The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

A basket apparatus is described that assists in removing objects from within a patient. The apparatus includes a number of pull wires, each pull wire physically coupled to a different capstan that individually actuates one of the pull wires. The apparatus also includes an outer support shaft itself including a number of channels through which the pull wires traverse. The portions of the pull wires extending out of the outer support shaft form a basket of adjustable size, shape, and position. The pull wires are attached together at a tip located at a distal end of the basket apparatus. By controlling the actuation of the various pull wires, the basket's shape, position size can be manipulated to reposition the basket around an object located within a patient, independent of or in conjunction with motion of the remainder of the apparatus or an associated endoscope.

A method for treating or diagnosing cancer with and endosurgical device comprising at least two lengthwise extending channels (2,3,4,5; 2′,3′,4′,5′), two opposite jaws (9,10;9′,10′;9″,10″) with use of diathermy and flushing a tissue specimen to a proximal end of the endosurgical device. The method allows the surgeon to take several tissue specimens from an organ and to perform several functionalities when the device is inside the organ. The endosurgical device for use in the method is also disclosed.

A tissue resecting or other medical device includes a handle coupled to an elongated shaft. A radiofrequency (RF) electrode is carried at a distal end of the elongated shaft, and the electrode is moveable across a window in a sleeve or other component of the shaft. The shaft has an interior channel connectable to a negative pressure source to remove debris from the channel. A motor is carried by the handle and operatively coupled to the electrode for moving the electrode relative to the window. An electronic image sensor and lens are disposed at a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of conductors may extend through the shaft to the image sensor. The image sensor, lens and sensor conductors are disposed within a first tubular member, and an LED or other light source is also positioned at a distal end of the shaft with LED conductors or leads extending through a second tubular member of the shaft to the LED.

A medical system for use in a lithotripsy procedure may include a processor configured to receive input from a first imaging device, wherein the first imaging device may be configured to send image data representative of an image captured in a lumen of a kidney, bladder, or ureter to the processor. The processor may be configured to display the image on a display device coupled to the processor, and analyze the image to sense the presence of an object within the image. If an object was sensed within the image, the processor may analyze the image to estimate a size of the object, and display the estimate on the display device.

A medical system includes an insertion device including a handle and a delivery portion, a laser fiber, a conductive wire, and a lock. The laser fiber extends through the insertion device and is coupled to a laser slider to control a position of the laser fiber relative to a distal end of the delivery portion. The conductive wire extends through the insertion device and is coupled to a wire slider to control a position of the laser fiber relative to a distal end of the delivery portion. The lock is positioned within the handle and is movable in order to selectively lock either the movement of the laser slider or lock the movement of the wire slider.

An electrode assembly (3) is provided for use in a resectoscope, the electrode assembly (3) comprising a pair of arms (4), and a tissue treatment element (9) depending from the arms. The arms (4) are pivotably mounted one to the other such that they are movable between a retracted position in which they lie alongside one another and a deployed position in which they diverge one from another. The electrode assembly (3) includes actuation means for moving the arms between their retracted and deployed positions. The tissue treatment element (9) is disposed at the distal end of each arm such that it is movable between at least two different operating positions.

Example apparatuses and systems are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of electrolysis products to a site which may be used for treatment of infection and ablation of undesirable cells and tissue. A system disclosed may include a power supply, two electrodes, an aqueous matrix that may close the electric circuit between the electrodes at the treated site, and a controller. The controller may control the electrical circuit to induce a direct current through the electrodes and an aqueous matrix to produce electrolysis products. The duration and magnitude of the charge applied may determine the dose of the products applied to the treatment site. The composition of the electrodes and the aqueous matrix may be chosen to produce desired products. An apparatus is disclosed that may be in the form of a pad for applying to a wound. An apparatus is disclosed that may be used for treating internal tissue.

An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

A method of contraction of collagenous tissue between urethra and vagina includes positioning an RF active electrode between a urethra and a vagina and delivering RF energy into the collagenous tissue. The method includes using a mechanism to direct the active electrode into the safe position to avoid damage of important structures.