Vessel sealer and divider for use with small trocars and cannulas

摘要

VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER FOR USE WITH SMALL TROCARS AND An endoscopic bipolar forceps (10), comprising a shaft (12) having a movable jaw member (110) and a fixed jaw member (120) disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly (150) which moves the movable jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member from a first position wherein the movable jaw member is disposed in spaced relation relative to the fixed jaw member to a second position wherein the movable jaw member is closer to the fixed jaw member for manipulating tissue. A movable handle (40) which actuates the drive assembly to move the movable jaw member, the movable handle being movable from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in the corresponding first position to a second position wherein the jaw members are disposed in the second corresponding position closer to the fixed jaw member. At least one jaw member being adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A trigger assembly (70) operatively disposed relative to the movable handle for selectively advancing a knife assembly for cutting tissue along the tissue seal, the trigger assembly including a safety mechanism which operatively cooperates with the movable handle such that the trigger assembly automatically moves from a retracted position when the movable handle is moved to the second position.