Minimally invasive intact recovery of tissue

Claim 2

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume of given peripheral extent, comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel at said forward region, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed pursing cable assembly energizable to define an electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion, and including at least one tensionable cable extending from said pursing cable assembly into said inner channel, said leading edge of said forward portion being extendable from said delivery cannula laterally outwardly and forwardly toward an outer peripheral dimension having a predetermined diametric extent effective to provide a circumspective positioning about said tissue volume peripheral extent and subsequently extendable while being drawn in contraction toward said axis by stress at said pursing cable assembly to a capture orientation enveloping said tissue volume; a housing assembly having forward and rearward portions and coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a drive assembly extending from driving engagement with said capture component to a driven engagement portion at said housing assembly and drivably movable along said axis from a start orientation to a capture position corresponding with said capture orientation; and an actuator and control assembly drivably engageable with said drive assembly to effect said movement thereof, responsive to control said drive assembly movement in correspondence with said stress exhibited by said cable and including a terminal assembly for effecting said energization of said pursing cable assembly.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said actuator and control assembly comprises a cable terminator component coupled with said cable and a cable stop member engageable therewith, said cable terminator component being drivably movable by said cable along said axis in correspondence with said drive assembly movement, from an initial position into engagement with said cable stop member to define said capture component forward portion leading edge peripheral dimension of predetermined diametric extent and to effect said subsequent contraction thereof by said pursing cable assembly.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a drive stop assembly engageable with said drive assembly driven engagement portion and positioned to limit said movement along said axis beyond said capture position.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 including a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end and having a tissue encountering and severing portion generally extending normally to said longitudinal axis and configured to facilitate the said positioning of said distal end in said confronting adjacency with said tissue volume.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 4 including an arc isolating and electrically insulative member mounted at said delivery cannula distal end rearwardly of said precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly tissue encountering and severing portion.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 4 in which said tissue encountering and severing portion has an effective length less than but corresponding with said capture component predetermined diametric extent.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 4 in which said precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly tissue encountering and severing portion is configured as four discrete severing portions arranged generally in quadrature about said longitudinal axis.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an elongate support member extending within said delivery cannula along said longitudinal axis from said forward region into said housing assembly and secured thereto adjacent said rearward portion, and said drive assembly is positioned over said support member and includes a drive member located within said housing assembly, and engageable with said actuator and control assembly to move from said start orientation along a capture region to a said capture position and including a positioning component configured for slidable engagement with portions of said housing assembly.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 8 comprising a drive stop assembly abuttably engageable with said drive member and positioned to limit said movement along said axis beyond said capture position.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 8 in which said drive assembly comprises a latch assembly mounted within said housing assembly within said capture region and engageable with said drive member to limit a movement thereof along said longitudinal axis toward said rearward portion to a return position located forwardly from said start orientation.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 8 in which said drive assembly drive member positioning component extends outwardly from said housing assembly portions to an extent wherein it is abuttably engageable in driven relationship with said actuator and control assembly.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 11 in which said positioning component is configured for hand grasping to carry out movement of said drive member from a said capture position toward said start orientation.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 8 in which said actuator and control assembly comprises: a cable terminator component mounted for movement upon said support member and coupled with said cable; a cable stop member fixed to said support member at a predetermined stop position and abuttably engageable with said cable terminator component; and said cable terminator component being drivably moveable by said cable from an initial position along said axis into engagement with said cable stop member at said stop position to define said capture component forward portion leading edge peripheral dimension of predetermined diametric extent.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 13 comprising a drive stop assembly abuttably engageable with said drive member and positioned to limit said movement along said axis beyond said capture position.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 13 in which: said actuator and control assembly terminal assembly includes an electrical contact assembly mounted within said housing assembly and coupled in electrical communication with said capture component cable.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 15 in which: said delivery cannula, said capture component, said support member, said drive assembly, said cable terminator component, said cable stop member and said electrical contact assembly are combined in operational association with a support housing configured for operative association with a housing component of said housing assembly to provide a discrete removable component of said apparatus.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 1 in which: said capture component forward portion comprises: a plurality of discrete cage defining leafs, each having a tip portion and a width and thickness between sides which are generally parallel with said longitudinal axis, a guidance assembly fixed to said delivery cannula at said forward region and configured to effect deployment of said leafs into tissue at a predetermined angle of attack, and said leaf thickness is of an extent effecting formation of a generally curvilinear cage periphery when said capture component forward portion is subsequently extended while being drawn in contraction toward said axis.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 17 in which: each said leaf is formed of metal; and each said leaf includes an electrically insulative coating having a thickness in a range of about 0.00025 inch to about 0.005 inch.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 17 in which: each said leaf is formed of metal; and each said leaf includes an electrically insulative coating having a thickness in a range of about 0.0005 inch to about 0.0025 inch.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 17 in which: said leaf width is of an extent effective to provide extensional cage defining stable movement of said leafs through said guidance assembly along said plane extending through said longitudinal axis.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 17 in which: said tip portions of said leafs incorporate apertures dimensioned to receive said flexible pursing cable assembly in slideable relationship; said pursing cable assembly is comprised of a number of discrete cables, each passing through a predetermined number of said apertures and having a forward end fixed to the tip portion of a said leaf; and the said number of discrete cables is selected with respect to the number of said leafs to derive the shape of said curvilinear cage periphery.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 21 in which each said leaf having a said aperture through which a said discrete cable initially extends includes a cable guide fixed to said leaf and into which said discrete cable extends.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 22 in which said cable guide comprises a flexible polymeric tube.

Claim 25

The apparatus of claim 22 in which said capture component comprises five said leafs and five said discrete cables.

Claim 26

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said delivery cannula includes an evacuation channel connectable with a vacuum source and extending from said proximal end portion to at least one suction port at said forward region, and including an outwardly extending continuous steam migration block surrounding said cannula adjacent said port.

