Patent ID: 7513898

Claim:
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising: first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot 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 pivot configured to selectively receive a knife, each of the jaw members including a channel extending from a proximal end of the jaw member to the distal end of the jaw member; each jaw member being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy having first and second electrical potentials, a conductive lead connected to one of the jaw members providing the first electrical potential, and a conductive tube connected to other jaw member providing the second electrical potential such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal; and a distal connector disposed between the jaw members for electrically isolating the first and second electrical potentials, the distal connector including a donut-like mechanical interface that mechanically engages a distal end of the conductive lead.