Vessel sealing instrument
First Claim
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 spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, the first jaw member being adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and the second jaw member being adapted to connect to a second electrical potential such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and
wherein the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft, the first electrical potential being transmitted by a lead having a terminal end that interfaces with a distal connector to connect one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential, the distal connector including an electrically conductive spring washer operably disposed between the terminal end and the jaw member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members 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 instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy though tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising:
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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 spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, the first jaw member being adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and the second jaw member being adapted to connect to a second electrical potential such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and wherein the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft, the first electrical potential being transmitted by a lead having a terminal end that interfaces with a distal connector to connect one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential, the distal connector including an electrically conductive spring washer operably disposed between the terminal end and the jaw member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising:
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first and second shafts each having a jaw member pivotable about a pivot pin and 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 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 adapted to connect to an electrical energy source wherein a first electrical potential is connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential is 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 tissue seal; the first and second electrical potentials being transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft wherein the first electrical potential is transmitted by a lead having a terminal end that electrically interfaces with one of the jaw members; and an electrically conductive spring washer disposed between the terminal end and one of the jaw members, the spring washer movable relative the terminal end during movement of the jaw members from the first to second positions to provide an enhanced electrical contact between the terminal end and the jaw member. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification