Tissue Sealer with Non-Conductive Variable Stop Members and Method of Sealing Tissue
First Claim
1. A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:
- an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface affixed thereto, at least one of the jaw members movable relative to the other jaw member from a first position wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are moved closer to one another for grasping tissue;
each electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal, wherein the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces is selectively adjustable based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface. The jaw members are 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. The bipolar forceps is connected to a source of electrical energy such that the Jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a seal. The distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween is adjusted based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:
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an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface affixed thereto, at least one of the jaw members movable relative to the other jaw member from a first position wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are moved closer to one another for grasping tissue; each electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal, wherein the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces is selectively adjustable based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of sealing tissue comprising the steps of:
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providing a bipolar forceps including a shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof which cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface connected to a source of electrosurgical energy; adjusting a distance between the electrically conductive sealing surface based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation; actuating the jaw members to grasp tissue between opposing jaw members; and conducting energy to the jaw members through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of sealing tissue comprising the steps of:
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providing a bipolar forceps including a shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof which cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface connected to a source of electrosurgical energy; actuating the jaw members to grasp tissue between opposing jaw members, wherein the jaw members are disposed at a distance relative to one another; adjusting the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces based upon a sensed surgical condition during activation; and conducting energy to the jaw members through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification