Patent ID: 7686804
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical instrument for sealing and dividing tissue, comprising: a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis; first and second opposing jaw members coupled to the shaft, the first jaw member having a conductive surface and being movable relative to the longitudinal axis and the second jaw member, the second jaw member being stationary about the longitudinal axis and extending from the shaft, the stationary second jaw member including an electrode positioned within the stationary second jaw member and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the rotatable electrode including a first surface for sealing tissue and a second surface for cutting tissue; each jaw member adapted to be connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween; and at least one non-conductive stop member disposed on at least one of the first and second jaw members which controls the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween.