Vessel sealer and divider with non-conductive stop members
US7473253B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2022 |
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 includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable 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 jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.