Energy-based surgical instrument for grasping, treating, and/or cutting tissue

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes first and second shaft members defining proximal and distal end portions and including handles at the proximal end portions thereof. A pivot member couples the distal end portions with a gap defined therebetween proximally of the pivot member. First and second jaw members extend distally from the shaft members, distally of the pivot member. A lockout bar is movable between an unlocked position, withdrawn from the gap, and a locked position, disposed within the gap. The handles are pivotable between spaced-apart and approximated positions to pivot the jaw members between open and closed positions. The handles are yawable between the approximated position and a yawed position to yaw the jaw members between the closed position and a cutting position. The gap provides clearance to permit yawing such that, when the lockout bar is disposed in the locked position, yawing of the handles is inhibited.