Tissue fusion jaw angle improvement

The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical forceps to ensure uniform sealing of tissue when performing electrosurgical procedures. More specifically, the present disclosure improves the uniformity of the current distribution through the tissue by improving the parallelism of the electrode planes of the bipolar forceps, creating a sealing with a substantially uniform tissue thickness. For open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic bipolar forceps.

Forceps utilize mechanical action to restrain, grasp, dissect, and / or tighten tissue. Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical tightening and electrical energy to provide hemostasis by heating tissues and blood vessels. By controlling the intensity, frequency and duration of electrosurgical energy applied to the tissue through the jaw member, the surgeon can coagulate, cauterize and / or seal the tissue.

In order to provide correct sealing for larger vessels or thick tissue, the two main mechanical parameters, the pressure exerted on the tissue and the clearance distance between the electrodes, must be precisely controlled. As can be understood, both of these parameters are affected by the thickness of the vessel or tissue. More specifically, accurate application of pressure reduces tissue impedance to a value low enough to allow sufficient electrosurgical energy to pass through the tissue because the walls of the vessel face each other. It is important for several reasons, such as to overcome the swelling force during tissue heating and to contribute to the edge tissue thickness, which is an indicator of good sealing. Fused vascular walls have been determined to be optimal between 0.001 and 0.006 inches. Below this range, the sealing may be shredded or torn, and above this range, the lumen may not be properly or effectively sealed.

For smaller vessels, the pressure exerted on the tissue tends to be less important, while the clearance distance between the conductive tissue sealing surfaces becomes more important for effective sealing. In other words, the likelihood of the two conductive sealing surfaces coming into contact during operation increases as the vessel becomes smaller.

Electrosurgical methods may be able to seal larger vessels using a suitable electrosurgical power curve in combination with an instrument capable of exerting a large closing force on the vessel wall. The process of coagulating small vessels is believed to be radically different from tissue tube sealing by electrosurgery. For the purposes herein, "coagulation" is defined as the process of drying tissue, in which tissue cells rupture and dry, and vascular sealing is collagen in the tissue. Is defined as the process of liquefying collagen in tissue so that it transforms into a fused mass. Therefore, coagulation is sufficient to permanently close the small vessels. Larger vessels need to be sealed to ensure permanent closure.

So far, various bipolar electrosurgical forceps have been proposed for various surgical procedures. However, some of these designs may not provide a uniformly reproducible pressure to the vessel, resulting in inefficient or non-uniform sealing. Further complicating the matter is the fact that the uneven pressure exerted on the blood vessels creates varying tissue thicknesses along the length of the forceps. The result is different pressures, different tissue thicknesses, and different amounts of electrosurgical energy through the tissue. All of these conditions reduce the effectiveness of the sealing.

<p> (Overview) Bipolar forceps for sealing tissue include an end effector assembly, the end effector assembly having a first jaw member and a second jaw member facing each other, the first jaw member and the second facing jaw member. The two jaw members have a proximal end and a distal end, respectively. The jaw members are movable relative to each other from a first spaced apart position to a second position where the jaw members work together to grip the tissue.</p><p> Each of the jaw members includes an electrode having a conductive tissue sealing surface. An electrical energy source can be connected to the tissue sealing surface, which can direct energy to the tissue. The tissue sealing surface may include at least one non-conductive insulating member disposed therein to prevent short circuits between the sealing surfaces. The insulating member can also be an insulating ridge arranged along a length of the tissue sealing surface.</p><p> In one embodiment, one or both electrodes are hinged to each jaw member at its distal end and parallel to each conductive tissue sealing surface in contact with tissue placed between the jaw members. Can facilitate a simple closure. The electrode may be hinged to the jaw member at the distal end of the electrode.</p><p> The electrodes are hinged to their respective jaw members by elastic members. In an embodiment, the elastic member is a single spring metal. In embodiments, recesses are defined in at least one of the jaws.</p><p> For example, the disclosure provides:</p><p> (Item 1A) Bipolar forceps, the bipolar forceps An end effector assembly comprising opposing first and second jaw members, the opposing first and second jaw members having proximal and distal ends and a second. From a distance of 1 to a second position where the jaw members cooperate to grip tissue between them, they are selectively movable relative to each other, and each of the jaw members is an electrode. The electrode has a conductive tissue sealing surface adapted to connect to an electrical energy source, whereby the conductive tissue sealing surface provides energy to the tissue placed between them. Equipped with an end effector assembly that can convey At least one of the electrodes is rotatably connected to the respective jaw member between the proximal and distal ends of the respective jaw member and contacts the tissue disposed between the jaw members. Bipolar forceps that promote parallel closure of conductive tissue sealing surfaces.</p><p> (Item 2A) Any of the above items, both of the electrodes are rotatably connected to the respective jaw members to facilitate parallel closure of the respective conductive tissue sealing surfaces in contact with the tissue disposed between the jaw members. The bipolar forceps according to item 1.</p><p> (Item 3A) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein at least one of the conductive tissue sealing surfaces is arranged along a certain length of the conductive tissue sealing surface. A bipolar forceps that includes an insulating member and prevents an unintentional short circuit between two conductive tissue sealing surfaces when the forceps are placed in the second position.</p><p> (Item 4A) The at least one insulating member is configured as an insulating ridge arranged along a certain length of the conductive tissue sealing surface, whereby when the forceps are arranged at the second position, the two The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, which prevents an unintentional short circuit between conductive tissue sealing surfaces.</p><p> (Item 5A) Any of the above items, the at least one electrode being rotatably connected to the jaw member in the middle along the length of the jaw member between the proximal and distal ends of the jaw member. Bipolar forceps according to paragraph 1.</p><p> (Item 6A) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein the at least one electrode is rotatably connected to the jaw member in the middle along the length of the electrode.</p><p> (Item 1B) Bipolar forceps, the bipolar forceps An end effector assembly having a first jaw member and a second jaw member facing each other, the first jaw member and the second jaw member facing each other having proximal and distal ends and a second. From a distance of 1 to a second position where the jaw members cooperate to grip tissue between them, they are selectively movable relative to each other, and each of the jaw members is an electrode. The electrode has a conductive tissue sealing surface adapted to connect to an electrical energy source, whereby the conductive tissue sealing surface provides energy to the tissue placed between them. Equipped with an end effector assembly that can convey At least one of the electrodes is hinged to each jaw member at its distal end to provide a parallel closure of the conductive tissue sealing surface in contact with tissue disposed between the jaw members. Bipolar forceps to promote.</p><p> (Item 2B) Any of the above items, both of the above electrodes are hinged to the respective jaw members to facilitate parallel closure of the respective conductive tissue sealing surfaces in contact with the tissue disposed between the jaw members. The bipolar forceps according to item 1.</p><p> (Item 3B) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein at least one of the conductive tissue sealing surfaces is arranged along a certain length of the conductive tissue sealing surface. A bipolar forceps that includes an insulating member and prevents an unintentional short circuit between two conductive tissue sealing surfaces when the forceps are placed in the second position.</p><p> (Item 4B) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein the at least one electrode is hingedly connected to the jaw member at the distal end of the electrode.</p><p> (Item 5B) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein the at least one electrode is hinged to the jaw member via an elastic member.</p><p> (Item 6B) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein the elastic member is a single spring metal.</p><p> (Item 7B) The bipolar forceps according to any one of the above items, wherein at least one of the jaws defines a recess therein for at least partially accommodating the elastic member.</p><p> (Summary of disclosure) (Summary) Bipolar forceps for sealing tissue include an end effector with opposing first and second jaw members, the opposing first and second jaw members having proximal ends. And has a distal end. The jaw members are movable relative to each other from a first spaced apart position to a second position where the jaw members work together to grip the tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrode having a conductive tissue sealing surface. An electrical energy source can be connected to the tissue sealing surface, which can direct energy to the tissue. Each electrode can be hinged to its own jaw member to facilitate parallel closure of the sealing surface in contact with the tissue between the jaw members.</p>

