Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Sherwood Services Ag

Covidien Ag

Michael R Warzecha

Chelsea Shields

Duane E Kerr

David M Garrison

Darion R Peterson

Robert M Sharp

Edward M Chojin

Jeffrey R Unger

David Hixson

Jeremy S James

Kristin D Johnson

Sean T Dycus

Philip Mark Tetzlaff

Gary M Couture

David Abraham Schechter

Michael C Moses

Lap P Nguyen

Jeremey Scott James

Johnson Kristin D

Jeremy Scott James

A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue includes the initial step of providing a pair of first and second jaw members each including an inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface. The method also includes the steps of: coating the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface of one or both jaw members with an insulative material, the coating having a thickness within the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches; allowing the insulative material to cure onto the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface; removing a portion of the insulative material from the inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surface to form a series of stop members arranged thereacross; and assembling the pair of first and second jaw members about a pivot such that the two inwardly facing electrically conductive sealing surfaces are substantially opposed to each other in pivotal relation relative to one another.

Method of manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue

A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly for sealing tissue includes the initial step of providing first and second electrically conductive sealing plates. The method also includes the steps of: encasing at least one of the electrically conductive sealing plates in a substantially moldable insulative material; applying a load to the electrically conductive sealing plates; allowing the insulative material to deform to create a gap between the sealing plates between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches; and allowing the insulative material to cure.

Method of manufacturing end effector assembly for sealing tissue

An electrosurgical instrument for performing at least one of sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member, the first jaw member attached to the shaft and being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions and a rotating assembly attached to the housing for rotating the jaw members about the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also attached to the housing for separating tissue grasped between the jaw members and a handle assembly is attached to the housing for actuating the drive rod assembly. The instrument also includes first and second electrical leads which connect the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A handswitch is attached to the housing to allow a user to selectively energize the jaw members.

Vessel sealer and divider

Growing community of inventors

Longmont, CO, United States of America

Michael R Warzecha