Patent ID: 6053914
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having an improved pivot screw design, the bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising:a first half comprising a first electrode of a first polarity, the first half having a first pivot surface and a first bore, the first bore having a first stepped portion;a second half comprising a second electrode of a second polarity, the second half having a second pivot surface in sliding contact with the first pivot surface and a second bore having a second stepped portion, the second bore being aligned with the first bore;an insulating material disposed on one of the first and second pivot surfaces for electrically isolating the first half from the second half;an insert having a cross-sectional profile, a first insulating coating, and a third bore, the third bore further having first threads, the insert being disposed in the second bore and prevented from entering the first bore by the second stepped portion; anda pivot screw having a head and a second thread, the pivot screw being disposed in the first and second bores such that the head is prevented from entering the second bore by the first stepped portion and where the second thread passes through the first and second bores into the third bore engaging with the first thread whereby the first half is fastened to the second half for sliding contact therewith along the first and second pivot surfaces.