Claim 27

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume of given peripheral extent, comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed electrically conducting electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion and being extendible toward an outer peripheral dimension effective for the circumscriptive engagement of said tissue volume peripheral extent when moved along said longitudinal axis to egress from said delivery cannula: a housing assembly having forward and rearward portions and coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a drive assembly including a drive component extending from driving engagement with said capture component within said delivery cannula interior channel into said housing and having a drive member with a driven surface fixed to said drive component in driving relationship, said drive member being movable along said axis from a start orientation to a capture position; an actuator assembly within said housing including an elongate rotational translation component located in generally parallel relationship with said drive assembly, fixed for rotation at said housing forward portion and extending rearwardly therefrom to a self-aligning coupling assembly having a forward driving connection portion coupled therewith and an rearward driven connection portion, a motor assembly having a rotational drive output coupled in driving relationship with said coupling assembly rearward driven connection portion, said motor assembly being mounted in self-aligning confinement within said housing assembly, having non-rotational freedom of movement extending from said coupling assembly and being actuable to drive said translation component from said coupling assembly; a transfer assembly mounted in driven relationship with said rotational translation component having a home position in association therewith and having an engaging portion engagable in driving relationship with said drive member driven surface to effect movement of said drive member along said axis when said motor assembly is actuated; and a terminal assembly responsive to an applied control input for effecting the application of electrosurgical cutting current to said capture component leading edge portion.

Claim 28

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume of given peripheral extent, comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed electrically conducting electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion and being extendible toward an outer peripheral dimension effective for the circumscriptive engagement of said tissue volume peripheral extent when moved along said longitudinal axis to egress from said delivery cannula: a housing assembly having forward and rearward portions and coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a drive assembly including a drive component extending from driving engagement with said capture component within said delivery cannula interior channel into said housing and having a drive member with a driven surface fixed to said drive component in driving relationship, said drive member being movable along said axis from a start orientation to a capture position; an actuator assembly within said housing including an elongate rotational translation component located in generally parallel relationship with said drive assembly, fixed for rotation at said housing forward portion and extending rearwardly therefrom to a self-aligning coupling assembly having a forward driving connection portion coupled therewith and an rearward driven connection portion, a motor assembly having a rotational drive output coupled in driving relationship with said coupling assembly rearward driven connection portion, said motor assembly being mounted in self-aligning confinement within said housing assembly, having non-rotational freedom of movement extending from said coupling assembly and being actuable to drive said translation component from said coupling assembly; a transfer assembly mounted in driven relationship with said rotational translation component having a home position in association therewith and having an engaging portion engagable in driving relationship with said drive member driven surface to effect movement of said drive member along said axis when said motor assembly is actuated; and a terminal assembly responsive to an applied control input for effecting the application of electrosurgical cutting current to said capture component leading edge portion.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 26 in which said transfer assembly engaging portion is configured for freely abutting contact with said drive assembly drive member driven surface.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 26 in which: said transfer assembly is movable by said translation component from a home position toward said housing forward portion when said motor assembly is actuated, said movement being carried out until said drive member arrives at a capture completing location along said longitudinal axis effecting a forward stall condition of said motor assembly.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 28 in which: said motor assembly is responsive to reverse its rotational drive output in the presence of said forward stall condition to effect the return of said transfer assembly to said home position by said translation component.

Claim 32

The apparatus of claim 29 further comprising a drive stop assembly engageable with said drive member at a location forwardly beyond said capture position to limit said movement along said axis.

Claim 33

The apparatus of claim 29 in which: said motor assembly is responsive to terminate its rotational drive output in the presence of a reverse stall condition.

Claim 34

The apparatus of claim 26 in which said coupling assembly of said actuator assembly comprises: a coupling chamber within said housing; a coupler extending through said coupling chamber and connected between said rotational translation component and said motor assembly rotational drive output; and a fluid seal surmounting said coupler within said coupling chamber.

Claim 35

The apparatus of claim 26 in which said coupling assembly comprises a torsionally rigid and axially flexible coupler connected between said rotational translation component and said motor assembly rotational drive output.

Claim 36

The apparatus of claim 33 in which said coupler is configured as a bellows.

Claim 37

The apparatus of claim 33 in which said coupler is a U-joint coupling.

Claim 38

The apparatus of claim 26 in which said coupler is an elastomeric tube.

Claim 39

The apparatus of claim 33 in which said rotational translation component is configured with helical threads and is rotatably coupled in stress transfer relationship with said housing forward portion through a thrust bearing.

Claim 40

The apparatus of claim 26 in which: said delivery cannula, said capture component, said drive assembly and an electrical contact assembly component of said terminal assembly coupled electrically with said capture component leading edge portion are combined in operational association with a support housing configured for operative association with a housing component of said housing assembly to provide a discrete removable component of said apparatus; and said housing incorporates a receiving region extending rearwardly from said housing forward portion and configured for receiving said support housing in an operational association wherein, when said support housing is installed at said receiving region, said electrical contact assembly is in electrical communication with said terminal assembly, and said transfer assembly is at said home position and oriented for engagement with said drive member driven surface.

Claim 41

The apparatus of claim 38 in which: said drive assembly includes an elongate support member extending within said delivery cannula interior channel along said longitudinal axis into said support housing; said drive component and said drive member are mounted for movement along said support member; and said drive member driven surface extends outwardly from said support housing and is configured for manual grasping and movement toward said start orientation from said capture position.

Claim 42

The apparatus of claim 39 in which said drive assembly includes a latch assembly mounted within said support housing forwardly from said drive member start orientation to limit rearward movement thereof.

Claim 45

The system of claim 41 in which: said control assembly is responsive to provide said reverse input to said motor when said motor load characteristic corresponds with the presence of said drive member at said capture position.

Claim 46

The system of claim 42 in which said control assembly is responsive to terminate said reverse input when said motor load characteristic corresponds with said transfer assembly reaching said home position.

