Insulating Boot for Electrosurgical Forceps
First Claim
1. An electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:
- a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof, the jaw members movable about a pivot from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;
at least one of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing plate adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy to tissue held therebetween; and
a flexible insulating boot disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of at least one jaw member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:
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a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof, the jaw members movable about a pivot from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; at least one of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing plate adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy to tissue held therebetween; and a flexible insulating boot disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of at least one jaw member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification