Vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes

US7118570B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SHERWOOD SERVICES AG · CH

Inventors

• Philip M. Tetzlaff · Austin, US
• James S. Cunningham · Boulder, US
• Michael C. Moses · Boulder, US
• Roger F. Smith · Manchester, GB
• Kristin D. Johnson · Louisville, US
• Paul R. Romero · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 6, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 10, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/034
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forcep having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member (439) for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.