Claim 47

The system of claim 43 in which said transfer assembly engaging portion is engageable in freely abuttable driving relationship with said drive member driven surface and releases from said engagement in the presence of said reverse input to said motor when said motor load characteristic corresponds with the presence of said drive member at said capture position.

Claim 48

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly is responsive to a start procedure input occurring prior to said capture input to provide said reverse input to said motor and subsequently is responsive to terminate said reverse input when said motor load characteristic corresponds with the presence of said transfer assembly at said home position.

Claim 49

The system of claim 45 in which said control assembly is responsive at the said termination of said reverse input when said motor load characteristic corresponds with the presence of said transfer assembly at said home position to provide said forward input to said motor for an interval effective to reduce stress at said motor and said transition component.

Claim 50

The system of claim 41 further comprising: a drive stop assembly engageable with said drive member at a location forwardly beyond said capture position to terminate said movement along said axis; and said control assembly is responsive to a forward stall said motor load characteristic when said drive member engages said drive stop assembly to terminate said forward input to said motor.

Claim 51

The system of claim 41 in which: said transfer assembly engaging portion is spaced from said drive member driven surface a preliminary drive distance when said drive member is at said start orientation and said transfer assembly is at said home position; and said control assembly is responsive to said capture input to provide a test said forward input to said motor for a predetermined test interval occurring prior to said provision of said energize input to said electrosurgical generator is responsive to halt said procedure when said motor load characteristic exceeds a predetermined low load threshold value.

Claim 52

The system of claim 48 in which said control assembly is responsive to a said load characteristic corresponding with a driving engagement of said transfer assembly engaging portion with said drive member driven surface to terminate the test said forward input to said motor.

Claim 53

The system of claim 41 in which: said electrosurgical generator is responsive to a boost said energize input to provide said electrosurgical cutting energy at an arc initiating boost said voltage level effective to initiate an arc when said electrosurgical cutting leading edge is in contact with tissue; and said control assembly is responsive to said capture input to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator as a boost energize input for a boost interval.

Claim 54

The system of claim 41 comprising: a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly having a precursor input, supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end and having a tissue encountering and severing portion generally extending normally to said longitudinal axis and energizable with said cutting energy to facilitate the positioning of said distal end in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; said electrosurgical generator is responsive to a boost said energize input to provide said electrosurgical cutting energy at an arc initiating boost voltage level effective to initiate an arc when said tissue encountering and severing portion is in contact with tissue; and said control assembly is responsive to a position input to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator and effect application of said electrosurgical energy to said precursor input at said boost voltage level for a boost interval.

Claim 55

The system of claim 41 in which: said electrosurgical generator is responsive to a cut said energize input to provide said electrosurgical cuffing energy at a cut said voltage level and is responsive to a boost said energize input to provide said electrosurgical cutting energy at a boost said voltage level greater than said cut voltage level; and said control assembly is responsive to said capture input to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator as a boost energize input for a boost start-up interval and to provide said energize input as a cut energize input at the termination of said boost interval.

Claim 56

The system of claim 52 comprising: a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly having a precursor input, supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end and having a tissue encountering and severing portion generally extending normally to said longitudinal axis and energizable with said cutting energy to facilitate the positioning of said distal end in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; and said control assembly is responsive to a position input to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator and effect application of said electrosurgical cutting energy to said precursor input as a boost energize input for a boost interval and to provide said energize input as a cut energize input at the termination of said boost interval.

Claim 57

The system of claim 41 including: a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly having a precursor input, supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end and having a tissue encountering and severing portion extending normally to said longitudinal axis and outwardly from said outer surface a distance selected in correspondence with said capture component outer periphery and located for circuit completing contacting engagement with said capture component pursing cable assembly when said containment structure is extended from said forward region of said delivery cannula; and said control assembly is responsive to a position input to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator and to connect said electrosurgical cutting energy to said precursor input, is responsive to the removal of said position input to disconnect said electrosurgical cutting energy from said precursor input to enable the application of electrosurgical cutting energy thereto from said capture component pursing cable assembly.

Claim 58

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly includes a manually actuable tissue capture switch and a footswitch actuable between off and on conditions, said control assembly being responsive to actuation of said tissue capture switch or said footswitch to said on condition to derive said capture input.

Claim 59

The system of claim 55 in which said control assembly tissue capture switch is mounted upon said housing.

Claim 60

The system of claim 55 in which said control assembly is responsive to an actuation of said tissue capture switch or said footswitch to said off condition in the presence of said capture input to terminate said capture input and enter a pause mode.

Claim 61

The system of claim 57 in which said control assembly includes a pause indicator component energizable to provide a perceptible output in the presence of said pause mode.

Claim 62

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly includes a tissue capture switch actuable between off and on conditions, and an arm switch actuable between off and on conditions, said control assembly being responsive to actuation of said arm switch to said on condition to derive an arm capture mode, and being responsive to said actuation of said tissue capture switch to said on condition to derive said capture input in the presence of said arm capture mode.

Claim 63

The system of claim 59 in which said control assembly includes an arm capture output indicator component energizable to provide a perceptible output in the presence of said arm capture mode.

Claim 64

The system of claim 59 in which: said capture component containment structure leading edge is drawn in said contraction toward said axis by a said pursing stress applied to said pursing cable assembly effective to derive a capture complete status terminating said contraction; and said control assembly includes a capture complete indicator component energizable to provide a perceptible output in the presence of said capture complete status.

Claim 65

The system of claim 59 in which said control assembly is responsive to an actuation of said tissue capture switch to said off condition to terminate said capture input and enter a pause mode.

Claim 66

The system of claim 62 in which said control assembly is responsive to an actuation of said tissue capture switch to said on condition when in said pause mode to derive said capture input.

Claim 67

The system of claim 59 in which said tissue capture switch and said arm switch are mounted upon said housing.

