Patent Publication Number: US-11026710-B2

Title: Surgical instruments and methods of manufacturing surgical instruments for performing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and other surgical procedures

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to surgical instruments for performing tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and other surgical procedures. 
     Background of Related Art 
     The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and are generally located in the back of the throat. These parts of the lymphatic system are generally used for sampling bacteria and viruses entering the body and activating the immune system when warranted to produce antibodies to fight oncoming infections. More particularly, the tonsils and adenoids break down the bacteria or virus and send pieces of the bacteria or virus to the immune system to produce antibodies for fighting off infections. 
     Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids (e.g., tonsillitis) impedes the ability of the tonsils and adenoids to destroy the bacteria resulting in a bacterial infection. In many instances, the bacteria remain even after treatment and serve as a reservoir for repeated infections (e.g., tonsillitis or ear infections). 
     A tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy may be performed when infections persist and antibiotic treatments fail. Some individuals are also born with larger tonsils that are more prone to cause obstruction. An adenoidectomy may also be required to remove adenoid tissue when ear pain persists, or when nose breathing or function of the Eustachian tube is impaired. Often times, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are performed at the same time. 
     SUMMARY 
     As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to a user. Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects described herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects described herein. 
     A surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a housing having a movable handle operably coupled to the housing and movable relative thereto between an initial position and a compressed position. A trigger is operably coupled to the housing within a slot defined therein. The trigger is movable relative to the housing and the movable handle between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. A flange is disposed on the trigger and is configured to extend distally therefrom. The flange is dimensioned to cover the slot when the trigger is moved between the un-actuated and actuated positions to avoid creating a potential pinch point between the trigger and the slot. 
     In aspects according to the present disclosure, movement of the trigger from the un-actuated position to the actuated position deploys a knife. In other aspects according to the present disclosure the flange is made from the same material as the trigger. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure the flange is made from plastic, polymer, rubber and/or silicone. 
     In aspects according to the present disclosure, the movable handle and the trigger are pivotably coupled to the housing. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, the movable handle and the trigger are pivotably coupled to the housing about a common pivot. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure the trigger at least partially surrounds the movable handle. In aspects according to the present disclosure, the trigger and the movable handle define complementarily-contoured abutting surfaces. Yet in other aspects according to the present disclosure, the flange and an underside of the housing define complementarily-contoured facing surfaces. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a surgical instrument including a housing having a movable handle operably coupled to the housing and movable relative thereto between an initial position and a compressed position. A trigger is operably coupled to the housing within a slot defined therein and movable relative to the housing when the movable handle is disposed in the compressed position between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. A flange is disposed on the trigger and is configured to extend distally therefrom. The flange is dimensioned to cover the slot when the trigger is moved between the un-actuated and actuated positions to avoid creating a potential pinch point between the trigger and the slot. 
     In aspects according to the present disclosure, movement of the trigger from the un-actuated position to the actuated position deploys a knife. In other aspects according to the present disclosure the flange is made from the same material as the trigger. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure the flange is made from plastic, polymer, rubber and/or silicone. 
     In aspects according to the present disclosure, the movable handle and the trigger are pivotably coupled to the housing. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, the movable handle and the trigger are pivotably coupled to the housing about a common pivot. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure the trigger at least partially surrounds the movable handle. In aspects according to the present disclosure, the trigger and the movable handle define complementarily-contoured abutting surfaces. Yet in other aspects according to the present disclosure, the flange and an underside of the housing define complementarily-contoured facing surfaces. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects and features of the present disclosure described herein with reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a surgical instrument provided in accordance with the present disclosure with jaw members of the end effector assembly of the surgical instrument disposed in a spaced-apart position; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear, perspective view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the jaw members disposed in the approximated position and a portion of the housing removed to illustrate the internal components thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a front, perspective, partially-exploded view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the jaw members disposed in the approximated position and a portion of the housing removed to illustrate the internal components thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged, perspective view of the linkage of the trigger assembly of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear, perspective view of the handle, trigger, and drive assemblies of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with a movable handle of the handle assembly disposed in a partially-actuated position and a trigger of the trigger assembly disposed in an un-actuated position; 
         FIG. 6  is a front, perspective view of the drive assembly, shaft, and end effector assembly of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged, perspective view of the area of detail indicated as “ 7 ” in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is another enlarged, perspective view of the proximal end of the drive assembly of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken along section line “ 9 - 9 ” of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear, perspective, exploded view of the drive assembly, shaft, knife, and end effector assembly of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, perspective view of the area of detail indicated as “ 11 ” in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is another enlarged, perspective view of the distal end of the knife blade of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the distal end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the jaw members disposed in the spaced-apart position; 
         FIG. 14  is another perspective view of the distal end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the jaw members disposed in the spaced-apart position; 
         FIG. 15  is a side, perspective view of one of the jaw members of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with a portion thereof removed; 
