Patent ID: 6187003
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising:first and second members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end;an insulated pivot joining the first and second members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, the insulated pivot comprising a shoulder pin having a ramp surface that varies the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface;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;a shank portion on each of the first and second members bounded by its respective ratchet teeth and the pivot, the shank portion providing a spring load against the closure force;an electrically insulative coating substantially covering each ring handle and each shank portion;an electrical connector located on each ring handle;an electrically conductive path on each of the first and second members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface to provide for electrosurgical current flow between the opposable seal surfaces.