A device for detecting metal with sparking electrosurgical instruments. The device contains a metal detector, which decides, on the basis of the current and voltage delivered to the instrument, whether a spark originating from the instrument contacts biological tissue or a metal part. The component of the current is determined that is inconsistent with a linear equivalent circuit. The elements of the linear equivalent circuit may be determined in a regression calculation. As first decision criterion, the spark characteristic variable F.sub.rel is determined from the current. As second decision criterion, a resistance characteristic variable R is determined, which characterizes the tissue resistance. Both characteristic variables are compared with threshold values. If the tissue resistance falls below the resistance threshold value and the spark characteristic variable exceeds the spark size threshold value, a signal is generated that characterizes the activation of the spark against a metal part.

An electrosurgical generator for supplying radio frequency (RF) power to an electrosurgical instrument that has been introduced to the surgical site for cutting or vaporizing tissue immersed in a saline medium is disclosed.

An electrosurgical apparatus for the treatment, even without contact, of an inner and/or outer tissue is described. The apparatus includes a graspable handpiece and has an end fitted with a single active electrode, a generator system configured to generate a radio frequency electrical signal adapted to bias the active electrode to generate a plasma glow discharge between the active electrode and the tissue when the active electrode is in the proximity of the tissue. The apparatus also includes a stabilizing cable configured to close a circuit with the handpiece and the plasma glow discharge and to allow a return of a part of the current generated in the plasma discharge from the tissue toward the generator system.

An electrosurgical wand is disclosed for treating a plurality of tissues at a variety of tissue locations. The electrosurgical wand includes a handle on a proximal end and an elongate shaft with a combination active electrode at the distal end. The combination active electrode includes with a blade and screen portion; the blade portion extending along and laterally from the wand longitudinal axis, forming a dissecting tip. The screen portion extends from the blade portion at an obtuse angle and has at least one aspiration aperture through it. The wand also includes a second and third electrode, proximally spaced from the combination active electrode. The second electrode spans a portion of an outside surface of the wand adjacent the blade portion, while the third electrode spans a portion of the outside surface of the wand opposite the second electrode.

A surgical fluid management system delivers fluid for distending a uterine cavity to allow cutting and extraction of uterine fibroid tissue, polyps and other abnormal uterine tissue. The system comprises a fluid source, fluid deliver lines, one or more pumps, and a filter for re-circulating the distension fluid between the source and the uterine cavity. A controller can monitor fluid retention by the patient.

A portable electrocauter used especially for electrofulguration, electrodesiccation and electrocoagulation contains a source of energy and an applicator. The electrocauter is provided with the source of DC with the maximal current of 1 mA and voltage between 0.8 to 12 kV. The applicator is provided with precisely aiming finish and the patient is conductively connected with the equipment by disposable grounding electrode while the output of the discharge between the working electrode and the surface of the skin is in the range of 0.3 to 4.0 W.

To achieve a safe transition from the ignition of a plasma in incision mode to the combustion of the plasma during a cutting mode, an electromedical device to supply an instrument with electrical power is equipped with an ignition recognition mechanism formed by a sensor device. This ignition recognition mechanism switches the HF generator provided in the device from an incision operating mode to a cutting operating mode as soon as ignition is recognized. The switching is brought about by the switching of an HF modulation from a low crest factor in the incision operating mode to a high crest factor in the cutting operating mode.

A surgical fluid management system delivers fluid for distending a uterine cavity to allow cutting and extraction of uterine fibroid tissue, polyps and other abnormal uterine tissue. The system comprises a fluid source, fluid deliver lines, one or more pumps, and a filter for re-circulating the distension fluid between the source and the uterine cavity. A controller can monitor fluid retention by the patient.

A tissue cutting device has an outer sleeve with a distal window and an inner cutting sleeve which moves past the window to cut tissue. The inner cutting sleeve has a lumen which may have a larger proximal diameter than distal diameter. A perimeter of the window may comprise a dielectric material. A distal edge of the inner sleeve may be displaced inwardly.

A multifunctional medical device, apparatus or system that is capable of perforating a surgical procedure or operation and also capable of attracting, collecting, removing or reducing debris generated by the surgical procedure or operation, on a subject. The apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, two of which are configured to be in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, attract, collect, and remove or reduce debris. At least one of the electrodes is also configured to be part of a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation such as tissue cutting, cauterization tissue sealing or coagulating at a surgical site on the subject.