Patent ID: 7384420
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of sealing tissue, comprising: providing an electrosurgical energy source connected to a surgical instrument used for endoscopic surgical procedures, said surgical instrument including a shaft having a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof; providing a pair of opposing channels defined about said shaft, said channels extending along an outer periphery of said shaft from a proximal end of said shaft to said distal end of said shaft, said channels each having an electrical conductor disposed therein, each of said electrical conductors having a first end being connected to said electrosurgical energy source and a second end connected to said jaws members; closing the jaw members around tissue so as to provide a gap between the jaw members in the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches and a closure pressure of in the range of about 3 kg/cm applying electrosurgical energy to the jaws so that energy passes between the jaw members and through tissue to effect a tissue seal.