Claim 68

The system of claim 59 including: a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly having a precursor input, supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end, having a tissue encountering and severing portion extending normally to said longitudinal axis and configured to facilitate the positioning of said distal end in said confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; and said control assembly includes a position switch manually actuable to provide a position input, said control assembly being responsive to said position input in the absence of said arm capture mode to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator and to connect said electrosurgical cutting energy to said precursor input.

Claim 69

The system of claim 59 including: a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly having a precursor input, supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end, having a tissue encountering and severing portion extending normally to said longitudinal axis and configured to facilitate the positioning of said distal end in said confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; and said control assembly includes a position switch as a footswitch actuable in the absence of said arm capture mode to provide said energize input to said electrosurgical generator and to connect said electrosurgical cutting energy to said precursor input.

Claim 70

The system of claim 65 in which said tissue capture switch, said arm switch and said position switch are mounted upon said housing.

Claim 71

The system of claim 65 in which said tissue capture switch, said arm switch and said position switch are configured as footswitches.

Claim 73

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly is responsive to provide said forward input to said motor when said transfer assembly engaging portion is drivably engaged with said drive member and effecting its said movement along said axis in the presence of a said motor load characteristic exceeding a predetermined motor engaged threshold value.

Claim 74

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly is responsive to halt said procedure when said transfer assembly engaging portion is drivably engaged with said drive member and effecting its said movement along said axis in the absence of a said motor load characteristic exceeding a predetermined motor engaged threshold value.

Claim 75

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly is responsive to provide a said forward input to said motor providing said rotational drive input to said translation component effecting said movement of said drive member along said axis by said transfer assembly at a rate of from about one millimeter per second to ten millimeters per second.

Claim 76

The system of claim 41 in which said control assembly is responsive to provide a said forward input to said motor providing said rotational drive input to said translation component effecting said movement of said drive member along said axis by said transfer assembly at a rate of from about two and one-half millimeters per second to four millimeters per second.

Claim 77

The system of claim 41 comprising: a vacuum generating assembly having a vacuum port and actuable to generate a vacuum at said vacuum port effective for the collection of electrosurgically caused smoke and steam; said delivery cannula includes an evacuation channel having an evacuation input at said proximal end portion and extending to at least one suction port at said forward region; a vacuum conduit coupling said vacuum port with said evacuation input in vacuum deriving association; a vacuum responsive switch responsive to the presence of a vacuum condition generated at said vacuum port for providing a vacuum signal; and said control assembly is responsive in the presence of said vacuum signal to said capture input.

Claim 80

The system of claim 75 in which said first inverter control network derives said first inverter control input to effect a resonant transition phase shift control of said first inverter.

Claim 81

The system of claim 75 in which said first inverter control network comprises: a voltage monitoring circuit responsive to said electrical cutting energy input to derive a program signal; and a controller network responsive to said program signal to derive said first inverter control input.

Claim 82

The system of claim 75 comprising: a high voltage monitor responsive to said electrical cutting energy input to derive a high voltage monitor signal; and said first inverter control network comprises: a comparator network responsive to a predetermined electrosurgical cutting voltage level and to said high voltage monitor signal to derive a program signal; and a controller network responsive to said program signal to derive said first inverter control input.

Claim 83

The system of claim 78 in which said controller network is configured derive said first inverter control input as a slowly applied said program signal.

Claim 84

The system of claim 79 in which said first inverter control network comprises: a link voltage monitor responsive to said link output to provide a link voltage controlling feedback signal; and said controller network is further responsive to said link voltage controlling feedback signal to derive said first inverter control input.

Claim 85

The system of claim 75 comprising: a control assembly actuable to derive a boost voltage signal for a boost interval; and said first inverter control network is responsive to said boost voltage signal to derive a said first inverter control input effecting derivation of said first alternating voltage output second value at a boost voltage value, and is responsive thereafter to derive said first inverter control input effecting derivation of said first alternating voltage output second value at a normal cut voltage value less than said boost voltage value.

Claim 86

The system of claim 81 in which said boost voltage valve is greater than said normal cut voltage value by a factor within a range from about 1.2 to about 1.5.

Claim 87

The system of claim 75 including an isolation transformer having a primary side coupled with said first alternating output and a secondary side providing said first alternating voltage output to said rectifier network.

Claim 88

The system of claim 75 in which said second inverter network comprises a resonant tank circuit.

Claim 89

The system of claim 81 in which said boost interval is about 100 to 1000 milliseconds.

Claim 90

The system of claim 81 in which said boost interval is about 250 to 750 milliseconds.

Claim 91

The system of claim 81 in which said boost voltage value effects derivation of a said select electrosurgical cutting voltage level of about 1000 volts peak-to-peak to about 2000 volts peak-to-peak.

Claim 92

The system of claim 81 in which in which said boost voltage value effects derivation of a said select electrosurgical cutting level of about 1100 volts, peak-to-peak to about 1300 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 93

The system of claim 87 in which said normal cut voltage value effects derivation of said select electrosurgical cutting voltage level of about 700 volts, peak-to-peak to about 1200 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 94

The system of claim 88 in which said normal cut voltage value effects derivation of said select electrosurgical cutting voltage level of about 800 volts, peak-too-peak to about 1000 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 95

The system of claim 75 in which said input treatment network comprises: a boost converter network responsive to a converter control input to derive said interim voltage of first value; and a converter control network responsive to said power input and to said interim voltage first value to derive a said converter control input effective to provide power factor correction.

Claim 96

The system of claim 75 comprising: a relay switch connected between said rectifier network and said second inverter network input and responsive to a relay control input to convey or terminate conveyance of said link output to said second inverter network; and a control assembly responsive to a fault condition to derive a said relay control input terminating conveyance of said link output to said second inverter network input.

