×

Vessel sealing instrument

  • US 20030014053A1
  • Filed: 04/05/2002
  • Published: 01/16/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1998
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising:

  • first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in opposable, spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface;

    a source of electrical energy having first and second electrical potentials, the first electrical potential being connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential being connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal, wherein the first electrical potential is transmitted through the first shaft by a lead having a terminal end which electrically interfaces with a distal connector which connects one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential; and

    at least one non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive sealing surface of at least one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween.

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