An electrosurgical device comprising: forceps including: (i) a first working arm having a contact surface and (ii) a second working arm having a contact surface; wherein the forceps has a first electrical configuration where the contact surface of the first working arm and the contact surface of the second working arm are substantially opposite each other so that the contact surfaces of the forceps can be used to grip an item between the working arms and so that the forceps is configured to deliver a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both; and wherein the forceps has second electrical configuration where the contact surface of the first working arm and the contact surface of the second working arm are askew relative to each other and an electrode edge is formed on at least one side of the forceps so that a second therapy current extends from the electrode edge.

Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system includes a knife blade configured to cut tissue and a knife tube coupled to the knife blade and configured to translate to move the knife blade for cutting tissue. The surgical instrument also includes a gearbox assembly coupleable to a robotic surgical system and configured to translate the knife tube to move the knife blade for cutting tissue and a knife blade lock operably coupled to the gearbox assembly. The knife blade lock is movable from a locked position wherein the knife blade lock prevents translation of the knife tube to an unlocked position in response to coupling of the gearbox assembly to the robotic surgical system wherein the knife tube is permitted to translate to move the knife blade for cutting tissue.

Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which movement of a tool is controlled based on sensed parameters. In one embodiment, an electromechanical tool is provided having an instrument shaft and an end effector formed thereon. The electromechanical tool is configured to be mounted on an electromechanical arm, and the electromechanical tool is configured to move with or relative to the electromechanical arm and perform surgical functions. A controller is operatively coupled to the electromechanical arm and the electromechanical tool and is configured to retard advancement of the electromechanical tool toward a tissue surface based on a sensed amount of displacement of a tissue surface, a strain on the tissue of the patient, the temperature of the electromechanical tool, or the like.

A robotic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an end effector comprising a first end effector element with a first surface and a second end effector element with a second surface configured to interface with the first surface; and an articulation connecting the end effector to the shaft, the articulation permitting the first end effector element to rotate about a first axis and the second end effector element to rotate about a second axis, the first and second axes being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; wherein, when the end effector is aligned with the shaft and the first and second surfaces are interfaced, the orientation of the first surface, relative to the first axis, is greater than zero degrees.

A surgical instrument includes a movable handle movable relative a housing to manipulate an end effector assembly, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch arm including a latch post, and a latch track defining an entry path, a latching path, a saddle, an un-latching path, and a return path. The latch post moves through the entry path, the latching path, and into the saddle upon movement of the movable handle from an un-actuated position to an over-actuated position and back to an actuated position to lock the movable handle. The latch post moves from the saddle through the un-latching path and the return path upon movement of the movable handle from actuated position to the over-actuated position and back to the un-actuated position. The return path includes a ramped surface configured to inhibit reverse travel of the latch post into the return path.

A jaw member for an end effector assembly of a vessel sealing instrument includes a seal plate assembly having first and second seal plates joined atop one another, the second seal plate defining a channel extending from a proximal to a distal end thereof. A thermal cutter assembly includes a substrate disposed within the channel which extends from the proximal to the distal end of the second seal plate. An insulator is disposed atop the substrate and is configured to extend therealong. A resistive element is disposed atop the insulator and is configured to generate heat upon activation thereof. An encapsulant is configured to electrically insulate the resistive element and thermally conduct heat from the resistive element, such that, upon activation thereof, tissue disposed within the end effector assembly is cut along the resistive element.

The grasping treatment instrument includes a jaw including first and second rims and a recess with a bottom surface, and a grasping member with a ridge. When the grasping member is positioned at a first position, a component of the ridge between a second rotary axis and a distal end of the ridge protrudes to the opposite side from the bottom surface of the recess with respect to the first and second rims. When the grasping member is positioned at a second position, a component of the ridge between the second rotary axis and a proximal end of the ridge protrudes to the opposite side from the bottom surface of the recess with respect to the first and second rims.

Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.