Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for applying variable compression to tissue are described herein and can have particular utility when cutting and sealing tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument end effector is described that includes first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween. The end effector can include a compression member configured to translate along the end effector to move the first and second jaw members and apply a variable compression force to the tissue. The variable compression force can have different profiles along the length of the end effector, including, for example, a continuously increasing profile or a profile that alternates between different values. The provided variable compression can reduce the force required to actuate the surgical instrument and increase the quality of a tissue seal formed thereby.

Abstract: A handle for a medical instrument includes an actuation element, which is arranged on the handle and which is displaceable into at least a first and a second functional position. The actuation element can be moved in a plane transverse to its displacement direction, in each of the first and second functional positions, for carrying out a function. A pivotable actuation lever is arranged in the handle, the actuation lever being coupled in movement to the actuation element for displacing the actuation element into the at least two functional positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly and a deployment mechanism for deploying a proximal hub associated with an energizable member between proximal and distal positions. The deployment mechanism includes a rotatable shaft, a cord including a proximal end engaged to the rotatable shaft and a distal end engaged to the proximal hub, a biasing member positioned to bias the proximal hub towards the distal position, and a gear assembly operably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The gear assembly is configured to move the proximal hub from the distal position to the proximal position against the bias of the biasing member by rotating the rotatable shaft relative to the cord to at least partially wind-up the cord about the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a proximal hub, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The proximal hub is disposed within the housing, coupled to the energizable member, and translatable relative to the housing along a translation axis to deploy the energizable member. The deployment mechanism is configured to selectively translate the proximal hub and includes an actuator movable along a surface of the housing that extends in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis. The actuator is operably coupled to the proximal hub and is movable along the surface of the housing in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis between a proximal position and a distal position to translate the proximal hub along the translation axis and move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each jaw member including a tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members defines a first channel extending therethrough and an opening in the tissue sealing plate thereof that is aligned with the first channel. A stop member having a pre-determined configuration is removably engaged within the first channel. At least a portion of the stop member is configured to extend through the opening of the tissue sealing plate to define a minimum gap distance between the tissue sealing plates of the jaw members when the jaw members are disposed in the approximated position.

Abstract: Laparoscopic surgical devices include a first member having a first gear, a second member having a second gear corresponding to the first gear, a connection member configured to connect the first member and the second member; first and second wire mounting pieces respectively at the first and second members, a first wire wound on the first wire mounting pieces so as to be pulled upon receiving a first drive force; and a second wire wound on the second wire mounting pieces so as to be pulled upon receiving a second drive force. The drive unit is configured to selectively transmit the first and second amplified driving forces to a respective one the first member and the second member to cause tilting of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof, which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to affect a tissue seal to tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is included within the housing for moving the jaw members. A movable handle is also included, such that movement of the handle actuates the drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to each other. A knife channel is included within the end effector configured to allow reciprocation of a knife blade within the knife channel. The knife blade includes a proximal edge adapted to engage a proximal edge of the end effector to impede translation of the knife blade when the jaw members are in an open configuration and the knife blade is retracted within the end effector assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an end effector assembly operatively coupled with the handle assembly. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member including a first jaw housing and a first electrically conductive surface, a second jaw member including a second jaw housing and a second electrically conductive surface, and a knife assembly. The knife assembly includes a base member translatably disposed in the first jaw housing, a pivot portion coupled with the base portion, and a blade pivotally associated with the pivot portion. The knife assembly is transitionable between a retracted state in which the blade is disposed within the first jaw housing and an extended state in which the blade is disposed at least partially within the second jaw housing.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly operably coupled to the shaft includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration, to a clamping configuration. A knife blade assembly includes a knife blade translatable within the first and second jaw members. A knife blade lockout mechanism is in operative communication with the knife blade assembly and includes an elongated cam slot with a cam pin translatable therein from a distal end of the elongated cam slot corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism engaged with the knife blade assembly, to a proximal position corresponding to the knife blade lockout mechanism disengaged from the knife blade assembly.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end having a jaw member assembly at the distal end including a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative thereto. The jaw members can be transferred relative to each other from an opening position into a gripping position in which they are arranged to be closer to each other than in the opening position. Each jaw member has at least one electrode connectable to an electric power source and electrodes of both jaw members being adapted to interact for sealing body tissue held between the jaw members in the gripping position, actuating means for transferring the jaw members from the opening position into the gripping position and means for limiting the closing width of the jaw members, when they are transferred from the opening position into the gripping position.

