Patent ID: 7947041

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 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 first jaw member being adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and the second jaw member being adapted to connect to a second electrical potential such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and wherein the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft, the first electrical potential being transmitted by a lead having a terminal end that interfaces with a distal connector to connect one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential, the distal connector including an electrically conductive spring washer operably disposed between the terminal end and the jaw member.