Claim 97

The system of claim 92 in which: said first inverter control network comprises a power monitoring circuit responsive to said electrical cutting energy input to derive a power signal corresponding with the level of power exhibited by said electrical cutting energy input; and said control assembly is responsive to derive a said relay control input terminating said conveyance of said link output when said power signal exceeds a power threshold level.

Claim 98

The system of claim 92 comprising: a high voltage monitor responsive to said electrical cutting energy input to derive a high voltage monitor signal; and said control assembly is responsive to derive a said relay control input terminating said conveyance of said link output when said high voltage monitor signal exceeds a high voltage threshold level.

Claim 99

The system of claim 92 comprising: a high voltage current monitor responsive to said electrical cufting energy input to derive a high voltage current monitor signal; and said control assembly is responsive to derive a said relay control input terminating said conveyance of said link output when said high voltage current monitor signal exceeds a current threshold level.

Claim 100

The system of claim 92 comprising: a link voltage monitor responsive to said rectifier network link output to derive a link monitor signal corresponding with said link output d.c. voltage level; and said control assembly is responsive to derive a said relay control input terminating said conveyance of said link output when said link monitor signal corresponds with a said link output d.c. voltage level which exceeds a link over-voltage threshold level.

Claim 101

The system of claim 96 in which said control assembly is responsive to derive said relay control input terminating said conveyance of said link output when said link monitor signal corresponds with a said link output d.c. voltage level which is below a predetermined under-voltage threshold level.

Claim 102

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume, comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula at said forward region, having a forward portion comprising a plurality of leafs having widths and thicknesses effective for lateral stability and flexure, each leaf having a length extending from a base portion to said forward portion and having a tip portion, each said tip portion having a pursing eyelet, a retainer groove extending along the length of each said leaf, a cable guide fixed to each said leaf at said retainer groove, the base portions of said leafs being interconnected to define a tube structure base supporting forwardly extending discrete said leafs at said forward portion, a pursing cable assembly comprised of a plurality of discrete electrically conductive cables each slideably extending through a said cable guide and an associated said pursing eyelet and from said pursing eyelet extending to and connected to the tip portion of a next adjacent said leaf, a guidance assembly fixed to said delivery cannula at said forward region and configured to effect deployment of said leafs mutually outwardly from said longitudinal axis; a housing assembly coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a drive assembly including a drive rod connected with said capture component tube structure base within said delivery cannula interior channel and extending into said housing assembly, said drive rod being drivably movable along said axis to effect extension of said leaf forward portions and associated said cables mutually outwardly from said guidance assembly to establish a periphery of predetermined effective diametric extent defined by said tip portions, thereafter said drive assembly controlling movement of said cables while said drive rod is moved along said axis to effect a mutually inward flexure of said leaf tip portions to a capture orientation for enveloping said tissue volume; and an actuator and control assembly drivably engagable with said drive assembly to effect movement of said drive rod and to effect electrosurgical cutting energization of said cables.

Claim 103

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume, comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula at said forward region, having a forward portion comprising a plurality of leafs having widths and thicknesses effective for lateral stability and flexure, each leaf having a length extending from a base portion to said forward portion and having a tip portion, each said tip portion having a pursing eyelet, a retainer groove extending along the length of each said leaf, a cable guide fixed to each said leaf at said retainer groove, the base portions of said leafs being interconnected to define a tube structure base supporting forwardly extending discrete said leafs at said forward portion, a pursing cable assembly comprised of a plurality of discrete electrically conductive cables each slideably extending through a said cable guide and an associated said pursing eyelet and from said pursing eyelet extending to and connected to the tip portion of a next adjacent said leaf, a guidance assembly fixed to said delivery cannula at said forward region and configured to effect deployment of said leafs mutually outwardly from said longitudinal axis; a housing assembly coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a drive assembly including a drive rod connected with said capture component tube structure base within said delivery cannula interior channel and extending into said housing assembly, said drive rod being drivably movable along said axis to effect extension of said leaf forward portions and associated said cables mutually outwardly from said guidance assembly to establish a periphery of predetermined effective diametric extent defined by said tip portions, thereafter said drive assembly controlling movement of said cables while said drive rod is moved along said axis to effect a mutually inward flexure of said leaf tip portions to a capture orientation for enveloping said tissue volume; and an actuator and control assembly drivably engagable with said drive assembly to effect movement of said drive rod and to effect electrosurgical cutting energization of said cables.

Claim 104

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said leaf is coated with a vitreous material.

Claim 105

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said leaf is coated with an electrically insulative material.

Claim 106

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said leaf is coated with an electrically insulative polymeric material.

Claim 107

The apparatus of claim 98 E in which each said cable guide is a flexible metal tube coated with an electrically insulative material.

Claim 108

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said leaf is coated with a vapor-phase-polymerized conformal coating.

Claim 109

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said cable guide is fixed to each said leaf with a vapor-phase-polymerized conformal coating.

Claim 110

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said cable guide is an electrically insulative guide tube fixed to each said leaf with a vapor-phase-polymerized conformal coating.

Claim 111

The apparatus of claim 105 in which said conformal coating is poly-para-xylene.

Claim 112

The apparatus of claim 105 in which said conformal coating has a thickness of from about 0.0002 inch to about 0.003 inch.

Claim 113

The apparatus of claim 105 in which said conformal coating has a thickness of from about 0.00075 inch to about 0.00125 inch.

Claim 114

The apparatus of claim 105 in which each said guide tube is formed of a polyamide.

Claim 115

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each said leaf tip portion is bent generally normally to the widthwise extent of the leaf.

Claim 116

The apparatus of claim 98 in which said leafs are formed of stainless steel having a said thickness of about 0.003 inch.

Claim 117

The apparatus of claim 98 in which said leafs are formed of stainless steel and have a said width of about 0.080 inch.

Claim 118

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each one of said discrete cables is formed of a multi-strand braided stainless steel.

Claim 119

The apparatus of claim 98 in which each one of said discrete cables has a diameter within a range from about 0.002 inch to about 0.020 inch.

