Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
271 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument comprising: (a) a first, elongated, non-conductive, outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a second, elongated, electrically conductive, central tube coaxially disposed within the outer tube and extending distally beyond said distal end of said outer tube, said central tube having a proximal and adapted for communication with an energy source and a distal end portion, with said distal end portion comprising a floor portion only which functions as a first jaw of the instrument; (c) a third, elongated, non-conductive, inner tube coaxially disposed within the central tube and translationally movable within said central tube; (d) an electrically conductive lead member coaxially disposed within the inner tube and extending distally therefrom the same distance as said central tube extends distally from said distal end of said outer tube, said lead member having a proximal end adapted for communication with an energy source and a distal end portion, with said distal end portion configured into a first shaped zone angled upwardly from an immediately proximal longitudinal axis of the lead member to thereby form an upward ramp, a second shaped zone angled downwardly from the first shaped zone, and a third shaped zone angled forwardly from the second shaped zone to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lead member immediately proximal to the first shaped zone to thereby function as an opposing second jaw to the first jaw; and (e) a handle member comprising means for translationally moving the inner tube to thereby force the second jaw against the first jaw and thereafter release the second jaw from the first jaw.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
271 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument comprising: (a) a first, elongated, non-conductive, outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a second, elongated, electrically conductive, central tube coaxially disposed within the outer tube and extending distally beyond said distal end of said outer tube, said central tube having a proximal and adapted for communication with an energy source and a distal end portion, with said distal end portion comprising a floor portion only which functions as a first jaw of the instrument; (c) a third, elongated, non-conductive, inner tube coaxially disposed within the central tube and translationally movable within said central tube; (d) an electrically conductive lead member coaxially disposed within the inner tube and extending distally therefrom the same distance as said central tube extends distally from said distal end of said outer tube, said lead member having a proximal end adapted for communication with an energy source and a distal end portion, with said distal end portion configured into a first shaped zone angled upwardly from an immediately proximal longitudinal axis of the lead member to thereby form an upward ramp, a second shaped zone angled downwardly from the first shaped zone, and a third shaped zone angled forwardly from the second shaped zone to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the lead member immediately proximal to the first shaped zone to thereby function as an opposing second jaw to the first jaw; and (e) a handle member comprising means for translationally moving the inner tube to thereby force the second jaw against the first jaw and thereafter release the second jaw from the first jaw.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle member comprises a stationary element coupled to the proximal end of the outer tube and a movable element pivotably joined to said stationary element with said moveable element having a first end coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube, and a second end of said moveable element configured for manual manipulation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument as claimed in claim 1 and further including selectively actuatable means for limiting the extent of said translational movement of said inner tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument as in claim 2 wherein said stationary element and said movable element include a scissors-style grip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument as in claim 2 and further including a trigger member operatively coupled between said stationary element and said movable element for selectively limiting the extent or movement of said movable element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument as claimed in claim 4 wherein said handle member further includes a spool member affixed to the proximal end of said inner tube and said moveable element includes a bifurcated end engaging said spool member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
A bipolar coagulation instrument as in claim 4 wherein said handle member further includes a knob journaled for rotation on said stationary member, said knob including means for coupling it to said inner tube whereby rotation of said knob imparts rotation to said inner tube and manual manipulation of said scissors-style grip imparts longitudinal displacement of said inner tube.