RF tissue sealer, shear grip, trigger lock mechanism and energy activation
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical instrument for operating on tissue, comprising:
- a first arm comprising a first handle and a first jaw;
a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, the second arm comprising;
a second handle;
a second jaw comprising an electrode operable to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue;
an energy button operable to activate the RF energy;
a knife configured to translate within slots defined in the first and second jaws; and
a push plate operably connected to the knife such that a proximal motion of the push plate extends the knife and a distal motion of the push plate retracts the knife; and
a knife lockout mechanism comprising a first end of a movement arm pivotally connected at a first end of the first arm, wherein the movement arm is operable to prevent operation of the knife.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A variety of surgical instruments include one or more elements that transmit RF energy to tissue. Some such instruments comprise a pair of jaws that open and close on tissue, with conductive tissue contact surfaces that are operable to weld tissue clamped between the jaws. Some surgical instruments also include a translating tissue cutting element. Some such instruments may be in the form of forceps having a scissor grip. When an electrosurgical instrument includes grasping jaws and tissue severing capabilities it may be desirable to avoid accidental cutting by the knife. Hence, the instrument may include a feature that prevents the knife from firing until the jaws are sufficiently closed upon the tissue. It may also be desirable to prevent the jaws from being opened until the knife has been retracted. One or both of these features can prevent the knife from being extended while the jaws are open.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical instrument for operating on tissue, comprising:
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a first arm comprising a first handle and a first jaw; a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, the second arm comprising; a second handle; a second jaw comprising an electrode operable to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue; an energy button operable to activate the RF energy; a knife configured to translate within slots defined in the first and second jaws; and a push plate operably connected to the knife such that a proximal motion of the push plate extends the knife and a distal motion of the push plate retracts the knife; and a knife lockout mechanism comprising a first end of a movement arm pivotally connected at a first end of the first arm, wherein the movement arm is operable to prevent operation of the knife. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An electrosurgical instrument for operating on tissue, comprising:
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a first arm comprising a first handle and a first jaw; a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, the second arm comprising; a second handle; a second jaw comprising an electrode operable to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue; an energy button operable to activate the RF energy; a knife configured to translate within slots defined in the first and second jaws; a push plate; a pull ring integrated into the push plate for operating the knife, the push plate operably connected to the knife such that a proximal motion of the push plate extends the knife and a distal motion of the push plate retracts the knife; and a knife lockout mechanism comprising a first end of a movement arm pivotally connected at a first end of the first arm, wherein the movement arm is configured to make a motion of the first arm and the pull ring proportional. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. An electrosurgical instrument for operating on tissue, comprising:
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a first arm comprising a first handle and a first jaw; a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, the second arm comprising; a second handle; a second jaw comprising an electrode operable to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue; an energy button operable to activate the RF energy; and a knife configured to translate within the first and second jaws; a motion stop for a knife driving member; and a link attached to at least one of the first or second arm, wherein the link is slidably movable in a slot defined in one of the at least one of the first or second arm. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification