US 8,430,876 B2Grant

Vessel sealer and divider with knife lockout

Issue Date:2013-04-30

•12 Claims

•13 Drawing Sheets

Abstract

An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.

Metadata

Assignee

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Inventors

John J. Kappus
Thomas J. Gerhardt
Wayne Siebrecht
Larry Johnson

Application Information

Application Number:US 12/548,566

Filing Date:2009-08-27

Priority Date:2009-08-27

Art Unit:3739

Classifications

IPC:

A61B18/12

Patent Drawings (13 sheets)

Description

Background

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical forceps and, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to an elongated endoscopic combination electrosurgical forceps for sealing and/or cutting tissue.

Technical Field

[0002] Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize and/or seal tissue. As an alternative to open forceps for use with open surgical procedures, many modern surgeons use endoscopes and endoscopic instruments for remotely accessing organs through smaller, puncture-like incisions. As a direct result thereof, patients tend to benefit from less scarring and reduced healing time. As used herein the term, endoscopic is meant to include laparoscopic.

[0003] Endoscopic instruments are inserted into the patient through a cannula, or port, which has been made with a trocar. Typical sizes for cannulas range from three millimeters to twelve millimeters. Smaller cannulas are usually preferred, which, as can be appreciated, ultimately presents a design challenge to instrument manufacturers who must find ways to make endoscopic instruments that fit through the smaller cannulas.

[0004] Many endoscopic surgical procedures require cutting or ligating blood vessels or vascular tissue. Due to the inherent spatial considerations of the surgical cavity, surgeons often have difficulty suturing vessels or performing other traditional methods of controlling bleeding, e.g., clamping and/or tying-off transected blood vessels. By utilizing an endoscopic electrosurgical forceps, a surgeon can either cauterize, coagulate/desiccate and/or simply reduce or slow bleeding simply by controlling the intensity, frequency and duration of the electrosurgical energy applied through the jaw members to the tissue. Most small blood vessels, e.g., in the range below two millimeters in diameter, can often be closed using standard electrosurgical instruments and techniques. However, if a larger vessel is ligated, it may be necessary for the surgeon to convert the endoscopic procedure into an open-surgical procedure and thereby abandon the benefits of endoscopic surgery. Alternatively, the surgeon can seal the larger vessel or tissue.

[0005] It is thought that the process of coagulating vessels is fundamentally different than electrosurgical vessel sealing. For the purposes herein, “coagulation” is defined as a process of desiccating tissue wherein the tissue cells are ruptured and dried. “Vessel sealing” or “tissue sealing” is defined as the process of liquefying the collagen in the tissue so that it reforms into a fused mass. Coagulation of small vessels is sufficient to permanently close them, while larger vessels need to be sealed to assure permanent closure.

[0006] In order to effectively seal larger vessels (or tissue) two predominant mechanical parameters should be accurately controlled—the pressure applied to the vessel (tissue) and the gap distance between the electrodes or tissue sealing surfaces—both of which are affected by the thickness of the sealed vessel. More particularly, accurate application of pressure is important to oppose the walls of the vessel; to reduce the tissue impedance to a low enough value that allows enough electrosurgical energy through the tissue; to overcome the forces of expansion during tissue heating; and to contribute to the end tissue thickness, which is an indication of a good seal. It has been determined that a typical jaw gap for fusing vessel walls is optimum between 0.001 and 0.006 inches. Below this range, the seal may shred or tear and above this range the lumens may not be properly or effectively sealed.

[0007] With respect to smaller vessels, the pressure applied to the tissue tends to become less relevant whereas the gap distance between the electrically conductive surfaces becomes more significant for effective sealing. In other words, the chances of the two electrically conductive surfaces touching during activation increases as vessels become smaller.

[0008] It has been found that the pressure range for assuring a consistent and effective seal is between about 3 kg/cm²to about 16 kg/cm²and, preferably, within a working range of 7 kg/cm²to 13 kg/cm². Manufacturing an instrument that is capable of providing a closure pressure within this working range has been shown to be effective for sealing arteries, tissues and other vascular bundles.

[0009] In certain surgical operations, a bipolar forceps is used in combination with a monopolar forceps or monopolar coagulator to treat tissue and control bleeding during the surgery. As such and during the course of a particular operation, a surgeon may be required to substitute a monopolar instrument for the bipolar instrument, which would typically involve substitution through the trocar or cannula. As can be appreciated this may occur on more than one occasion over the course of the operation, which can be quite time consuming and which may unnecessarily subject the instruments to possible non-sterile environments.

[0010] Certain surgical instruments have been designed that impede the advancement of the knife or cutting member when the handles are disposed in a closed position to avoid unintended actuation or deployment of the knife through tissue. One such knife lockout design is described in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,335 entitled IN-LINE VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER filed by Dumbauld et al., then entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Summary

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic forceps including a housing having a shaft attached thereto which supports a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly is included and is disposed in the housing and is operable to move the jaw members relative to one another from an open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The drive assembly includes a drive shaft having a proximal end. A knife assembly is included and is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaw members. The knife assembly includes at least one mechanical interface disposed thereon. A knife lockout is also included having a first mechanical interface configured to operably engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a second mechanical interface configured to operably engage the mechanical interface of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaw members to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the first mechanical interface which, in turn, causes the second mechanical interface to disengage the mechanical interface on the knife assembly to permit selective advancement of the knife. For example, engagement of the first mechanical interface with the proximal end of the drive shaft may cause rotation of the second mechanical interface out of engagement with the mechanical interface of the knife assembly allowing selective actuation of the knife.

[0012] In one embodiment, a pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly; the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. In another embodiment, the knife assembly includes a knife shaft that seats within a cap of an elongated knife sleeve supported at a proximal end of the housing. The cap may include a flange that extends therefrom that interfaces with the second mechanical interface of the knife lockout.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the knife lockout may include an adjustment mechanism that precisely aligns the first mechanical interface of the knife lockout with the disposition of proximal end of the drive shaft when the jaw members are in the closed position. The adjustment mechanism may include an eccentric nut that is manually adjustable to align the knife lockout after assembly. The knife lockout may also include a spring to bias the second mechanical interface of the knife lockout in an engaged position with the mechanical interface of the knife assembly.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for dividing vessels or tissue and includes the initial step of: providing a forceps having a housing including a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaw members and at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and is operable to move the jaw members relative to one another from an open position wherein the jaw members and are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members and cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The drive assembly includes a drive shaft having a proximal end. A knife assembly is included and is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaw members and. The knife assembly includes a mechanical interface disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a first mechanical interface configured to operably engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a second mechanical interface configured to operably engage the mechanical interface of the knife assembly and prevent movement thereof.

[0015] The method also includes the step of actuating the drive assembly to move the jaw members to the closed position causing the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the first mechanical interface which, in turn, causes the second mechanical interface to disengage the mechanical interface on the knife assembly and permit selective advancement of the knife.

