Patent ID: 6352536
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of using a bipolar electrosurgical instrument, the method comprising the following steps:moving inner and outer members to grasp tissue between opposable seal surfaces, the inner and outer members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end; aligning the opposable seal surfaces in opposition using an open lockbox, the open lockbox joining the inner and outer members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, the open lockbox comprising a pivot and at least one flange extending over the inner member and attached to the outer member; engaging ratchet teeth located near each ring handle, the ratchet teeth providing at least one interlocking ratchet position that holds a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; deflecting a shank portion on each of the inner and outer members to create a spring load, the shank portion bounded by its respective ratchet teeth and the pivot; connecting bipolar electrosurgical current to the instrument through an electrical connector located on each ring handle, such that the current flows through an electrically conductive path on each of the inner and outer members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface to provide for electrosurgical current flow between the opposable seal surfaces, and wherein an electrically insulative coating substantially covers each ring handle, each shank portion, and the open lockbox.