A coating is provided for use in an electro-cautery probe of a cauterization device to mask odors generated during a cauterization procedure. The coating is also provided to increase the longevity of the odor masking and prevent tissue charring.

A catheter system includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base, wherein the distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. A peripheral edge defines the proximal distal end surface. A proximal point is disposed on the peripheral edge. The proximal point comprises a shortened angle and a fully radiused edge relative to a remaining portion of the peripheral edge and a relief recess is disposed on a distal end of the proximal base, both for the purpose of minimizing tissue snagging.

Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.

A surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector is capable of different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism contained within the handle. In some embodiments, the end effector includes a pair of curved jaw members and blade assembly having a cutting blade at its distal end. The trigger mechanism drives blade assembly longitudinally within the elongate shaft such that the cutting blade protrudes between the jaw members. To help the trigger mechanism push blade assembly around the curved jaws, the distal end of blade has a graduated flexibility that easily bends to the shape of the jaw members. The distal end of the blade may be provided with a low friction coating so that it can easily slide between the jaw members.

An electrosurgical guidewire including a core wire including a distal core wire portion, a shaft portion, an active electrode, a first electrical insulation material, and a second electrical insulation material. The distal core wire portion is located at a distal portion of the electrosurgical guidewire. The shaft portion is located at a proximal portion of the electrosurgical guidewire and includes an electrical connection portion configured to provide an electrical connection to an electrosurgical generator. The first electrical insulation material has a first thickness covering the distal core wire portion. The second electrical insulation material has a second thickness covering the shaft portion. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness.