Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument

摘要

LAPAROSCOPIC BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT Abstract A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument (10) for sealing tissue includes a handle (14) having an elongated tube (13) affixed thereto. The tube includes first (15) 5 and second (16) jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces (39, 40) attached to a distal end (12) thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle (14) includes a fixed handle (50) and a handle (52) which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members (15, 16) from the first position to the to second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop (33, 90, 95) is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces (39, 40). A ratchet (60, 62) is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about is 7 kg/cm 2 to about 13 kg/cm 2 between opposing sealing surfaces. 2090015-1:KEH-DIVISIONAL