×

Vessel sealer and divider

  • US 20020188294A1
  • Filed: 04/05/2002
  • Published: 12/12/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue, comprising:

  • an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each jaw member including an electrically conductive sealing surface having a non-stick coating disposed thereon to reduce tissue adherence;

    a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal;

    a longitudinally reciprocating knife for severing tissue proximate the seal; and

    at least one non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive surface of at least one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween, wherein the at least one non-conductive stop creates a gap between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces within the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×