[0016] Another method according to the present disclosure includes a method for separating tissue which includes the steps of: positioning a knife lockout to prevent translation of a knife blade through a knife channel defined between a pair of jaw members; actuating a drive assembly to close the pair of jaw members about tissue and position a proximal end of a drive shaft of the drive assembly to a proximal-most position; and engaging a first mechanical interface extending from the knife lockout with the proximal end of the drive shaft to reposition a second mechanical interface of the knife lockout to allow translation of the knife blade.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Various embodiments of the subject instrument are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1A is a top, perspective view of an endoscopic forceps shown in an open configuration and including a housing, a handle assembly, a shaft and an end effector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 1B is a top, perspective view of the endoscopic forceps of FIG. 1A showing the end effector assembly in a closed configuration an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2A is an enlarged, top view of the forceps of FIG. 1A showing the disposition of the internal components when the forceps is in an open configuration;

[0021] FIG. 2B is an enlarged, top view of the forceps of FIG. 1B showing the disposition of the internal components when the forceps is in a closed configuration;

[0022] FIG. 3A is an enlarged, top view showing the knife actuator after actuation;

[0023] FIG. 3B is a greatly-enlarged, side cross sectional view of the end effector assembly showing the position of the knife after actuation;

[0024] FIG. 4A is a greatly-enlarged, perspective view of the bottom jaw of the end effector assembly with parts separated;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a greatly-enlarged, perspective view of the top jaw of the end effector assembly with parts separated;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a greatly-enlarged, perspective view of the elongated shaft for housing various moving parts of the drive assembly and knife assembly;

[0027] FIG. 6 is an internal view of an alternate embodiment of a forceps according to the present disclosure showing a knife lockout disposed in an engaged position;

[0028] FIG. 7 is an internal view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing the knife lockout disposed in a disengaged position by virtue of the movement of the drive shaft; and

[0029] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, exploded view of the knife lockout of FIG. 6.

Detailed Description

[0030] During certain tissue treatment procedures that require transaction of tissue, it may prove useful to employ a knife lockout to prevent unintended advancement of the knife or cutting mechanism through the tissue before the tissue is treated. Moreover, in some instances it may prove useful to prevent translation of the knife when the jaw members are not fully clamped about tissue or are incorrectly clamped about tissue (e.g.; too much tissue between jaw members). In this instance, preventing translation of the knife or cutting mechanism will prevent the knife from jamming, miscuing, buckling, pinching or de-railing upon translation or retraction of the knife blade. In some instances, improper deployment or retraction of the knife may render the forceps unusable.

[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, one embodiment of an endoscopic electrosurgical forceps 10 is shown for use with various surgical procedures and generally includes a housing 20, a handle assembly 30, a rotating assembly 80, a knife assembly 70 and an end effector assembly 100 which mutually cooperate to grasp, seal and divide tubular vessels and vascular tissue. Although the majority of the figure drawings depict a forceps 10 for use in connection with endoscopic surgical procedures, the present disclosure may be used for more traditional open surgical procedures.

[0032] Forceps 10 includes a shaft 12 which has a distal end 16 dimensioned to mechanically engage the end effector assembly 100 and a proximal end 14 which mechanically engages the housing 20. Details of how the shaft 12 connects to the end effector assembly 100 are described in more detail below. The proximal end 14 of shaft 12 is received within the housing 20 and the connections relating thereto are also described in detail below. In the drawings and in the descriptions which follow, the term “proximal”, as is traditional, will refer to the end of the forceps 10 which is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to the end which is further from the user.

[0033] Forceps 10 also includes an electrosurgical cable 310 that connects the forceps 10 to a source of electrosurgical energy, e.g., a generator (not shown). Generators such as those sold by Covidien, located in Boulder Colo. may be used as a source of both bipolar electrosurgical energy for sealing vessel and vascular tissues as well as monopolar electrosurgical energy which is typically employed to coagulate or cauterize tissue. It is envisioned that the generator may include various safety and performance features including isolated output, impedance control and/or independent activation of accessories.

[0034] Handle assembly 30 includes two movable handles 30a and 30b disposed on opposite sides of housing 20. Handles 30a and 30b are movable relative to one another to actuate the end effector assembly 100 as explained in more detail below with respect to the operation of the forceps 10.

[0035] Rotating assembly 80 is mechanically coupled to housing 20 and is rotatable approximately 90 degrees in either direction about a longitudinal axis “A.” Rotating assembly 80, when rotated, rotates shaft 12, which, in turn, rotates end effector assembly 100. Such a configuration allows end effector assembly 100 to be rotated approximately 90 degrees in either direction with respect to housing 20.

[0036] As mentioned above, end effector assembly 100 is attached at the distal end 16 of shaft 12 and includes a pair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Handles 30a and 30b of handle assembly 30 ultimately connect to drive assembly 60 (see FIG. 2A) which, together, mechanically cooperate to impart movement of the jaw members 110 and 120 from a first, open position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second, clamping or closed position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

[0037] Turning now to the more detailed features of the present disclosure as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-5, handles 30a and 30b each include an aperture 33a and 33b, respectively, defined therein which enables a user to grasp and move each respective handle 30a and 30b relative to one another. Handles 30a and 30b also include ergonomically-enhanced gripping elements 39a and 39b, respectively, disposed along an outer edge thereof which are designed to facilitate gripping of the handles 30a and 30b during activation. It is envisioned that gripping elements 39a and 39b may include one or more protuberances, scallops and/or ribs to enhance gripping.

[0038] As best illustrated in FIG. 1A, handles 30a and 30b are configured to extend outwardly on opposite sides from a transverse axis “B” defined through housing 20 which is perpendicular to longitudinal axis “A”. Handles 30a and 30b are movable relative to one another in a direction parallel to axis “B” to open and close the jaw members 110 and 120 as needed during surgery. Details relating to the inner-working components of forces 10 are disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,335, the entire contents of which being incorporated by reference herein. This forceps style is commonly referred to as an “in-line” or hemostat style forceps. In-line hemostats or forceps are more commonly manufactured for open surgical procedures and typically include a pair of shafts having integrally coupled handles which are movable relative to one another to open and close the jaw members disposed at the distal end thereof.

[0039] As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distal end of each handle 30a and 30b is selectively moveable about pivot pins 34a and 34b attached to a distal end 21 of the housing 20 to actuate the jaw members 110 and 120. Movement of the handles 30a and 30b away from one another (and the housing 20) unlocks and opens the handles 30a and 30b and, in turn, the jaw members 110 and 120 for subsequent grasping or re-grasping of tissue. In one embodiment, the handles 30a and 30b may be biased in an open configuration to facilitate handling and manipulation of the jaw members 110 and 120 within an operative field. Various spring-like mechanisms are contemplated which may be utilized to accomplish this purpose.

[0040] Movable handles 30a and 30b are designed to provide a distinct lever-like mechanical advantage over conventional handle assemblies. The enhanced mechanical advantage for actuating the jaw members 110 and 120 is gained by virtue of the unique position and combination of several inter-cooperating elements which reduce the overall user forces necessary to obtain and maintain the jaw members 110 and 120 under ideal operating pressures of about 3 kg/cm²to about 16 kg/cm². Details relating to the working components the handle assembly and drive assembly are disclosed in above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,335. In other words, it is envisioned that the combination of these elements and their positions relative to one another enables the user to gain lever-like mechanical advantage to actuate the jaw members 110 and 120 enabling the user to close the jaw members 110 and 120 with lesser force while still generating the required forces necessary to effect a proper and effective tissue seal.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the end effector assembly 100 is designed as a bilateral assembly, i.e., both jaw members 110 and 120 pivot relative to one another about a pivot pin 185 disposed therethrough. Each jaw member 110 and 120 includes a corresponding flange 113 and 123 that pivots about a pivot pin 185 disposed between the jaw members 110 and 120 upon translation of a drive rod 180 as explained in more detail below.

