Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect 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 bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect 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 bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect 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 bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect 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 bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A minimally invasive technique for harvesting saphenous veins and the like for use as autografts in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery include a microsurgical instrument adapted to be demountably secured to the distal end of an endoscope. The instrument is inserted through an entry incision in the patient's skin, at the end of the endoscope which is used by a surgeon to advance the instrument along the saphenous vein, using the vein as a guide for the instrument. The instrument is tapered to provide initial separation of surrounding tissues from the vein, and cutting means supported by the instrument and viewed via the endoscope allow dissection of all tissues and side branch vessels from the saphenous vein. The instrument further provides a protective hood which prevents tissues or skin from blocking the endoscope. The desired length of saphenous vein is transected and is extracted via the entry incision. The technique minimizes trauma to the patient and to the saphenous vein graft.

Abstract: A minimally invasive technique for harvesting saphenous veins and the like for use as autografts in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery include a microsurgical instrument adapted to be demountably secured to the distal end of an endoscope. The instrument is inserted through an entry incision in the patient's skin, at the end of the endoscope which is used by a surgeon to advance the instrument along the saphenous vein, using the vein as a guide for the instrument. The instrument is tapered to provide initial separation of surrounding tissues from the vein, and cutting means supported by the instrument and viewed via the endoscope allow dissection of all tissues and side branch vessels from the saphenous vein. The instrument further provides a protective hood which prevents tissues or skin from blocking the endoscope. The desired length of saphenous vein is transected and is extracted via the entry incision. The technique minimizes trauma to the patient and to the saphenous vein graft.