Abstract: In order to reliably cut off a living tissue by using a microwave in a surgical operation without causing excessive damage to the living tissue or without bleeding, it is necessary to suppress energy attenuation until the microwave reaches electrode blades for nipping, coagulating, and cutting off a tissue. However, it is difficult to suppress the energy attenuation. The present invention relates to a medical treatment device capable of reliably cutting off a living tissue by using a microwave while sealing vasculature by coagulating the living tissue without excessively damaging the living tissue. Specifically, the present invention relates to a medical treatment device including a movable first electrode blade connected to an external conductor and a fixed second electrode blade connected directly to a central electrode.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom, an outer sleeve disposed about the shaft and selectively translatable relative to the shaft, a first drive shaft disposed within the shaft and translatable relative to the shaft independently of the outer sleeve, a second drive shaft disposed within the first drive shaft and coupled to the outer sleeve to translate in conjunction with the outer sleeve, and a rotatable nose wheel. The rotatable nose wheel is mounted about a distal end of the housing and is rotatably coupled to each of the outer sleeve, the shaft, the first drive shaft, and the second drive shaft such that rotation of the rotatable nose wheel effects corresponding rotation of the outer sleeve, the shaft, the first drive shaft, and the second drive shaft in conjunction with one another and relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.

Abstract: Methods and devices for using surgical devices with articulating end effectors are provided. Surgical devices with articulating end effectors can provide rotary driven pivoting of the end effector. In some embodiments, the device can include a handle, a first and a second tube extending from the handle, the second tube disposed within the first tube, and an end effector that includes a pair of distal jaws configured to move in response to rotation of the first tube about a longitudinal axis thereof and rotation of the second tube about a longitudinal axis thereof. The jaws can move in two different ways depending on whether the first and second tubes are rotating in a same direction as one another or in different ways than each other. The jaws can open/close and articulate using the same mechanical mechanism. The device can be powered, or the device can be non-powered.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil with integrated tweezers includes-an elongated housing having an open distal end and an actuator operatively associated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distally through the open distal end of the elongated housing and are transitionable between a closed position and an open position upon actuation of an actuator. One or both of the jaw members is configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. One or more switches is operably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configured to activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue with monopolar and bipolar energy.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes jaws, a cutting assembly, and at least one cam assembly. At least one jaw is moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions for grasping tissue. At least one jaw includes a control trough that extends therealong. The pivot has first and second pivot bosses defining a pivot hole therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a blade and blade control portion, and defines a longitudinal axis through the blade and the control portion. The control portion slidably translates through the pivot hole defined between the pivot bosses to allow selective advancement thereof through the trough. The blade is disposed distally of the pivot and extends farther from the axis than an outer surface of the control portion. The cam assembly is coupled to the moveable jaw and is actuatable to move the moveable jaw between the positions.

Abstract: Electrosurgical devices are disclosed herein in which one or more electrodes are separated from adjacent portions of the device by a phase change material. The phase change material can be a solid at room temperature that melts at operating temperatures, forming intimate contact at the interface between the electrode and the adjacent portion of the device to produce low thermal resistance. The phase change material can have a high dielectric strength which electrically isolates the electrode from adjacent portions of the device while simultaneously providing low thermal resistance. Above a predetermined threshold temperature, the phase change material can change into a molten state and wet the joint surfaces to create a thin, low thermal resistance interface. The phase change material can be thixotropic and can be relatively viscous when in liquid form such that the material does not flow or otherwise migrate from the interface during operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved ablation catheter. In particular, the present disclosure provides an improved renal denervation ablation catheter and system including a catheter handle and a means for tracking, monitoring, and/or recording the circumferential angular history of the renal denervation ablation catheter handle. The renal denervation ablation catheters in accordance with the present disclosure are well-suited for use with a renal denervation ablation system that can record the circumferential angular history of the renal denervation catheter handle, and hence the circumferential angular ablation history of the catheter electrode within a vessel, and use this data in combination with other known information to estimate the percent circumferential denervation of the vessel.