[0042] More particularly, jaw members 110 and 120 include proximal flanges 113 and 123, respectively, which each include an elongated angled slot 181a and 181b, respectively, defined therethrough. Drive pin 180 mounts jaw members 110 and 120 to the end of a rotating shaft 18 and within a cavity 17′ defined at the distal ends 17a and 17b of drive actuator or sleeve 17 (See FIG. 5).

[0043] More particularly, upon actuation of the drive assembly 60, the drive sleeve 17 reciprocates which, in turn, causes the drive pin 180 to ride within slots 181a and 181b to open and close the jaw members 110 and 120 as desired. The jaw members 110 and 120, in turn, pivot about pivot pin 185 disposed through respective pivot holes 186a and 186b defined within flanges 113 and 123 of the jaw members 110 and 120. As can be appreciated, squeezing handles 30a and 30b toward the housing 20 pulls drive sleeve 17 and drive pin 180 proximally to close the jaw members 110 and 120 about tissue grasped therebetween and pushing the sleeve 17 distally opens the jaw members 110 and 120 for grasping purposes.

[0044] Flanges 113 and 123 of jaw members 110 and 120, respectively, are positioned in an abutting relationship with one another. Flanges 113, 123 are assembled and engaged via pivot pin 185 disposed through apertures 186a, and 186b, respectively. Further, flanges 113 and 123 are pivotable about one another via drive pin 180 disposed through slots 181a and 181b and of flanges 113 and 123, respectively. A knife path may be defined between flanges 113 and 123 that longitudinally aligns with knife channels 115a and 115b defined within jaw members 110 and 120, such that knife blade 190 travels in a substantially straight path through knife channels 115a and 115b defined in jaw members 110 and 120, respectively.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4B, jaw member 110 also includes a support base 119 which extends distally from flange 113 and which is configured to support an insulative plate 119′ thereon. Insulative plate 119′, in turn, is configured to support an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface or sealing plate 112 thereon. Sealing plate 112 may be affixed atop the insulative plate 119′ and support base 119 in any known manner in the art, snap-fit, over-molding, stamping, ultrasonically welded, etc. Support base 119 together with the insulative plate 119′ and electrically conductive tissue engaging surface 112 are encapsulated by an outer insulative housing 114. Outer housing 114 includes a cavity 114a that is dimensioned to securely engage the electrically conductive sealing surface 112 as well as the support base 119 and insulative plate 119′. This may be accomplished by stamping, by overmolding, by overmolding a stamped electrically conductive sealing plate and/or by overmolding a metal injection molded seal plate. All of these manufacturing techniques produce jaw member 110 having an electrically conductive surface 112 which is substantially surrounded by an insulating substrate 114.

[0046] The electrically conductive surface or sealing plate 112 and the outer housing 114, when assembled, form longitudinally-oriented knife channel 115a defined therethrough for reciprocation of the knife blade 190. It is envisioned that the knife channel 115a cooperates with corresponding knife channel 115b defined in jaw member 120 to facilitate longitudinal extension of the knife blade 190 along a preferred cutting plane to effectively and accurately separate the tissue along the formed tissue seal. As discussed above, when knife blade 190 is deployed, at least a portion of knife blade 190 advances into knife channels 115a and 115b. Handle 30a may include a lockout flange (not shown) which prevents actuation of the knife assembly 70 when the handle 30a is open thus preventing accidental or premature activation of the knife blade 190 through the tissue. A more detailed discussion of the lockout flange is discussed in above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,335.

[0047] As explained above and as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the knife channel 115 is formed when the jaw members 110 and 120 are closed. In other words, the knife channel 115 includes two knife channel halves—knife channel half 115a disposed in sealing plate 112 of jaw member 110 and knife channel half 115b disposed sealing plate 122 of jaw member 120. Knife channel 115 may be configured as a straight slot with no degree of curvature which, in turn, causes the blade 190 to move through the tissue in a substantially straight fashion. Alternatively and as shown, the knife channel 115 may be curved which has certain surgical advantages.

[0048] As mentioned above, when the jaw members 110 and 120 are closed about tissue, knife channels 115a and 115b form a complete knife channel 115 to allow longitudinal extension of the knife blade 190, from the knife path, in a distal fashion to sever tissue along a tissue seal. Knife channel 115 may be completely disposed in one of the two jaw members, e.g., jaw member 120, depending upon a particular purpose. It is also envisioned that jaw member 120 may be assembled in a similar manner as described above with respect to jaw member 110.

[0049] FIGS. 6-8 show another embodiment of a knife lockout 1200 for use with forceps 10. Unlike the described knife lockout element of commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,335 that prevents advancement of the knife blade 190 when the handles 30a and 30b of forceps 10 are disposed in an open position, lockout 1200 prevents advancement of the knife blade 190 when the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in an open position. More particularly, the knife lockout 1200 operably communicates with the drive shaft 1017 such that the position of the drive shaft 1017 (which regulates the opening and closing of the jaw members 110 and 120) dictates a user option for selective advancement of the knife assembly 70. In other words, the disposition of knife lockout 1200 (e.g., “engaged” or “disengaged”) is dependent on the position of the drive shaft 1017 and not necessarily the position of the handles 1030a and 1030b. As explained below, the manufacturer can precisely orient an eccentric nut 1225 of the lockout 1200 such that the knife shaft 1071 (and therefore knife blade 190) can only be advanced when the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 is fully retracted and the jaw members 110 and 120 are fully closed about tissue.

[0050] More particularly, and with respect to FIG. 6, forceps 1000 is similar to the above described forceps 10 with only those exceptions being discussed hereinbelow. Forceps 1000 includes movable handles 1030a and 1030b which together cooperate to actuate the drive assembly (not shown in this embodiment) as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this envisioned embodiment, a proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 is configured to extend proximally relative to the drive assembly to permit engagement with the knife lockout 1200 (as explained in detail below) when the jaw members 110 and 120 are fully closed about tissue.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the knife assembly 70 is configured to extend proximally and settle within a proximal end of the housing 1020. The knife shaft 1071 includes a T-shaped proximal end 1075 that seats within a cap 1110 of an elongated knife support sleeve 1115 having a flange 1110 that extends therefrom. Details relating to the interaction of the cap 1100 and the knife lockout 1200 are explained below.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, knife lockout 1200 includes a lever 1210 that is configured to be supported within the housing 1020 and includes a lockout base 1213 having a lockout arm 1214, a spring arm 1216 and a flange 1212 that extend outwardly therefrom. Flange 1212 is configured to operably engage the proximal end 1017′ of drive shaft 1017 when the jaw members 110 and 120 are moved to a fully closed position (See FIG. 7). Upon contact, the flange 1212 is rotated proximally which, in turn, rotates the lockout base 1210 and lockout arm 1214 clockwise such that the proximal end 1214′ of the lockout arm 1214 disengages from the flange 1110 of the knife assembly cap 1100. When disengaged, the knife assembly 70 is selectively actuatable by the user to sever tissue disposed between the jaw members 110 and 120. The knife assembly 70 may be spring-biased to return to a fully retracted position upon release thereof.

