A vitreous enamel coating for an electrosurgical metal cutting blade, in which incident light striking the vitreous enamel coating is diffusely reflected or absorbed, and the vitreous enamel coating exhibits a 60 gloss value less than 100 gloss units as measured according to ASTM D523-14, Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss. The coating reduces glare from light sources such as a nearby plasma-mediated discharge, operating theater lights or lights provided on an electrosurgery apparatus. The coating may also lessen interference with markers, sensors or other instruments designed to measure light emitted by or passing through nearby tissue such as by transillumination.

A vitreous enamel coating for an electrosurgical metal cutting blade, the coating having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially near the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal cutting blade. Selection of materials having similar coefficients of thermal expansion results in an electrosurgical cutting blade with an improved insulating layer, substantially improved durability, or both.

Catheters are presented herein having planar end effectors of various configurations, generally providing a two-sided and multi-layered platform for electrodes and sensors. In some examples, the end effector has a support frame (e.g. nitinol) between a pair of flexible circuits. The end effector can also include a polymer (e.g. silicone, LCP, etc.) between the flexible circuits and encapsulating the support frame. This platform facilitates positioning of electrodes on either side (including both sides) of the end effector in a variety of spacings and facilitates ultra-tight electrode spacing and/or a large area electrode. Sensors (ultrasound transducers, navigation coils, etc.) can be layered within the end effector between outer surfaces of the flexible circuits in a variety of configurations.

Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; an inflatable, coated or conditioned tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel.

Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat.

Devices and methods for performing subcutaneous surgery in a minimally invasive manner are provided. The methods include application of reduced air pressure in a recessed area of a handpiece placed over a section of skin and drawing the section of skin and subcutaneous tissue into the recessed area. In a subsequent step a tool is inserted through a tool conduit in the handpiece and through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue, enabling the performance of the desired surgery. Common surgical procedures include dissection and ablation. The devices and methods can be directed at the treatment of skin conditions like atrophic scars, wrinkles, or other cosmetic issues, at treatments like or promoting wound healing or preventing hyperhidrosis, or can be used for creating space for various implants.

A device for treating a tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the capsule releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device and clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel of the capsule so that the clip arms are movable between an open configuration, and a closed configuration. A core member is coupled to the clip alms, the core member including a proximal portion and a distal portion releasably connected to one another so that, when the core member is subjected to a predetermined load, the proximal and distal portions are separated from one another. An electrically conductive control member is connected to the core member, a proximal end of the connected member connected to a power source for delivering an electrical current to the clip arms.

Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; an inflatable, coated or conditioned tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel.

A colored (viz., not black) vitreous enamel coating for an electrosurgical metal cutting blade provides heat-resistant, durable blade coloration and facilitates differentiation or discrimination between, or identification of, different blades. Different colors may be employed on different blade shapes in an array of blades, on blades used for different surgical procedures, or on blades used on different tissue types. The color may be applied to a portion of a blade to denote an edge or other feature. The color may preferentially absorb the primarily blue-trued light emitted by an electrosurgery plasma and preferentially reflect light of other hues; make the blade more visible against surrounding tissues; or discourage reflection of visible or other light (e.g., infrared radiation) in colors that might interfere with markers, sensors or other instruments designed to measure light emitted by or passing through nearby tissue such as by transillumination.

Lysing surgical instruments and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the instrument may comprise a lysing tip comprising a plurality of beads and at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending between each pair of adjacent beads or between a tip of the instrument and an adjacent bead. Some embodiments may comprise rearward-facing lysing segments to facilitate retrograde lysing movement through patient tissue.