SINGLE ACTION TISSUE SEALER

摘要

An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.

主权项

1. A bipolar forceps, comprising:
a housing; an elongated member extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis; an end effector assembly disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated member, the end effector assembly including a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the first jaw member moveable relative to the second jaw member from a first position in spaced relation to the second jaw member to a second position closer to the second jaw member for grasping tissue therebetween, at least one of the jaw members adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal; a drive assembly operably coupled to the housing for moving the first jaw member from the first position to the second position; a knife assembly configured to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members; and a movable handle connected to the housing and selectively rotatable about a pivot, wherein a single, continuous actuation of the movable handle is operable to engage the drive assembly to move the first jaw member and to advance the knife assembly to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members; wherein the knife assembly is prevented from being advanced to cut tissue prior to the first jaw member being moved toward its second position.