The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 15, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 20, 2001
Dale Francis Schmaltz, Fort Collins, CO (US);
Robert Luzzi, Boulder, CO (US);
David Nichols Heard, Boulder, CO (US);
Steven Paul Buysee, Longmont, CO (US);
Kate Ryland Lawes, Boulder, CO (US);
Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Greeley, CO (US);
Mathew Erle Mitchell, Boulder, CO (US);
Jenifer Serafin Kennedy, Boulder, CO (US);
Sherwood Services AG, Schaffhausen, CH;
Abstract
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for vessel sealing comprises first and second members connected by a pivot. A pair of jaws have opposable seal surfaces that are designed to grasp vascular tissue and conduct bipolar electrosurgical current therethrough. Electrodes on the jaws, including the seal surfaces, are removable and disposable. The jaws of the instrument have mechanical interfaces designed to accept replacement electrodes. The instrument further comprises interlocking ratchets designed to hold a constant closure force between the seal surfaces. Wires extend from the electrodes along one of the members and are connectable to an electrosurgical generator.