The invention relates to an interventional device (10) including a plurality of signal assemblies, a method of assembling such interventional device (10), an assembling system for such interventional device (10) and a corresponding software product. In order to provide a number of signal assemblies including, for example, ultrasound transducers (40) in an interventional device (10) with a reduced risk of thrombi formation or similar complications a desired flush and smooth surface of a casing (15) of the interventional device (10) is achieved if the signal assemblies are inserted in such a manner that they are urged into their respective positions from inside the casing (15) after such insertion.

Surgical instruments and system and methods for using surgical instruments are disclosed. A surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade and clamp arm, an electrode, an ultrasonic transducer, and a sensor coupled to a control circuit. The electrode receives electrosurgical energy from a generator and applies the electrosurgical energy to the end effector to weld tissue based on the generator generating a drive signal. The ultrasonic transducer ultrasonically oscillates the ultrasonic blade in response to the drive signal. The control circuit receives a signal from the sensor indicative of a surgical parameter, determines a weld time of a surgical operation based on the sensor signal, and varies one or more of a clamp arm pressure applied by the clamp arm and a power level of the electrosurgical energy to maintain one or more of a predefined heat flux or power applied to tissue loaded in the end effector.

Surgical instruments and system and methods for using surgical instruments are disclosed. A surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade and clamp arm, an ultrasonic transducer, and a control circuit. The ultrasonic transducer ultrasonically oscillates the ultrasonic blade in response to a drive signal from a generator. The end effector receives electrosurgical energy to weld tissue. The control circuit determines a resonant frequency measure indicative of a thermally induced change in resonant frequency and a electrical continuity measure; calculates a weld focal point based on the determined measures, controls closure of the clamp arm to vary a pressure applied by the clamp arm to provide a threshold control pressure to the tissue loaded into the end effector, and maintains a gap between the ultrasonic blade and clamp arm at a point proximal to the proximal end of the tissue. Pressure is varied based on corresponding weld focal point.

A device for providing tactile stimulation of a subject via a pulse of compressible fluid, typically for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The device preferably includes a high pressure fluid source and a low pressure fluid source. A pressure valve selectively connects the pressure sources to an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit includes an applicator for directing pulses against the skin of a subject. The pulses may be applied via one applicator or a plurality of applicators, and may be applied in one pattern or several patterns at various application sites. A method of providing tactile stimulation is also disclosed.

A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, a motion sensor, and a computing device. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector assembly distally-spaced from the housing, and a movable component movable relative to the housing. The motion sensor is disposed on or within the housing and configured to sense a vibration signature associated with movement of the movable component relative to the housing. The computing device communicates with the motion sensor, is configured to receive the vibration signature therefrom, and is configured to determine a condition of the movable component based on the vibration signature. A method of monitoring a surgical instrument includes sensing a vibration signature generated from movement of a movable component of a surgical instrument relative to a housing of the surgical instrument, and determining, based on the sensed vibration signature, a condition of the movable component.

A photoablation device includes a laser source to propagate a focused laser beam with a beam waist, wherein a radius of the beam increases from the waist in a direction of propagation of the beam; an adjusting structure to adjust an intensity of the beam; a position detector to detect a position of the source in relation to the tissue; a positioning device to move the source in relation to the tissue; and a controller. The controller is to define a photoablation zone of the beam, wherein the zone ends in a cutting face located offset from the waist in the direction of propagation; adjust the intensity of the beam at the face of the zone using the adjusting structure; and move the beam towards the tissue by using the positioning device, wherein the position of the source detected by the position detector is evaluated.

A device for providing tactile stimulation of a subject via a pulse of compressible fluid, typically for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The device preferably includes a high pressure fluid source and a low pressure fluid source. A pressure valve selectively connects the pressure sources to an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit includes an applicator for directing pulses against the skin of a subject. The pulses may be applied via one applicator or a plurality of applicators, and may be applied in one pattern or several patterns at various application sites. A method of providing tactile stimulation is also disclosed.

A system for remote powering at least one sensor or actuator from a RF power source including a flexible waveguide having a flexible dielectric layer and at least one flexible conductive layer connected to the flexible dielectric layer. The at least one sensor or actuator is arranged to be coupled to the flexible waveguide and the RF power source is arranged to be wirelessly coupled to the flexible waveguide and to generate RF power. The flexible waveguide guides the propagation of the RF power from the RF power source to the sensor or actuator in order to wirelessly power the sensor or actuator.

An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a first acoustic sensor, and a processor. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector is operable to apply energy to tissue and thereby change a state of the tissue. The first acoustic sensor is configured to pick up sound emitted by tissue. The processor is in communication with the first acoustic sensor. The processor is configured to provide an automated response in response to a signal from the first acoustic sensor indicating a change in the state of the tissue.

An ablation catheter including an elongate shaft, an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft, a first ablation electrode disposed outside of and carried by an outer surface of the inflatable balloon, a first ultrasound transducer disposed outside of the inflatable balloon, and a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a first conductor and a second conductor and is disposed outside of and carried by the outer surface of the inflatable balloon. The first conductor is in electrical communication with the first ablation electrode, and the second conductor in electrical communication with the first ultrasound transducer.