BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR SEALING VESSELS

摘要

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having first and second members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end. An insulated pivot joins the first and second members for arcuate motion of each seal surface. The pivot includes a shoulder pin having a ramp surface that varies the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each seal surface. Ratchet teeth are located near each ring handle, the ratchet teeth provide an interlocking ratchet position that holds a closure force between the seal surfaces. A shank portion on each of the first and second members provides a spring load against the closure force. An electrical connector located on each ring handle. An electrically conductive path on each of the first and second members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface provides for electrosurgical current flow between the seal surfaces.