         FIG. 16  is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the jaw member of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the electrically-conductive plate of one of the jaw members of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the electrically-conductive plate of one of the jaw members of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  including an overmolded spacer disposed thereon; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the electrically-conductive plate, jaw frame, and overmolded spacer of one of the jaw members of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the surgical instrument disposed in an initial position; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of the area of detail indicated as “ 21 ” in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the movable handle disposed in a compressed position and, accordingly, the jaw members disposed in the approximated position; 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged, perspective view of the area of detail indicated as “ 23 ” in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the internal components of the housing of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 , wherein the movable handle is disposed in the compressed position; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the distal end of the drive, knife, and end effector assemblies of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 , with the jaw members disposed in the spaced-apart position; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the distal end of the drive, knife, and end effector assemblies of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1 , with the jaw members disposed in the approximated position; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the proximal end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the movable handle disposed in an activated position and a portion of the housing removed to illustrate the internal components thereof; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the proximal end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the trigger disposed in an actuated position and a portion of the housing removed to illustrate the internal components thereof; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the distal end of the drive and knife assemblies of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1  with the knife assembly disposed in an extended position; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the distal end of the drive and knife assemblies as shown in  FIG. 29  and further including the jaw members disposed in the approximated position; 
         FIG. 31A  is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a surgical instrument according to the present disclosure including a trigger assembly have an distally extending flange configured to prevent a pinch point when utilizing the trigger; 
         FIG. 31B  is an enlarged perspective view of the trigger assembly of  FIG. 31A ; 
         FIG. 32A  is a perspective view of the proximal end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 31A  with the movable handle disposed in an actuated position prior to actuation of the trigger of the trigger assembly; and 
         FIG. 32B  is a perspective view of the proximal end of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 31A  with the trigger disposed in an actuated position and the distally extending flange covering a potential pinch point. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 1 , a surgical instrument provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral  10 . Instrument  10 , as described below, is configured for grasping, treating, and/or dissecting tissue and may find particular applicability for use in performing tonsillectomy procedures and/or adenoidectomy procedures, although use of instrument  10  in various other surgical procedures is also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional features contemplated for use with instrument  10  are detailed in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/719,422, 14/719,434, 14/719,452, 14/719,464, and 14/719,475, each of which was filed on May 22, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 10 , instrument  10  generally includes a housing  20 , a handle assembly  30 , a trigger assembly  70 , a shaft  80 , an end effector assembly  100 , a drive assembly  140 , a knife assembly  170 , and an energy activation assembly  190 . As detailed below, shaft  80  extends distally from housing  20  and supports end effector assembly  100  at distal end of shaft  80 , drive assembly  140  operably couples handle assembly  30  with end effector assembly  100  to enable selective manipulation of jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100 , knife assembly  170  is operably coupled with trigger assembly  70  to enable selective translation of a knife blade  174  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) of knife assembly  170  relative to end effector assembly  100 , and energy activation assembly  190  enables energy to be selectively delivered to end effector assembly  100 . 
     Instrument  10  also includes an electrosurgical cable  200  including a proximal plug  210  that connects instrument  10  to a generator (not shown) or other suitable power source, although instrument  10  may alternatively be configured as a battery-powered instrument. Electrosurgical cable  200  includes lead wires, e.g., lead wires  107  ( FIG. 10 ), extending therethrough that have sufficient length to extend through housing  20  and shaft  80  in order to operably couple the generator, energy activation assembly  190 , and end effector assembly  100  with one another to enable the selective supply of energy to electrically-conductive plates  112 ,  122  of jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100 , e.g., upon activation of activation switch  194  of energy activation assembly  190 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , housing  20  houses the internal working components of instrument  10  and is formed from first and second housing components configured to engage one another via a plurality of pin-aperture engagements spaced around housing  20 , although other suitable engagements, e.g., screws, snap-fit connections, adhesion, ultrasonic welding, etc., are also contemplated, as are different formations of housing  20 . Housing  20  defines a pistol-style configuration having a longitudinally-extending barrel portion  22  and a fixed handle portion  28  that extends from barrel portion  22  in generally perpendicular orientation relative thereto. 
     Barrel portion  22  of housing  20  defines a distal aperture configured to receive and engage the proximal end of shaft  80  therein. Shaft  80  extends distally from barrel portion  22  of housing  20  and defines a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration oriented such that the larger width dimension thereof extends laterally and the smaller height dimension thereof extends vertically. This configuration of shaft  80  relative to the orientation of jaw members  110 ,  120  provides enhanced “line-of-sight” for visualizing the surgical site adjacent end effector assembly  100 . As described in greater detail below, shaft  80  includes a pair of spaced-apart clevis members  84  extending from the top and bottom walls, e.g., the larger width dimension walls, of shaft  80  at the distal end of shaft  80 . Each clevis member  84  defines an aperture  86  for receiving a pivot pin  103  to operably support end effector assembly  100  at the distal end of shaft  80 . 
     Barrel portion  22  of housing further includes a pair of opposed pivot apertures  23  (only one of which is shown), a longitudinal track  24 , a pair of opposed pivot bosses  25  (only one of which is shown), and a block  26 . Each pivot aperture  23  is configured to receive an end of pivot pin  48  to pivotably couple movable handle  40  and trigger  72  to housing  20 . Alternatively, a separate pivot pin  48 ′ received between separate pivot apertures  23 ′ (only one of which is shown) may be provided for coupling movable handle  40  to housing  20  such that movable handle  30  and trigger  72  are not coupled about the save pivot pin  48  but, rather, are coupled about spaced-apart pivot pins  48 ′,  48 , respectively. Further still, movable handle  40  and trigger  72  may be pivotably coupled about the same pivot pin, pivot pin  48 ′, at the location of pivot apertures  23 ′ rather than pivot apertures  23 . Longitudinal track  24  is configured to guide translation of drive assembly  140  relative to housing  20 . Pivot bosses  25  extend inwardly into housing  20  and are configured to pivotably couple linkage  76  of trigger assembly  70  to housing  20 . Lower leg  163  of torsion spring  160  of drive assembly  140  is configured to abut block  26  under bias to bias movable handle  40  towards the initial position, as detailed below. 
     Energy activation assembly  190  includes a depressible button  192  that is mechanically coupled to a switch  194  mounted within a bay  29  defined within fixed handle portion  28  of housing  20  and is engagable by a button activation post  196  extending proximally from a proximal side of movable handle  40  upon movement of movable handle  40  to the activated position, as detailed below. Switch  194  is configured to electrically communicate with end effector assembly  100  and the generator (not shown) via suitable electrical wiring, e.g., leads  107  ( FIG. 10 ), extending through housing  20 , shaft  80 , and/or electrosurgical cable  200  to enable energy to be supplied from the generator (not shown) to end effector assembly  100  upon activation of switch  194 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , handle assembly  30  includes a movable handle  40  that is movable relative to fixed handle portion  28  of housing  20  between an initial position, a compressed position, and an activated position, as explained in greater detail below, to impart movement of jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100  between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween and for initiating the supply of energy to end effector assembly  100  for treating grasped tissue. Movable handle  40  and trigger  72  of trigger assembly  70  are ergonomically configured to facilitate manipulation and operation of instrument  10 . Movable handle  40 , more specifically, defines a grasping portion  42  having an arcuate segment  43  and an elongated proximal leg  44  that extends from arcuate segment  43  the length of fixed handle portion  28  of housing  20 . Arcuate segment  43  culminates in a distal tail  45  and defines a sufficient diameter so as to operably receive a user&#39;s finger between distal tail  45  and proximal leg  44 . Arcuate segment  43  further defines a convex surface  46 . Trigger  72 , more specifically, defines an abutting surface  73  that abuts convex surface  46  of arcuate segment  43  of movable handle  40  and is complementarily contoured such that, in the initial position of movable handle  40  and the un-actuated position of trigger  72 , pinch points between trigger  72  and movable handle  40  are eliminated. Further, trigger  72  surrounds the exposed part of flange portion  47  of movable handle  40  to eliminate pinch points therebetween. 
     Movable handle  40 , as noted above, includes grasping portion  42 , which extends from housing  20  adjacent fixed handle portion  28 , and flange portion  47 , which extends upwardly into housing  20 . Flange portion  47  is pivotably coupled within housing  20  at the free end of flange portion  47  via pivot pin  48 . Pivot pin  48  is engaged within and extends between pivot apertures  23  of housing  20  to permit movable handle  40  to pivot about pivot pin  48  and relative to housing  20  between the initial position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the compressed position ( FIG. 22 ), and the activated position ( FIG. 27 ). Flange portion  47  of movable handle  40  further includes a cut-out  49  defined therein and an engagement bulge  51  protruding therefrom. Cut-out  49  is configured to slidably receive drive plate  142  of drive assembly  140  and knife plate  172  of knife assembly  170 . Engagement bulge  51  is configured to operably engage flange portion  47  of movable handle  40  with slider assembly  150  of drive assembly  140 , as detailed below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-10 , drive assembly  140  includes drive plate  142  and slider assembly  150 . Drive plate  142  extends distally from housing  20  and through shaft  80  to operably engage end effector assembly  100  such that, as detailed below, translation of drive plate  142  through shaft  80  and relative to end effector assembly  100  pivots jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100  between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. 
     Slider assembly  150  operably couples engagement bulge  51  of flange portion  47  of movable handle  40  with drive plate  142  such that pivoting of movable handle  40  between the initial position and the compressed position pivots jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100  between the spaced-apart and approximated positions, while ensuring application of an appropriate closure force or closure force within an appropriate closure force range to tissue grasped between jaw members  110 ,  120  in the approximated position thereof. 
     Slider assembly  150  includes a proximal housing  152 , a distal extension  156  extending distally from proximal housing  152 , a mandrel  158  disposed at the distal end of distal extension  156 , and a torsion spring  160  operably coupled to proximal housing  152 . Proximal housing  152  includes a post  153  configured to receive body  161  of torsion spring  160  thereabout and open upper and lower portions configured to permit passage of the upper and lower legs  162 ,  163 , respectively, of torsion spring  160  therethrough. Lower leg  163  extends downwardly from proximal housing  152  and is positioned to abut block  26  (which may be configured as a half-moon boss) of housing  20 , thereby biasing slider assembly  150  distally and, thus, movable handle  40  towards the initial position. Torsion spring  160  remains tensioned in the initial position of movable handle  40  such that a pre-load on drive assembly  140  is maintained. Proximal housing  152  further includes an abutment rib  154  disposed on an upper surface thereof, and a longitudinal flange  155  slidably received within longitudinal track  24  of housing  20 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 5-10 , mandrel  158  is disposed at the distal end of distal extension  156  and defines a channel  159  configured to receive engagement bulge  51  of flange portion  47  of movable handle  40 . As a result of this configuration, upon pivoting of movable handle  40  between the initial, compressed, and activated positions, engagement bulge  51  is urged into contact with one of the walls of mandrel  156  to thereby translate slider assembly  150  within housing  20 . 
     Drive plate  142  includes a flange  143  and a slot  144  towards the proximal end thereof and a cam pin aperture  147  and a mouth  149  towards the distal end thereof. Slot  144  is configured to receive upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  therethrough such that translation of upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  relative to housing  20  effects translation of drive plate  142  relative to housing  20 . Flange  143  is slidably disposed on an upper surface of proximal housing  152  and defines a proximal edge  145  configured to abut abutment rib  154  of proximal housing  152  in a proximal-most position of drive plate  142  relative to slider assembly  150  to inhibit further proximal movement of drive plate  142  relative to slider assembly  150 . 
