Patent · US Expired

Vessel sealer and divider

US7131971B2 · kind B2 · utility

361Cited by
296References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 21, 2006
Grant dateNov 7, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 21, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/034
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue which includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another about a pivot from a first spaced position to a second closed position to grasp tissue. Each jaw member is adapted to couple to a generator for conducting energy to effect a seal. The forceps also includes a handle assembly and a longitudinally reciprocating knife assembly which is translatable to sever tissue. The knife assembly includes a bifurcated knife bar having two forks which ride about the pivot during translation of the knife. One or more non-conductive stop members are operatively associated with the jaw members to regulate the distance between the jaw members when closed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.