Patent ID: 6585735
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A bipolar endoscopic forceps for sealing tissue, comprising:first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another, said jaw members being relatively movable from a first open position wherein said jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein said jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween with a predetermined clamping force, said jaw members each including a tissue sealing surface; a drive rod assembly adapted for connecting said jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that said first jaw member has a first electrical potential and said second jaw member has a second electrical potential and said jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween; a handle attached to said drive rod assembly for imparting movement of said first and second jaw members from said first and second positions; and at least one stop member attached to at least one of said tissue sealing surfaces of one of said jaw members for controlling the distance between opposing sealing surfaces of said jaw members.