     Drive plate  142  extends distally from housing  20  and through shaft  80  to operably engage end effector assembly  100 . Drive plate  142  is oriented similarly to shaft  80 , such that the width of drive plate  142  extends along the width dimension of shaft  80 . Drive plate  142  further defines a track edge  146  extending along a portion of each longitudinal side thereof. Track edges  146  are configured to slidably receive knife plate  172 . A knife guide  148  is pinned to drive plate  142  towards the distal end thereof to define a channel configured to slidably receive and guide translation of knife blade  174 . Knife guide  148  also provides further stability to cam pin  105 . Cam-pin aperture  147  is configured to receive cam pin  105  of end effector assembly  100 , while mouth  149  is configured to receive pivot pin  103  of end effector assembly  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-12 , trigger assembly  70 , as mentioned above, is operably coupled to knife assembly  170  to enable selective translation of knife blade  174  of knife assembly  170  relative to end effector assembly  100 . Trigger assembly  70  includes trigger  72  and a linkage  76 . Trigger  72 , as detailed above, includes an abutting surface  73  defined on a grasping portion  74  thereof. Trigger  72  further includes a pivot extension  75   a  extending upwardly from grasping portion  74  and a proximal extension  75   b  extending proximally from grasping portion  74 . Pivot extension  75   a  of trigger  72  is pivotably coupled to housing  20  via pivot pin  48 . Proximal extension  75   b  of trigger  72  includes a post  75   c  that is received within lower end cam slot  77   c  of linkage  76  to operably couple trigger  72  to linkage  76 . A biasing member  71  is coupled between housing  20  and trigger  72  to bias trigger  72  distally towards an un-actuated position ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Linkage  76  serves to operably couple trigger  72  with knife assembly  170  such that pivoting of trigger  72  from the un-actuated position to the actuated position advances knife blade  174  ( FIGS. 10-12 ) between jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100  to cut tissue grasped therebetween. Linkage  76  includes an apex  77   a  pointing in a distal direction and upper and lower end cam slots  77   b ,  77   c , respectively. Apex  77   a  includes a peg  77   d  that is configured for receipt within pivot boss  25  of housing  20  to pivotably couple linkage  76  relative to housing  20  about apex  77   a . A coupling tube  78  engaged with knife plate  172  of knife assembly  170  is configured for receipt within upper end cam slot  77   b  to operably couple linkage  76  to knife plate  172 . More specifically, coupling tube  78  is configured to receive legs  173 , which extend transversely from the proximal end of knife plate  172 , in snap-fit engagement therein (see  FIG. 9 ). As noted above, post  75   c  of proximal extension  75   b  of trigger  72  is configured for receipt within lower end cam slot  77   c  of linkage  76 . 
     As a result of the above-detailed configuration, Pivoting of trigger  72  between the un-actuated and actuated positions urges linkage  76  to pivot relative to housing  20  such that coupling tube  78  is urged to translate longitudinally within and relative to housing  20 . As legs  173  of knife plate  172  are engaged with coupling tube  78 , such longitudinal translation of coupling tube  78  is imparted to knife plate  172  for translating knife blade  174  ( FIGS. 10-12 ) from a retracted position to an extended position relative to jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100 . 
     Linkage  76  of trigger assembly  70  further includes a lockout peg  79  extending transversely from linkage  76  and positioned between apex  77   a  and lower end cam slot  77   c . In the initial position of movable handle  40 , proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  is disposed in a more distal position so as to interfere with the movement path of lockout peg  79  (see  FIG. 21 ), thus inhibiting actuation of trigger  72  when movable handle  40  is disposed in its initial position. Upon movement of movable handle  40  sufficiently towards the compressed position, proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  is moved proximally out of the movement path of lockout peg  79  (see  FIG. 24 ), permitting rotation of linkage  76  and, thus, actuation of trigger  72 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , knife assembly  170 , as noted above, includes a knife plate  172  defining legs  173  extending transversely therefrom towards the proximal end thereof. Knife plate  172  extends distally through housing  20  and shaft  80  atop drive plate  142  and is slidably engaged therewith via receipt of each side of knife plate  172  within track edges  146  of drive plate  142 . Knife assembly  170  further includes knife blade  174  integrally formed with or otherwise engaged to knife plate  172  and extending distally therefrom. Knife blade  174  is slidably disposed within the channel defined between drive plate  142  and knife guide  148  and defines a serrated distal cutting edge  175  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) to facilitate cutting tissue grasped between jaw members  110 ,  120  of end effector assembly  100 . Knife blade  174  further defines an elongated opening  176  extending longitudinally therethrough. Elongated opening  176  permits knife blade  174  to be slidably disposed about pivot pin  103  and cam pin  105 . More specifically, elongated opening  176  defines a first portion  177   a , a second portion  177   b , and a third portion  177   c  ( FIG. 10 ). First portion  177   a  has a first width configured to slidably receive pivot pin  103  and cam pin  105 . Second portion  177   b  extends distally from first portion  177   a , has a second width, and is configured to facilitate compliance of knife blade  174  as it is translated through the curved end effector assembly  100  ( FIG. 13 ). Third portion  177   c  ( FIG. 10 ) extends proximally from first portion  177   a  and has a third width (equal to or different from the second width) configured to slidably receive cam pin  105  but sufficiently small to inhibit receipt of the larger-diameter pivot pin  103  therein. 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , another knife blade  174 ′ configured for use with instrument  10  is provided. To the extent consistent, and unless contradicted hereinbelow, knife blade  174 ′ may include similar features, functions, and connections to the other components of instrument  10  as those detailed herein with respect to knife blade  174  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Knife blade  174 ′ defines a heightened distal portion  174   a ′ and a relatively shorter body portion  174   b ′. The heighted distal portion  174   a ′ of knife blade  174 ′ inhibits tissue from being positioned above or below knife blade  174 ′ as knife blade  174 ′ is translating through end effector assembly  100  ( FIG. 14 ), while the shorter body portion  174   b ′ of knife blade  174 ′ maintains a low profile configuration within shaft  80  ( FIG. 14 ). Knife blade  174 ′ further defines an elongated opening  177 ′ therethrough that, although shown as having a generally constant width, may alternatively be configured similar to elongated opening  176  of knife blade  174  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). 
