SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH END-EFFECTOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THREE JAW MEMBERS AND METHODS OF CUTTING TISSUE USING SAME

摘要

A method of cutting tissue includes providing a surgical instrument including an end-effector assembly including first and second jaw members controllably movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to a third jaw member disposed therebetween to at least one second position closer to the third jaw member wherein the first, second and third jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the first and second jaw members includes an electrically-conductive sealing plate. A cutting member is disposed on a portion of the upper surface of the third jaw member. The method also includes positioning the first, second and third jaw members about tissue, applying energy to the electrically-conductive sealing plates so that energy passes between the electrically-conductive sealing plates and through tissue to effect a tissue seal, and activating the cutting member to cut through tissue overlying the upper surface of the third jaw member.

主权项

1. A method of cutting tissue, comprising:
providing a surgical instrument for sealing tissue, including:
an end-effector assembly including first and second jaw members controllably movable from a first position wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to a third jaw member disposed therebetween to at least one second position closer to the third jaw member wherein the first, second and third jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; anda cutting member associated with an upper surface of the third jaw member; positioning the first, second and third jaw members about tissue; applying energy to electrically-conductive sealing plates associated with so that energy passes between the electrically-conductive sealing plates and through tissue to effect a tissue seal; and activating the cutting member to cut through tissue overlying the upper surface of the third jaw member.