A nerve mapping system includes an elongate medical device, a non-invasive mechanical sensor, and a processor. The elongate medical device includes a distal end portion configured to explore an intracorporeal treatment area of a subject, and the distal end portion includes an electrode. The non-invasive mechanical sensor is configured to provide a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a monitored mechanical response of a muscle innervated by the nerve. The processor is in communication with the electrode and the sensor, and is configured to provide a plurality of electrical stimuli to the electrode. Each of the plurality of stimuli is provided when the electrode is located at a different position within the intracorporeal treatment area. The processor determines the likelihood of a nerve existing at a particular point using the magnitudes of each of the stimuli and the detected response of the muscle.

A current supply arrangement (22) is used for electrical supply of two electrodes (18, 19), as well as for mechanical force transmission in a thermofusion instrument. Due to the configuration of the two electrical conductors (23, 28) as upright arranged flat parts and the force concerned coupling thereof in an interlocking section (32), the electrical conductors (23, 28) can be used as mechanical stiffening elements, whereby a filigree, gap-free, easily and reliably sterilizable configuration is achieved. The current supply of the instrument (10) is provided via one single cable (20) only, which is provided only on one of the two jaws (11, 12).

An electrosurgical medical device can include a first jaw, a second jaw, a heating element, and a heat sink. The heating element can be heated for cutting or sealing tissue. The heat sink and the heating element can move relative to each other. Such relative movement can be between a first state that dissipates heat from the heating element and a second state that allows the heating element to heat. Such relative movement can be actuated during closing of the jaws. For example, a displacement actuator on the first jaw can push the heat sink away from the heating element when the jaws are being closed, thereby moving the heating element and the heat sink from a first (heat sinking) state to a second (non-heat sinking) state. Heat in the heating element can dissipate through the heat sink in the first state for rapid cooling of the heating element.

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for applying pulsed or modulated electric fields to tissue. In some variations, a device may comprise a first elongate body comprising a lumen, a second elongate body at least partially positioned within the lumen, and an expandable member rolled about the second elongate body. The expandable member may comprise an inner end coupled to the second elongate body, an outer end coupled to the first elongate body, and an electrode array.

An end effector assembly of a surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic blade. A jaw member is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position. The jaw member includes a structural body. The structural body defines a first side facing the ultrasonic blade and a second side facing away from the ultrasonic blade. A jaw liner is engaged with the first side of the structural body such that the jaw liner contacts the ultrasonic blade when the jaw member is in the approximated position. An electrode is engaged with the second side of the structural body. The electrode is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The electrode defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the electrode is in contact with the structural body and the second portion of the electrode tapers to a pointed edge.

An effector having a support frame with one or more corrugated struts is presented herein. Corrugation of a strut increases lateral stiffness of the strut and decreases axial bending stiffness of the strut compared to a linear, non-corrugated strut of similar thickness. Geometry of corrugations can be selected to provide conformal contact of the end effector to tissue while maintaining a desired spatial relationship between electrodes of the end effector. The geometry that can be selected can include amplitude of undulations, wavelength of undulations, and placement of a particular geometry within the end effector.

A medical system may comprise a flexible elongated tool in which a lumen extends. The lumen may be defined by an inner wall of the elongated tool. The medical system may also comprise a flexible stylet configured to extend within the lumen and contact the inner wall of the elongated tool at a plurality of points. Energy conducted through the stylet may be transmitted at the plurality of points to the elongated tool.

Ablation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an insertion tube, an ablation electrode disposed at a distal end of the tube, a conducting element, and a sensor. The conducting element conducts an ablating current from a proximal end of the tube to the ablation electrode, and the sensor measures an amplitude of the ablating current at the distal end of the tube. Other embodiments are also described.

A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided.

A device and method for cutting or ablating tissue in a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate probe having a distal end, a tissue cutting or ablating apparatus located adjacent within the distal end, and a tissue protector extending from the distal end. The protector generally has a first side and a second side and the tissue cutting or ablating apparatus is located adjacent to the first side thereof. The distal end is structured to be advanceable into tissue or otherwise placed and positioned within the patient's body such that tissue adjacent to the first side of the protector is cut away or ablated by the tissue cutting or ablation apparatus while tissue that is adjacent to the second side of the protector is not substantially damaged by the tissue cutting or ablating apparatus.