BIPOLAR INSTRUMENT FOR VESSEL FUSION

摘要

A bipolar instrument for use by a surgeon to seal tissue with bipolar electrosurgery. The bipolar instrument is a modified hemostat including two elongate members (11, 12). Each elongate member has a proximal end (16', 16) to be held by a surgeon and a distal end (17', 17). The elongate members substantially defining a plane and are electrivally conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. A pivot (13) transverse to the plane connects the two elongate members for scissors-like motion between the distal ends. A first tissue contacting pole (18) integral with one elongate member and positioned at its distal end is electrically conductive for HF energy transmission. Latching elements (33, 34) extend from each elongate member for cooperative interengagement. An insulated overshoe (19) is placed on the other elongate member's distal end. The insulating overshoe has clips for engagement with the other elongate member. A second tissue contacting pole (22) is affixed to the insulated overshoe in mirror relationship with the first tissue contacting pole.