An apparatus is configured to operate on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector with an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw is configured to pivot relative to the lower jaw. The apparatus also includes an electrode cap coupled to either the upper or lower jaw. The electrode cap includes a first electrode surface configured at a first polarity and a second electrode surface configured at a second polarity. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. The electrode cap is configured to be applied to tissue such that the electrode cap is operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to the tissue. The electrode cap may be used to selectively weld bleeding tissue in a localized fashion, without having to place the tissue between the jaws, and without having to use an instrument separate from the jaws.

A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a jaw frame fixedly engaged to the first shaft member and a disposable jaw housing releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The disposable jaw housing includes a knife assembly disposed therein. The knife assembly includes a knife blade biased toward an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within the jaw housing. The knife blade is moveable between the initial position and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends at least partially from the jaw housing to cut tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.

A medical device includes a shaft including a lumen configured to direct a flow of fluid through the shaft and an electrode. A proximal end of the electrode and a distal end of the shaft form a coupling configured to releasably couple the proximal end of the electrode with the distal end of the shaft. When the proximal end of the electrode is coupled to the distal end of the shaft, fluid delivered through the lumen is emitted from the electrode.

A method of generating an electric field in a target region of a patient includes inserting a set of electrodes having respective distal ends enclosed within a single elongate introducer shaft having a distal tip, into the vicinity of the target region; extending at least a pair of the electrodes to an extended position such that the electrode distal ends are deflected away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft in such a way that at least one planar projection taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a distance between a pair of distal ends of the electrodes is larger than a maximal extent of a cross-section of the introducer shaft, the cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the a longitudinal axis at a distal end of the introducer shaft; and applying one or more electric pulses to the target tissue through the electrodes.

The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode assembly and an apparatus manufactured by said method. According to the method, an electrically conductive sheet is laminated to an electrically insulative sheet. An electrode is formed on the electrically conductive sheet. An electrically insulative layer is formed on a tissue contacting surface of the electrode. The individual electrodes are separated from the laminated electrically insulative sheet and the electrically conductive sheet. In another method, a flexible circuit is vacuum formed to create a desired profile. The vacuum formed flexible circuit is trimmed. The trimmed vacuum formed flexible circuit is attached to a jaw member of a clamp jaw assembly.

An elongated treatment tool having a treatment portion disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof. The treatment portion includes a first treatment surface having a first electrode and a first insulative surface formed therein. The first electrode is disposed at a center in direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first insulative surface is disposed outwardly with respect to the first electrode. A second treatment surface having a second insulative surface and a second electrode formed therein. The second treatment surface is oriented in facing relationship with respect to the first treatment surface. When the first and second treatment surfaces are held in abutment against one another, the first insulative surface abuts against the second electrode and the second insulative surface and the second insulative surface abuts against the first electrode and the first insulative surface, thereby preventing a short circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

An attachable clamp for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The attachable clamp comprises a body portion, a first jaw member, a second jaw member and an actuation mechanism. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis and has attachment members configured to attach to an elongate portion of a surgical instrument. Each of the first jaw member and second jaw member extends distally from the body portion. The actuation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member. Actuation of the actuation mechanism moves at least one of the first and second jaw members between an approximated position and an open position with respect to the other jaw member.

Aspects of the present disclosure include an attachable power and control system to supply energy to electrodes of a wiping electrode coagulation system of a surgical device. A surgical device includes electrodes at an end of effector to aide in sealing during various surgical procedures. During the procedure, the surgeon may wipe the surgical site with the end effector, causing the electrodes to touch the fractured area. Electrosurgical energy may be applied to the electrodes during the wiping, causing coagulation of smaller vessels. The attachable power and control system may be configured to slide over the shaft of the surgical device. The power and control system also may be configured to supply power to the electrodes and to control when energy is applied to the electrodes, based in part, for example, on measuring a distance or angle of the opening of the jaws at the end effector.

An electrode connectable to a pulse generator is disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals configured to deliver the pulse to a patient, first and second electrical pulse inlet holes, and a first pulse input terminal. The first pulse input terminal is in the first electrical pulse inlet hole and is spaced apart from an entrance to the first electrical pulse inlet hole by more than about 2.5 cm. Also, first pulse input terminal is connected with one or more of the therapeutic terminals. The electrode also includes a second pulse input terminal, where the second pulse input terminal is in the second electrical pulse inlet hole and is spaced apart from an entrance to the second electrical pulse inlet hole by a distance greater than about 2.5 cm. Also, the second pulse input terminal is electrically connected with one or more of the therapeutic terminals.

A method of sealing tissue includes providing an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members includes an interior electrode and one or both of the jaw members includes first and second exterior electrodes disposed on either side of the interior electrode. The method further includes grasping tissue between the first and second jaw members and conducting energy between the interior and exterior electrodes to seal tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members. During tissue sealing, tissue disposed adjacent the exterior electrodes boils faster than tissue disposed adjacent the interior electrodes.