Two-stage electrosurgical apparatus for vessel closure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a two-stage electrosurgical device for vessel closure. A forceps includes an end effector assembly having a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface. The first jaw and the second jaw move between an open position and a closed position. The sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a flexible inner section and a rigid outer section.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application date of the original application is June 2, 2017, the application number is 201710409426.6, and the name of the invention is “Two-stage electrosurgical device for blood vessel closure”.

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 344,749, filed on June 2, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 407,732, filed on October 13, 2016.

[0004] The contents of the above-mentioned application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical device for sealing blood vessels. Background Art

[0006] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0007] Typically forceps can be used for laparoscopic surgery. The forceps can be used to control fine movements within a patient's body and can include a clamping assembly or a cutting assembly. In addition, the forceps can utilize electrical energy in the clamping assembly. Typically, the forceps has a pair of opposing resilient jaws that are closed against each other by pulling the jaws into the distal end of a shaft, the distal end of the shaft capturing a portion of the jaws that is wider than the distal opening of the shaft, causing the jaws to move together. Similarly, the shaft can be pushed through the jaws, causing the jaws to move together to generate a clamping force. In both arrangements, the shaft captures the jaws and acts as a cam that forces the jaws together to generate the clamping force.

[0008] Current bipolar electrosurgical sealing forceps use a pair of jaws powered by RF energy to coagulate blood vessels and a movable cutting blade to cut the sealed vessel after coagulation. However, such devices require high jaw force to compress the vessel tissue to achieve the desired sealing result. This high jaw force can cause undesirable tissue damage because, for example, the jaw force requirements for large and small vessels differ.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for electrosurgical forceps that are capable of sealing both large and small blood vessels. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure provides an end effector assembly having a two-stage configuration that optimally seals both small and large vessels.

[0011] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a forceps includes an end effector assembly having: a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface; and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface. The first jaw and the second jaw move between an open position and a closed position. The sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a flexible inner section and a rigid outer section.

[0012] The above aspects of the present invention may be further characterized by one or any combination of the features described herein, for example: the sealing surfaces of both the first jaw and the second jaw have a flexible inner section and a rigid outer section; each of the first jaw and the second jaw comprises a jaw body and a sealing plate, the outer surface of the sealing plate being the sealing surface of each of the first jaw and the second jaw, and wherein the jaw body of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw comprises a support member, and wherein a layer of flexible material is provided between the support member and the sealing plate, the layer of flexible material being made of separate units having different stiffnesses placed side by side, the central unit being more flexible than the outer units; when the first When the jaws and the second jaw are in the open position, the inner section protrudes above the outer section; the inner section protrudes from the outer section using a spring member; the inner section is electrically connected to a generator, and when the first jaw and the second jaw are moved to the closed position, a selective electrical contact electrically connects the outer section to the inner section; the inner section is electrically connected to a generator, and when the first jaw and the second jaw are moved to the closed position, a selective electrical contact electrically connects the outer section to the inner section; and the end effector assembly includes a slot extending axially through a substantial portion of the first jaw and the second jaw, and also includes a blade that translates within the slot.

[0013] Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using forceps includes one or more of the following steps: opening a first jaw and a second jaw of the forceps, the first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, and the second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, the sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw having a flexible inner segment and a rigid outer segment, when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open position, the inner segment protrudes above the outer segment, the inner segment is electrically connected to a generator, and when the first jaw and the second jaw are moved to the closed position, a selective electrical contact electrically connects the outer segment to the inner segment; closing the first jaw and the second jaw to grasp tissue therebetween; applying electrosurgical energy to coagulate the tissue grasped between the first jaw and the second jaw; and pressing the first jaw and the second jaw together to cut the tissue.

[0014] Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention, an end effector assembly of forceps includes: a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface; and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and the sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a movable distal section and a fixed proximal section. When the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open position, a portion of the movable distal section protrudes above the fixed proximal section.

[0015] The above aspects of the present invention may be further characterized by one or any combination of the features described herein, such as: the distal section translates relative to the proximal section; the sealing surfaces of both the first jaw and the second jaw have a flexible distal section and a rigid proximal section; the sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a pair of flexible distal sections; the sealing surfaces of both the first jaw and the second jaw have a pair of flexible distal sections; the end effector further includes a substantially uniform portion extending axially through the first jaw and the second jaw a slot having a large portion and further comprising a blade that translates within the slot; at least one of the distal section and the proximal section having teeth for clamping tissue; the portion of the distal section protruding from the proximal section using at least one spring member; the electrode being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy that generates electrosurgical energy to coagulate tissue grasped between the first jaw and the second jaw; the distal section and the proximal section being electrically connected, the electrode being on the distal section and the proximal section; and the movable distal section being a rotatable distal section.

