Vessel sealer and divider

摘要

An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue, comprising:
a housing having an elongated shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis;
the elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each jaw member including an electrically conductive sealing surface;
a drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions;
a handle assembly attached to the housing for actuating the drive rod assembly;
each jaw member adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing surfaces of the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and characterised by
the handle assembly including a four-bar mechanical linkage that includes a handle and a cam-like piston which cooperate to impart a uniform closure pressure against tissue grasped between the jaw members, whereby movement of the cam-like piston imparts movement to the drive rod assembly to impart movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions.