Patent ID: 8192433
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and/or cutting vessels and/or tissue, the end effector assembly comprising: a pair of opposing first and second jaw members at least one of which is movable relative to the other jaw member 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, at least one of the first and second jaw members including a cam slot configured to regulate movement of the at least one movable jaw member from the first position to the second position; each jaw member including an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each tissue sealing surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; an insulative material configured to support each electrically conductive sealing surface; a first electrically conductive cutting element disposed within a slot defined in at least one of the jaw members; and a second electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulative material of the opposing jaw member, the second electrically conductive cutting element generally opposing the first electrically conductive cutting element, the first and second electrically conductive cutting elements configured to abut one another in vertical registration when the jaw members are transitioned to the second position.