[0016] Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention, an end effector assembly of a forceps includes: a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface; and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, the first jaw and the second jaw being configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a movable inner section and a fixed outer section. The inner section rotates relative to the outer section. The rotation axis can be parallel to the axial length of the first jaw and the second jaw.

[0017] Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using forceps includes one or more of the following steps: opening a first jaw and a second jaw of the forceps, the first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, and the second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, the sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw having a flexible distal segment and a rigid proximal segment, the distal segment translates or rotates relative to the proximal segment, and at least a portion of the distal segment protrudes from the proximal segment; closing the first jaw and the second jaw to grasp tissue therebetween; applying electrosurgical energy to coagulate the tissue grasped between the first jaw and the second jaw; and pressing the first jaw and the second jaw together to cut the tissue.

[0018] Additional features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 An electrosurgical forceps according to the principles of the present invention is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 2 is used for Figure 1 An example of a set of jaws of a pliers shown in;

[0022] Figure 3 The end of a tubular member and / or camming shaft for the pliers is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 An end view of a tubular member and / or camshaft is illustrated;

[0024] Figure 5 A perspective view of a camshaft is shown;

[0025] Figure 6 Pictured Figure 1 A perspective view of the pliers shown in ;

[0026] Figure 7 A side view of the clamping jaw is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 Two sections of the upper jaw are shown;

[0028] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a clamp jaw sealing a blood vessel;

[0029] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another set of jaws for sealing a blood vessel in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another set of jaws in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 The diagram shows a cutting blade Figure 6 A perspective view of the jaws shown in ;

[0032] Figure 13 The diagram shows a cutting blade Figure 6 A side view of the gripper shown in ;

[0033] Figure 14A illustrates a side view of yet another set of jaws in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 14B Pictured Figure 14A A top view of the bottom jaw shown in ;

[0035] Figure 15A The diagram shows the jaws in the open position. Figure 14B A cross-sectional view of the clamping jaw taken along line 15A-15A;

[0036] Figure 15B The diagram shows the jaws in the closed position. Figure 14B A cross-sectional view of the clamping jaw taken along line 15A-15A;

[0037] Figure 16 Pictured Figure 14A A perspective view of a set of gripping jaws shown in ;

[0038] Figure 17 illustrates a side view of yet another set of jaws in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 18A Pictured when the jaws are in the open position Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the clamping jaw shown in ;

[0040] Figure 18B Pictured when the jaws are in the closed position Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the clamping jaw shown in ;

[0041] Figure 19A illustrates a side view of yet another set of jaws in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 19B Pictured Figure 19A A top view of the bottom jaw shown in ;

[0043] Figure 20A Pictured when the jaws are in the open position Figure 19A a cross-sectional view of the jaws shown in ; and

[0044] Figure 20B Pictured when the jaws are in the closed position Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of the clamping jaws shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0046] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, forceps, such as laparoscopic forceps, embodying the principles of the present invention are illustrated and designated 2 in the drawings. Forceps 2 can function as a gripper. Forceps 2 can be used during surgery to grasp a feature of interest, including a body part, anatomical feature, tissue, vein, artery, or a combination thereof. Forceps 2 can be used in surgeries, such as laparoscopic surgery. Forceps 2 can be used with or without power. Electric current can be passed through forceps 2, allowing the forceps to be used for electrosurgery. For example, while tissue is positioned within the jaws, therapeutic current can be passed from one jaw to the second, and this therapeutic current can coagulate blood, cauterize, cut, or a combination thereof. Forceps 2 can generally include one or more working components and sufficient control devices to operate the one or more components. Forceps 2 can include portions for performing the recited functions and generally include a probe (e.g., a tubular member, a hollow tube, or an assembly of tubes), a handpiece, one or more operable mechanisms for actuating the probe, or a combination thereof. The handpiece can be a portion of a handpiece structure or a component of a housing structure that can form a lumen. Note that the present invention is not limited to laparoscopic surgery. That is, the jaws described below can be used with any type of medical device that clamps to tissue.

