ENDOSCOPIC VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER HAVING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATING SHAFT

摘要

An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing havi ng a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw membe rs attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electricall y conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of ele ctrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue hel d therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move t he jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft.