An electrosurgical device is disclosed. The electrosurgical device includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The end effector comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode includes a first position and a second position. The second electrode is configured to move from the first position to the second position when a force is applied to the end effector by a tissue section. The first electrode and the second electrode define a treatment area when the second electrode is in the second position.

A surgical cauterizer includes an elongate body member having a tapered distal-end portion terminating at an apex. A cauterizing tip extends from the apex. A hollow passageway is formed in the interior of the elongate body member. Formed in the tapered distal-end portion of the elongate body member is at least one smoke intake port for providing a smoke evacuation pathway between a region proximate the cauterizing tip and the hollow passageway within the elongate body member. A tube connected to an outlet of the hollow passageway may provide a vacuum for evacuating the smoke generated by cauterization. In an embodiment, the elongate body member may include a first and second arms that define a forceps operable between an open position and a closed position.

A clip-over disposable assembly includes a switch assembly and a disposable body. The disposable body includes a first disposable member, a second disposable member including first and second wall portions, and a third disposable member. The first wall portion defines a first aperture therethrough and a first cavity configured to receive therein a first portion of the switch assembly. The third disposable member includes a third wall portion, wherein a body of the second disposable member and the third wall portion define an opening configured to allow a shaft of a hemostat-style surgical instrument to pass therethrough. The second wall portion and the third wall portion cooperatively define a chamber in communication with the opening and configured to receive therein at least a portion of the shaft of the hemostat-style surgical instrument, wherein the at least a portion of the shaft is received in the chamber from an off-axis position.

A guide block introduces electrodes into target tissue and includes an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. The rectilinear bar is malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue.

The invention provides a tissue cutting device comprising a handle, a first blade, and a second blade. The second blade is coupled to the handle. The second blade is rotatable relative to the first blade such that the second blade is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The second blade is in a same plane as the first blade when the second blade is in the first position. The second blade is rotated into a different plane from the first blade when the second blade is rotated from the first position toward the second position.

Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the application of electric energy treatment(s) to skin tissue to alter pigmentation, and in particular to remove a tattoo. These methods and apparatuses may deliver pulsed electrical energy having a pulse duration in submicrosecond pulse range to provide high-field strength pulses that may effectively release tattoo ink and allow removal of tattoo ink regardless of ink color or composition.

A surgical end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members, a knife defining a longitudinal slot, a pivot pin coupling the jaw members to one another, and a drive member including a drive pin that is engaged to the jaw members. The pivot pin and/or the drive pin extends through the longitudinal slot of the knife to couple the knife to the jaw members and/or the drive member. The end effector assembly is transitionable between a use position, wherein the knife and drive member are generally aligned with one another to facilitate releasable engagement of the end effector assembly with a surgical instrument, and a cleaning position, wherein the jaw members, knife, and drive member are fanned apart from one another to facilitate cleaning of the end effector assembly. Methods of disengaging and sterilizing end effector assemblies for reuse are also provided.

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 electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an active electrical connector and a return electrical connector configured to operably engage a distal end of an electrosurgical instrument shaft, the housing encapsulating an elongated return electrode and a pair of insulative tubes configured to house a wire-like active electrode. The elongated return electrode includes a clevis at a distal end thereof and operably engages to the return electrical connector at a proximal end thereof. The wire-like active electrode operably engages at one end to the active electrical connector. A donut-like insulator is operably engaged to the clevis of the elongated return electrode and is configured to support the wire-like active electrode therearound. A tensioning mechanism is configured to operably engage an opposite end of the wire-like electrode and tension the wire-like active electrode about the donut-like insulator during assembly.

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.