[0047] Now turn Figure 1 , which shows a side view of forceps 2. Forceps 2 includes a handpiece 4 having a distal end 6 and a proximal end 8. Handpiece 4 also includes at least one operable mechanism 50. Tubular member 20 has a proximal end 24 connected to distal end 6 of handpiece 4. Tubular member 20 includes a distal end 22 including jaws 40 extending therefrom. Jaws 40 have members 92 and 94 that open and close when tubular member 20 is moved forward along the longitudinal axis 26 of the tubular member into contact with members 92 and 94 or when jaws 40 are moved rearward along the longitudinal axis 26 into contact with tubular member 20.

[0048] Further references Figure 2 as well as Figures 6 to 9 , a camshaft 70 is located on the pliers 2, with the jaws 40 extending from the camshaft 70. Members 92 and 94 are biased by the camshaft 70 to open and close the jaws 40. Members 92 and 94 include inner portions or sections 96 and 98, respectively, and a pair of slots 100 and 102 extend through members 92 and 94, respectively. Member 92 includes a first compression surface 104 on an outer portion or section of member 92, i.e., on either side of inner section 96, and inner section 96 includes a second compression surface 108 on either side of slot 100. Member 94 includes a first compression surface 106 on an outer portion or section of member 94, i.e., on either side of inner section 98, and inner section 98 includes a second compression surface 110 on either side of slot 102.

[0049] Figure 3 The end of the tubular member 20 or camshaft is shown showing a pair of internal flat portions 30 along the top and bottom surfaces. A blade recess 34 extends between the pair of internal flat portions 30 so that the blade 400 ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ) extends outward from the tubular member 20.

[0050] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tubular member 20 is shown. The inner flat portion 30 includes at least a portion having a complementary shape to the legs of the jaws 44. Thus, the inner flat portion 30 controls the orientation and movement of the jaws as the tubular member 20 or legs 44 move axially.

[0051] Figure 5 Illustrated is a perspective view of one example of a cam shaft 70 inserted into the tubular member 20. The cam shaft 70 includes a molded flare 74 having a pair of protrusions 72 extending therefrom.

[0052] Figure 6 The jaws 40 are shown including a pin 90 located between the jaws. The pin 90 holds the jaw members 92 and 94 together and provides a pivot point for the jaw members 92 and 94 so that when the tubular member 20 slides over the opposing members 92 and 94, the members 92 and 94 close.

[0053] Return to Figure 9, jaw members 92 and 94 are shown clamping and sealing a blood vessel V. When jaw members 92 and 94 are clamped together, jaw members 92 and 94 form a first compression zone with compression surfaces 104 and 106, and a second compression zone with compression surfaces 108 and 110. In certain arrangements, a set of biasing members 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D are disposed between inner sections 96 and 98 and respective upper body portions 116 and 118 of jaw members 92 and 94 to enable translation of inner sections 96 and 98 relative to body portions 116 and 118, as indicated by arrow 114 (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the sealing surfaces). Thus, when jaw members 92 and 94 are open, inner sections 96 and 98, and therefore, second compression surfaces 108 and 110, project above first compression surfaces 104 and 106; that is, second compression surfaces 108 and 110 extend inwardly away from first compression surfaces 104 and 106. Biasing members 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D can be made of any suitable spring-like material, such as an elastomeric material. Biasing members 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D can be coil springs or solid compression members. Thus, jaw 40 is a two-stage end effector, wherein a first compression zone created by compression surfaces 104 and 106 is more rigid than a second, more flexible compression zone created by compression surfaces 108 and 110. Note that both compression zones can extend along a portion or all of jaw members 92 and 94.

[0054] Thus, when the jaw members 92 and 94 are clamped onto a smaller vessel V, only the inner, second compression zone formed by the compression surfaces 108 and 110 clamps and closes the vessel V. In the case of a larger vessel V, both the outer, first compression zone formed by the compression surfaces 104 and 106 and the second compression zone formed by the compression surfaces 108 and 110 clamp and close the vessel V, such that the outer, first compression zone exerts a lower compressive force on the vessel V than the inner, second compression zone. In various arrangements, the inner segments 108 and 110 and / or the body portions 116 and 118 can be electrically connected to a generator providing a source of electrosurgical energy, such that RF voltages having different potentials can be applied to the electrically connected segments of the jaw members 92 and 94. The RF voltage generates an electrical current that is transmitted through tissue from one jaw member to the electrodes of the other jaw member, thereby heating the tissue to coagulate or cut it.

