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 method for using a bipolar forceps, the method comprising:
providing a bipolar forceps having a housing, a shaft extending from the housing having an end effector assembly disposed at distal end thereof including first and second jaw members, a switch configured to provide electrosurgical energy to the jaw members, a knife operably disposed between the jaw members, and a movable handle connected to the housing; and continually moving the movable handle to both pivot the first jaw member toward the second jaw member such that the first and second jaw members grasp tissue therebetween and advance at least a portion of the knife to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members, wherein the switch is activated prior to advancement of the knife to cut tissue and advancement of the at least a portion of the knife to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members is subsequent to the first jaw member being pivoted toward the second jaw member.