| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090082766 | Tissue Sealer and End Effector Assembly and Method of Manufacturing Same - A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes at least one shaft having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second opposing jaw members 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. At least the first jaw member includes proximal and distal ends which define a cavity along a length thereof which houses an insulative member therein. The insulative member includes an electrically conductive sealing surface mounted thereto which resides in substantial opposition with a second electrically conductive sealing surface disposed on the second jaw member. One end of the first jaw member which defines the cavity extends a fixed distance toward the second jaw member to form a gap between electrically conductive surfaces when the jaw members are closed to grasp tissue. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082767 | Tissue Sealer and End Effector Assembly and Method of Manufacturing Same - 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. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082769 | Tissue Sealer and End Effector Assembly and Method of Manufacturing Same - A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue includes the initial step of providing first and second electrically conductive sealing plates. The method also includes the steps of: encasing at least one of the electrically conductive sealing plates in a substantially moldable insulative material; applying a load to the electrically conductive sealing plates; allowing the insulative material to deform to create a gap between the sealing plates between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches; and allowing the insulative material to cure. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090198233 | End Effector Assembly for Electrosurgical Device and Method for Making the Same - An end effector assembly for use with a forceps is provided. The end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members operatively connected to each other about a pivot. Each jaw member includes a structural support member having a seal plate secured thereto. Each of the seal plates defines a slot having a depth and configured to translate a knife blade therethrough. The combined depth of the slot is greater than the height of the knife blade. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090209960 | End Effector Assembly for Electrosurgical Device - A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The housing including a drive assembly disposed therein and is operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. The bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. The first and second jaw members are pivotable about a living hinge and are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. Each of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One or more of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end the actuation tube via a cam pin such that distal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams each of the jaw members towards one another about the respective living hinge to grasp tissue. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090216229 | Monocoque Jaw Design - A jaw member for use with an electrosurgical forceps includes a support member having a first surface and a pair of depending sides which extend therefrom forming a generally U-shaped configuration. The free end of the sides each including a flange which extends outwardly therefrom which is designed to attach to an electrically conductive plate such that the plate bridge the two flanges to enclose the U-shaped support member to form a box-like skeleton having a cavity defined therein. An insulative material is disposed within the cavity and an insulative cover is disposed about a periphery of the box-like support skeleton to insulate surrounding tissue during activation of the conductive plate. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20100094286 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - A bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom including an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof The end effector assembly has a wheel assembly opposing a jaw member and having a pair of opposing wheels configured to facilitate movement of the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. A drive rod is operably coupled at a proximal end to a movable handle and at a distal end to the wheel assembly. The movable handle is movable relative to a stationary handle to move the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. At least one electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is disposed on each of the wheel assembly and the jaw member and is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the wheel assembly and the jaw member to effect a tissue seal. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20110009864 | Electrosurgical Jaws with Offset Knife - An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto with a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another and moveable from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange adapted to communicate with a drive assembly for moving the jaw members between the first and second positions. One or both of the of the jaw members has a curved knife channel defined therein having a proximal end that is offset from the longitudinal axis defined through the shaft. A knife guide is assembled to an outer surface of one of the proximal flanges of the jaw members on the same side as the proximal end of the knife channel and defines a knife path therein configured to guide a knife into the knife channel for translation therethrough. | 01-13-2011 |
