Patent ID: 7594916
Filing Date: 2009-09-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for treating tissue, comprising: at least one shaft member having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof, the end effector assembly including two jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; and an energy-based cutting element adapted to connect to a second energy source and disposed between the jaw members, the jaw members being configured to deploy the energy-based cutting element, said energy-based cutting element being moveable by the jaw members from a first configuration longitudinally disposed within said jaw members when said jaw members are disposed in said first position to a second configuration wherein said energy-based cutting element is disposed at an angle between said jaw members when said jaw members are in at least one subsequent position; said energy-based cutting element being pivotably engaged to said jaw members at two pivot points, a first pivot point located on one of said jaw members and a second pivot point located on the other of said jaw members.