An ophthalmic speculum includes arms, a locking mechanism, and an air-flow system. The arms include a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a retractor shaped to conform to an eyelid of a pair of eyelids of an eye. The retractors are substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The locking mechanism is coupled to the arms. The locking mechanism moves the arms to allow the retractors to retract the pair of eyelids, and fixes the arms into place to maintain retraction of the pair of eyelids. The air-flow system is coupled to at least one arm, and moves air in a region disposed outwardly from a surface of the eye.

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for vaporizing a conductive fluid at or adjacent a reference point. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a primary electrode extending to a first distal end positionable adjacent to a reference point and having a first proximal end selectively couplable with a first pole of a power source. The primary electrode defines a lumen therein and defines at least one opening to the lumen within a distal range adjacent the first distal end. A secondary electrode extends through the lumen of the primary electrode and has a second distal end extending into the distal range and a second proximal end selectively couplable with a second pole of the power source. The secondary electrode is electrically insulated from the primary electrode except within the distal range, where a conductive fluid is receivable within the distal range so as to be in electrical contact with the primary electrode and the secondary electrode. The conductive fluid is vaporizable at the distal range responsive to application of power across the first pole and the second pole of the power source and vaporized conductive fluid is expellable through the at least one opening.

The laser lancing device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes: a main body; a laser resonator located within the main body and configured to generate a laser and output the laser forwards; a beam barrel located in front of the laser resonator and including at least one lens unit fixed therein; a window barrel located in front of the beam barrel and connected to the main body; a cap part connected to the front of the window barrel and brought into contact with an irradiation target area; a fan unit communicating with the cap part and induce flow of air; and a communication pipe of which one end is connected to the fan unit and the other end is connected to the cap part.

An electrosurgical device having an electrode with a first portion whose exterior is electrically uninsulated, a second portion whose exterior is electrically insulated, and a third portion. An elongated hollow body has an internal cavity, a front end, a rear end, an external surface. An electrical circuit is arranged within the body. The second portion of the electrode is not surrounded by the hollow body. A first button is arranged on the external surface of the body for controlling a current flow at a first level. A vacuum tube is slidably engaged by the body. The vacuum tube is configured with a blade holder to reversibly receive the third portion of the electrode such that electrical contact is made between the electrode and a conductor which is connected to the electrical circuit by electrical connector. A vacuum outlet port is arranged near the rear end, and the outlet port, internal cavity, and vacuum inlet are in fluid communication with each other.

An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. The energy delivery probe can include a vapor delivery member configured to extend into a transition zone prostate tissue. A condensable vapor media can be delivered from the vapor delivery member into the transition zone tissue, wherein the condensable vapor media can propagate interstitially in the transition zone tissue and be confined in the transition zone tissue by boundary tissue adjacent to the transition zone tissue. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

An electrosurgical device for recognizing tissue by means of spectral analysis of the light generated at an electrode. An acoustic or optical indicator device displays the tissue type permanently or when detecting certain tissue. Indicators, in particular optical indicators, are arranged in the application field of view, so as to support the user in response to making an incision.

An end-firing surgical laser fiber suitable for Thulium Laser Fiber lithotripsy applications includes a standoff that extends beyond the distal end surface of the fiber to prevent contact between the end face of the fiber and a targeted stone. The standoff may either (1) extend along only one side of or partially around a circumference of the fiber, so that dust from the pulverized stone can freely flow downstream from the treatment site without being trapped by or accumulating on the standoff, or (2) include at least one flushing port that prevents dust accumulation by permitting passage of dust from within the standoff. Flushing of dust from within the standoff may be facilitated by including a source of fluid to entrain the dust and carry it through the flushing port.

A cautery device includes an elongated handpiece and a cautery tip extending from the handpiece. The tip defines a channel extending coaxially with the handpiece along an entire length of the cautery tip from a proximal open end to a distal open end. The device includes a gas supply connection extending from the proximal end of the handpiece for supplying gas to the cautery tip. The gas supply connection is fluidly coupled to the cautery tip. The device includes an electric supply connection extending from the proximal end of the handpiece for supplying electricity to the cautery tip. The electric supply connection is electrically coupled to the cautery tip. The gas supplied to the cautery tip is introduced to the channel at the proximal open end and exits the tip at the distal open end.

This invention relates to a novel surgical device scalable to small dimensions for thermally-mediated treatments or thermoplasties of targeted tissue volumes. An exemplary embodiment is adapted for fusing, sealing or welding tissue. The instruments and techniques utilize a thermal energy delivery means, for example an electrical energy source, to instantly elevate the temperature of a biocompatible fluid media within an electrically insulated instrument portion. The altered media which may then be a gas is characterized by a (i) a high heat content, and (ii) a high exit velocity from the working end, both of which characteristics are controlled to hydrate tissue and at the same time denature proteins to fuse, seal, weld or cause any other thermally-mediated treatment of an engaged tissue volumewhile causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow the engaged tissue volume. The system can further utilize a piezoelectric material that carried fluid channels to apply compressive forces to the fluid eject the fluid from the working end of make it require less electrical energy to convert it to a gas.

An electrosurgical device is adapted for use through a port and within a body cavity. The device includes a gas supply supplying gas to a distal tip and a valve to regular such supply, and an electric supply for supplying electricity to the distal tip. A pressure relief system is provided to regulate an outflow of gas from within the body cavity to prevent exceeding a predetermined pressure. The inflow of the gas through the valve and outflow of gas through the pressure relief system may occur simultaneously.