Patent ID: 9636169
Date: 2017-05-02
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising: an end effector assembly including a pair of first and second jaw members each including a distal body and a proximal flange, the proximal flanges pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable from an open position for positioning tissue therebetween to a clamping position for grasping tissue, wherein, in the clamping position, the distal bodies are spaced-apart from each other to define at least a minimum gap distance therebetween; a detent positioned proximal of the pivot pin, the detent disposed on and extending outwardly from the proximal flange of one of the first and second jaw members; and a corresponding slot defined through the proximal flange of the other of the first and second jaw members, the slot defining an open proximal end providing access to the slot, a closed distal end opposing the open proximal end, and a pair of side walls extending between the open proximal end and the closed distal end, wherein the detent is configured to move from a position outside the slot, through the open proximal end of the slot into the slot, through the slot, and to bottom out within the closed distal end of the slot upon movement of the first and second jaw members towards one another to a position wherein the distal bodies define the minimum gap distance therebetween, thereby inhibiting further movement of the distal bodies towards each other.