ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR SEALING VESSELS

摘要

An electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes an inner member and an outer clamping member which each include a ring handle near a proximal end thereof. Each of the inner member and the outer clamping member also includes a seal surface at the distal end thereof and the outer clamping member is movable from a first position wherein the seal surfaces are spaced relative to one another to a second position wherein the seal surfaces are disposed in opposing relation relative to one another for grasping tissue therebetween. A rod is operably connected at the proximal end to the outer clamping member and is operably connected at a distal end to the seal surface of the outer clamping member. The rod is translatable to pivot the seal surface of the outer clamping member relative to the seal surface of the inner member. A stop located near the proximal end of the inner member for limiting distal movement of the push rod and to maintain a gap between the opposing seal surfaces when the seal surfaces are disposed in the second position. The seal surfaces are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that electrosurgical energy can be communicated through tissue held therebetween when the seal surfaces are disposed in the second position to form a tissue seal.