Abstract: An end effector assembly is presented including a pair of first and second jaw members configured to move from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The end effector assembly further includes an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first and second jaw members relative to an elongated shaft attached to a flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. Additionally, a spring mechanism is disposed between a supporting member and a distal most end of the elongated shaft, the spring mechanism configured to apply constant sealing pressure between the first and second jaw members irrespective of angular displacement of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: Pieces of tissue are fused together and simultaneously cut by compressing the pieces together at an interface, delivering an impulse of electrical power which is converted into sufficient thermal energy to fuse the pieces together at the interface and simultaneously cut the fused tissue pieces along a well-defined linear path. The impulse, and the fusion and the simultaneous cutting, occur within a preferable time of 1.5-2.0 seconds but no greater than 4.0 seconds. The temperature of the thermal energy is regulated between 220° C.-320° C. The force applied on the tissue pieces is sufficient to fuse the tissue at the interface followed by further compression to cut the fused tissue along the linear path as a result of the thermal energy and a zero distance gap between jaws which compress the tissue pieces. The jaws have smooth working surfaces with an Ra of 0.15 or less microns up to 0.40 microns.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members and a trigger assembly. The first and second shaft members each have a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One or both of the jaw members are moveable to position the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. One of the jaw members is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. The trigger assembly is movable between unactuated and actuated positions to selectively translate the blade between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. The blade extends at least partially through one or both of the jaw members in the one or more extended positions such that when the blade is disposed in the one or more extended positions, the trigger assembly is configured to move to the unactuated position upon movement of the jaw members from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a first electrode. The first jaw member defines a first aperture at a distal end. The end effector includes a second jaw member. The second jaw member comprises a second electrode. The second jaw member defines a second aperture at a distal end. The second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The first and second apertures are configured to define a single aperture when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position. The first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical vessel sealing instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes a jaw housing, a seal plate having a tissue contacting surface and a side wall, and an insulating region disposed on the side wall of the seal plate. The instrument includes the ability to move 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. The insulating region enables precision overmolding of the jaw housing to the seal plate, while advantageously reducing thermal spread and edge cutting during vessel sealing procedures.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm may be disposed in the first forceps arm housing and the second forceps arm may be disposed in the second forceps arm housing. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps jaws. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises: an elongated sheath, an energy probe, an elongated energy conductor, and an elongated cooling member. The energy probe is connected to the distal end portion of the sheath. The elongated energy conductor is contained within the sheath and arranged to transmit distally to the energy probe energy from an energy source. The elongated cooling member is reciprocally movable within the sheath and thermally coupled at its proximal portion to a cooler. The cooling member is movable between a proximal, non-cooling position and a distal, cooling position. In the non-cooling position, a distal end of the cooling member is displaced proximally from the energy probe so as to impede thermal conduction therebetween; in the cooling position, the distal end of the cooling member thermally contacts the energy probe so as to facilitate thermal conduction therebetween.

Abstract: A method of sealing bowel tissue includes grasping bowel tissue between first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, applying a clamping pressure to the grasped bowel tissue in a range of about 1 kg/cm2 to about 2.5 kg/cm2, supplying energy to at least one of the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces such that the energy is conducted between the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces and through the grasped bowel tissue to seal the grasped bowel tissue, and monitoring one or more parameters during the supplying of energy to the electrically-conductive surface(s). Instruments, end effector assemblies, generators, and systems suitable for this purpose are also provided.

Abstract: An end effector assembly suitable for use with a forceps includes opposing first and second jaw members pivotably mounted with respect to one another. The first jaw member includes one or more pivot holes defined therein configured to receive a portion of a pivot pin therein. The end effector assembly also includes an electrically-insulative hinge configured to electrically isolate the first and second jaw members from one another including one or more pivot-hole locators having an aperture defined therein. The electrically-insulative hinge is attached to the first jaw member such that the one or more pivot-hole locators align with the one or more pivot holes of the second jaw member.