     The distal cutting edge  175 ′ of knife blade  174 ′ defines a dual rake configuration, wherein the edge portions of distal cutting edge  175 ′ extend distally and angle inwardly towards one another, ultimately culminating in a point that is generally centered about a longitudinal axis of knife blade  174 ′ and positioned distally of heightened distal portion  174   a ′ of knife blade  174 ′. This configuration of distal cutting edge  175 ′ has been found to: reduce the force required to advance knife blade  174 ′ through tissue due to its aerodynamic configuration; enable cutting further towards the distal tip of end effector assembly  100  ( FIG. 14 ) by virtue of the inwardly and distally extending cutting edge portions of distal cutting edge  175 ′; and enable a reduction in overall jaw height for either or both of the jaw members  110 ,  120  without restricting knife performance. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 13-19 , as mentioned above, end effector assembly  100  is operably supported at the distal end of shaft  80  and includes opposing jaw members  110 ,  120  pivotably coupled to one another and movable relative to one another and shaft  80  between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Jaw members  110 ,  120  are similar to one another, unless otherwise detailed hereinbelow. Thus, common features to both jaw member  110  and jaw member  120  may not be described and/or illustrated with respect to each of jaw members  110 ,  120 . 
     Each jaw member  110 ,  120  includes an electrically-conductive plate  132 , a jaw frame  134 , a spacer  136 , and an outer housing  138 , each of which is detailed below. Jaw members  110 ,  120  define curved configurations, wherein jaw members  110 ,  120  bend upwardly from a longitudinal axis of shaft  80 , e.g., towards the upper, larger width dimension wall of shaft  80 . This configuration facilitates use of instrument  10  in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures as well as other surgical procedures and allows for increased visualization of the surgical site in these and other procedures. 
     The electrically-conductive plate  132  of each jaw member  110 ,  120  defines a generally planar tissue-contacting surface  132   a , an elongated knife slot  132   b  extending through the respective tissue-contacting surface  132   a , a pair of legs  132   c  extending downwardly from each side of the respective tissue-contacting surface  132   a , and a distal edge  132   d  disposed at the distal end of the respective tissue-contacting surface  132   a.    
     The tissue-contacting surface  132   a  of jaw member  110  and/or jaw member  120  may include a plurality of stop members  132   e  disposed thereon. Stop members  132   e  may be constructed of a heat-resistant ceramic, a non-conductive plastic, an electrically conductive material isolated from the respective tissue-contacting surface  132   a , or any other suitable material, and/or may be deposited, molded, inserted through apertures, or otherwise formed on the tissue-contacting surface  132   a  of jaw member  110  and/or jaw member  120 . Legs  132   c  of electrically-conductive plates  132  each define a plurality of apertures  132   f  therethrough. 
     Jaw frames  134  of jaw members  110 ,  120  each include a pair of spaced-apart proximal flanges  134   a  and a distal jaw support  134   b  extending distally from the proximal flanges  134   a . Proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  110  are spaced-apart further than proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  120  so as to allow proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  120  to be positioned between proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  110  during assembly. Further, the proximal flanges  134   a  of each pair define aligned pivot apertures  134   c  and aligned cam slots  134   d . Pivot pin  103  of end effector assembly  100  is configured for vertical insertion through apertures  86  of clevis members  84  of shaft  80  and pivot apertures  13   c  to pivotably couple jaw members  110 ,  120  to shaft  80  and one another. Pivot pin  103  is further configured to at least partially enter mouth  149  of drive plate  142  to permit drive plate  142  to slide further distally relative to end effector assembly  100  to a position wherein mouth  149  of drive plate  142  at least partially surrounds pivot pin  103 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 13-19 , the cam slots  134   d  of proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  110  are oppositely angled relative to the cam slots  134   d  of proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  120 . Cam pin  105  of end effector assembly  100  is configured for insertion through each cam slot  134   d  as well as cam-pin aperture  147  of drive plate  142  to operable couple drive plate  142  with jaw members  110 ,  120  such that translation of drive plate  142  relative to jaw members  110 ,  120  pivots jaw members  110 ,  120  about pivot pin  103  and relative to one another and shaft  80  between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. 
     Distal jaw supports  134   b  of jaw frames  134  of jaw members  110 ,  120  define generally “L-shaped” configurations and are configured to support electrically-conductive plates  132 , spacers  136 , and outer housings  138  of jaw members  110 ,  120 . However, distal jaw supports  134   b  only extend a length of about 50% to about 75% of the length of jaw members  110 ,  120 . 
     Spacers  136  of jaw members  110 ,  120  define generally “M-shaped” configurations, are formed from electrically-insulative materials, and are overmolded onto distal jaw supports  134   b  during a first overmold, although other manufacturing processes are also contemplated. Spacers  136  are positioned to electrically-isolate electrically-conductive plates  132  from one another and from jaw frames  134 . Spacers  136  each define a body  136   a , a pair of wings  136   b  surrounding body  136   a , and a pair of support arms  136   c  extending distally from the corresponding body  136   a . The bodies  136   a  of spacers  136  define tunnels  136   e  for passage of lead wires  107  therethrough to electrically couple electrically-conductive plates  132  to switch  194  of energy activation assembly  190  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and the generator (not shown). Wings  136   b  capture the legs  132   c  of electrically-conductive plates  132 . 
