Patent ID: 8679115
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: A61B,B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly comprising: a pair of opposing first and second jaw members having a longitudinal axis defined therebetween, at least one of the first and second jaw members moveable relative to the other from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue, each of the first and second jaw members including a tissue contacting plate disposed thereon and extending along the longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal channel defined therealong, the longitudinal channels disposed in substantial vertical registration relative to one another along the longitudinal axis; and a first electrically conductive cutting plate disposed within the first jaw member, the cutting plate having a bent stamped portion that forms a cutting element that extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis along the first electrically conductive cutting plate and into the longitudinal channel of at least the first jaw member to engage and electrosurgically sever tissue upon activation thereof, wherein a remaining portion of the cutting plate forms a perimeter around the stamped portion, wherein the bent stamped portion extends from at least one segment of the perimeter and defines a gap between the bent stamped portion and the perimeter, and wherein the tissue contacting plate of the first jaw member is electrically conductive and adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source; and an insulator disposed between the tissue contacting plate and the first electrically conductive cutting plate.