80 results about "Bipolar forceps" patented technology

An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue at constant pressure. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate connected to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through the tissue held therebetween. The electrosurgical energy is communicated at constant voltage. The electrically conductive sealing plates are operably connected to sensor circuitry which is configured to measure initial tissue impedance and transmit an initial impedance value to a controller. The controller determines the constant pressure and the constant voltage to be applied to the tissue based on the initial impedance value.

An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue at constant pressure. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate connected to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through the tissue held therebetween. The electrosurgical energy is communicated at constant voltage. The electrically conductive sealing plates are operably connected to sensor circuitry which is configured to measure initial tissue impedance and transmit an initial impedance value to a controller. The controller determines the constant pressure and the constant voltage to be applied to the tissue based on the initial impedance value.

A bipolar forceps including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductor operably connected to an electrical source, wherein the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions. The conductor can include a contact end which is not in contact with the first electrode when the first electrode is in its open position. In such an open position, the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source and, as a result, current may not flow through the first electrode. The first electrode can be moved into its closed position such that the first electrode is in contact with the contact end of the wire. In such a closed position, the first electrode may be in electrical communication with the electrical source allowing current to flow through the first electrode.

In various surgical techniques, a bipolar forceps can be used to seal a vessel in two locations such that the vessel can be incised at a location positioned intermediate the two seal locations. The bipolar forceps can include a cutting element which can be configured to incise the vessel. In various embodiments, the cutting element can include a sharp edge which can be moved relative to the vessel. In at least one embodiment, the cutting element can be electrically connected to a source of energy. The bipolar forceps can include first and second electrodes positioned within first and second jaw members, respectively, wherein at least one of the jaw members can include a substantially tapered profile and can be configured to pull the vessel away from the surrounding soft tissue. Such jaw members can include ridges, teeth, and / or a textured outer surface configured to grip the soft tissue and / or vessel.

Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected 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 knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide.

A surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, a reciprocatable drive rod slideably disposed at least partially within the shaft, and a force applicator coupled to the drive rod. The shaft includes first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof, at least one of which movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The force applicator and the drive rod mechanically communicate to impart movement to at least one of the jaw members. The bipolar forceps includes a handle assembly and a force-balance interface. The force-balance interface configured to translate a multiple of the user-applied force exerted on the handle assembly into the jaw members.

Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected 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 knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member.

An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof, which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to affect a tissue seal to tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is included within the housing for moving the jaw members. A movable handle is also included, such that movement of the handle actuates the drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to each other. A knife channel is included within the end effector configured to allow reciprocation of a knife blade within the knife channel. The knife blade includes a proximal edge adapted to engage a proximal edge of the end effector to impede translation of the knife blade when the jaw members are in an open configuration and the knife blade is retracted within the end effector assembly.

A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having one or more shafts that extend therefrom that operatively support an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. A tissue sealing plate disposed on each of the jaw members is provided. The tissue sealing plates is configured to support a plurality of electrodes thereon and arranged in vertically opposing pairs along the length of the jaw members. The plurality of electrodes is adapted to independently connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that each vertically opposing electrode pairs form an independently controllable electrical circuit when tissue is held between the jaw members. A control system having one or more algorithms for independently controlling and / or monitoring the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical energy source to the plurality of electrodes is also provided.

A bipolar forceps includes a shaft extending from a housing and includes an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly has a pair of jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a cutter having a generally circular cross-section. The cutter is configured to cut tissue when the jaw members are in the closed position. One or more electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are disposed on each of the jaw members. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. An actuator is operably coupled to the knife assembly and is configured to selectively reciprocate the cutter relative to the jaw members.

Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected 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 knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide.

A surgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, a reciprocatable drive rod slideably disposed at least partially within the shaft, and a force applicator coupled to the drive rod. The shaft includes first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof, at least one of which movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The force applicator and the drive rod mechanically communicate to impart movement to at least one of the jaw members. The bipolar forceps includes a handle assembly and a force-balance interface. The force-balance interface configured to translate a multiple of the user-applied force exerted on the handle assembly into the jaw members.

Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected 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 knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member.

Bipolar forceps are provided including a shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis; a drive assembly for moving the jaw members 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; and a handle assembly operatively connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein the handle assembly is pivotable between a first position in which handle assembly is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second position in which the handle assembly is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis.

