Surgical instrument with split jaw

摘要

An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw that pivots relative to the first jaw from a closed position to an open position. The second jaw includes a first portion and a second portion that pivots relative to the first portion. The second portion is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the second jaw when the second jaw is in the closed position. The first and second portions of the second jaw pivot outwardly as the second jaw is pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

主权项

1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises:
(a) a first jaw having a first electrode surface; and (b) a second jaw pivotable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is pivotable along a first plane from a closed position to a first open position, wherein the second jaw has a second electrode surface configured to cooperate with the first electrode surface to provide radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue when the first and second jaws are in the closed position, wherein the second jaw comprises:
(i) a first portion, and(ii) a second portion, wherein the second portion is pivotable relative to the first portion;wherein the second portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to the first portion of the second jaw when the second jaw is in the closed position;wherein the first and second portions of the second jaw are configured to pivot outwardly along respective paths that are transverse to the first plane as second jaw is pivoted from the closed position to the first open position.