Variable resistor jaw
First Claim
1. A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:
- an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end and being movable relative to one another to grasp tissue therebetween;
a first electrically conductive surface having at least two conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer operably coupled to the first jaw member and forming an inner-facing surface thereof, each of the at least two conductive sealing plates connected to at least one reactive element, the at least two conductive sealing plates including a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate, the first sealing plate being positioned along the first electrically conductive surface proximal to the second sealing plate, the at least one reactive element connected to the first sealing plate having a different impedance than the at least one reactive element connected to the second sealing plate; and
a second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate operably coupled to the second jaw member and forming an inner-facing surface thereof,wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive surfaces is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy,wherein a first impedance to tissue is formed by the reactive element of the first sealing plate and a second impedance to tissue is formed by the reactive element of the second sealing plate, wherein the first impedance is greater than the second impedance thereby driving more current through the distal end of the first electrically conductive surface, such that the first and second electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive elements of the sealing plates have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:
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an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end and being movable relative to one another to grasp tissue therebetween; a first electrically conductive surface having at least two conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer operably coupled to the first jaw member and forming an inner-facing surface thereof, each of the at least two conductive sealing plates connected to at least one reactive element, the at least two conductive sealing plates including a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate, the first sealing plate being positioned along the first electrically conductive surface proximal to the second sealing plate, the at least one reactive element connected to the first sealing plate having a different impedance than the at least one reactive element connected to the second sealing plate; and a second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate operably coupled to the second jaw member and forming an inner-facing surface thereof, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive surfaces is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy, wherein a first impedance to tissue is formed by the reactive element of the first sealing plate and a second impedance to tissue is formed by the reactive element of the second sealing plate, wherein the first impedance is greater than the second impedance thereby driving more current through the distal end of the first electrically conductive surface, such that the first and second electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification