Patent ID: 7384421
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An endoscopic bipolar forceps, comprising: a housing; a shaft affixed to the housing comprising an end effector assembly comprising two jaw members at a distal end thereof, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis; a drive assembly configured to move at least a portion of the end effector assembly; a handle assembly comprising a movable handle adapted to force a drive flange of the movable handle into mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly to move at least a portion of the end effector assembly; and a slide-activated cutting assembly disposed at least partially within the housing adapted to move a knife rod comprising a knife blade at a distal end thereof to cut tissue along a tissue seal, the slide-activated cutting assembly further including: wherein a source of electrosurgical energy is adapted to connect to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.