Endoscopic Concepts, Inc.

Jeffrey A Wilson

John K Danks

Jim Young

A novel, monopolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with one active and one non-active end effector. Current is passed through a conductive portion of one effector into tissue of a patient. The active blade may be partially or totally conductive. The non-active blade may be utilized to shield current from the active electrode effector.

Monopolar electrosurgical end effectors

A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with two end effectors. Current is passed through the second end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the first end effector. The first and second end effectors allow the current to travel along exposed conductive strips which are spaced apart cutting surfaces by a gap of preferably approximately 0.020-0.040 inches when the first and second blade supports are brought into contact with tissue. Current flows between the exposed metal strip on the first blade and the exposed metal strip on the second blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades. The first and second end effectors may be partially insulated to direct current between the conductive strips, and both may have gaps at their respective surfaces.

Bipolar electrosurgical end effectors

A method and apparatus for ligating tissue is disclosed. The applicator utilizes a jaw portion having jaw members with jaw faces to grasp tissue and operating portions to apply a surgical clip. In a presently preferred embodiment, the surgical clip utilized is a self-closing clip. Operating faces in the operating portion of the jaw members separate the clip from the tissue prior to clip installation. The applicator has a channel in the operating portion for user viewing which also may allow for lateral displacement of a clip external to the jaw faces.

Surgical clip applicator

A trocar is formed from a cannula and an interfitting obturator for penetrating body cavity walls in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The obturator is provided with an improved piercing tip having a pointed blade with an improved sheath mounting and shield design. Hydrophilic coatings or components are also employed on the shield and cannula to facilitate quicker shield action covering the pointed blade and ease of entry of the cannula tube through the body cavity wall. The sheath and obturator handle and housing assembly may be fabricated as a single plastic piece.

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Mendon, MA, United States of America

Jeffrey A Wilson