Patent ID: 8540711
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An endoscopic bipolar forceps, comprising: an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, the jaw members being movable relative to one another by a first actuating assembly from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; at least one jaw member adapted to connect to a first energy source such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and at least one wire-like element being selectively actuatable via a second actuating assembly and selectively energizable via a second energy source to divide tissue, wherein the wire-like element is actuatable independent of being energized, and is energizable independent of being actuated; wherein the at least one wire-like element (i) is mounted between the opposing jaw members, (ii) perpendicularly protrudes from a proximal end of a tissue contacting surface of the at least one jaw member and (iii) is confined to travel within a proximal periphery of the opposing jaw members to prevent the at least wire-like element from extending beyond the distal ends of the opposing jaw members.