Abstract: A vessel sealing instrument having an instrument tip that comprises a pair of opposing clamping members movable to clamp a vessel to be sealed. The clamping members include an energy delivery structure capable of delivering localized radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and microwave EM energy separately or simultaneously into the vessel. The RF EM energy and the microwave EM energy are received in the energy delivery structure from a coaxial cable. Each energy delivery structure comprises first and second conductive elements separated by a planar dielectric layer. The first and second conductive elements are arranged at the opposed surface of the respective clamping member to act as active and return electrodes to transfer RF EM energy into biological tissue by conduction, and as an antenna to radiate microwave EM energy into biological tissue from the opposed surface.

Abstract: An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably attached about a pivot member and moveable from a first spaced position to a second grasping position. Each jaw member includes a jaw housing and a seal plate formed on an inner surface of the jaw member including at least two seal plate segments extending along a substantial portion of the length of the jaw members. An insulating member is positioned between adjacent seal plate segments and configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent seal plate segments. Each sealing plate segment is adapted to selectively connect to an electrosurgical energy source and form part of an electrosurgical energy delivery circuit.

Abstract: A method for controlling delivery of energy to seal and divide tissue includes applying energy to tissue in a first phase through an electrosurgical forceps having at least one electrically energizable electrode. The method also includes detecting a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase. The method also includes applying energy to tissue during a second phase upon detection of the predetermined condition and providing tension to the tissue during the second phase to separate the tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing defining a window and having an outer shaft extending therefrom. An end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the outer shaft includes first and second jaw members including distal portions and proximal portions and movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft such that, when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, the inner shaft is disposed in a distal position. When the jaw members are moved to the approximated position, the proximal portions urge the inner shaft to a proximal position. An indicator member coupled to the inner shaft includes first and second indicators. The first indicator is visible through the window when the inner shaft is disposed in the distal position. The second indicator is visible through the window when the inner shaft is disposed in the proximal position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a clamp including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and at least one energy transmission device carried by the base member. An apparatus for use with a clamp and a probe that carries at least one energy transmission device including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and an engagement device associated with the base member and configured to engage the probe. A clamp including first and second clamp members, at least one of which is malleable, and a movement apparatus that moves at least one of the first and second clamp members relative to the other. A surgical system including a clamp with first and second clamp members and a device that removably mounts at least one electrode on at least one of the first and second clamp members.

Abstract: A biocompatible material layer for use as an intermediary layer between body tissue surfaces to be fused in a body tissue fusion, wherein the material layer includes two sides opposite to one another, wherein the material layer is configured so that it provides portions with comparatively higher electrical resistance and portions with comparatively lower electrical resistance between body tissue surfaces to be fused.

Abstract: A method for identifying and treating tissue includes providing an electrosurgical treatment device including an electrode assembly. One or more electrical property values of target tissue are measured. The measured electrical property values of the target tissue are compared against electrical property values of known tissue types. A tissue type of the target tissue is identified. An energy delivery configuration of the electrosurgical treatment device is adjusted to the type of target tissue. The electrosurgical treatment device is activated to treat the target tissue.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a proximal flange having an inwardly-facing surface. The proximal flanges are coupled to one another for moving the jaw members relative to one another between a first position and a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The inwardly-facing surfaces of the proximal flanges are disposed in abutting relation relative to one another. A knife is configured to move along a knife path defined along an outwardly-facing surface of one of the proximal flanges. The knife is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member is movable between an open configuration and a clamping configuration and includes a tissue contacting surface thereon. A cutting blade extends from a distal end of the shaft and operably couples to the housing and adjacent the jaw member to treat tissue. A selectively removable laminate liner is positionable over the tissue contacting surface of the jaw member and configured to prevent contact between the tissue contacting surface and the cutting blade when the cutting blade is treating tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing, an RF generation circuit activation button coupled to an activation button lever supported by the housing. The activation button lever includes a top surface, the activation button lever rotatable about an activation button pivot point. A cutting blade is operably coupled to a sheath. A control lever is supported by the housing and pivotally coupled to a trigger lever including a projection to engage the top surface of the activation button lever and to control the actuation of the cutting blade by actuating the sheath in a distal direction by rotatably moving the control lever proximally about a trigger pivot point. The top surface of the activation button lever and the projection of the trigger lever remain engaged to prevent actuation of the cutting blade until the activation button is fully rotatably moved proximally about the activation button pivot.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a shaft extending from a housing and includes an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly has a pair of jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a cutter having a generally circular cross-section. The cutter is configured to cut tissue when the jaw members are in the closed position. One or more electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are disposed on each of the jaw members. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. An actuator is operably coupled to the knife assembly and is configured to selectively reciprocate the cutter relative to the jaw members.