[0053] It is important to note that the knife lockout 1200 is also spring biased such that when the jaw members 110 and 120 are moved from their fully closed position and the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 no longer engages the flange 1212, the spring arm 1216 forces the lockout arm 1214 counter-clockwise to reengage the flange 1110 of the knife assembly 70 thereby preventing movement thereof. The spring arm 1216 is biased against the inner periphery of the housing 1020. As can be appreciated, this feature insures that the disposition of the jaw members 110 and 120 and not the disposition of the handles 1030a and 1030b dictates whether the knife assembly 70 may be actuated to separate tissue. In other words, the jaw members must be fully closed in order for the knife 190 to become available for tissue separation.

[0054] An adjustment mechanism, e.g., an eccentric adjustment nut 1225, is configured to allow precise alignment of the knife lockout 1200 with the fully retracted position of the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017. This allows a manufacturer to precisely adjust the relative position of the flange 1212 of the knife lockout 1200 with respect to the position of the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 after assembly of the internal components of the forceps 1000 to assure proper disengagement of the knife lockout 1200 when the jaw members 110 and 120 are fully closed. The eccentric adjustment nut 1225 includes a pair of opposing slits 1227 that are configured to facilitate rotation of the nut 1225 which, in turn, precisely aligns the lockout 1200. The eccentric nut 1225 is configured to seat within an aperture defined with the lockout base 1213. A locking bolt 1220 is utilized to lock the nut 1225 in place after alignment of the lockout 1200. Once the housing 1020 is fully assembled, the eccentric adjustment nut 1225 and locking bolt 1220 are secured into place. The locking bolt 1220 may be integrally associated with the housing 20 or may be eliminated and replaced with an alternative boss (not shown).

[0055] Other types of alignment mechanisms are also contemplated and include: a living hinge and set screw combination that may be configured to vary the angle of pivot of the lockout 1200; a diagonal slot arrangement that allows precise alignment of the lockout 1200 which is then locked by a set screw; a gear and ratchet alignment device which can be precisely aligned and then locked; a crush feature that locks the lockout device 1200 in an aligned configuration; one or more shims that lock the lockout in precise configuration after alignment; and/or a flexible post and set screw arrangement that aligns and locks the lockout device 1200.

[0056] It is contemplated that the above described forceps 100 may be configured in combination with any of the aforementioned features of the forceps 10 described with respect to FIG. 1A-5 or with respect to any of the features described in above-mentioned and commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/540,335. For example, the forceps 1000 may include a safety lockout, e.g., lockout that prevents activation of one or both switches depending upon the disposition of the jaw members 110 and 120.

[0057] A monopolar lockout may also be included that prevents activation of the monopolar switch when the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in the open position. The monopolar lockout may include a mechanical interface disposed on one or both of the handles 1030a, 1030b that prevents activation of the monopolar switch when the handles 1030a, 1030b are disposed in an open or first position relative to the housing 1020 and permits activation of the monopolar switch when the handles 1030a, 1030b are disposed in a closed or second position relative to the housing 1020. For example, a pressure activated safety switch (not shown) may be disposed in the housing 1020 and movement of the handles 1030a, 1030b from the open position to the closed position and/or movement of the jaw members from the open to closed position relative to the housing 1020 closes the pressure activated safety switch to allow activation of the monopolar switch.

[0058] In another example, the monopolar lockout may include a mechanical interface disposed on one (or both) of the handles 1030a and 1030b that prevents activation of the monopolar switch (or bipolar switch or both switches) when the handles 1030a and 1030b are disposed in a first position relative to the housing 1020 and permits activation of one or both switch when the handles 1030a and 1030b are disposed in a second position relative to the housing.

[0059] The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for dividing tissue including the initial step of providing a forceps 1000 having a housing 1020 including a shaft 12 attached thereto that supports a pair of jaw members 110 and 120 at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly 60 is disposed in the housing 1020 and is operable to move the jaw members 110 and 120 relative to one another from an open position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The drive assembly 60 includes a drive shaft 1017 having a proximal end 1017′. A knife assembly 70 is included and is operable to advance a knife 190 through tissue disposed between the jaw members 110 and 120. The knife assembly 70 includes a mechanical interface, e.g., flange 1110, disposed thereon. A knife lockout 1200 is included that has a first mechanical interface, e.g., flange 1212, configured to operably engage the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 and a second mechanical interface, e.g., lockout arm 1214, configured to operably engage the mechanical interface 1110 of the knife assembly 70 and prevent movement thereof.

[0060] The method also includes the step of actuating the drive assembly 60 to move the jaw members 110 and 120 to the closed position causing the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 to engage the first mechanical interface 1212 which, in turn, causes the second mechanical interface 1214 to disengage the mechanical interface 1110 on the knife assembly 70 and permit selective advancement of the knife 190.

[0061] Another method according to the present disclosure includes a method for separating tissue which includes the steps of: positioning a knife lockout 1200 to prevent translation of a knife blade 190 through a knife channel 115 defined between a pair of jaw members 110 and 120; actuating a drive assembly 60 to close the pair of jaw members 110 and 120 about tissue and position a proximal end 1017′ of a drive shaft 1017 of the drive assembly 60 to a proximal-most position; and engaging a first mechanical interface 1212 extending from the knife lockout 1200 with the proximal end 1017′ of the drive shaft 1017 to reposition a second mechanical interface 1214 of the knife lockout 1200 to allow translation of the knife blade 190.

[0062] From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, it may be preferable to add other features to the forceps 10, 1000, e.g., an articulating assembly to axially displace the end effector assembly 100 relative to the elongated shaft 12. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An endoscopic forceps, comprising:

a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof;

a drive assembly disposed in the housing and operable to move the jaw members relative to one another from an open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, the drive assembly including a drive shaft having a proximal end;

a knife assembly operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaw members, the knife assembly including a mechanical interface disposed thereon; and

a knife lockout including a first mechanical interface configured to operably engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a second mechanical interface configured to operably engage the mechanical interface of the knife assembly and prevent movement thereof, wherein movement of the jaw members to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the first mechanical interface which, in turn, causes the second mechanical interface to disengage the mechanical interface on the knife assembly to permit selective advancement of the knife.

2. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of handles operatively connected to the drive assembly, the handles being movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members.

3. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein the knife assembly includes a knife shaft that seats within a cap of an elongated knife sleeve supported at a proximal end of the housing, the cap including a flange that extends therefrom that interfaces with the second mechanical of interface the knife lockout.

4. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein engagement of said first mechanical interface with the proximal end of the drive shaft causes rotation of the second mechanical interface out of engagement with the mechanical interface of the knife assembly allowing selective actuation of the knife.

5. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein the knife lockout includes an adjustment mechanism configured to precisely align the first mechanical interface of the knife lockout with the disposition of the proximal end of the drive shaft when the jaw members are in the closed position.

6. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an eccentric nut that is manually adjustable to align the knife lockout.

7. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein the knife lockout includes a spring operable to bias the second mechanical interface of the knife lockout in an engaged position with the mechanical interface of the knife assembly.

8. An endoscopic forceps according to claim 1, wherein at least one jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source for providing electrosurgical energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members.

9. A method of dividing tissue, comprising the steps of:

providing a forceps having:

a housing including a shaft attached thereto, the shaft having a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof;

a knife assembly operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaw members, the knife assembly including a mechanical interface disposed thereon; and

actuating the drive assembly to move the jaw members to the closed position causing the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the first mechanical interface which, in turn, causes the second mechanical interface to disengage the mechanical interface on the knife assembly and permit selective advancement of the knife.

10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of biasing the knife lockout in a position to prevent translation of the knife blade.

11. A method of separating tissue, comprising the steps of:

positioning a knife lockout to prevent translation of a knife blade through a knife channel defined between a pair of jaw members;

actuating a drive assembly to close the pair of jaw members about tissue and position a proximal end of a drive shaft of the drive assembly to a proximal-most position; and

engaging a first mechanical interface extending from the knife lockout with the proximal end of the drive shaft to reposition a second mechanical interface of the knife lockout to allow translation of the knife blade.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of biasing the knife lockout in a position to prevent translation of the knife blade.

Patent Citations (157)

Patent	Date	Inventor	Cited By
USD249549(S)	1978-09-01	Pike	Applicant
USD263020(S)	1982-02-01	Rau, III	Applicant
USD295893(S)	1988-05-01	Sharkany et al.	Applicant
USD295894(S)	1988-05-01	Sharkany et al.	Applicant
USD298353(S)	1988-11-01	Manno	Applicant
USD299413(S)	1989-01-01	DeCarolis	Applicant
US5147357(A)	1992-09-01	Rose et al.	Applicant
USD343453(S)	1994-01-01	Noda	Applicant
US5312433(A)	1994-05-01	Boebel et al.	Applicant
USD348930(S)	1994-07-01	Olson	Applicant
USD349341(S)	1994-08-01	Lichtman et al.	Applicant
USD354564(S)	1995-01-01	Medema	Applicant
USD358887(S)	1995-05-01	Feinberg	Applicant
US5597107(A)	1997-01-01	Knodel et al.	Applicant
US5624452(A)	1997-04-01	Yates	Applicant
USD384413(S)	1997-09-01	Zlock et al.	Applicant
US5688270(A)	1997-11-01	Yates et al.	Applicant
US5693051(A)	1997-12-01	Schulze et al.	Applicant
US5709680(A)	1998-01-01	Yates et al.	Applicant
US5716366(A)	1998-02-01	Yates	Applicant
US5762255(A)	1998-06-01	Chrisman et al.	Applicant
USH1745(H)	1998-08-01	Paraschac	Applicant
US5807393(A)	1998-09-01	Williamson, IV et al.	Applicant
USD402028(S)	1998-12-01	Grimm et al.	Applicant
US5876401(A)	1999-03-01	Schulze et al.	Applicant
USD408018(S)	1999-04-01	McNaughton	Applicant
US5908432(A)	1999-06-01	Pan	Applicant
USD416089(S)	1999-11-01	Barton et al.	Applicant
US6024741(A)	2000-02-01	Williamson, IV et al.	Applicant
USD424694(S)	2000-05-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
USD425201(S)	2000-05-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
USH1904(H)	2000-10-01	Yates et al.	Applicant
USD449886(S)	2001-10-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
USD453923(S)	2002-02-01	Olson	Applicant
USD454951(S)	2002-03-01	Bon	Applicant
USD457958(S)	2002-05-01	Dycus et al.	Applicant
USD457959(S)	2002-05-01	Tetzlaff et al.	Applicant
USH2037(H)	2002-07-01	Yates et al.	Applicant
USD465281(S)	2002-11-01	Lang	Applicant
USD466209(S)	2002-11-01	Bon	Applicant
US6554829(B2)	2003-04-01	Schulze et al.	Examiner
USD493888(S)	2004-08-01	Reschke	Applicant
USD496997(S)	2004-10-01	Dycus et al.	Applicant
USD499181(S)	2004-11-01	Dycus et al.	Applicant
USD502994(S)	2005-03-01	Blake, III	Applicant
USD509297(S)	2005-09-01	Wells	Applicant
USD525361(S)	2006-07-01	Hushka	Applicant
USD531311(S)	2006-10-01	Guerra et al.	Applicant
US7131970(B2)	2006-11-01	Moses et al.	Examiner
USD533274(S)	2006-12-01	Visconti et al.	Applicant
USD533942(S)	2006-12-01	Kerr et al.	Applicant
USD535027(S)	2007-01-01	James et al.	Applicant
USD538932(S)	2007-03-01	Malik	Applicant
USD541418(S)	2007-04-01	Schechter et al.	Applicant
USD541611(S)	2007-05-01	Aglassinger	Applicant
USD541938(S)	2007-05-01	Kerr et al	Applicant
USD545432(S)	2007-06-01	Watanabe	Applicant
USD547154(S)	2007-07-01	Lee et al.	Applicant
US7252667(B2)	2007-08-01	Moses et al.	Applicant
USD564662(S)	2008-03-01	Moses et al.	Applicant
USD567943(S)	2008-04-01	Moses et al.	Applicant
USD575395(S)	2008-08-01	Hushka	Applicant
USD575401(S)	2008-08-01	Hixson et al.	Applicant
USD582038(S)	2008-12-01	Swoyer et al.	Applicant
USD617900(S)	2010-06-01	Kingsley et al.	Applicant
USD617901(S)	2010-06-01	Unger et al.	Applicant
USD617902(S)	2010-06-01	Twomey et al.	Applicant
USD617903(S)	2010-06-01	Unger et al.	Applicant
USD618798(S)	2010-06-01	Olson et al.	Applicant
USD621503(S)	2010-08-01	Otten et al.	Applicant
USD627462(S)	2010-11-01	Kingsley	Applicant
USD628289(S)	2010-11-01	Romero	Applicant
USD628290(S)	2010-11-01	Romero	Applicant
USD630324(S)	2011-01-01	Reschke	Applicant
USD649249(S)	2011-11-01	Guerra	Applicant
USD649643(S)	2011-11-01	Allen, IV et al.	Applicant
US2005/0154387(A1)	2005-07-01	Moses et al.	Applicant
US2006/0074417(A1)	2006-04-01	Cunningham et al.	Applicant
US2007/0078456(A1)	2007-04-01	Dumbauld et al.	Applicant
US2007/0088356(A1)	2007-04-01	Moses et al.	Applicant
US2007/0106297(A1)	2007-05-01	Dumbauld et al.	Applicant
US2009/0182327(A1)	2009-07-01	Unger	Applicant
CN201299462	2009-09-01		Applicant
DE2415263	1975-10-01		Applicant
DE2514501	1976-10-01		Applicant
DE2627679	1977-01-01		Applicant
DE3423356	1986-06-01		Applicant
DE3612646	1987-04-01		Applicant
DE8712328	1988-03-01		Applicant
DE4303882	1994-08-01		Applicant
DE4403252	1995-08-01		Applicant
DE19515914	1996-07-01		Applicant
DE19506363	1996-08-01		Applicant
DE29616210	1997-01-01		Applicant
DE19608716	1997-04-01		Applicant
DE19751106	1998-05-01		Applicant
DE19751108	1999-05-01		Applicant
DE19946527	2001-12-01		Applicant
DE10045375	2002-10-01		Applicant
DE102004026179	2005-12-01		Applicant
DE202007009165	2007-10-01		Applicant
DE202007009317	2007-10-01		Applicant
DE202007016233	2008-03-01		Applicant
DE19738457	2009-01-01		Applicant
DE102008018406	2009-07-01		Applicant
EP509670	1992-10-01		Applicant
EP640317	1995-03-01		Applicant
EP1159926	2001-12-01		Applicant
EP1532932	2004-11-01		Applicant
EP1609430	2005-12-01		Applicant
EP1632192	2006-03-01		Applicant
EP1645240	2006-04-01		Applicant
EP1810625	2009-08-01		Applicant
JP61-501068	1984-09-01		Applicant
JP6-502328	1992-03-01		Applicant
JP5-5106	1993-01-01		Applicant
JP5-40112	1993-02-01		Applicant
JP6-030945	1994-02-01		Applicant
JP6-121797	1994-05-01		Applicant
JP6-285078	1994-10-01		Applicant
JP6-343644	1994-12-01		Applicant
JP6-511401	1994-12-01		Applicant
JP7-265328	1995-10-01		Applicant
JP8-56955	1996-03-01		Applicant
JP8-317936	1996-03-01		Applicant
JP8-289895	1996-05-01		Applicant
JP8-252263	1996-10-01		Applicant
JP8-317934	1996-12-01		Applicant
JP9-10223	1997-01-01		Applicant
JP9-122138	1997-05-01		Applicant
JP10-24051	1998-01-01		Applicant
JP11-070124	1998-05-01		Applicant
JP10-155798	1998-06-01		Applicant
JP2000-102545	1998-09-01		Applicant
JP11-47150	1999-02-01		Applicant
JP11-169381	1999-06-01		Applicant
JP11-192238	1999-07-01		Applicant
JP11-244298	1999-09-01		Applicant
JP2000-342599	2000-12-01		Applicant
JP2000-350732	2000-12-01		Applicant
JP2001-8944	2001-01-01		Applicant
JP2001-29356	2001-02-01		Applicant
JP2001-128990	2001-05-01		Applicant
JP2001-190564	2001-07-01		Applicant
JP2001-3400	2001-11-01		Applicant
JP2002-528166	2002-03-01		Applicant
JP2003-245285	2003-09-01		Applicant
JP2004-517668	2004-06-01		Applicant
JP2004-528869	2004-09-01		Applicant
JP2011-125195	2011-06-01		Applicant
SU401367	1974-11-01		Applicant
WO/24331	2000-05-01		Applicant
WO/36986	2000-06-01		Applicant
WO/59392	2000-10-01		Applicant
WO1/15614	2001-03-01		Applicant
WO1/54604	2001-08-01		Applicant
WO2005/110264	2005-11-01		Applicant