Claim 120

The apparatus of claim 113 in which each one of said discrete cables has a diameter of about 0.005 inch.

Claim 121

The apparatus of claim 98 in which: said capture component tube structure base exhibits a polygonal cross-section with mutually inwardly facing surfaces; and said drive assembly drive rod extends within said tube structure and is attached thereto.

Claim 122

In a system for retrieving a tissue volume wherein a re-usable component is provided having a re-usable housing connected in electrical communication with an electrosurgical generator and control assembly and having a receiving region for receiving a replaceable component extending about a longitudinal region axis rearwardly from a forward portion, a motor assembly within said re-usable housing coupled in driving association with a translation component, a transfer assembly within said re-usable housing coupled in driven relationship with said translation component and having a transfer yoke with oppositely disposed drive surfaces movable forwardly and rearwardly in parallel with said region axis in adjacency with said receiving region from and to a home position, and an input terminal assembly within said re-usable housing at a location adjacent said receiving region connectable in said electrical communication with said electrosurgical generator, an improved replaceable component, comprising; a support housing dimensioned for removable operative association with said re-usable housing when at an operative position within said receiving region, said support housing having rearward and forward portions and disposed about said longitudinal region axis when positioned within said receiving region; a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion fixed to said support housing forward portion along a longitudinal cannula axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel at said forward region, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed pursing cable assembly energizable to define an electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion, and including at least two tensionable cables extending from said pursing cable assembly into said inner channel, said leading edge of said expansible forward portion being extendable from said delivery cannula laterally outwardly and forwardly toward an outer peripheral dimension having a predetermined diametric extent effective to provide a circumspective positioning about said tissue volume and subsequently extendable while being drawn in contraction toward said cannula axis by stress at said pursing cable assembly to a capture orientation enveloping said tissue volume; a drive assembly including a drive rod connected in driving relationship with said capture component and extending to driven connection with a drive member within said support housing and movable therein from a start position along said cannula axis, said drive member having oppositely disposed ears extending outwardly from said support housing, each having a driven surface abuttably engageable with said transfer yoke drive surfaces when said support housing is at said operative position; an elongate support member mounted within said support housing and extending along said cannula axis to said rearward region and slidably supporting said drive member; a cable stop member fixed to said support member at a stop position deriving said capture component forward portion outer peripheral dimension; a cable terminator component mounted for movement upon said support member, coupled with and drivably movable by said cables from an initial position into engagement with said cable stop member at said stop position; and an electrical contact assembly mounted upon said housing electrically coupled with said cables and engaged with said reusable housing contained input terminal assembly when said support housing is at said operative position.

Claim 123

In a system for retrieving a tissue volume wherein a re-usable component is provided having a re-usable housing connected in electrical communication with an electrosurgical generator and control assembly and having a receiving region for receiving a replaceable component extending about a longitudinal region axis rearwardly from a forward portion, a motor assembly within said re-usable housing coupled in driving association with a translation component, a transfer assembly within said re-usable housing coupled in driven relationship with said translation component and having a transfer yoke with oppositely disposed drive surfaces movable forwardly and rearwardly in parallel with said region axis in adjacency with said receiving region from and to a home position, and an input terminal assembly within said re-usable housing at a location adjacent said receiving region connectable in said electrical communication with said electrosurgical generator, an improved replaceable component, comprising; a support housing dimensioned for removable operative association with said re-usable housing when at an operative position within said receiving region, said support housing having rearward and forward portions and disposed about said longitudinal region axis when positioned within said receiving region; a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion fixed to said support housing forward portion along a longitudinal cannula axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel at said forward region, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed pursing cable assembly energizable to define an electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion, and including at least two tensionable cables extending from said pursing cable assembly into said inner channel, said leading edge of said expansible forward portion being extendable from said delivery cannula laterally outwardly and forwardly toward an outer peripheral dimension having a predetermined diametric extent effective to provide a circumspective positioning about said tissue volume and subsequently extendable while being drawn in contraction toward said cannula axis by stress at said pursing cable assembly to a capture orientation enveloping said tissue volume; a drive assembly including a drive rod connected in driving relationship with said capture component and extending to driven connection with a drive member within said support housing and movable therein from a start position along said cannula axis, said drive member having oppositely disposed ears extending outwardly from said support housing, each having a driven surface abuttably engageable with said transfer yoke drive surfaces when said support housing is at said operative position; an elongate support member mounted within said support housing and extending along said cannula axis to said rearward region and slidably supporting said drive member; a cable stop member fixed to said support member at a stop position deriving said capture component forward portion outer peripheral dimension; a cable terminator component mounted for movement upon said support member, coupled with and drivably movable by said cables from an initial position into engagement with said cable stop member at said stop position; and an electrical contact assembly mounted upon said housing electrically coupled with said cables and engaged with said reusable housing contained input terminal assembly when said support housing is at said operative position.

Claim 124

The system of claim 117 in which: said support housing is configured with oppositely disposed elongate drive slots at said forward portion; and said drive member oppositely disposed ears slidably extend through said drive slots.

Claim 125

The system of claim 117 in which: said support housing is configured with oppositely disposed stabilizer slots at said rearward portion; and said cable terminator component is configured with oppositely disposed tabs extending within and slidable along said stabilizer slots.

Claim 126

The system of claim 117 including: a precursor electrosurgical electrode assembly supported forwardly from said delivery cannula distal end and having a tissue encountering and severing portion generally extending normally to said cannula axis and configured to facilitate the said positioning of said distal end in said confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; and an electrical connector coupling said electrode with said electrical contact assembly.

Claim 127

The system of claim 117 including a latch assembly mounted within said support housing forwardly from said drive member start position to limit rearward movement thereof.