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.

An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The forceps also include an energy-based cutting element adapted to connect to a second energy source and disposed between the jaw members. The energy-based cutting element is moveable from a first configuration when said jaw members are in the first position to a second configuration wherein the energy-based cutting element is disposed at an angle between the jaw members.

An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue includes electrosurgical bipolar forceps and an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical bipolar forceps includes a shaft member having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end. The end effector assembly includes jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position. The jaw members are adapted to cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaw members each include a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through the held tissue. The gap sensor is adapted to sense the gap distance between the jaw members. The electrosurgical generator is operatively coupled to the electrosurgical bipolar forceps and generates the electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator is in operative communication with the gap sensor and monitors a sensed gap distance therefrom. The electrosurgical generator generates the electrosurgical energy based on the sensed gap distance as a function of time.

An end effector assembly suitable for use with a forceps includes opposing first and second jaw members pivotably mounted with respect to one another. The first jaw member includes one or more pivot holes defined therein configured to receive a portion of a pivot pin therein. The end effector assembly also includes an electrically-insulative hinge configured to electrically isolate the first and second jaw members from one another including one or more pivot-hole locators having an aperture defined therein. The electrically-insulative hinge is attached to the first jaw member such that the one or more pivot-hole locators align with the one or more pivot holes of the second jaw member.

In various surgical techniques, a bipolar forceps can be used to seal a vessel in two locations such that the vessel can be incised at a location positioned intermediate the two seal locations. The bipolar forceps can include a cutting element which can be configured to incise the vessel. In various embodiments, the cutting element can include a sharp edge which can be moved relative to the vessel. In at least one embodiment, the cutting element can be electrically connected to a source of energy. The bipolar forceps can include first and second electrodes positioned within first and second jaw members, respectively, wherein at least one of the jaw members can include a substantially tapered profile and can be configured to pull the vessel away from the surrounding soft tissue. Such jaw members can include ridges, teeth, and / or a textured outer surface configured to grip the soft tissue and / or vessel.

The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.

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.

A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.

A bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly having a flexible jaw member and a fixed jaw member. The flexible jaw member has a flange operably coupled to the fixed jaw member about a pivot. A drive assembly is configured to pivot the flexible jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member from a first position and a second position. A handle is movable between an open position when the jaw members are disposed in the first position and a closed position to cause the drive assembly to rotate the flange about the pivot in a second direction to move the jaw members to the second position. A distal end of the flexible jaw member is configured to engage the fixed jaw member prior to a proximal portion of the flexible jaw member upon movement of the jaw members to the second position.

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.

The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.

A bipolar forceps including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductor operably connected to an electrical source, wherein the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions. The conductor can include a contact end which is not in contact with the first electrode when the first electrode is in its open position. In such an open position, the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source and, as a result, current may not flow through the first electrode. The first electrode can be moved into its closed position such that the first electrode is in contact with the contact end of the wire. In such a closed position, the first electrode may be in electrical communication with the electrical source allowing current to flow through the first electrode.

In accordance with a currently preferred exemplary embodiment, the present invention involves an electro-surgical bipolar forceps having a first member, a second member, and a tip assembly. The first member has a first insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The second member has a second insert tube extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. At least one of the first and second insert tube has an inner surface, a portion of which is covered with an electrically insulating material. The first tip assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tip assembly is selectively engageable with one of the first and second insert tubes. The first tip assembly includes an electrically conductive tip disposed at the distal end of the first tip assembly.

An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The forceps also include an energy-based cutting element adapted to connect to a second energy source and disposed between the jaw members. The energy-based cutting element is moveable from a first configuration when said jaw members are in the first position to a second configuration wherein the energy-based cutting element is disposed at an angle between the jaw members.

A bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly having a flexible jaw member and a fixed jaw member. The flexible jaw member has a flange operably coupled to the fixed jaw member about a pivot. A drive assembly is configured to pivot the flexible jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member from a first position and a second position. A handle is movable between an open position when the jaw members are disposed in the first position and a closed position to cause the drive assembly to rotate the flange about the pivot in a second direction to move the jaw members to the second position. A distal end of the flexible jaw member is configured to engage the fixed jaw member prior to a proximal portion of the flexible jaw member upon movement of the jaw members to the second position.

A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive elements of the sealing plates have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.