Non-Patent Literature (271)

European Search Report dated Aug. 31, 2011 for EP Appln. No. EP 10 16 7655.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 08/926,869, filed Sep. 10, 1997, James G. Chandler.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 09/177,950, filed Oct. 23, 1998, Randel A. Frazier.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 09/387,883, filed Sep. 1, 1999, Dale F. Schmaltz.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 09/591,328, filed Jun. 9, 2000, Thomas P. Ryan.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/336,970, filed Dec. 17, 2008, Paul R. Sremeich.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/915,809, filed Oct. 29, 2010, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Jr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/947,352, filed Nov. 16, 2010, Jason L. Craig.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/947,420, filed Nov. 16, 2010, Jason L. Craig.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/948,081, filed Nov. 17, 2010, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/948,144, filed Nov. 17, 2010, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/950,505, filed Nov. 19, 2010, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/955,010, filed Nov. 29, 2010, Paul R. Romero.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/955,042, filed Nov. 29, 2010, Steven C. Rupp.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/981,771, filed Dec. 30, 2010, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 12/981,787, filed Dec. 30, 2010, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/006,538, filed Jan. 14, 2011, John W. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/028,810, filed Feb. 16, 2011, Robert M. Sharp.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/030,231, filed Feb. 18, 2011, Jeffrey M. Roy.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/050,182, filed Mar. 17, 2011, Glenn A. Homer.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/072,945, filed Mar. 28, 2011, Patrick L. Dumbauld.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/080,383, filed Apr. 5, 2011, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/085,144, filed Apr. 12, 2011, Keir Hart.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/089,779, filed Apr. 19, 2011, Yevgeniy Fedotov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/091,331, filed Apr. 21, 2011, Jeffrey R. Townsend.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/102,573, filed May 6, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/102,604, filed May 6, 2011, Paul E. Ourada.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,093, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,129, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,152, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,177, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,196, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,441, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/108,468, filed May 16, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/111,642, filed May 19, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/111,678, filed May 19, 2011, Nikolay Kharin.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/113,231, filed May 23, 2011, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/157,047, filed Jun. 9, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/162,814, filed Jun. 17, 2011, Barbara R. Tyrrell.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/166,477, filed Jun. 22, 2011, Daniel A. Joseph.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/166,497, filed Jun. 22, 2011, Daniel A. Joseph.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/179,919, filed Jul. 11, 2011, Russell D. Hempstead.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/179,960, filed Jul. 11, 2011, Boris Chernov.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/179,975, filed Jul. 11, 2011, Grant T. Sims.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/180,018, filed Jul. 11, 2011, Chase Collings.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/183,856, filed Jul. 15, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/185,593, filed Jul. 19, 2011, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/204,841, filed Aug. 8, 2011, Edward J. Chojin.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/205,999, filed Aug. 9, 2011, Jeffrey R. Unger.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/212,297, filed Aug. 18, 2011, Allan J. Evans.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/212,308, filed Aug. 18, 2011, Allan J. Evans.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/212,329, filed Aug. 18, 2011, Allan J. Evans.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/212,343, filed Aug. 18, 2011, Duane E. Kerr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/223,521, filed Sep. 1, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/227,220, filed Sep. 7, 2011, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/228,742, filed Sep. 9, 2011, Duane E. Kerr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/231,643, filed Sep. 13, 2011, Keir Hart.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/234,357, filed Sep. 16, 2011, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/236,168, filed Sep. 19, 2011, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/236,271, filed Sep. 19, 2011, Monte S. Fry.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/243,628, filed Sep. 23, 2011, William Ross Whitney.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/247,778, filed Sep. 28, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/247,795, filed Sep. 28, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/248,976, filed Sep. 29, 2011, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/249,013, filed Sep. 29, 2011, Jeffrey R. Unger.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/249,024, filed Sep. 29, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/251,380, filed Oct. 3, 2011, Duane E. Kerr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/277,373, filed Oct. 20, 2011, Glenn A. Homer.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/277,926, filed Oct. 20, 2011, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/277,962, filed Oct. 20, 2011, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/293,754, filed Nov. 10, 2011, Jeffrey M. Roy.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/306,523, filed Nov. 29, 2011, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/306,553, filed Nov. 29, 2011, Duane E. Kerr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/308,104, filed Nov. 30, 2011, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/312,172, filed Dec. 6, 2011, Robert J. Behnke, II.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/324,863, filed Dec. 13, 2011, William H. Nau, Jr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/344,729, filed Jan. 6, 2012, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/355,829, filed Jan. 23, 2012, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/357,979, filed Jan. 25, 2012, David M. Garrison.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/358,136, filed Jan. 25, 2012, James D. Allen, IV.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/358,657, filed Jan. 26, 2012, Kim V. Brandt.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/360,925, filed Jan. 30, 2012, James H. Orszulak.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/369,152, filed Feb. 8, 2012, William H. Nau, Jr.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/400,290, filed Feb. 20, 2012, Eric R. Larson.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/401,964, filed Feb. 22, 2012, John R. Twomey.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/404,435, filed Feb. 24, 2012, Kim V. Brandt.Applicant
U.S. Appl. No. 13/404,476, filed Feb. 24, 2012, Kim V. Brandt.Applicant
Michael Choti, “Abdominoperineal Resection with the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System and LigaSure Atlas 20 cm Open Instrument” ; Innovations That Work, Jun. 2003.Applicant
Chung et al., “Clinical Experience of Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure” Diseases of the Colon & Rectum vol. 46, No. 1 Jan. 2003.Applicant
Tinkcler L.F., “Combined Diathermy and Suction Forceps” , Feb. 6, 1967 (Feb. 6, 1965), British Medical Journal Feb. 6, 1976, vol. 1, nr. 5431 p. 361, ISSN: 0007-1447.Applicant
Carbonell et al., “Comparison of theGyrus PlasmaKinetic Sealer and the Valleylab LigaSure Device in the Hemostasis of Small, Medium, and Large-Sized Arteries” Carolinas Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgery Program, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; Date: Aug. 2003.Applicant
