An electrosurgical instrument which is capable of simultaneously ablating an area of tissue with microwave energy and performing resection with RF energy. The instrument comprises a structure for conveying both RF and microwave energy to an instrument tip that is configured to emit the microwave energy in a manner suitable for ablation (e.g. as a substantially spherical field) and to emit the RF energy in a more focussed manner to enable accurate and controllable resection to be performed. The energy conveying structure comprises a coaxial transmission line for conveying microwave energy. The coaxial transmission line has a hollow inner conductor that defines a passage that supports a second transmission line for conveying radiofrequency energy.

A gas removal apparatus and a method for removing gas bubbles from at least a part of a medical device disposed in an interior chamber of a gas removal apparatus. The gas removal apparatus includes an interior chamber, a filling surface, a first opening arranged at an end of the filling surface and that provides a first path into the interior chamber, and a second opening that provides a second path into the interior chamber. When the apparatus is arranged in a liquid receiving position, at least a portion of the at least the part of the medical device is disposed above an uppermost surface of liquid in the interior chamber, and when the apparatus is arranged in another position different from the liquid receiving position, the entirety of the at least the part of the medical device is disposed below an uppermost surface of liquid in the interior chamber.

Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods for detecting that an electrosurgical wand is effected by a blockage, including supplying a high frequency energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand; drawing an electrically conductive fluid from the vicinity of the active electrode; sensing a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode; and cycling the high frequency energy supplied upon the temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode exceeding a first threshold temperature.

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for removing a vascular obstruction in a subject using a combination of thrombolytic and laser ablation therapy. Treatment methods include positioning a catheter adjacent to an obstruction within a vessel of a subject. A portion of the obstruction may be ablated by delivering laser energy through the optical fibers to the distal end of the catheter, where the optical fibers are exposed, and circulating a fluid containing one or more thrombolytic agents to a remaining portion of the obstruction for a predetermined amount time. Fluid containing one or more thrombolytic agents capable of dissolving a remaining portion of the obstruction may be circulated through the fluid delivery lumen and removed through the fluid removal lumen.

Minimally invasive methods and devices for endoluminally treating female fallopian tubes or male vas deferens of mammals are presented as a permanent method of contraception. In preferred embodiments, medical devices for male and female sterilization comprise laser radiation source operating at one or more preselected wavelengths between about 980 nm and about 1950 nm, preferably at least one of 980 nm, 1470 nm and 1950 nm; treatment waveguide with a radial or cylindrical radiation emitting tip; viewing scope; and a temperature sensor. In another preferred embodiment, a minimally-invasive permanent contraception method for males and females comprises the steps of introducing at least one treatment waveguide in a body cavity; positioning the treatment waveguide inside a body cavity; irradiating; and repeating the procedure in companion body cavity to inhibit fertilization. In another embodiment, fluids are infused and/or extracted after, before or during the procedure to enhance laser energy absorption and enhance efficiency of laser treatment.

Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for a bipolar medical instrument. In one aspect, the medical instrument includes a first end effector, a first set of one or more distal pulleys coupled to the first end effector, and a wrist configured to house the first set of distal pulleys. The medical instrument also includes a plurality of cables extending through the wrist and a first insulating member formed between the first end effector and the first set of one or more distal pulleys.

A dismantlable medical instrument including first, second and third components, a first bayonet connection for releasable mechanical connection of the third and second components, and a second bayonet connection for releasable mechanical connection of the third and first components. In a first predetermined position of the third component relative to the second component, the third component is not connected to the second component. In a second predetermined position of the third component relative to the second component, the third component is mechanically connected to the second component by the first bayonet connection, and the second and third components are not connected to the first component. In a third predetermined position of the third component relative to the second and first components, the third component is mechanically rigidly connected to the second component by the first bayonet connection and to the first component by the second bayonet connection.

The invention provides an apparatus for the generation and administration of a micro-nanobubble solution to a tissue, a method for the treatment of a tissue with a solution of micro-nanobubbles, and a kit for the treatment of tissue with micro-nanobubbles.

Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods for detecting that an electrosurgical wand is effected by a blockage, including supplying a high frequency energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand; drawing an electrically conductive fluid from the vicinity of the active electrode; sensing a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode; and cycling the high frequency energy supplied upon the temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode exceeding a first threshold temperature.