[0055] Now turn Figure 10, which illustrates an alternative set of jaws 240 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Jaw 240 is similar to jaw 40 described previously. However, in addition to a set of biasing members 212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D disposed between inner sections 96 and 98 of jaw members 92 and 94 and respective upper body portions 116 and 118, jaw 240 also includes a set of electrical contacts 214A, 214B, 214C, and 214D. Biasing members 212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D may be made of any suitable spring-like material, such as an elastomeric material. Biasing members 212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D may be coil springs or solid compression members. Thus, similarly, the first compression zone created by compression surfaces 104 and 106 is more rigid than the flexible second compression zone created by compression surfaces 108 and 110. When the jaw members 92 and 94 are clamped onto the blood vessel V with a desired force, the electrical contacts 214A, 214B, 214C, and 214D electrically connect the inner segments with the body portions 116 and 118. Thus, if the inner segments 96 and 98 are electrically connected to a generator providing a source of electrosurgical energy, electrical current is transmitted from both the outer and inner segments of one jaw member through tissue clamped by the jaw members 92 and 94 to the outer and inner segments of the other jaw member, thereby heating the tissue to coagulate or cut the tissue when the jaw members are closed with a desired force.

[0056] Figure 11 Another alternative set of jaws 340 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated. Jaw 340 includes a first jaw member 392 and a second jaw member 394. First jaw member 392 includes a jaw body or support member 395 and sealing plates 393 disposed on either side of a slot 396. The outer surface of sealing plate 393 defines sealing surface 300. A layer of flexible material 304, 308, 312 is disposed between jaw body 395 and sealing plate 393. The layer of flexible material is made of individual cells of varying thicknesses positioned side by side, with an inner or central cell 308 being more flexible than an outer cell 304. In some arrangements, the layer of flexible material includes an inner cell 308 positioned adjacent to outer cell 304, while in other arrangements, an intermediate cell 312 is located between inner and outer cells 308, 304, to provide an additional transition from the more flexible inner cell 308 to the more rigid outer cell 304.

[0057] Second jaw member 394 includes a jaw body 397 and sealing plates 399 disposed on either side of slot 398. The outer surface of sealing plate 399 defines sealing surface 302. A layer of flexible material 306, 310, 314 is disposed between jaw body 397 and sealing plate 399. The layer of flexible material is made of separate cells of varying thickness, positioned side by side, with the inner or central cell 310 being more flexible than the outer cell 304. In some arrangements, the layer of flexible material includes inner cell 310 positioned adjacent to outer cell 306, while in other arrangements, an intermediate cell 314 is positioned between inner cell 310 and outer cell 306 to provide an additional transition from the more flexible inner cell 310 to the more rigid outer cell 306. The layers of flexible material 304, 308, 312 and the layers of flexible material 306, 310, 314 can extend along a portion or all of jaw members 392 and 394.

[0058] Thus, when jaw members 392 and 394 are clamped together on a blood vessel, sealing surfaces 300 and 302 above outer cells 304 and 306 form a first compression zone, and sealing surfaces above inner cells 308 and 310 form a second compression zone, which is less flexible than the first compression zone. Similarly, if jaw members 392 and 394 include intermediate cells 312 and 314, the stiffness of cells 312 and 314 can be selected to provide a desired transition from the first compression zone to the second compression zone.

[0059] Cells 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 can be made of any suitable flexible material, such as an elastomer. In some arrangements, none of cells 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 are electrically conductive. In other arrangements, some or all of cells 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 can be electrically conductive. Thus, when jaw members 392 and 394 are connected to a generator providing an electrical energy source, voltages having different potentials can be applied to the electrically conductive cells, causing current to be transferred from one jaw member to the other through tissue clamped therebetween to coagulate or cut the tissue.

[0060] Any of the previously described jaw arrangements 40, 240, and 340 may include a cutting blade. Figure 12 and Figure 13, the jaw 40 is shown with a blade 400. The blade 400 includes a slot 402 that engages the pin 90 to allow the blade 400 to reciprocate along the pin 90. The blade 400 is connected to a blade shaft 412. Thus, axial movement of the blade shaft 412 causes the blade 400 to reciprocate axially along the slots 100 and 102 of the jaw members 92 and 94 to cut tissue clamped between the jaw members 92 and 94. A similar blade arrangement can be added to the jaws 240 and 340.

[0061] Now turn Figure 14A and Figure 14B , which shows an alternative set of jaws 500 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The set of jaws 500 includes a first jaw member 502 and a second jaw member 504. The set of jaws 500 includes a pin 590 located between the jaws. The pin 590 holds the jaw members 502 and 504 together and provides a pivot point for the jaw members 502 and 504 so that when the tubular member 20 slides over the opposing members 502 and 504, the members 502 and 504 close. In some arrangements, the jaw members 502 and 504 include a blade slot 512 ( Figure 16 ) to accommodate the above and above Figure 12 and Figure 13 The blade arrangement shown in .

[0062] An outer surface of the first jaw member 502 defines a sealing surface 505. The first jaw member 502 also includes one or two retainers 508 having an outer surface defining a second sealing surface 511. The second jaw member 504 has an outer surface defining a sealing surface 506.

[0063] like Figure 15A and Figure 15B , the retainers 508 are located in corresponding openings 509 in the first jaw member 502. In some arrangements, one or more biasing members 514 are provided between each retainer 508 and the first jaw member 502. Thus, when the jaw members 502 and 504 are open, the retainers 508, and therefore the second sealing surface 511, protrude above the sealing surface 505. The biasing member 514 can be made of any suitable spring-like material, such as an elastomeric material, etc. The biasing member 514 can be a coil spring or a solid compression member. Thus, the retainers 508 can be moved relative to the first jaw member so that the set of jaws 500 is a two-stage end effector, wherein when the jaw members 502 and 504 are moved from the open position ( Figure 15A ) moves to the closed position ( Figure 15B ), the first compression zone created by sealing surfaces 505 and 506 is more rigid than the flexible second compression zone created by sealing surfaces 506 and 511.

[0064] In various arrangements, the retainer 508 is electrically connected to the first jaw member 502, such that both the retainer 508 and the first jaw member 502 are electrically conductive. In other arrangements, either the retainer 508 or the jaw member 502 is electrically conductive. All or a portion of the second jaw member 504 may also be electrically conductive. Thus, the jaw 500 can be electrically connected to a generator providing a source of electrosurgical energy, such that RF voltages having different potentials can be applied to electrically connected sections of the jaw members 502 and 504 in a bipolar jaw arrangement. The RF voltage generates an electrical current that is transmitted through tissue from one jaw member to the electrodes of the other jaw member, thereby heating the tissue to coagulate or cut it. The retainer 508 may include one or more non-conductive stops 510 located between the sealing surface 511 and the sealing surface 506 to prevent electrical shorting of the jaw members 502 and 504.

[0065] Now turn Figure 17 , which shows another set of jaws 600 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The set of jaws 600 includes the first jaw member 502 and the second jaw member 604 described above. The set of jaws 600 includes a pin 690 located between the jaws. The pin 690 holds the jaw members 502 and 604 together and provides a pivot point for the jaw members 502 and 604 so that when the tubular member 20 slides over the opposing members 502 and 604, the members 502 and 604 close. In some arrangements, the jaw members 502 and 504 include a plurality of jaws similar to the first jaw member 502 and the second jaw member 604. Figure 16 The blade slot 512 shown in the figure is provided to accommodate the blade slots described above and above. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The blade arrangement shown in .

[0066] The outer surface of the second jaw member 604 defines a sealing surface 606. The second jaw member 604 also includes one or two retainers 616 having an outer surface defining a second sealing surface 611. Likewise, the arrangement of the first jaw member 502 is the same as previously described with respect to the jaw 500.

[0067] like Figure 18A and Figure 18B, the retainer 616 is located in a corresponding opening 609 in the second jaw member 604. In some arrangements, one or more biasing members 614 are provided between each retainer 516 and the second jaw member 604. Thus, when the jaw members 502 and 604 are open, the retainer 508, and therefore the second sealing surface 511, protrudes above the sealing surface 505, and the retainer 616, and therefore the second sealing surface 611, protrudes above the sealing surface 606. The biasing member 614 can be made of any suitable spring-like material, such as an elastomeric material, etc. The biasing member 614 can be a coil spring or a solid compression member. Thus, the retainer 508 can be moved relative to the first jaw member 502, and the retainer 616 can be moved relative to the second jaw member 604, so that the set of jaws 600 is a two-stage end effector, wherein when the jaw members 502 and 604 are moved from the open position ( Figure 18A ) moves to the closed position ( Figure 18B ), the first compression zone created by sealing surfaces 505 and 606 is more rigid than the flexible second compression zone created by sealing surfaces 511 and 611.

