Patent ID: 8672939
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising: a handle having a shaft extending therefrom and selectively movable to actuate a pair of first and second opposable jaw members pivotably connected to each other at a distal end of the shaft, the jaw members moveable from an open position, wherein the jaw members are in spaced relation relative to one another, to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source to conduct energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and a 2-pin linkage disposed at least partially within the shaft and operably coupled between the first jaw member and a 3-pin linkage disposed proximal to the 2-pin linkage, the 3-pin linkage being operably coupled at a first end to a distal end of a drive element, the drive element operably coupled at a proximal end to the handle such that selective movement of the handle causes movement of the drive element relative to the shaft to rotate the 3-pin linkage in a first direction, thereby rotating the 2-pin linkage in an opposite second direction, wherein the coupling between the 2-pin linkage and the 3-pin linkage is movable between a first position to move the jaw members to the open position, and a second position to move the jaw members to the closed position in a releasably locked configuration.