     Support arms  136   c  of spacers  136   b  extend along the legs  132   c  of electrically-conductive plate  132  to provide structural support thereto, and may define equal or different lengths. For example, due to the curved configuration of jaw members  110 ,  120 , additional support adjacent the interior or concave side may be required and, thus, the support arm  136   c  adjacent thereto may be longer than the support arm  136   c  adjacent the outer or convex side. However, other configurations are also contemplated. Support arms  136   c  further include protrusions  136   d  that extend therefrom through some but not all of the apertures  132   f  defined along the length of legs  132   c  of electrically-conductive plates  132  to secure support arms  136   c  thereto and reinforce the structural stability thereof. The above-detailed configuration of support arms  136   c  inhibits legs  132   c  of electrically-conductive plates  132  from bending, buckling, and/or becoming wave-shaped under the forces applied thereto during overmolding, assembly, and/or use. 
     Outer housings  138  are formed about jaw members  110 ,  120  via a second overmold process, such that each outer housing  138  partially encloses respective jaw members  110 ,  120  with the exception of a portion of the distal jaw support  113   b ,  123   b  thereof and the tissue-contacting surface  112   a ,  122   a  thereof, which remain exposed. Further, the apertures  132   f  defined through legs  132   c  of electrically-conductive plates  132  that are not occupied by protrusions  136   d  of arms  136   c  of spacers  136  are filled via portions of outer housing  138  during the second overmold process to ensure that electrically-conductive plates  132  are secured in position. Outer housings  138  also define windows  139  that align with and communicate with the knife slots  132   b  of electrically-conductive plates  132  so as to define an opening through the distal portions of jaw members  110 ,  120  transversely from the tissue-contacting surfaces  132   a  of electrically-conductive plates  132  to the outer surfaces of outer housings  138 . 
     With outer housings  138  formed about jaw members  110 ,  120 , respectively, distal edges  132   d  of electrically-conductive plates  132  overlap the distal ends of outer housings  138  such that distal edges  132   d  can be utilized to pinch tissue therebetween. Further, outer housings  138  each define cut-outs on the outer surfaces thereof towards the distal ends thereof that form shelves  109  on the outer surfaces of jaw members  110 ,  120  to facilitate poking and spreading tissue. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 20-30 , the use and operation of instrument  10  is described. Initially, as illustrated in  FIGS. 20, 21, and 25 , movable handle  40  is biased towards the initial position by the abutment of lower leg  163  of torsion spring  160  with block  26  of housing  20 . With movable handle  40  in the initial position, slider assembly  150  is likewise disposed in a distal-most position. With slider assembly  150  disposed in its distal-most position, upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  retains drive plate  142  in a distal-most position with the proximal edge  145  of drive plate  142  disposed in abutment with abutment rib  154  of proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150 . In the distal-most position of drive plate  142 , drive plate  142  and knife guide  148  maintain cam pin  105  at the distal ends of oppositely-angled cam slots  134   d  of proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw members  110 ,  120  to thereby maintain jaw members  110 ,  120  in the spaced-apart position (see  FIG. 25 ). 
     At this point, with continued reference to  FIGS. 20, 21, and 25 , trigger  72  is disposed in the un-actuated position, wherein trigger  72  is in a distal-most position under the bias of biasing member  71  such that upper end cam slot  77   b  of linkage  76  is disposed in a proximal-most position while lower end cam slot  77   c  of linkage  76  is disposed in a distal-most position. Thus, knife plate  172  is disposed in a proximal-most position, corresponding to a retracted position of knife blade  174 , wherein knife blade  174  is disposed between proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw frames  134  of jaw members  110 ,  120  but does not extend distally therefrom. Further, with movable handle  40  disposed in its initial position, proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  is disposed in the movement path of lockout peg  79  of linkage  76 , inhibiting rotation of linkage  76  and, thus, inhibiting movement of trigger  72  from the un-actuated position to the actuated position. As such, knife blade  174  is inhibited from being deployed when jaw members  110 ,  120  are disposed in the spaced-apart position. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 22-24, and 26 , in order to move jaw members  110 ,  120  to the approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween, movable handle  40  is pulled proximally towards fixed handle portion  28  of housing  20  from the initial position to the compressed position ( FIGS. 22 and 24 ). Upon movement of movable handle  40  to the compressed position, movable handle  40  urges slider assembly  150  proximally through housing  20 . Torsion spring  160 , in an initial, less-tensioned state, is translated proximally together with slider assembly  150  such that upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  pulls drive plate  142  proximally in connection with the proximal translation of slider assembly  150 . In other words, at this point, slider assembly  150  and drive plate  142  move in concert with one another. As drive plate  142  is pulled proximally, cam pin  105  is pulled proximally through cam slots  134   d  of proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw members  110 ,  120  such that jaw members  110 ,  120  are pivoted from the spaced-apart position to the approximated position ( FIGS. 23 and 26 ) to grasp tissue therebetween. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 27 , in order to apply energy to tissue grasped between jaw members  110 ,  120  to treat tissue, movable handle  40  is compressed further towards fixed handle portion  28  of housing  20  to an activation position, wherein an appropriate closure force or closure force within an appropriate range, is achieved and energy activation is initiated. As movable handle  40  is moved further proximally relative to housing  20  beyond the compressed position, an appropriate closure force or closure force within an appropriate range is imparted to tissue grasped between jaw members  110 ,  120  regardless of the thickness or compressibility of tissue or the position of movable handle  40 . This is because, upon movement of movable handle  40  from the compressed position towards the activation position, proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  is translated proximally while drive plate  142  is maintained in position. In other words, upon movement of movable handle  40  from the compressed position to the activated position, proximal housing  152  and drive plate  142  no longer move in concert with one another but are decoupled to permit relative motion therebetween. 
