An effector includes a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end. The effector holds a plug or closure at the distal end of the tubular body; an active electrode at the distal end of the body; an insulator on the body; and one or more return electrodes on the insulator. The body dissipates heat generated by the one or more return electrodes from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body.

The plasma sensor monitors parameters characterizing the condition of the plasma during the treatment phase and/or the change thereof in order to recognize a prefiguring or already occurred interruption of the plasma in this manner and to avoid this interruption and, in the ideal case, avoid this by already changing the voltage form previously. The mentioned mechanisms can be used by the control device (22) also during a pulse packet. The length of each pulse packet is adapted at each change of the voltage form according to their characteristics in order to guarantee a constant average power.

Methods and systems for detecting undesirable electrocautery arcing events during an electrocautery surgical procedure may include introducing an electrosurgical treatment instrument to a surgical site to perform an electrocautery surgical procedure. A healthcare provider may view the surgical site with a surgical camera assembly having a surgical field-of-view. The healthcare provider also may view a portion of the electrosurgical treatment instrument with an electrocautery arc detection system including an arc detection camera having an arc detection field-of-view different than the surgical field-of-view obtained by the surgical camera. The electrocautery arc detection system may identify thermal infrared emission or tissue color changes as indicators of undesirable electrocautery arcing. Some implementations alert a healthcare provider of undesirable electrocautery arcing.

A surgical instrument with a rotatable and articulatable end effector. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are movable between an open position and a closed position by an axially movable drive member. The end effector is coupled to an elongate shaft such that the end effector is rotatable relative to the shaft about a shaft axis when the drive member is rotated. A releasable lock system is provided to selectively lock the end effector in a desired rotary position.

Cable connection systems allow for an electrosurgical return electrode to be simultaneously connected to multiple ESUs. The cable connection systems can include individual return cables for simultaneous connection to each of the ESUs. The cable connection system can also include a junction that joins, connects, or associates the return cables in a manner that allows for the multiple ESU cables to be electrically connected to the return electrode at a single connection point on the return electrode.

An electrosurgical return electrode configured for operable association with a transponder detection unit. The return electrode includes a conductive element having an aperture array configured to allow passage of a magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic interrogation signal from the transponder detection unit through the conductive element and through the return electrode. The return electrode is positionable over a transponder detection unit such that the return electrode may be placed upon the transponder detection unit and a patient may be positioned upon the return electrode. The return electrode enables the detection of a transponder located on, within, and/or near the patient without the need for repositioning the patient relative to the return electrode and without the need for positioning an ancillary transponder reader or transmitter above the patient.

An electrosurgical return electrode configured for operable association with a transponder detection unit. The return electrode includes a conductive element having an aperture array configured to allow passage of a magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic interrogation signal from the transponder detection unit through the conductive element and through the return electrode. The return electrode is positionable over a transponder detection unit such that the return electrode may be placed upon the transponder detection unit and a patient may be positioned upon the return electrode. The return electrode enables the detection of a transponder located on, within, and/or near the patient without the need for repositioning the patient relative to the return electrode and without the need for positioning an ancillary transponder reader or transmitter above the patient.

A bipolar sphincterotome may include an elongate tubular member, a cutting wire, and a return path. The return path may include a conductive ink portion disposed on an outer surface at a distal portion of the tubular member. The return path may also include a return wire disposed within the tubular member that is electrically coupled to the conductive ink portion. In some example embodiments, the return wire may be disposed within a lumen configured to have two or more functions, one of which being to house the return wire. Additionally, in some example embodiments, the conductive ink portion may be circumferentially disposed on the outer surface to provide visual access to a wire guide lumen. Also, for some example embodiments, the bipolar sphincterotome may include two electrically isolated return paths.

A bipolar sphincterotome may include an elongate tubular member, a cutting wire, and a return path. The return path may include a conductive ink portion disposed on an outer surface at a distal portion of the tubular member. The return path may also include a return wire disposed within the tubular member that is electrically coupled to the conductive ink portion. In some example embodiments, the return wire may be disposed within a lumen configured to have two or more functions, one of which being to house the return wire. Additionally, in some example embodiments, the conductive ink portion may be circumferentially disposed on the outer surface to provide visual access to a wire guide lumen. Also, for some example embodiments, the bipolar sphincterotome may include two electrically isolated return paths.

Systems and methods for monitoring return patch impedances are provided. A tissue therapy system includes a catheter comprising at least one electrode, the catheter implantable in a patient, a first return patch electrode configured to be applied to skin of the patient, a second return patch electrode configured to be applied to the skin of the patient, and an impedance measuring circuit lectrically coupled to the at least one catheter electrode, the first return patch electrode, and the second return patch electrode. The impedance measuring circuit is configured to drive currents between the at least one catheter electrode, the first return patch electrode, and the second return patch electrode, detect, using a voltage at the at least one catheter electrode as a reference voltage, voltages generated in response to the driven currents, and measure impedances based on the driven currents and the detected voltages.