Peterson et al. “Comparison of Healing Process Following Ligation with Sutures and Bipolar Vessel Sealing” Surgical Technology International (2001).Applicant
“Electrosurgery: A Historical Overview” Innovations in Electrosurgery; Sales/Product Literature; Dec. 31, 2000.Applicant
Johnson et al, “Evaluation of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealing Device in Hemorrhoidectomy” Sales/Product Literature; Jan. 2004.Applicant
E. David Crawford “Evaluation of a New Vessel Sealing Device in Urologic Cancer Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 2000.Applicant
Johnson at al. “Evaluation of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Hemorrhoidectormy” American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinicla Congress Poster (2000).Applicant
Muller et al., “Extended Left Hemicolectomy Using the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System” Innovations That Work, Sep. 1999.Applicant
Kennedy et al. “High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing” Surgical Endoscopy (1998) 12: 876-878.Applicant
Burdette et al. “In Vivo Probe Measurement Technique for Determining Dielectric Properties At VHF Through Microwave Frequencies”, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. MTT-28, No. 4, Apr. 1980 pp. 414-427.Applicant
Carus et al., “Initial Experience With the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Abdominal Surgery” Innovations That Work, Jun. 2002.Applicant
Heniford et al. “Initial Research and Clinical Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Oct. 1999.Applicant
Heniford et al. “Initial Results with an Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealer” Surgical Endoscopy (2000) 15:799-801.Applicant
Herman et al., “Laparoscopic Intestinal Resection With the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System: A Case Report”; Innovations That Work, Feb. 2002.Applicant
Koyle et al., “Laparoscopic Palomo Varicocele Ligation in Children and Adolescents” Pediatric Endosurgery & Innovative Techniques, vol. 6, No. 1, 2002.Applicant
W. Scott Helton, “LigaSure Vessel Sealing System: Revolutionary Hemostasis Product for General Surgery”; Sales/Product Literature 1999.Applicant
LigaSure Vessel Sealing System, the Seal of Confidence in General, Gynecologic, Urologic, and Laparaoscopic Surgery; Sales/Product Literature; Apr. 2002.Applicant
Joseph Ortenberg “LigaSure System Used in Laparoscopic 1st and 2nd Stage Orchiopexy” Innovations That Work, Nov. 2002.Applicant
Sigel et al. “The Mechanism of Blood Vessel Closure by High Frequency Electrocoagulation” Surgery Gynecology & Obstetrics, Oct. 1965 pp. 823-831.Applicant
Sampayan et al, “Multilayer Ultra-High Gradient Insulator Technology” Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, 1998. Netherlands Aug. 17-21, 1998; Vol. 2, pp. 740-743.Applicant
Paul G. Horgan, “A Novel Technique for Parenchymal Division During Hepatectomy” The American Journal of Surgery, vol. 181, No. 3, Apr. 2001 pp. 236-237.Applicant
Benaron et al., “Optical Time-Of-Flight and Absorbance Imaging of Biologic Media”, Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC, vol. 259, Mar. 5, 1993, pp. 1463-1466.Applicant
Olsson et al. “Radical Cystectomy in Females” Current Surgical Techniques in Urology, vol. 14, Issue 3, 2001.Applicant
Palazzo et al. “Randomized clinical trial of Ligasure versus open haemorrhoidectomy” British Journal of Surgery 2002, 89, 154-157.Applicant
Levy et al. “Randomized Trial of Suture Versus Electrosurgical Bipolar Vessel Sealing in Vaginal Hysterectomy” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 102, No. 1, Jul. 2003.Applicant
“Reducing Needlestick Injuries in the Operating Room” Sales/Product Literature 2001.Applicant
Bergdahl et al. “Studies on Coagulation and the Development of an Automatic Computerized Bipolar Coagulator” J.Neurosurg, vol. 75, Jul. 1991, pp. 148-151.Applicant
Strasberg et al. “A Phase I Study of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Hepatic Surgery” Section of HPB Surger, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO, Presented at AHPBA, Feb. 2001.Applicant
Sayfan et al. “Sutureless Closed Hemorrhoidectomy: A New Technique” Annals of Surgery vol. 234 No. 1 Jul. 2001; pp. 21-24.Applicant
Levy et al, “Update on Hysterectomy—New Technologies and Techniques” OBG Management, Feb. 2003.Applicant
Dulemba et al. “Use of a Bipolar Electrothermal Vessel Sealer in Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy” Sales/Product Literature; Jan. 2004.Applicant
Strasberg et al., “Use of a Bipolar Vessel-Sealing Device for Parenchymal Transection During Liver Surgery” Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, vol. 6, No. 4, Jul./Aug. 2002 pp. 569-574.Applicant
Sengupta et al, “Use of a Computer-Controlled Bipolar Diathermy System in Radical Prostatectomies and Other Open Urological Surgery” ANZ Journal of Surgery (2001) 71.9 pp. 538-540.Applicant
Rothenberg et al. “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children” INT'L PEDIATRIC ENDOSURGERY GROUP (IPEG) 2000.Applicant
Crawford et al. “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Urologic Cancer Surgery” Grand Rounds in Urology 1999 vol. 1 Issue 4 pp. 10-17.Applicant
Craig Johnson, “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System in Bloodless Hemorrhoidectomy” Innovations That Work, Mar. 2000.Applicant
Levy et al. “Use of a New Energy-based Vessel Ligation Device During Vaginal Hysterectomy” Int'l Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) World Congress 1999.Applicant
Barbara Levy, “Use of a New Vessel Ligation Device During Vaginal Hysterectomy” FIGO 2000, Washington, D.C.Applicant
E. David Crawford “Use of a Novel Vessel Sealing Technology in Management of the Dorsal Veinous Complex” Sales/Product Literature 2000.Applicant
Jarrett et al., “Use of the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System for Peri-Hilar Vessels in Laparoscopic Nephrectomy” Sales/Product Literature 2000.Applicant
Crouch et al. “A Velocity-Dependent Model for Needle Insertion in Soft Tissue” MICCAI 2005; LNCS 3750 pp. 624-632, Dated: 2005.Applicant
McLellan et al. “Vessel Sealing for Hemostasis During Pelvic Surgery” Int'l Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Figo World Congress 2000, Washington, D.C.Applicant
McLellan et al. “Vessel Sealing for Hemostasis During Gynecologic Surgery” Sales/Product Literature 1999.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 98944778.4 dated Oct. 31, 2000.Applicant
Intl Search Report EP 98957771 dated Aug. 9, 2001.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 98957773 dated Aug. 1, 2001.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 989585753 dated Sep. 20, 2002.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 04013772.1 dated Apr. 1, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 04027314.6 dated Mar. 10, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 04027479.7 dated Mar. 8, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 04027705.5 dated Feb. 3, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 04709033.7 dated Dec. 8, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 04752343.6 dated Jul. 20, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05002671.5 dated Dec. 22, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05002674.9 dated Jan. 16, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05013463.4 dated Oct. 7, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05013894 dated Feb. 3, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05013895.7 dated Oct. 21, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05016399.7 dated Jan. 13, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05017281.6 dated Nov. 24, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05019130.3 dated Oct. 27, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05019429.9 dated May 6, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05020532 dated Jan. 10, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05020665.5 dated Feb. 27, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05020666.3 dated Feb. 27, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05021197.8 dated Feb. 20, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05021779.3 dated Feb. 2, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05021780.1 dated Feb. 23, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05021937.7 dated Jan. 23, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report—extended—EP 05021937.7 dated Mar. 15, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 05023017.6 dated Feb. 24, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06002279.5 dated Mar. 30, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06005185.1 dated May 10, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06006716.2 dated Aug. 4, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06008515.6 dated Jan. 8, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06008779.8 dated Jul. 13, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06014461.5 dated Oct. 31, 2006.