     The decoupling of proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  and drive plate  142  to permit relative motion therebetween is provided via torsion spring  160 . More specifically, upon proximal movement of movable handle  40 , a first force is imparted from movable handle  40 , through proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150 , body  161  of torsion spring  160 , and upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160 , to drive plate  142  to urge drive plate  142  in a proximal direction, while a second, opposite force acts on drive plate  142  and, thus, upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  in a distal direction to control the amount of compression of tissue between jaw members  110 ,  120 . Once the second, opposite force exceeds the spring force of torsion spring  160 , proximal movement of proximal housing  152  no longer results in proximal movement of drive plate  142  but, rather, results in further tensioning of torsion spring  160 , wherein torsion spring  160  is wound-up, absorbing the force imparted thereto from movement of movable handle  40 . Thus, once this point has been reached, further proximal translation of proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  urges body  161  of torsion spring  160  proximally while upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  remains in position as a result of the wind-up tensioning of torsion spring  160 . With upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  retained in position, drive plate  142  is likewise retained in position despite the proximal translation of movable handle  40 . As such, an upper threshold of pressure applied to tissue grasped between jaw members  110 ,  120  is defined. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , upon achieving the activation position of movable handle  40 , button activation post  196  ( FIG. 1 ) of movable handle  40  contacts depressible button  192  sufficiently so as to depress depressible button  192  into fixed handle portion  28  of housing  20  to activate switch  194 . Switch  194 , as noted above, is disposed in electrical communication with the generator (not shown) and electrically-conductive plates  132  of jaw members  110 ,  120  ( FIG. 14 ), such that activation of switch  194  initiates the supply of energy to electrically-conductive plates  132  ( FIG. 14 ) to treat, e.g., coagulate, cauterize, and/or seal, tissue grasped therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28-30 , once tissue has been treated or where it is only desired to cut tissue, knife blade  174  may be advanced between jaw members  110 ,  120  to cut tissue grasped therebetween. In order to advance knife blade  174  from the retracted position to the extended position, trigger  72  is pulled proximally against the bias of biasing member  71  from the un-actuated position to the actuated position. As trigger  72  is pulled proximally, linkage  76  is urged to pivot counter-clockwise (from the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 28 ) such that upper end slot  77   b  of linkage  76  is moved distally. Distal movement of upper end slot  77   b  urges tube  78  to translate distally and, in turn, urges knife plate  172  to translate distally. This movement is permitted as, with movable handle  40  in or near the compressed or actuated position, proximal housing  152  is displaced relative to the movement path of lockout peg  79 . 
     As detailed above, movement of trigger  72  from the un-actuated position to the actuated position urges knife plate  172  distally. More specifically, knife plate  172  is urged distally such that knife blade  174  is advanced distally from the retracted position to the extended position. As knife blade  174  is advanced distally, knife blade  174  extends through knife slots  132   b  defined within electrically-conductive plates  132  of jaw members  110 ,  120  defined by the respective knife slots  112   b ,  122   b  of electrically-conductive plates  112 ,  122  to cut tissue grasped between jaw members  110 ,  120 . 
     Upon release, trigger  72  and knife plate  172  are returned proximally under the bias of biasing member  71  such that knife blade  174  is returned to the retracted position. Thereafter, movable handle  40  may be released, allowing movable handle  40  to return to the initial position under the bias of lower leg  163  of torsion spring  160  abutting block  26  of housing  20 , thereby returning jaw members  110 ,  120  to the spaced-apart position and releasing the treated and/or divided tissue. 
       FIGS. 31A-32B  show another embodiment of the surgical instrument  10  according to the present disclosure which incorporates a distally extending flange  74 ′ on the distal end of the trigger  72  of the trigger assembly  70 . For the purposes of brevity and consistency, similar reference numbers will be utilized throughout  FIGS. 31A-32B  and only those components or features that are new or different will be explained and discussed hereinbelow. 
     Trigger assembly  70  includes distally extending flange  74 ′ that is configured to extend from the grasping portion  74  of trigger  72 . Flange  74 ′ is dimensioned to extend a sufficient distance from the distal end of grasping portion  74  to cover or obstruct a potential pinch area or slot  28 ′ that becomes exposed during actuation of the trigger  72  to extend the knife blade  174 . As best seen in the comparative views of  FIGS. 32A and 32B , when the trigger  72  is unactuated and the knife blade  174  is retracted, flange  74 ′ extends from the grasping portion  74  distally along the underside of housing  20 . In embodiments, the inner surface of flange  74 ′ is contoured to correspondingly match the contour of the underside of the housing  20 . As such, the interfacing contoured surfaces of the flange  74 ′ and the underside of housing  20  assure smooth actuation of the trigger  72  during its range of motion. 
     When the trigger  72  is actuated, as shown in  FIG. 32B , the flange  74 ′ moves proximally along with the trigger  72  and prevents the pinch area or gap  28 ′ from being exposed. As the trigger  72  is moved back and forth to cut tissue during an operation, the flange  74 ′ protects the user&#39;s finger or glove from getting “pinched” between the slot  28 ′ and the trigger  72  during the range of motion. Flange  74 ′ may be dimensioned to extend beyond the slot  28 ′ when the trigger  72  is disposed in a proximal-most position or may be dimensioned to align with the distal-most portion of slot  28 ′ when the trigger  72  is disposed in a proximal-most position. Flange  74 ′ may be made from the same material as trigger  72  or may be made from plastic, one or more polymers, rubber, silicon or the like depending upon a particular purpose. Flange  74 ′ may be rigid, flexible or semi-flexible. 
     Flange  74 ′, or a similar version thereof, may be disposed on other portion of the instrument  10  depending upon a particular purpose. For example, with instruments that cut tissue utilizing electrical energy and, as a result, do not include a trigger or reciprocating knife, flange  74 ′ (or the like) may be disposed on the movable handle  40  such that any pinch area or gap, e.g., pinch area  28 ′, does not get exposed during movement of the movable handle  40  thereby avoiding a user&#39;s finger or glove from getting pinched. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-10 , the assembly of surgical instrument  10  is detailed. Unless necessitated by the positioning of the components, e.g., wherein a second component obstructs a first component, the assembly of surgical instrument  10  need not be performed in the order detailed below. Further, it is contemplated that certain assemblies and/or components, e.g., each of the jaw members  110 ,  120  (the assembly of which is detailed above), be pre-assembled prior to engagement with the other components of surgical instrument  10 . 
