Patent ID: 7824401
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system, the instrument comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an electrically conductive wrist member having proximal and distal devices disposed at the distal end of the shaft; an electrocautery end effector mounted to the wrist member; an interface disposed at the proximal end of the shaft, the interface removably connectable to the robotic surgical system; a conductor extending from the interface and terminating at the proximal clevis of the electrically conductive wrist member so that the wrist member is the electrical connection between the conductor and the end effector; and at least one insulation material disposed over the wrist member so as to inhibit conduction of electrical current from the electrically live wrist member except to tissue engaged by the end effector.