Patent ID: 11896256
Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. An end effector assembly for a forceps, comprising:
first and second jaw members, each of the jaw members including a proximal flange extending therefrom, each proximal flange defining an aperture extending therethrough receiving a pivot assembly including first and second pivot pins, the proximal flange of the second jaw member defining a slot therein; and
a guard disposed between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members, the guard receiving the proximal flange of the first jaw member and seating within the slot of the proximal flange of the second jaw member, the guard eliminating gaps between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members during angular rotation of the first and second jaw members between a first, spaced apart position and a second, closer position.