Patent US6187003B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6187003B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vessels
Assignee: Covidien AG
•
Filing: 1997-11-12
•
Granted: 2001-02-13
•
Expires: 2017-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven Paul Buysse
- 👤 Dale Francis Schmaltz
- 👤 Robert Luzzi
- 👤 Kirk Bryan Olson
- 👤 Kate Ryland Lawes
- 👤 II Daniel Lee Trimberger
- 👤 Mathew Erle Mitchell
- 👤 Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:46
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/2812; A61B17/2816; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1442; A61B17/282; A61B17/2833; A61B2017/2837; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2945; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00404; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00619; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/1432; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/033; A61B2090/034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising: first and second members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end; an insulated pivot joining the first and second members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, the insulated pivot comprising a shoulder pin having a ramp surface that varies the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface; ratchet teeth located near each ring handle, the ratchet teeth providing at least one interlocking ratchet position that holds a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; a shank portion on each of the first and second members bounded by its respective ratchet teeth and the pivot, the shank portion providing a spring load against the closure force; an electrically insulative coating substantially covering each ring handle and each shank portion; an electrical connector located on each ring handle; an electrically conductive path on each of the first and second members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface to provide for electrosurgical current flow between the opposable seal surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising: first and second members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end; an insulated pivot joining the first and second members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, the insulated pivot comprising a shoulder pin having a ramp surface that varies the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface; ratchet teeth located near each ring handle, the ratchet teeth providing at least one interlocking ratchet position that holds a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; a shank portion on each of the first and second members bounded by its respective ratchet teeth and the pivot, the shank portion providing a spring load against the closure force; an electrically insulative coating substantially covering each ring handle and each shank portion; an electrical connector located on each ring handle; an electrically conductive path on each of the first and second members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface to provide for electrosurgical current flow between the opposable seal surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one interlocking ratchet position holds the closure force between approximately 400 and 650 grams per millimeter of width.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein the width of each seal surface is approximately in the range of 2 to 5 millimeters.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein the length of each seal surface is approximately in the range of 10 to 30 millimeters.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein each seal surface has a radiused edge to reduce current concentration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein a stop is located in the instrument to maintain a minimum separation of at least 0.3 millimeters between the seal surfaces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the seal surfaces is tapered along the length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein the closure force divided by the width is approximately constant along the length.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , further comprising conductive regions and insulative regions located on each of the opposable seal surfaces, the conductive regions and insulative regions arranged such that each conductive region opposes an insulative region when the opposable seal surfaces are mated in opposition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein each opposable seal surface is removably attached to its respective member.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
235 words
A method of using a bipolar electrosurgical instrument, the method comprising the following steps: moving inner and outer members to grasp tissue between opposable seal surfaces, the inner and outer members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end; aligning the opposable seal surfaces in opposition using an insulated pivot joining the first and second members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, the insulated pivot comprising a shoulder pin having a ramp surface that varies the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface; engaging ratchet teeth located near each ring handle, the ratchet teeth providing at least one interlocking ratchet position that holds a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; deflecting a shank portion on each of the inner and outer members to create a spring load, the shank portion bounded by its respective ratchet teeth and the pivot; connecting bipolar electrosurgical current to the instrument through an electrical connector located on each ring handle, such that the current flows through an electrically conductive path on each of the inner and outer members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface to provide for electrosurgical current flow between the opposable seal surfaces, and wherein an electrically insulative coating substantially covers each ring handle, each shank portion, and the open lockbox.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
235 words
A method of using a bipolar electrosurgical instrument, the method comprising the following steps: moving inner and outer members to grasp tissue between opposable seal surfaces, the inner and outer members each having a ring handle near a proximal end and an opposable seal surface near a distal end; aligning the opposable seal surfaces in opposition using an insulated pivot joining the first and second members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, the insulated pivot comprising a shoulder pin having a ramp surface that varies the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface; engaging ratchet teeth located near each ring handle, the ratchet teeth providing at least one interlocking ratchet position that holds a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; deflecting a shank portion on each of the inner and outer members to create a spring load, the shank portion bounded by its respective ratchet teeth and the pivot; connecting bipolar electrosurgical current to the instrument through an electrical connector located on each ring handle, such that the current flows through an electrically conductive path on each of the inner and outer members between its respective electrical connector and its respective seal surface to provide for electrosurgical current flow between the opposable seal surfaces, and wherein an electrically insulative coating substantially covers each ring handle, each shank portion, and the open lockbox.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
