Patent ID: 6743229
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument, comprising:inner and outer members each including an opposable sealing surface disposed thereon, the inner and outer members being movable from a first position wherein the opposable sealing surfaces are disposed in spaced apart relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the opposable sealing surfaces grasp tissue therebetween; at least one connector adapted to electrically couple the inner and outer members to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween; a stop operatively associated with at least one of the opposable sealing surfaces to maintain a minimum separation distance between the opposable sealing surfaces; and a ratchet disposed on one of the members and at least one complimentary interlocking mechanical interface disposed on the other of the members, the ratchet and the complimentary interlocking mechanical interface providing at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2 between opposable sealing surfaces.