     The previously-assembled jaw members  110 ,  120  are manipulated such that the proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  110  receive the proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw member  120  therebetween with the pivot apertures  134   c  thereof aligned with one another. Leads  107 , which extend proximally from jaw members  110 ,  120 , are routed proximally through shaft  80 . 
     Knife plate  172  (including knife blade  174  at the distal end thereof) is slidably coupled to drive plate  142  via insertion of knife blade  174  between plate  142  and knife guide  148  with the longitudinal edges of knife plate  172  are slidably received within track edges  146  of drive plate  142 . Prior to or after coupling of knife plate  172  and drive plate  142 , coupling tube  78  is snap-fit about legs  173  of knife plate  172 . 
     With knife plate  172  and drive plate  142  coupled to one another, the pair is inserted through the proximal end of shaft  80  until cam pin aperture  147  of drive plate  142  and elongated opening  176  of knife blade  174  are aligned with cam slots  134   d  of jaw members  110 ,  120 . Once this alignment has been achieved, cam pin  105  may be inserted therethrough to operably couple drive plate  142  with jaw members  110 ,  120 . 
     With cam pin  105  operably coupling jaw members  110 ,  120  with drive plate  142 , proximal flanges  134   a  of jaw members  110 ,  120  are inserted between clevis members  84  of shaft  80  such that pivot pin apertures  86  of shaft  80  are aligned with pivot apertures  134   c  of jaw members  110 ,  120 . With apertures  134   c  and  86  aligned with one another, pivot pin  103  may be inserted therethrough to pivotably couple jaw members  110 ,  120  to shaft  80  and one another. Achieving the above insertion of cam pin  105  and/or pivot pin  103  may be facilitated using appropriate fixturing (not shown) and/or a lead pin (not shown). To secure pivot pin  103  in position, pivot pin  103  may be laser welded to the exterior of shaft  80  about the perimeter of pivot pin  103  and apertures  86  of shaft  80 . Testing may be performed after welding to ensure proper pivoting of jaw members  110 ,  120  in response to translation of drive plate  142  and to ensure proper advancement and retraction of knife blade  174  relative to jaw members  110 ,  120 . 
     In order to assemble and install drive assembly  140 , torsion spring  160  is positioned within proximal housing  152  of slider assembly  150  such that post  153  of proximal housing  152  receives body  161  of torsion spring  160  with upper and lower legs  162 ,  163 , respectively, of torsion spring  160  extending from proximal housing  152 . Proximal housing  152  and/or the proximal end of drive plate  142  are then manipulated such that the proximal end of drive plate  142  is slidably supported atop proximal housing  152  with upper leg  162  of torsion spring  160  extending through slot  144  defined within drive plate  142 . 
     The assembly thus far (end effector assembly  100 , shaft  80 , drive plate  142 , slider assembly  150 , and knife assembly  170 ) is positioned within one of the first or second housing components of housing  20  such that shaft  80  is fixed in position relative thereto, proximal housing  152  is slidably received within longitudinal track  24  of housing  20 , and lower leg  163  of torsion spring  160  abuts a distally-facing surface of block  26  of housing  20 . Leads  107  are routed around housing  20  so as not to interfere with the internal operating components thereof, are connected to activation assembly  190 , and are connected to electrosurgical cable  200 , which extends from housing  20 . 
     Next, pivot pin  48  for movable handle  40  is inserted into the pivot aperture  23  of the housing component of housing  20  and, thereafter, movable handle  40  is positioned to pivotably couple to housing  20  via pivot pin  48  and such that engagement bulge  51  is operably coupled with mandrel  158  of slider assembly  150 , with drive plate  142  and knife plate  172  received within cut-out  49  of movable handle  40 . Trigger  72  is then positioned atop and at least partially about movable handle  40 , with pivot pin  48  pivotably coupling trigger  72  to housing  20 . Biasing spring  71  is also connected for biasing trigger  72  towards the un-actuated position. Linkage  76  is then disposed atop trigger  72  such that peg  77   d  is pivotably engaged with pivot boss  25  of the housing component of housing  20 , coupling tube  78  is received within upper end cam slot  77   b  of linkage  76 , and lower end cam slot  77   c  of linkage  76  receives post  75   c  of trigger  72 . Thus, trigger and linkage  76  are operably coupled to housing  20 , knife plate  172 , and one another. 
     Once the internal components within housing  20  are assembled and in place, as detailed above, the outer housing components of housing  20  are positioned such that the outer housing components cooperate to enclose the internal components. The outer housing components may be engaged with one another in any suitable fashion, e.g., screws, snap-fit engagements, ultrasonic welding, adhesion, etc. 
     Finally, testing is performed to ensure that surgical instrument  10  is working properly. Such testing may include jaw force testing; testing using a gauge pin (not shown) to test the maximum jaw aperture between jaw members  110 ,  120  at the distal tips thereof; cut testing of the knife blade  174  using cut test media (not shown); testing of the gap distance between the tissue-contacting surfaces  132   a  of jaw members  110 ,  120  (as set by the one or more stop members  132   e ) in the approximated position thereof at various positions along the lengths of jaw members  110 ,  120 ; and/or performing electrical continuity testing. 
     The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc. 
     The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients. 
     The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s). 
     The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon&#39;s ability to mimic actual operating conditions. 
     From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.