Patent ID: 9033981
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A bipolar forceps, comprising: a housing; a shaft extending from the housing; an end effector assembly engaged at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including two jaw members, at least one of the jaw members movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another and cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including an electrically-conductive sealing surface, and each of the jaw members adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that the electrically-conductive sealing surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal; a knife channel defined through at least one of the jaw members, the knife channel having proximal and distal ends; and a knife blade slidable through the knife channel from the proximal end to the distal end to sever tissue, the knife blade including a knife shaft having a notch defining a proximal edge, the knife blade defining a distal end having a height that is greater than a height of the shaft, wherein the proximal edge of the notch is adapted to engage a proximal edge of one of the jaw members to block distal translation of the knife blade when the knife blade is in a retracted position and the jaw members are disposed in the first position.