Abstract: A surgical system includes a forceps having an end effector at a distal end thereof that includes first and second opposing jaw members electrically conductive plates the jaw members pivotable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. A generator is included that is configured to produce multiple modalities of electrical energy upon activation thereof. A first cable connects to the generator, the first cable including leads disposed therein configured to carry energy to the plates. A first switch is disposed on the forceps. A second cable connects to the electrical generator and to a second switch. Activation of the first switch activates the generator to transmit energy having a first modality through the first cable and to the plates and activation of the second switch activates the generator to transmit electrical energy having a second modality through the first cable to the opposing electrical plates.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a first shaft member including a first inner frame. A first jaw member extends distally from the first inner frame. A first outer housing is supported by the first inner frame. The first inner frame includes a first member stamped from sheet metal. A second shaft member includes a second inner frame. A second jaw member extends distally from the second inner frame. A second outer housing is supported by the second inner frame. The second inner frame includes a second member stamped from sheet metal and a rigid filler member disposed on the second member.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.

Abstract: A forceps includes shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof and configured move the jaw members between open and closed position. A knife deployment mechanism includes a trigger moveable along a longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between retracted and extended positions between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including links that cooperate to actuate the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is pivotably coupled to one link and is configured to engage a ramp disposed in a shaft member upon approximation of the shaft members, the knife kickout is configured to cooperate with the links to urge the knife back to an at rest position upon the opening of the shaft members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. A knife deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the first shaft member and includes at least one trigger and at least one linkage coupling the at least one trigger with the knife such that pivoting of the at least one trigger relative to the first shaft member translates the knife between the retracted and extended positions. A knife lockout biased towards a locked position inhibits distal translation of the knife. The knife lockout is movable from the locked position to an unlocked position upon approximation of the jaw members to permit distal translation of the knife.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed at a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw member having a first electrode plate and a second jaw member having a second electrode plate. A movable handle is operably coupled to the housing. The movable handle is configured to move at least one of the first or second jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A first plate is disposed on the first jaw member. A second plate is disposed on the first plate. The second plate includes an opening defined therein. A bead is disposed on the first plate and is configured to protrude through the opening defined in the second plate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed at a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw member having a first electrode plate and a second jaw member having a second electrode plate. A movable handle is operably coupled to the housing. The movable handle is configured to move at least one of the first or second jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A first plate is disposed on the first jaw member. A second plate is disposed on the first plate. The second plate includes an opening defined therein. A bead is disposed on the first plate and is configured to protrude through the opening defined in the second plate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed at a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw member having a first electrode plate and a second jaw member having a second electrode plate. A movable handle is operably coupled to the housing. The movable handle is configured to move at least one of the first or second jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A first plate is disposed on the first jaw member. A second plate is disposed on the first plate. The second plate includes an opening defined therein. A bead is disposed on the first plate and is configured to protrude through the opening defined in the second plate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot member such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A knife is translatable between retracted and extended positions. A knife deployment mechanism is operably coupled to the first shaft member and includes at least one trigger and at least one linkage coupling the at least one trigger with the knife such that pivoting of the at least one trigger relative to the first shaft member translates the knife between the retracted and extended positions. A knife lockout biased towards a locked position inhibits distal translation of the knife. The knife lockout is movable from the locked position to an unlocked position upon approximation of the jaw members to permit distal translation of the knife.

Abstract: A connection mechanism and manufacturing method for a surgical instrument includes an inner shaft member that extends at least partially through an elongated shaft member of the instrument and defines proximal and distal ends and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the elongated shaft member and includes at least one aperture that extends partially along the longitudinal direction and disposed distally from the proximal end. The inner shaft member enables a drive collar member to slide on the inner shaft member and reciprocate along the longitudinal direction. A drive collar stop member slides on the inner shaft member and moves along the longitudinal direction. The drive collar stop member then moves in a direction relative to the longitudinal axis to engage the aperture and limit further longitudinal motion of the drive collar member. An inner shaft stop member limits movement of the inner shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes at least one shaft member, an end effector assembly extending distally from the at least one shaft member, and a heat pipe. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members, each including an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other about a pivot between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces. The heat pipe includes a proximal body portion and a flattened distal portion. The proximal body portion extends through at least a portion of the at least one shaft member, and the flattened distal portion extends through at least a portion of the first jaw member. The heat pipe is configured to facilitate drawing heat proximally from the end effector assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A handle of the first shaft member may be moved against a resilient bias of a spring element.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, and a resilient, compressible pivot assembly pivotably coupling the first and second shaft members to one another.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A proximal end portion of the second shaft member may be pivoted against a resilient bias of a spring element to apply a predetermined clamping pressure on tissue and ultimately engage an activation switch to delivery electrosurgical energy to the clamped tissue.

Abstract: A method of assembling a jaw member of an electrosurgical forceps includes aligning in vertical registration an electrically conductive seal plate, an insulative spacer and a jaw support. The method further includes stacking the seal plate atop the insulative spacer and the jaw support such that a flange depending from the seal plate seats within a corresponding cavity defined within a flange depending from the insulative spacer which, in turn, seats within a cavity defined within the jaw support. The method further includes mechanically securing the seal plate, insulative spacer and jaw support to one another and securing a jaw housing to surround the jaw support, the insulative spacer and the seal plate.

Abstract: An end effector of an electrosurgical forceps includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a cap. The first jaw member has a pivot pin extending inwardly from an inner lateral side thereof. The second jaw member is pivotably coupled to the pivot pin. The cap couples the first and second jaw members to one another.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife, and a biasing member. The biasing member is disposed about the knife and configured to resiliently bias the knife toward a retracted position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife, and a knife deployment mechanism. The knife deployment mechanism has one or more safety features that resist an inadvertent deployment of the knife.