Patent ID: 8128625
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical system, comprising: a forceps including a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof, the end effector assembly including jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including a sealing plate adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source and configured to communicate electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped therebetween; at least one sensor configured to determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members; a pressure applicator operatively coupled to the drive rod, the pressure applicator configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction; and a controller operable to communicate with the at least one sensor to control the pressure applicator in response to the determined gap distance in order to control reciprocation of the drive rod and resultant pressure between the jaw members during the sealing process.