Patent ID: 6228083
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising:a first jaw having a first flange with a first slot, and a second jaw having a second flange with a second slot, wherein the first and second jaws are located at a distal end of the instrument and comprise an electrically conductive material for conducting bipolar electrosurgical current therebetween;an electrically conductive pushrod for connecting the first jaw to a source of electrosurgical energy;an electrically conductive tube for connecting the second jaw to a source of electrosurgical energy;a yoke attached to the pushrod and positioned to electrically insulate the first flange from the second flange, the yoke having a first side facing the first flange and a second side facing the second flange, the yoke further comprising a first shoulder and a second shoulder;a first pin located on the first side and movably engaged with the first slot;a second pin located on the second side and movably engaged with the second slot;the first slot and the second slot shaped such that an angle, subtended by the first and second jaws, decreases with distal motion of the pushrod;first and second cul-de-sacs positioned respectively in the first and second slots to relieve shear stresses on the first and second pins approximately when the first and second shoulders respectively engage the first and second flanges to provide a closure force between the first and second jaws; anda handle attached to the pushrod for imparting movement to the yoke.