Patent ID: 7582087

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; 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 which interfaces with a distal connector to connect one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential; and wherein the distal connector includes a spring washer which acts as an electrical intermediary between the terminal end and the jaw member.