[0068] In various arrangements, the retainer 508 is electrically connected to the first jaw member 502 such that both the retainer 508 and the first jaw member 502 are electrically conductive. In other arrangements, either the retainer 508 or the jaw member 502 is electrically conductive. Similarly, in some arrangements, the retainer 616 is electrically connected to the second jaw member 604 such that both the retainer 616 and the second jaw member 604 are electrically conductive, while in other arrangements, either the retainer 616 or the jaw member 604 is electrically conductive. Thus, the jaw 600 can be electrically connected to a generator that provides a source of electrosurgical energy such that RF voltages having different potentials can be applied to the electrically connected sections of the jaw members 502 and 604 in a bipolar jaw arrangement. The RF voltage generates an electrical current that is transmitted through tissue from one jaw member to the electrodes of the other jaw member, thereby heating the tissue to coagulate or cut it. The retainers 508 and 616 may include one or more non-conductive stops 510 and 618 located between the sealing surface 511 and the sealing surface 611 to prevent electrical portions of the jaw members 502 and 604 from shorting.

[0069] Now refer to Figure 19A and Figure 19B, which shows an alternative set of jaws 700 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The set of jaws 700 includes a first jaw member 702 and a second jaw member 704. The set of jaws 700 includes a pin 790 located between the jaws. The pin 790 holds the jaw members 702 and 704 together and provides a pivot point for the jaw members 702 and 704 so that when the tubular member 20 slides over the opposing members 702 and 704, the members 702 and 704 close. In some arrangements, the jaw members 702 and 704 include a pin similar to Figure 16 The blade slot 512 shown in the figure is provided to accommodate the blade slots described above and above. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The blade arrangement shown in .

[0070] An outer surface of the first jaw member 702 defines a sealing surface 705. The first jaw member 702 also includes one or two retainers 708 having an outer surface defining a second sealing surface 711. The second jaw member 704 has an outer surface defining a sealing surface 706.

[0071] like Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown in FIG, retainers 708 are positioned within corresponding openings 709 in first jaw member 702. Retainers 708 are attached to first jaw member 702 using pins 716, which provide a pivot point for retainers 708 relative to first jaw member 702. In certain arrangements, one or more biasing members 714 are disposed between each retainer 708 and first jaw member 702. Thus, when jaw members 702 and 704 are opened, retainers 708 pivot outwardly from sealing surface 705 about pins 716, causing a portion of retainer 708, and therefore a portion of second sealing surface 711, to protrude above sealing surface 705. Biasing members 714 can be made of any suitable spring-like material, such as an elastomeric material. Biasing members 714 can be coil springs or solid compression members. Thus, the retainer 708 is movable relative to the first jaw member such that the set of jaws 700 is a two-stage end effector wherein when the jaw members 702 and 704 are moved from the open position ( Figure 20A ) moves to the closed position ( Figure 20B ), the first compression zone created by sealing surfaces 505 and 506 is more rigid than the flexible second compression zone created by sealing surfaces 706 and 711.

[0072] In various arrangements, the retainer 708 is electrically connected to the first jaw member 702 such that both the retainer 708 and the first jaw member 702 are electrically conductive. In other arrangements, either the retainer 708 or the jaw member 702 is electrically conductive. All or a portion of the second jaw member 704 may also be electrically conductive. Thus, the jaw 700 can be electrically connected to a generator that provides a source of electrosurgical energy such that RF voltages having different potentials can be applied to the electrically connected sections of the jaw members 702 and 704 in a bipolar jaw arrangement. The RF voltage generates an electrical current that is transmitted through tissue from one jaw member to the electrodes of the other jaw member, thereby heating the tissue to coagulate or cut it. The jaw member 704 may include one or more non-conductive stops 710 located between the sealing surface 711 and the sealing surface 706 to prevent electrical shorting of the jaw members 702 and 704.

