distal end of an optical fiber is arranged at the distal end portion of the device and a proximal end of the optical fiber is connectable to an optical console, so that optical measurements can be performed at the distal end portion.

An electrosurgical system includes an RF current generator, a handle body, and an end effector. The end effector may include a first and a second energy delivery surface. At least a portion of either first or second energy delivery surfaces, or both, may include one or more patterned coatings of an electrically non-conducting non-stick material. The material may be deposited on a surface of, within a depression in, or on features extending from the energy surfaces, or through an overmolding process. The patterned coating may be formed from a coating of the material from which portions have been removed. An energy delivery surface has a first area, and the patterned coating has a second area. A ratio of the second area to the first area may be less than or equal to about 0.9, less than or equal to about 0.7, or less than or equal to about 0.5.

An electrode for an electrosurgical pencil, the electrode comprising an elongated body made of a conductive material and extending in an axial direction from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end configured for engaging the electrosurgical pencil and the distal end forming a blade configured for cutting or coagulation of tissue by electrosurgical energy received from the pencil, the blade being defined by two main surface portions on opposite sides of an axially extending intermediate plane and joined by an edge extending through the intermediate plane. To concentrate electrical energy at the edge and thereby facilitate a more precise cutting and less burnt tissue sticking to the electrode, the main surface portions has a first surface roughness, the edge has a second surface roughness being lower than the first surface roughness, and at least the main surface portions are covered by a surface coating comprising silicone.

A medical device and associated methods are disclosed. In one example, the medical device includes a hydrophobic coating. Hydrophobic coatings are shown that include a substrate bonding molecule chain, a hydrophobic molecule bonded to a first end of the substrate bonding molecule chain, and a reactive end bonded to a second end of the substrate bonding molecule chain. In selected examples the substrate bonding molecule chains are bonded to each other in a bond region adjacent to a surface of the component.

An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline, wherein the radiating section has a length. The energy applicator also includes a length adjustment member adapted to allow for selective adjustment of the length of the radiating section. The length adjustment member includes a first pivot element and a first tensioning element coupled to the first pivot element.

An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.

Disposable, bipolar electrosurgical forceps are designed to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips of the forceps and include a pair of electrode arms having lengths with opposite proximal and distal ends, with thin layers of biocompatible metal on the forceps arm distal ends and bipolar electrical conductors permanently secured to the forceps arm proximal ends.

An all-in-one, light-weight navigated bipolar forceps allow the surgeon to stay focused on and not have to take their eyes off the surgical site that (s)he is operating on, such as the brain. The navigated bipolar forceps would have a navigated frame that would be positioned at the superior end of the bipolar forceps instrument. Like conventional bipolar forceps, the navigated bipolar forceps of the present invention may be useful for various procedures, such as bipolar electro surgery. The navigated frame would be incorporated into the instrument to provide an all-in-one solution that requires fewer instruments in the surgical field and retains the surgeon's focus on the surgical site. The navigated frame of the forceps can be designed to wirelessly connect to a machine for the navigational purposes. Software can be provided that permits the navigated bipolar forceps to support the instrument on various hospital-owned navigation machines.

An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the over shoe includes a tissue contacting wall configured and dimensioned to selectively and substantially overlie the electrically conductive surface of the electrosurgical instrument. The tissue contacting wall is fabricated from a non-conductive material and includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. In another embodiment, the tissue contacting wall is electrically conductive and is configured for selective engagement atop on of the jaw members.

An electrosurgical device can be delivered to a tissue site to provide supplemental sealing of vessels and/or vascular tissue that include suturing, stapling, or the like. The electrosurgical device is generally in the form of forceps, and includes an end effector assembly including opposing movable jaws. Each jaw includes a deformable pad or cushion including an electrode array positioned thereon. Each deformable cushion is configured to deliver a fluid, such as saline, during activation of the electrode array, thereby creating a virtual electrode which couples radiofrequency (RF) energy emitted from the electrode array into tissue in which the RF energy is converted into thermal energy. The deformable cushion and electrode array provide a controlled degree of compression upon the target tissue or vessel to maintain integrity of a suture, staple, or clip, as well as controlled energy emission for sealing, cauterizing, coagulating, and/or desiccating the target tissue or vessel.