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06020574.7 dated Oct. 2, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06020583.8 dated Feb. 7, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06020584.6 dated Feb. 1, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06020756.0 dated Feb. 16, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06 024122.1 dated Apr. 16, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 06024123.9 dated Mar. 6, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 001480.8 dated Apr. 19, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 001488.1 dated Jun. 5, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 004429.2 dated Nov. 2, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 009026.1 dated Oct. 8, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report Extended—EP 07 009029.5 dated Jul. 20, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 009321.6 dated Aug. 28, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 010672.9 dated Oct. 16, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 013779.9 dated Oct. 26, 2007.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 014016 dated Jan. 28, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 015191.5 dated Jan. 23, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 015601.3 dated Jan. 4, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 016911 dated May 28, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 016911.5 extended dated Mar. 2, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 020283.3 dated Feb. 5, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 021646.0 dated Mar. 20, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 021646.0 dated Jul. 9, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 07 021647.8 dated May 2, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 08 002692.5 dated Dec. 12, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 08 004655.0 dated Jun. 24, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 08 006732.5 dated Jul. 29, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 08 006917.2 dated Jul. 3, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 08 016539.2 dated Jan. 8, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 08 020807.7 dated Apr. 24, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 003677.3 dated May 4, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 003813.4 dated Aug. 3, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 004491.8 dated Sep. 9, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 005051.9 dated Jul. 6, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 005575.7 dated Sep. 9, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 010521.4 dated Dec. 16, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 011745.8 dated Jan. 5, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 012629.3 dated Dec. 8, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 012687.1 dated Dec. 23, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 012688.9 dated Dec. 28, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 152267.2 dated Jun. 15, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 152898.4 dated Jun. 10, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 154850.3 dated Jul. 20, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 160476.9 dated Aug. 4, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 164903.8 dated Aug. 21, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 165753.6 dated Nov. 11, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 168153.6 dated Jan. 14, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 168810.1 dated Feb. 2, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 09 172749.5 dated Dec. 4, 2009.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 000259.1 dated Jun. 30, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 011750.6 dated Feb. 1, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 157500.9 dated Jul. 30, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 159205.3 dated Jul. 7, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 160870.1 dated Aug. 9, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 161596.1 dated Jul. 28, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 167655.9 dated Aug. 31, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 168705.1 dated Oct. 4, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 169647.4 dated Oct. 29, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 172005.0 dated Sep. 30, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 175956.1 dated Nov. 12, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 181034.9 dated Jan. 26, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 181575.1 dated Apr. 5, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 181969.6 dated Feb. 4, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 182019 dated Aug. 4, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 182022.3 dated Mar. 11, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 185386.9 dated Jan. 10, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 185405.7 dated Jan. 5, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 186527.7 dated Jun. 17, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 189206.5 dated Mar. 17, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 10 191320.0 dated Feb. 15, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 151509.4 dated Jun. 6, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 152220.7 dated May 19, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 152360.1 dated Jun. 6, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 159771.2 dated May 28, 2010.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 161117.4 dated Jun. 30, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 161118.2 dated Oct. 12, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 164274.0 dated Aug. 3, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 164275.7 dated Aug. 25, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 167437.0 dated Aug. 8, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 168458.5 dated Jul. 29, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 173008.1 dated Nov. 4, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 179514 dated Nov. 4, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report EP 11 180182.5 dated Nov. 15, 2011.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US98/18640 dated Jan. 29, 1999.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US98/23950 dated Jan. 14, 1999.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US98/24281 dated Feb. 22, 1999.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US99/24869 dated Feb. 3, 2000.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11218 dated Aug. 14, 2001.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11224 dated Nov. 13, 2001.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11340 dated Aug. 16, 2001.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US01/11420 dated Oct. 16, 2001.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US02/01890 dated Jul. 25, 2002.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US02/11100 dated Jul. 16, 2002.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/08146 dated Aug. 8, 2003.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/18674 dated Sep. 18, 2003.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/18676 dated Sep. 19, 2003.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/28534 dated Dec. 19, 2003.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US03/28539 dated Jan. 6, 2004.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US04/03436 dated Mar. 3, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US04/13273 dated Dec. 15, 2004.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US04/15311dated Jan. 12, 2005.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US07/021438 dated Apr. 1, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US07/021440 dated Apr. 8, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US08/52460 dated Apr. 24, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US08/61498 dated Sep. 22, 2008.Applicant
Int'l Search Report PCT/US09/032690 dated Jun. 16, 2009.Applicant

Abstract