[0073] Although the jaws previously described are directed to one jaw member pivotally attached to another jaw member, the present invention contemplates any type of jaw member that clamps tissue with another jaw member. For example, the jaw members can clamp onto tissue as the jaw members move toward each other in any suitable manner, including translational and rotational motion; that is, the distal segment can rotate or translate relative to the proximal segment. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, various components of any of the above-described jaw members can be electrically conductive. These components themselves can be conductive electrodes, or conductive material can be added to the components to form electrodes on the components. Any of the above-described jaw members can have teeth for clamping tissue.

[0074] The description of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pair of pliers, comprising: An end effector assembly comprising: a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface; and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface, wherein the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the tissue sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a movable distal segment and a fixed proximal segment, wherein when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open position, a portion of the movable distal segment protrudes above the fixed proximal segment, and A first compression zone is formed by the distal segment, and a second compression zone is formed by the proximal segment, wherein the second compression zone formed by the proximal segment has a higher rigidity than the first compression zone formed by the distal segment.

2. The pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that The first compression zone generates a first compression force that is different than a second compression force created by the second compression zone.

3. The pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that The distal section is configured to move relative to the proximal section.

4. The pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that The tissue sealing surface of the first jaw includes a first electrode, and the tissue sealing surface of the second jaw includes a second electrode.

5. The pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has a pair of distal sections.

6. The pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealing surfaces of both the first jaw and the second jaw have a pair of distal sections.

7. The pliers according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot extends axially through a substantial portion of the first jaw and the second jaw and further includes a blade translatable within the slot.

8. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the distal section and the proximal section has teeth for gripping tissue.

9. The pliers according to claim 1, characterized in that The tissue sealing surfaces of the first jaw and the second jaw include electrodes connected to an electrosurgical energy source that generates electrosurgical energy to coagulate tissue grasped between the first jaw and the second jaw, and wherein the distal segment and the proximal segment are electrically connected, the electrodes being on the distal segment and the proximal segment.

10. The pliers according to claim 1, wherein: The distal segment is configured to at least one of translate or rotate relative to the proximal segment.

11. A pair of pliers, comprising: An end effector assembly comprising: a first jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface; and a second jaw having a tissue sealing surface and an electrode on the sealing surface, wherein the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the sealing surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw has two compression sections extending along the sealing surface, such that a first compression section of the two compression sections is positioned distal to a second compression section of the two compression sections, and wherein the first compression section is movable and the second compression section is fixed, wherein, when the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw are in the open position, a portion of the movable first compression section protrudes above the fixed second compression section, The second compression zone formed by the second compression section has higher rigidity than the first compression zone formed by the first compression section.

12. The pliers according to claim 11, characterized in that A first compression zone is provided by the first compression section and a second compression zone is provided by the second compression section, and wherein the first compression zone and the second compression zone are each configured to apply a separate compression force to tissue grasped between the first jaw and the second jaw.

13. The pliers according to claim 11, wherein: The end effector assembly also includes a slot extending axially through at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw, and a blade translatable within the slot.

14. The pliers according to claim 11, wherein: The first compression zone generates a first compression force and the second compression zone generates a second compression force, wherein the first compression force is different from the second compression force.

15. The pliers according to claim 11, wherein: The first compression section is configured to at least one of translate or rotate relative to the second compression section.

16. A pair of pliers comprising: An end effector assembly comprising: a first jaw having a first tissue sealing surface including a first electrode; and a second jaw having a second tissue sealing surface including a second electrode, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movable between an open position and a closed position, and a plurality of biasing members are arranged along a proximal-distal longitudinal direction of the end effector, wherein the plurality of biasing members are at least one of: disposed between the first tissue sealing surface and the first jaw, wherein the first tissue sealing surface has a movable distal section and a fixed proximal section; or disposed between the second tissue sealing surface and the second jaw, wherein the second tissue sealing surface has a movable distal section and a fixed proximal section, wherein the biasing member is not directly connected to the tissue sealing surface but is directly connected to the jaws, The end effector assembly further comprises a slot extending axially through at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw, and a blade capable of translating within the slot. wherein, when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open position, a portion of the movable distal section protrudes above the fixed proximal section, The second compression zone formed by the proximal segment has higher rigidity than the first compression zone formed by the distal segment.

17. The pliers according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of biasing members include springs or solid compression members that resiliently bias at least one of the first tissue sealing surface and the second tissue sealing surface toward the other of the first tissue sealing surface and the second tissue sealing surface.

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