Abstract: Systems and associated methods for sensing and indicating when a wide range of tissue is adequately cauterized and/or sealed by an electrosurgical instrument. The system indirectly monitors the current flowing through the tissue and determines the adequacy of tissue cauterization or sealing of vessel(s) by monitoring when the current is stable or nearly stable (i.e. when the current is constant). The system may also indicate a predetermined time that current is applied through the tissue and control the flow of energy through the tissue.

Abstract: Single piece biopsy forceps having jaws that are caused to open and close in response to longitudinal movement of an actuation rod. The single piece forceps are formed from a single metal blank with opposing jaw sections connected via a self-hinge. The metal blank includes a self-hinge portion, a channel section on either end of the hinge portion and a jaw section on distal ends of the channel sections. The jaws are formed from the jaw section of the metal blank and the channel sections are bent to provide generally U-shaped channel sections. The hinge portion is bent so that the jaws are oriented in opposed aligned relation. A fixed and a movable pin are disposed through slots in the channel sections. Movement of the movable pin with respect to the fixed pin via an actuator rod or wire causes the jaws of the biopsy forceps to open and close.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before actuation of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism. Furthermore, the stapler mechanism contains means for obstructing the flow of insufflation gasses or bodily fluid from the surgical site through the instrument during endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.