Abstract: An expandable implant device for implantation at a surgical site is provided. The implant device is made of cortical bone and includes a top and bottom piece, both pieces configured to couple with each other. The top piece has superior and inferior surfaces, and at least a tapered leading end configured to distract open an intervertebral disc space so that the top piece can be slidably inserted over the bottom piece until a desired overlap is achieved. A composite interbody bone implant device is also provided including a body skeleton having a non-bone composition, such as a polymer, formed into a shape and including one or more cavities which can be filled with other material, for example, allograft material. A method of placing an expandable device into a disc space is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a closure trigger defining an energy button hole, an energy button located within the energy button hole, and a firing trigger. A shaft assembly is coupled to the handle assembly and comprises an outer tube, a closure actuator coupled to the closure trigger, and a firing actuator operatively coupled to the firing trigger. An end effector is coupled to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a jaw assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The jaw assembly comprises a first and a second jaw member. The first and second jaw members define a longitudinal slot. The closure actuator is coupled to the first jaw member to pivotally move the first jaw member from an open position to a closed position. A cutting member is deployable within the longitudinal slot.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps is provided and includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A cutting mechanism is adapted to selectively and removably couple to one of the first and second shaft members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting trigger for selectively advancing a knife blade extending therefrom through a knife channel defined along one or both of the jaw members. The first shaft member includes a stop feature formed thereon and the second shaft feature includes a stop member formed thereon. The stop feature and stop member configured to selectively engage one another to limit rotation of the first and second shaft members with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jaw assembly configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. A seal plate with an inwardly facing tab member extending along a peripheral edge thereof is formed. A cavity defined along the inwardly facing tab member of the seal plate is formed. Subsequently, the seal plate is overmolded to a jaw housing. The cavity is configured to receive an insulative substrate therein to facilitate securing the seal plate to the jaw housing.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a microwave antenna assembly and a shielding member including a metallic plate coupled to ground and a dielectric material. The end effector assembly also includes a splitter configured to receive an active signal from a source of microwave energy and split the active signal into a first signal transmitted to the microwave antenna assembly in one of the jaw members and a second signal transmitted in the microwave antenna assembly in the other jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, and actuation member, an elongated body portion, and a locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the actuation member, and is configured to substantially prevent at least a partial movement of the actuation member when the elongated body portion is not engaged with a loading unit. The locking mechanism comprises a link, a bushing, and a connecting member. The link is configured for mechanical engagement with a portion of a loading unit. At least a portion of the busing is disposed proximally of at least a portion of the link. At least a portion of the connecting member is disposed proximally of at least a portion of the bushing. Engagement between a loading unit and the elongated body portion causes proximal movement of the link, the bushing, and the connecting member.

Abstract: A grasping treatment device includes a probe including a first electrode portion in its distal portion, and a jaw configured to open or close relative to the first electrode portion and including a second electrode portion. The grasping treatment device includes a grasping force converting unit converting a grasping force so that a second grasping force between the distal portion of the probe and the jaw in a second treatment mode in which high-frequency current alone is transmitted to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion is greater than a first grasping force between the distal portion of the probe and the jaw in a first treatment mode in which at least an ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the distal portion of the probe.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft extending between the body and the end effector. The end effector includes a pair of jaws and at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation section may include beads, segments, asymmetric features, preformedly bent features, an integral hinge, a helical cutout or spring, clevis features, an angled joint, a beaded actuation linkage, and/or an offset pivot, among other things. The device may also include a crimped cutting member, a retroacting cutting member, dual pivoting jaws, and/or a wire tensioning assembly.