Patent · US Active

Method of manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue

US7877852B2 · kind B2 · utility

207Cited by
583References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 2008
Grant dateFeb 1, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 17, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49208
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue includes the initial step of providing a pair of first and second jaw members each including an inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface. The method also includes the steps of: coating the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface of one or both jaw members with an insulative material, the coating having a thickness within the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches; allowing the insulative material to cure onto the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface; removing a portion of the insulative material from the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface to form a series of stop members arranged thereacross; and assembling the pair of first and second jaw members about a pivot such that the two inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surfaces are substantially opposed to each other in pivotal relation relative to one another.

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