Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps
First Claim
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1. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising:
- a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members being movable about a pivot 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 are closer to one another for grasping tissue, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis therethrough;
a movable handle that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another;
at least one of the jaw members including a tissue-engaging surface adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the at least one jaw member is capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween; and
a flexible insulating boot mounted over the pivot, the flexible insulating boot having a proximal portion disposed on a portion of the shaft and a distal portion disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the pair of jaw members proximal to the tissue-engaging surface of the at least one jaw member, the proximal portion and the distal portion of the flexible insulating boot disposed such that the flexible insulating boot remains in a substantially stationary position relative to the longitudinal axis and with respect to a reciprocating sleeve of the drive assembly and the jaw members when the drive assembly mechanically advances the reciprocating sleeve to apply a predetermined closure force between the jaw members.
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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.
1616 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising:
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a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members being movable about a pivot 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 are closer to one another for grasping tissue, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis therethrough; a movable handle that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another; at least one of the jaw members including a tissue-engaging surface adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the at least one jaw member is capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween; and a flexible insulating boot mounted over the pivot, the flexible insulating boot having a proximal portion disposed on a portion of the shaft and a distal portion disposed on a portion of an exterior surface of the pair of jaw members proximal to the tissue-engaging surface of the at least one jaw member, the proximal portion and the distal portion of the flexible insulating boot disposed such that the flexible insulating boot remains in a substantially stationary position relative to the longitudinal axis and with respect to a reciprocating sleeve of the drive assembly and the jaw members when the drive assembly mechanically advances the reciprocating sleeve to apply a predetermined closure force between the jaw members. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification