Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080319442 | Vessel Sealing Cutting Assemblies - An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A movable handle is included that is rotatable about a pivot to force a drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis. A cutting assembly is included having at least one blade element disposed within one of the jaw members. The blade element is selectively moveable from a first recessed position within the jaw member to a second extended position for cutting tissue. The cutting assembly also includes a remote actuator which reciprocates a camming element to move the blade element between the first and second positions. | 12-25-2008 |
20090248015 | Electrosurgical Pencil Including Improved Controls - The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy, wherein the electrical circuit is provided with at least one tactile enhancement feature; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to engage the tactile enhancement feature and provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing | 10-01-2009 |
20100069903 | Vessel Sealing Instrument With Cutting Mechanism - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076431 | Apparatus, System and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - An electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second fixed jaw members in spaced relation relative to one another. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. The electrically conductive seal plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and communicate with a control system. The control system is configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members. A guide channel is disposed between the pair of fixed jaw members and extends proximally along the shaft from the distal end thereof. A knife is disposed at a proximal end of the guide channel and is configured to selectively cut tissue in a distal direction. | 03-25-2010 |
20100094287 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Endoscopic Electrosurgical Procedure - A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The housing includes a drive assembly operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. One or both of the first and second jaw members is pivotable about a living hinge from a first position to a clamping position. One or both of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end of the actuation tube via a cam pin that operatively engages the cam slot such that proximal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams at least one jaw member towards the other jaw member about the living hinge | 04-15-2010 |
20100179547 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - A bipolar forceps is provided. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft including an electrically conductive distal end. A drive assembly is operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. A portion of the actuation tube is electrically conductive. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. The first and second jaw members are pivotable about a living hinge. Distal reciprocation of the actuation tube causes each of the jaw members towards one another about the living hinge. One of the jaw members is in electrical communication with the distal end of the shaft and the other jaw member is in selective electrical communication with a distal end of the actuation tube such that when the jaw members are in a closed configuration a closed loop electrical circuit is formed. | 07-15-2010 |
20100280515 | Vessel Sealer and Divider for Large Tissue Structures - An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member 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 are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also included which has a movable knife bar having a generally t-shaped proximal end dimensioned to operatively engage a corresponding slot defined within the housing, the slot being dimensioned to guide the movement of the knife bar during translation thereof. | 11-04-2010 |
20110057353 | Flexible Shutoff Insert Molding - Method and device for sealing an insert in a molded part to avoid the escape of flash, the device includes an upper mold and a lower mold halves that mate together to define a cavity configured to receive the insert. A compressible material is coupled to the lower mold half to facilitate engagement of the inserted workpiece. The lower mold half has a slide, operated by a cam pin in the upper mold half when the upper and lower mold halves mate together. The upper mold half includes an upper plunger having first and second surfaces and a spring is coupled to the mating surface of the upper mold half. The spring compresses the compressible material and engages the inserted workpiece to form a flash barrier along the molding chamber. | 03-10-2011 |
20110301602 | Apparatus for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members that are pivotably coupled to one another and movable relative to one another. The first and second jaw members are disposed in a first configuration, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second configuration, wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A magnetic actuation mechanism is operably coupled to one or both of the first and second jaw members and configured to generate opposing magnetic fields on each of the first jaw and second jaw members to actuate the first and second jaw members between the first and second configurations. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301604 | Apparatus for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members that are movable relative to one another. A drive assembly operably couples to a handle assembly associated with the housing and is configured to impart movement of a respective jaw member when the handle assembly is actuated. A spring component operably associated with each of the jaw members is configured to provide a sealing force at the jaw members. | 12-08-2011 |
20120172868 | Apparatus for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The shaft including a stationary cam pin at a distal end thereof and an elongated cam slot operably disposed adjacent the stationary cam pin. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and including a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. The movable jaw member having a drive pin defined therein and movable within the cam slot on the shaft. The movable jaw member has a second cam slot operably disposed thereon and operably coupled to the stationary cam pin on the shaft. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172924 | Combined Unilateral/Bilateral Jaws on a Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators thereon, and an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing. First and second drive members extend through the elongated shaft to operatively couple respective actuators to respective jaw members such that independent manipulation of one of the actuators may induce pivotal movement of an individual jaw member. A locking member is operatively associated with the first and second drive members, and is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first and second drive members are coupled to one another and move concurrently to drive the jaw members in a bilateral manner. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the drive members are decoupled from one another and move independently to permit operation of the instrument in a unilateral manner. | 07-05-2012 |
20120226275 | Vessel Sealing Instrument With Cutting Mechanism - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 09-06-2012 |
20130022495 | Sterilization Techniques for Surgical Instruments - A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, a generator, and a sterilization case. The surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly adapted to connect to a source of energy. The generator is configured to couple to the surgical instrument to supply energy to the end effector assembly of the surgical instrument. The sterilization case is configured to retain the surgical instrument therein and is configured to couple to the generator. The generator is further configured to supply energy to the sterilization case when coupled thereto to sterilize the surgical instrument disposed therein. | 01-24-2013 |
20130038707 | Apparatus and Method for Using Augmented Reality Vision System in Surgical Procedures - A system and method for improving a surgeon's vision by overlaying augmented reality information onto a video image of the surgical site. A high definition video camera sends a video image in real time. Prior to the surgery, a pre-operative image is created from MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, or other method of diagnosis using imaging technology. The pre-operative image is stored within the computer. The computer processes the pre-operative image to decipher organs, anatomical geometries, vessels, tissue planes, orientation, and other structures. As the surgeon performs the surgery, the AR controller augments the real time video image with the processed pre-operative image and displays the augmented image on an interface to provide further guidance to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. | 02-14-2013 |
20130072919 | Seal Plate With Insulation Displacement Connection - An end effector assembly having first and second jaw members is provided where one or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an inwardly-facing surface having a slot defined therein and a wire having an insulative coating. A seal plate has at least one protrusion that is configured to be disposed in the slot. The at least one protrusion of the seal plate is configured to displace the insulative coating from the wire thereby forming an electrical connection therewith when the at least one protrusion is disposed in the slot. | 03-21-2013 |
20130072927 | Electrosurgical Instrument - An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin. One or both of the first and second jaw members may be movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue. A detent is operably disposed proximal the pivot pin and extends radially outward from a proximal flange of one of the jaw members. The detent is configured to releasably engage a corresponding slot disposed on a proximal flange of the other jaw member. The detent and slot are configured to control a gap distance between the first and second jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079760 | Surgical Tissue Occluding Device - A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. In the approximated position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity that is configured to house tissue grasped between the jaw members. An injectable material configured for injection into the cavity defined by the jaw members is also provided. The injectable material is configured to substantially surround tissue housed within the cavity. The injectable material is transitionable from a first state, facilitating injection of the injectable material into the cavity, to a second state, wherein the injectable material forms about tissue housed within the cavity to occlude tissue. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079762 | Electrosurgical Instrument - An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members each having jaw housing and an electrosurgical seal plate. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. The moveable jaw member includes an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extends along a length thereof. A drive assembly operably couples to the moveable jaw member via a drive rod that is engageable with the elongated channel to move the movable jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the first and second jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration. | 03-28-2013 |
20130082035 | Surgical Instrument Shafts and Methods of Manufacturing Shafts for Surgical Instruments - A method of manufacturing a shaft of a surgical instrument including forming a proximal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a first component of the surgical instrument, forming a distal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a second component of the surgical instrument and forming an intermediate segment of the shaft. The proximal segment is welded to a proximal end of the intermediate segment; and the distal segment is welded to a distal end of the intermediate segment. The proximal and distal segments are welded to the intermediate segment such that the one or more features thereof are aligned in a pre-determined orientation relative to one another. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085491 | Surgical Instrument Shafts and Methods of Manufacturing Shafts for Surgical Instruments - A surgical instrument includes a shaft formed via extrusion. The shaft has one or more lumens extending therethrough. The lumen(s) each define a cross-sectional configuration. An end effector assembly is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. One or more components are coupled to the end effector assembly. The component(s) extend proximally from the end effector into the lumen(s) of the shaft. One or more of the components is formed via stamping. The component(s) define a cross-sectional configuration substantially complementary to the cross-section configuration of the lumen into which they extend. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085496 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085516 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly. | 04-04-2013 |
20130138129 | Coupling Mechanisms for Surgical Instruments - A surgical instrument includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis therethrough and having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes first and second shaft components that are releasably engageable with one another. A drive sleeve is disposed within the shaft and is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft to transition the end effector assembly between a first state and a second state. The drive sleeve includes first and second drive sleeve components that are releasably engageable with one another. A coupling mechanism includes one or more shaft cantilever springs configured to releasably engage the first and second shaft components to one another and one or more drive sleeve cantilever springs configured to releasably engage the first and second drive sleeve components to one another. | 05-30-2013 |
20130178852 | Monopolar Pencil With Integrated Bipolar/Ligasure Tweezers - The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical pencil with integrated ligasure tweezers. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure the electrosurgical pencil includes an elongated housing having an open distal end and including an actuator operatively associated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distally through the open distal end of the elongated housing and are transitionable between a closed position and an open position upon actuation of an actuator. At least one of the jaw members is configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. At least one switch is operably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configured to activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue with monopolar and bipolar energy. | 07-11-2013 |
20130185922 | Electrosurgical Instrument And Method Of Manufacturing The Same - A method for manufacturing a pair of jaw members configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. One or more pairs of seal plates are stamped from a sheet metal. The seal plates are positioned into respective mold cavities. An insulative substrate is introduced into the respective mold cavities. The insulative substrate is allowed to harden in the respective mold cavities to form respective jaw housings with seal plates secured thereto. The jaw housings are removed from the respective mold cavities to form a pair of jaw members. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190753 | Surgical Instrument With Resilient Driving Member and Related Methods of Use - A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to at least one of the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190760 | Surgical Tissue Sealer - A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue, wherein, in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity that is configured to receive tissue between the jaw members and a resilient electrically conductive sealing surface operably coupled to at least one jaw member, the resilient electrically conductive sealing surface selectively positionable from a first unflexed position to a second flexed position. | 07-25-2013 |
