Patent ID: 7597693
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue, comprising: a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof, the jaw members adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; an actuator operable to move the jaw members relative to one another 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, the actuator being operable to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 7 kg/cm at least one of the jaw members including a knife channel defined substantially along the length thereof, the knife channel including a depth, a width and an aspect ratio wherein the aspect ratio is defined as the depth of the knife channel divided by the width of the knife channel, the aspect ratio being about 1.9 such that the knife channel controls the influx of tissue therein to partially fill the knife channel under the closure pressure of about 7 kg/cm a knife assembly that is selectively moveable within the knife channel to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members, the knife assembly including: