Endoscopic bipolar electrosurgical forceps

• US 6,458,130 B1
• Filed: 04/03/2001
• Issued: 10/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien AG (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Inventors: Lands, Michael John, Lukianow, Wade, Frazier, Randel Alven
• Primary Examiner(s): COHEN, LEE S
• Application Number:
  US09/825,500
• Time in Patent Office: 546 Days
• Field of Search: 606/46, 606/48-52, 606/170, 606/207, 606/208
• US Class Current: 606/51
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00404 Blood vessels other than those in or around the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00601 Cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0063 Sealing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00916 with means for switching or controlling the main function of the instrument or device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/034 abutting on parts of the device itself

Abstract

A endoscopic bipolar forceps for clamping and sealing tissue includes first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another which are movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive rod assembly connects each of the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween. A handle attached to the drive rod assembly imparts movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions. At least one stop member is attached to the jaw members for controlling the distance between the jaw members. The forceps may also include a yoke member for insulating the jaw members from one another to prevent short circuiting of the forceps. Preferably, the yoke member and jaw member interface is dimensioned to withstand the high shearing forces normally associated with sealing tissue.

Claims

1. A bipolar endoscopic forceps, comprising:

first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another, each of said jaw members including a flange which extends therefrom and said jaw members being relatively movable from a first open position wherein said jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein said jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;

a drive rod assembly adapted for connecting said jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that said first jaw member has a first electrical potential and said second jaw member has a second electrical potential and said jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween;

a yoke member attached to a distal end of said drive rod assembly and attached between said jaw members, said yoke member and said jaw members having a cam follower mechanical linkage wherein movement of said yoke member imparts movement of said jaw members from said first and second positions;

a pair of shoulder portions attached to said yoke member which are dimensioned to abut said flanges of said jaw members when said jaw members are moved into said second position to relieve shear stresses on said cam follower mechanical linkage during clamping and sealing of the tissue;

a handle attached to said drive rod assembly for imparting movement to said yoke member; and

at least one stop member attached to at least one of said jaw members.

2. A bipolar forceps according to claim 1 wherein linear movement of said yoke member imparts movement of said jaw members relative to one another.

3. A bipolar forceps according to claim 1 wherein each of said jaw members includes a cam slot located therethrough and said yoke member includes at least one corresponding detent which engages said cam slots such that movement of said yoke member imparts movement of said jaw members relative to one another.

4. A bipolar forceps according to claim 3 wherein the inner periphery of said cam slots are shaped to impart at least two different movements to said jaw members relative to one another.

5. A bipolar forceps according to claim 3 wherein each of said cam slots includes a cul-de-sac positioned therein to relieve shear stress on said detent approximately when said shoulder portions of said yoke member engage said flanges of said jaw members.

6. A bipolar endoscopic forceps, comprising:

first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another, the jaw members being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;

a drive rod assembly adapted for connecting the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the first jaw member has a first electrical potential and the second jaw member has a second electrical potential and the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween;

a handle attached to the drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions;

at least one stop member attached to at least one jaw member for controlling the distance between the jaw members; and

each of the jaw members including;

a cam slot located therethrough and the drive rod assembly includes a yoke having at least one corresponding detent which engages the cam slots such that movement of the yoke imparts movement of the jaw members relative to one another; and

a flange which extends from each of the jaw members and the yoke includes a pair of shoulder portions which are dimensioned to abut the flanges when the jaw members are moved into the second position to relieve shear stresses on the detent during clamping and sealing of the tissue.