Claim 128

The system of claim 117 in which said capture component comprises: a plurality of discrete cage defining leafs, each having a tip portion and a width and thickness between sides which are generally parallel with said cannula axis; a guidance assembly fixed to said delivery cannula at said forward region and configured to effect deployment of said leafs into tissue at a predetermined angle of attack; and said leaf thickness is of an extent effecting formation of a generally curvilinear cage periphery when said capture component forward portion is subsequently extended while being drawn in contraction toward said cannula axis.

Claim 129

The apparatus of claim 122 in which: said leaf width is of an extent effective to provide extensional cage defining stable movement of said leafs through said guidance assembly along said plane extending through said longitudinal axis.

Claim 130

The apparatus of claim 122 in which: said tip portions of said leafs incorporate apertures dimensioned to receive said flexible pursing cable assembly in slideable relationship; said pursing cable assembly is comprised of a number of discrete cables, each passing through a predetermined number of said apertures and having a forward end fixed to the tip portion of a said leaf; and the said number of discrete cables is selected with respect to the number of said leafs to derive the shape of said curvilinear cage periphery.

Claim 131

The apparatus of claim 124 in which each said leaf having a said aperture through which a said discrete cable initially extends includes a flexible guide tube fixed to said leaf and into which said discrete cable extends.

Claim 132

The apparatus of claim 125 in which said capture component comprises five said leafs and five said discrete cables.

Claim 135

The method of claim 127 in which: subsequent to said step (f) for causing said control assembly to enter an arm capture mode, carrying out the steps of: (f1) causing said control assembly to re-enter said position mode from said arm capture mode by actuating said arm switch to said on condition; (f2) then reiterating said step (e); and (f3) then reiterating said step (f) to cause said control assembly to re-enter said arm capture mode.

Claim 136

The method of claim 127 in which: said step (g) for causing said control assembly to enter a capture mode includes the step of: (g1) causing said control assembly to enter into and maintain said capture mode by actuating said capture switch to said on condition and maintaining said on condition continuously.

Claim 137

The method of claim 129 in which: said step (g) for causing said control assembly to enter a capture mode includes the step of: (g2) subsequent to said step (g1) for actuating said capture switch into said on condition, actuating said capture switch into said off condition to cause said control assembly to enter a pause mode controlling said motor to terminate said actuation of said capture component and controlling said electrosurgical generator to effect termination of electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly.

Claim 138

The method of claim 130 in which said step (c) provides said position switch, said arm switch and said capture switch as footswitches.

Claim 139

The method of claim 130 in which: said step (g) for causing said control assembly to enter a capture mode includes the steps of: (g3) subsequent to said step (g2) for causing said control assembly to enter a pause mode, re-entering said arm capture mode by actuating said arm switch; and (g4) then re-entering said capture mode by actuating said capture switch into said on condition.

Claim 140

The method of claim 132 in which said step (g4) is carried out by initially effecting the electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly for a predetermined interval and then controlling said motor to recommence actuation of said capture component in conjunction with continued electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly.

Claim 141

The method of claim 132 in which said step (g4) includes the steps of: (g4 a ) controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval; and (g4 b ) then controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a normal cutting voltage level less than said boost cutting voltage level.

Claim 142

The method of claim 134 in which said step (g4) is carried out by initially effecting the said electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly for said boost interval and then controlling said motor assembly to re-commence actuation of said capture component in conjunction with electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly at said normal cutting voltage level.

Claim 143

The method of claim 127 in which said step (d) includes the steps of: (d1) controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cuffing output at a boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval; and (d2) then controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a normal cutting voltage level less than said boost cutting voltage level.

Claim 144

The method of claim 136 in which: said step (dl) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at a said boost cutting voltage level which is greater than said normal cutting voltage level by a factor within a range of about 1.2 to about 1.5.

Claim 145

The method of claim 136 in which: said step (d1) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at said boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval of between about 100 milliseconds to about 1000 milliseconds.

Claim 146

The method of claim 136 in which: said step (d1) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at said boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval of between about 250 milliseconds to about 750 milliseconds.

Claim 147

The method of claim 136 in which said step (g) is carried out by controlling said motor to commence actuation of said capture component following said boost interval.

Claim 148

The method of claim 127 in which said step (g) includes the steps of: (g5) controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval; and (g6) then controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a normal cutting voltage level less than said boost cutting voltage level.

Claim 149

The method of claim 141 in which: said step (g6) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at a said boost cutting voltage level which is greater than said normal cutting voltage level by a factor within a range from about 1.2 to 1.5.

Claim 150

The method of claim 141 in which: said step (g5) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at said boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval of between about 100 milliseconds to about 1000 milliseconds.

Claim 151

The method of claim 141 in which: said step (g5) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at said boost cutting voltage level for a boost interval of between about 250 milliseconds to about 750 milliseconds.

Claim 152

The method of claim 127 in which said step (g) is carried out by initially effecting the electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly for a predetermined interval and then controlling said motor to commence actuation of said capture component in conjunction with continued electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly.

Claim 153

The method of claim 136 in which: said step (d) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at a said boost cutting voltage level of from about 1000 volts, peak-to-peak to about 2000 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 154

The method of claim 136 in which: said step (d) provides said electrosurgical cutting output at a said boost cutting voltage level of from about 1100 volts, peak-to-peak to about 1300 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 155

The method of claim 127 in which said step (e) is carried out by locating said delivery cannula tip a distance, L s , from the center of said tissue volume in general correspondence with the expression: L s =0.6 Dc where, Dc, corresponds with said given peripheral extent.

Claim 158

The method of claim 149 in which: said step (i) for effecting the electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly for said initial interval provides a said cutting voltage level by said electrosurgical generator at a boost voltage level; and said step (l) for effecting the continuing electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly, provides a said cutting voltage level by said electrosurgical generator at a normal cut voltage level less than said boost voltage level.