165 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising: inner and outer members each having a proximal end, a distal end and a shank portion disposed therebetween; an opposable seal surface disposed proximate the distal end of each of the members; one of the members having an open lockbox comprising a bottom surface and at least one flange disposed in general parallel relation relative to one another for receiving the other of the members; a pivot disposed through the bottom surface for joining the inner and outer members and for allowing arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface relative to each another; a ratchet disposed on one of said members having at least one complimentary interlocking ratchet disposed on the other of said members for holding a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; an electrically insulative coating substantially covering at least a portion of one of said members; and an electrical connector mounted on the forceps for connecting each opposable seal surface to a source of electrosurgical energy.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
165 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising: inner and outer members each having a proximal end, a distal end and a shank portion disposed therebetween; an opposable seal surface disposed proximate the distal end of each of the members; one of the members having an open lockbox comprising a bottom surface and at least one flange disposed in general parallel relation relative to one another for receiving the other of the members; a pivot disposed through the bottom surface for joining the inner and outer members and for allowing arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface relative to each another; a ratchet disposed on one of said members having at least one complimentary interlocking ratchet disposed on the other of said members for holding a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; an electrically insulative coating substantially covering at least a portion of one of said members; and an electrical connector mounted on the forceps for connecting each opposable seal surface to a source of electrosurgical energy.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 12 wherein the pivot includes a shoulder pin for varying the interference fit between the first and second members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 13 wherein the shoulder pin includes a ramp surface for varying the interference fit between the inner and outer members.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 13 wherein the shoulder pin is made from an electrically insulating material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
168 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising: inner and outer members each having a proximal end, a distal end and a shank portion disposed therebetween; an opposable seal surface disposed proximate the distal end of each of the members; a pivot joining the inner and outer members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface relative to each another, the pivot having a shoulder pin for varying the interference fit between the inner and outer members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, said shoulder pin having a ramp surface for varying the interference fit between the inner and outer members; a ratchet disposed on one of said members having at least one complimentary interlocking ratchet disposed on the other of said members for holding a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; an electrically insulative coating substantially covering at least a portion of one of said members; and an electrical connector mounted on the forceps for connecting each opposable seal surface to a source of electrosurgical energy.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
168 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising: inner and outer members each having a proximal end, a distal end and a shank portion disposed therebetween; an opposable seal surface disposed proximate the distal end of each of the members; a pivot joining the inner and outer members to allow arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface relative to each another, the pivot having a shoulder pin for varying the interference fit between the inner and outer members during arcuate motion of each opposable seal surface, said shoulder pin having a ramp surface for varying the interference fit between the inner and outer members; a ratchet disposed on one of said members having at least one complimentary interlocking ratchet disposed on the other of said members for holding a closure force between the opposable seal surfaces; an electrically insulative coating substantially covering at least a portion of one of said members; and an electrical connector mounted on the forceps for connecting each opposable seal surface to a source of electrosurgical energy.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 16 wherein each seal surface has a radiused edge to reduce current concentrations.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 16 further comprising a stop mounted on the forceps for maintaining a separation distance between opposing seal surfaces.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 16 wherein the width of at least one seal surface is tapered along its length.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
61 words
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 16 wherein the opposing seal surfaces include conductive regions and insulative regions which are arranged in alternating fashion on each opposing seal surface such that the conductive regions of one of the seal surfaces oppose complimentary insulative regions of the other of the seal surfaces when the two seal surfaces are mated in opposition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US371664A
Cited
US702472A
Cited
US728883A
Cited
US1586645A
Cited
US2002594A
Cited
US2176479A
Cited
US2305156A
Cited
US2632661A
Cited
US3459187A
Cited
US3651811A
Cited
SU401367A1
Cited
US3920021A
Cited
US3938527A
Cited
US3911766A
Cited
US4005714A
Cited
US4370980A
Cited
US4552143A
Cited
US5026370A
Cited
US5116332A
Cited
US4685459A
Cited
US4887612A
Cited
US4938761A
Cited
US5151102A
Cited
US5509922A
Cited
US5391166A
Cited
US5472443A
Cited
US5484436A
Cited
US5324289A
Cited
US5330471A
Cited
US5776128A
Cited
US5769849A
Cited
US5250047A
Cited
US5531744A
Cited
US5217458A
Cited
US5443463A
Cited
US5277201A
Cited
US5478351A
Cited
US5258006A
Cited
US5527313A
Cited
US5389104A
Cited
US5342359A
Cited
US5462546A
Cited
US5443464A
Cited
US5445658A
Cited
US5356408A
Cited
US5403312A
Cited
US5693051A
Cited
US5431674A
Cited
US5352222A
Cited
US5558672A
Cited
US5569241A
Cited
US5540684A
Cited
US5456684A
Cited
US5573535A
Cited
US5637110A
Cited
US5766166A
Cited
US5626578A
Cited
US5667526A
Cited
US5776130A
Cited
US5674220A
Cited
US5658281A
Cited
US5827281A
Cited
US5702390A
Cited
US5700261A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-02-13 | 2004-08-14 | 2005-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-02-13 | 2008-08-14 | 2009-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-02-13 | 2012-08-14 | 2013-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |