Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. The jaw members are movable relative to each other in order to grasp tissue therebetween. An electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive element of the sealing plate positioned on the proximal end of the first jaw member has a different impedance than the reactive element positioned on the distal end. An electrically conductive surface having one or more conductive sealing plates is operably coupled to the second jaw member.

Abstract: A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having one or more shafts that extend therefrom that operatively support an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. A tissue sealing plate disposed on each of the jaw members is provided. The tissue sealing plates is configured to support a plurality of electrodes thereon and arranged in vertically opposing pairs along the length of the jaw members. The plurality of electrodes is adapted to independently connect to an electrosurgical energy source such that each vertically opposing electrode pairs form an independently controllable electrical circuit when tissue is held between the jaw members. A control system having one or more algorithms for independently controlling and/or monitoring the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical energy source to the plurality of electrodes is also provided.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.