Claim 159

The method of claim 150 in which said step (i) effects provision of said cutting voltage level at a said boost voltage level from about 1000 volts, peak-to-peak to about 2000 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 160

The method of claim 150 in which said step (i) effects provision of said cutting voltage level at a said boost voltage level from about 1100 volts, peak-to-peak to about 1300 volts, peak-to-peak.

Claim 161

The method of claim 149 in which said step (j) for controlling said motor in the presence of said capture mode includes the step: (j1) monitoring said motor load characteristic with said control assembly during said drive engagement of said transfer assembly drive surface with said drive assembly driven surface, and deriving a said fault condition and terminating said capture mode when said load characteristic falls below a motor engaged threshold level.

Claim 162

The method of claim 149 in which said step (k) carries out said detecting of said capture orientation by a determination of the presence of a said load characteristic representing a forward stall of said motor.

Claim 163

The method of claim 149 in which said step (k) for detecting the presence of said capture component capture orientation includes the step of: (k1) reversing said motor with said control assembly in response to said detection to effect movement of said transfer assembly toward said home position and out of said drive engagement with said drive assembly driven surface.

Claim 164

The method of claim 155 in which said step (k) for detecting the presence of said capture component capture orientation includes the step of: (k2) detecting the acquiring of said home position by said transfer assembly with said control assembly and effecting termination of energization of said motor in response to said detection of said acquisition.

Claim 165

The method of claim 156 in which said step (k2) carries out said detecting of said acquiring of said home position by the determination of the presence of a said load characteristic representing a reverse stall of said motor.

Claim 166

The method of claim 149 in which: said step (c) provides said control assembly with a start switch; and including the steps of: (m) actuating said start switch prior to said step (e) to carry out reverse energization control of said motor to effect any available movement of said transfer assembly toward said home position; and (n) then detecting the presence of said transfer assembly at said home position with said control assembly and effecting termination of energization of said motor.

Claim 167

The method of claim 149 in which: said step (j) for effecting actuation of said capture component includes the step of: (j1) prior to said step (k) detecting the presence of said capture component capture orientation, actuating said capture switch into an off condition to cause said control assembly to enter a pause mode wherein said motor is controlled to terminate said actuation of said capture component and said electrosurgical generator is controlled to effect termination of electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly.

Claim 168

The method of claim 159 in which said step (j) for effecting actuation of said capture component includes the step of: (j2) re-entering said capture mode by actuating said capture switch into an on condition.

Claim 169

The method of claim 160 in which said step (j2) includes the steps of: (j2 a ) controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a boost cutting level for a boost interval; and (j2 b ) then controlling said electrosurgical generator with said control assembly to provide said electrosurgical cutting output at a normal cutting voltage level less than said boost cutting level.

Claim 170

The method of claim 161 in which said step (j2) is carried out by initially effecting the said electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly for said boost interval and then controlling said motor to recommence actuation of said capture component in conjunction with electrosurgical excitation of said pursing cable assembly at said normal cutting voltage level.

Claim 171

The method of claim 155 including the step of: (o) subsequent to said step (k1) for effecting movement of said transfer assembly toward said home position, opening said capture component leading edge to access said isolated and enveloped tissue volume by manually moving said drive assembly toward said initial position.

Claim 172

The method of claim 163 in which said step (b) provides a disposable component of said tissue retrieval instrument as comprising said delivery cannula, said capture component and said drive assembly.

Claim 173

The method of claim 149 in which said step (j) controls said motor to effect forward movement of said transfer assembly at a rate of from about one millimeter per second to about ten millimeters per second.

Claim 174

The method of claim 149 in which said step (j) controls said motor to effect forward movement of said transfer assembly at a rate of from about two and one-half millimeters per second to about four millimeters per second.

Claim 175

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed electrically conducting electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion and being extendable toward an outer peripheral dimension effective for the circumscriptive engagement of said tissue volume and contractible thereafter toward said axis to envelope said tissue volume when moved along said longitudinal axis to egress from said delivery cannula; a hand grippable housing having left and right side portions extending outwardly from a medial plane with a housing forward portion coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a deployment assembly extending within said interior channel from said housing, drivably coupled with said capture component and energizable to effect said movement of said capture component along said longitudinal axis; a first switch positioned adjacent said medial plane at said housing forward portion and manually actuable to energize said deployment assembly; a right grip connector fixed to said housing right side portion adjacent said forward portion and said first switch; a left grip connector fixed to said housing left side portion adjacent said forward portion and said first switch; and a manually graspable stabilizer grip removably connectable with said right grip connector or said left grip connector.

Claim 176

Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume comprising: a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed electrically conducting electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion and being extendable toward an outer peripheral dimension effective for the circumscriptive engagement of said tissue volume and contractible thereafter toward said axis to envelope said tissue volume when moved along said longitudinal axis to egress from said delivery cannula; a hand grippable housing having left and right side portions extending outwardly from a medial plane with a housing forward portion coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a deployment assembly extending within said interior channel from said housing, drivably coupled with said capture component and energizable to effect said movement of said capture component along said longitudinal axis; a first switch positioned adjacent said medial plane at said housing forward portion and manually actuable to energize said deployment assembly; a right grip connector fixed to said housing right side portion adjacent said forward portion and said first switch; a left grip connector fixed to said housing left side portion adjacent said forward portion and said first switch; and a manually graspable stabilizer grip removably connectable with said right grip connector or said left grip connector.

Claim 177

The apparatus of claim 167 in which: said right grip connector and said left grip connector extend in generally parallel relationship with said longitudinal axis; and said stabilizer grip is adjustably connectable with said right grip connector and said left grip connector in parallel with said axis to adjust the distance from said grip to said first switch.

Claim 178

The apparatus of claim 167 in which said grip is configured as an annulus.

Claim 179

The apparatus of claim 167 in which: said right grip connector and said left grip connector are each configured as an elongate platform supported from a pier component fixed to said housing and spacing said platform outwardly therefrom; and said grip is configured having an elongate slot configured to slidably receive said platform.