Vessel sealing instrument with stepped jaw

摘要

A vessel sealer has a stepped jaw that allows the jaw to have an overall shape and a width that provides desired strength, shape, and functionality while permitting a smaller raised portion to apply the sealing pressure. The smaller area applying the sealing pressure allows an actuating mechanism to apply a clinically desired sealing pressure without exceeding the force or torque limitations of the actuating mechanism and can limit thermal spread during a sealing procedure.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
applying a sealing pressure to a vessel by squeezing the vessel between a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw has a face with a raised portion and a recessed portion, and the sealing pressure is only applied over an area of the raised portion; and running an electrical current between the first jaw and the second jaw through the vessel to seal the vessel.