20130232753 | Surgical Tissue Sealer - A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue and setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance. | 09-12-2013 |
20130296848 | Surgical Instrument With Stamped Double-Flag Jaws and Actuation Mechanism - A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296856 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a bifurcated proximal flange extending therefrom defining first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a second engagement portion. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A guide member is configured for positioning between the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The guide member includes a tab extending transversely therefrom that is configured to operably engaged one of the first and second engagement portions to retain the jaw members in engagement with one another. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296922 | Surgical Instrument With Stamped Double-Flag Jaws - A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to a housing. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction. An end effector is supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft about a pivot axis and including a pair of laterally spaced flanges. The pairs of flanges of the jaw members are arranged in an offset configuration such that one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296923 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each of the proximal flanges defines a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange component of the first jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the second jaw member via a first protrusion-aperture coupling. The first flange component of the second jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the first jaw member via a second protrusion-aperture coupling different from the first protrusion-aperture coupling. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second protrusion-aperture couplings between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. | 11-07-2013 |
20130304059 | Modular Surgical Instrument with Contained Electrical or Mechanical Systems - A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing. | 11-14-2013 |
20130345701 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE ACCESS FOR CLEANING - A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes. The instrument includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member. | 12-26-2013 |
20140025052 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR ENERGY-BASED TISSUE TREATMENT - A forceps includes a drive assembly and an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The drive assembly includes a drive housing and a drive bar. The proximal end of the drive bar is coupled to the drive housing, while the distal end of the drive bar is coupled to at least one of the jaw members. The drive housing and the drive bar are selectively movable in conjunction with one another between a first position and a second position to move the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the first approximated position. The drive assembly is selectively activatable to move the drive bar independent of the drive housing from the second position to a third position to move the jaw members from the first approximated position to the second approximated position. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025070 | SURGICAL FORCEPS INCLUDING REPOSABLE END EFFECTOR ASSEMBLIES - A surgical forceps includes a housing having a movable handle coupled thereto and movable between an initial position and a compressed position. A drive bar is operably coupled to the movable handle such that movement of the movable handle between the initial and compressed positions effects longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The drive bar further includes a coupling member disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. Each jaw member defines a cam slot. A cam pin is slidably disposed within the cam slot of each of the jaw members. The coupling member is configured to releasably engage the cam pin such that movement of the movable handle between the initial position and the compressed position effects movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025073 | GAP CONTROL VIA OVERMOLD TEETH AND HARD STOPS - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having a stop and a plurality of overmold teeth within at least one jaw member. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a stop molded within an insulative housing, and an insulator plate with the overmold teeth formed from plastic. The overmold teeth extend through openings within a sealing plate and protrude past the tissue sealing surface of the sealing plate. The stop primarily controls the gap distance between opposing jaw members by bearing most of an applied load and the overmold teeth assist in controlling the gap distance by bearing the remaining applied load. | 01-23-2014 |
20140074092 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING AN ELECTROSURGICAL PROCEDURE - A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members that are movable relative to one another. A drive assembly operably couples to a handle assembly associated with the housing and is configured to impart movement of a respective jaw member when the handle assembly is actuated. A spring component operably associated with each of the jaw members is configured to provide a sealing force at the jaw members. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081265 | VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MECHANISM - An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to the to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. One of the electrically conductive surfaces including a channel defined therein and extending along a length thereof that communicates with a nozzle disposed in the jaw housing. The nozzle is configured to direct high pressure fluid from a fluid source into the channel for cutting tissue grasped between the jaw members. | 03-20-2014 |
20140171938 | ELECTROSURGICAL PENCIL INCLUDING IMPROVED CONTROLS - An electrosurgical device is configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy and includes a housing and an electrical circuit supported within the housing. The electrical circuit is connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy. The electrical circuit is provided with at least one tactile enhancement feature. A controller is slidably supported on the housing. The controller is configured to exert a force on the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to exert a force on a surface of the housing to engage the tactile enhancement feature and provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing. | 06-19-2014 |
20140284313 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SHAFTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A method of manufacturing a shaft of a surgical instrument including forming a proximal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a first component of the surgical instrument, forming a distal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a second component of the surgical instrument and forming an intermediate segment of the shaft. The proximal segment is welded to a proximal end of the intermediate segment; and the distal segment is welded to a distal end of the intermediate segment. The proximal and distal segments are welded to the intermediate segment such that the one or more features thereof are aligned in a pre-determined orientation relative to one another. | 09-25-2014 |
20140284841 | SURGICAL TISSUE SEALER - A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance. | 09-25-2014 |
20150018824 | SEAL PLATE WITH INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTION - An end effector assembly having first and second jaw members is provided where one or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an inwardly-facing surface having a slot defined therein and a wire having an insulative coating. A seal plate has at least one protrusion that is configured to be disposed in the slot. The at least one protrusion of the seal plate is configured to displace the insulative coating from the wire thereby forming an electrical connection therewith when the at least one protrusion is disposed in the slot. | 01-15-2015 |
20150066076 | SURGICAL FORCEPS - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly. | 03-05-2015 |