Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels
First Claim
1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
- inner and outer members each including an opposable seal surface disposed thereon, the inner and outer members being movable from a first position wherein the opposable seal surfaces approximate tissue to second position wherein the opposable seal surfaces grasp tissue therebetween;
at least one connector for electrically coupling the inner and outer members to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable seal surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween;
a stop disposed for maintaining a minimum separation distance of at least about 0.03 millimeters between the opposable seal surfaces; and
a ratchet disposed on one of the members and at least one complimentary interlocking mechanical interface disposed on the other of the members, the ratchet and the complimentary interlocking mechanical interface providing at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposable seal surfaces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
54 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
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inner and outer members each including an opposable seal surface disposed thereon, the inner and outer members being movable from a first position wherein the opposable seal surfaces approximate tissue to second position wherein the opposable seal surfaces grasp tissue therebetween;
at least one connector for electrically coupling the inner and outer members to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable seal surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween;
a stop disposed for maintaining a minimum separation distance of at least about 0.03 millimeters between the opposable seal surfaces; and
a ratchet disposed on one of the members and at least one complimentary interlocking mechanical interface disposed on the other of the members, the ratchet and the complimentary interlocking mechanical interface providing at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposable seal surfaces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
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inner and outer members each including an opposable seal surface disposed thereon, the inner and outer members being movable from a first position wherein the opposable seal surfaces approximate tissue to second position wherein the opposable seal surfaces grasp tissue therebetween, the opposable seal surfaces including a non-stick material for reducing tissue adhesion during the sealing process;
at least one connector for electrically coupling the inner and outer members to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable seal surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween;
a stop disposed on one of the opposable seal surfaces for maintaining a minimum separation distance between the opposable seal surfaces; and
a ratchet disposed on one of the members and at least one complimentary interlocking mechanical interface disposed on the other of the members, the ratchet and the complimentary interlocking mechanical interface providing at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposable seal surfaces. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising:
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inner and outer members each including an opposable seal surface disposed thereon, the inner and outer members being movable from a first position wherein the opposable seal surfaces approximate tissue to second position wherein the opposable seal surfaces grasp tissue therebetween;
at least one connector for electrically coupling the inner and outer members to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable seal surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween;
a stop disposed for maintaining a minimum separation distance within a range of at least about 0.03 millimeters to about 0.16 millimeters between the opposable seal surfaces; and
a ratchet disposed on one of the members and at least one complimentary interlocking mechanical interface disposed on the other of the members, the ratchet and the complimentary interlocking mechanical interface providing at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2 between opposable seal surfaces.
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Specification