Patent ID: 7147637
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for cutting and sealing tissue, the instrument comprising: a) first and second jaw members in opposing relation relative to one another, the first jaw member having an inner surface adapted to cooperate with the inner surface of the second jaw member so as to be capable of grasping tissue therebetween, at least one of the jaw members being movable with respect to the other such that the jaw members are selectively operable between an open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, and a closed position in which the inner surface of each jaw member cooperates so as to be capable of grasping tissue therebetween; b) means for causing movement of the at least one jaw member so as to operate the jaw members between the open and closed positions; c) the first jaw member including at least first and second coagulating electrodes on its inner surface, and an insulating member separating the first and second electrodes, the first and second electrodes being capable of being connected to opposite poles of an electrosurgical generator; d) the first jaw member also including a third, cutting electrode on an outer surface separate from the inner surface, the third electrode also being capable of being connected to one pole of an electrosurgical generator; and e) the second jaw member having a tissue-contacting surface which is electrically insulating over its entire surface; such that the electrosurgical instrument is capable of selectively causing coagulation of tissue between the first and second electrodes, and/or the cutting of tissue contacted by the third electrode.