An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer / cutter and method of use by a surgeon for
electrosurgery on tissue has a
handle. A
chassis on the
handle extends axially for axial movement. A tube may move axial relative to the
chassis. An
effector on a distal end of the
chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The
effector provides
bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of the tube. A part on the member is transverse to the axis to conduct
electrosurgery. First and second bipolar electrodes on the
effector and part are electrically isolated. A generator for
bipolar electrosurgery supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the
handle connects to the tube and / or chassis to axially move the patient end and its effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or
cut through application of compression and
bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes. The effector and the part have complimentary sealing or
cutting surfaces for partial
mating engagement upon axial movement toward one another. The effector and the part can be removably attached to the distal end or member, respectively The partial
mating complimentary surfaces may be normal or skewed relative to the axis and may be curvelinear, flat, parallel, circular, elliptical, triangular or have at least one conjugating rib and slot. A method of use has the steps of holding and manipulating the sealer / cutter, moving the chassis relative to the tube, positioning the effector and the port to contact tissue, along the axis
coupling bipolar electrodes to the effector and par; electrically isolating the electrodes, selectively
coupling the generator to the electrodes for supplying bipolar
electrosurgery. Supporting the activator for moving axially relative to one another, the patient part and the effector so tissue therebetween is sealed or
cut by applying compression and bipolar electrosurgery across the first and second electrodes are steps.