Patent ID: 8632540
Filing Date: 2014-01-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical instrument for excision of tissue from a patient, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; first and second end effectors configured to excise tissue, the end effectors being connected to and supported by the handle portion for relative movement in a direction generally toward one another; the first end effector including a conductive cutting portion configured to excise tissue from patient, the conductive cutting portion being configured to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source; the second end effector including an opposing portion, the opposing portion being brought into a position generally opposing the conductive cutting portion during relative movement of the end effectors toward one another, the opposing portion being configured to move to a position where at least part of the opposing portion extends past the conductive cutting portion; the conductive cutting portion defining one lateral extent of the first end effector, the opposing portion defining one lateral extent of the second end effector, wherein the lateral extent of the first and second end effectors is measured in a direction lateral to the direction of movement; and wherein when electrical energy is conducted through the conductive cutting portion, excision and cauterization of the tissue of the patient is facilitated.