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings.<figref num="1">FIG. 1 is a perspective view of forceps for electrosurgical use according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="2A">FIG. 2A is a side view of a pair of jaw members according to the present disclosure, wherein the pair of jaw members includes individually swivel electrodes rotatably connected to the pair of jaw members, the electrodes being spaced first apart. It is in a distant position.</figref><figref num="2B">FIG. 2B is a side view of the jaw member at the second tissue gripping position according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="2C">FIG. 2C is a side view of a jaw member including an insulating member arranged on each tissue sealing surface of each electrode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the jaw member is arranged at a first position. ..</figref><figref num="2D">FIG. 2D is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 2C in the second position according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="3A">FIG. 3A is a side view of a jaw member including a wedge-shaped electrode located at the distal end of each jaw member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="3B">FIG. 3B is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 3A shown at the second grip position.</figref><figref num="3C">FIG. 3C is a side view of a jaw member including an insulating member arranged on each tissue sealing surface of each electrode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the jaw member is arranged at a first position. ..</figref><figref num="3D">FIG. 3D is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 3C at the second position according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="4A">FIG. 4A is a side view of the jaw members according to the present disclosure, the jaw members having their opposing electrodes connected swivelly at the distal end and connected by a spring at the proximal end.</figref><figref num="4B">FIG. 4B is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 4A at the second grip position according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="4C">FIG. 4C is a side view of a jaw member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes an insulating member disposed on each tissue sealing surface of each electrode and is in a first position.</figref><figref num="4D">FIG. 4D is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 4C in the second position according to the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="5A">FIG. 5A is a side view of a pair of jaw members, the pair of jaw members connected by a trapezoidal swivel mechanism, including electrodes located at their distal ends, open and spaced apart. It is indicated by.</figref><figref num="5B">FIG. 5B is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 5A, which has insulating members arranged on each of the tissue sealing surfaces of the electrodes.</figref><figref num="5C">FIG. 5C is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 5A shown at the second grip position.</figref><figref num="5D">FIG. 5D is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 5B shown in the second position.</figref><figref num="6A">FIG. 6A is a side view of a jaw member according to the present disclosure, which jaw member has opposing electrodes hinged at its distal end.</figref><figref num="6B">FIG. 6B is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 6A shown at the position where the second thick tissue is gripped.</figref><figref num="6C">FIG. 6C is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 6A shown at the position where the second thin tissue is gripped.</figref><figref num="7A">FIG. 7A is a side view of a jaw member according to the present disclosure, wherein the jaw member has a recess disposed therein and a hinged opposite electrode at its distal end.</figref><figref num="7B">FIG. 7B is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 7A shown at the position where the second thick tissue is gripped.</figref><figref num="7C">FIG. 7C is a side view of the jaw member of FIG. 7A shown at the position where the second thin tissue is gripped.</figref>

(Detailed explanation) Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary details. Those skilled in the art may appreciate the use of the present disclosure with laparoscopic, endoscopic, or open devices, but with various electrical and mechanical connections and considerations of a particular type. Understand that it can be applied to each of the instruments. New aspects of vascular and tissue sealing are generally consistent with open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic designs. In the drawings and in the description below, the term "proximal" refers to the end of forceps closer to the user as before, while the term "distal" refers to the end of forceps farther from the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a bipolar electrosurgical forceps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the bipolar electrosurgical forceps comprising an electrosurgical forceps 10, the electrosurgical forceps 10 supporting an end effector assembly 100. It is configured to do. The forceps 10 typically include various conventional features (eg, housing 20, handle assembly 30, rotary assembly 80, trigger assembly 70, etc.), the various conventional features of which the forceps 10 and end effector assembly 100 are. Collaborate with each other to allow the tissue to be gripped, sealed and, if necessary, split. The forceps 10 generally include a housing 20 and a handle assembly 30, and the handle assembly 30 includes a movable handle 40 and a handle 50 that is integral with the housing 20. The handle 40 is movable relative to the handle 50 for activating the end effector assembly 100 to grip and treat tissue. The forceps 10 also include the shaft 12, which mounts the housing 20 in the immediate vicinity of the distal end 14, which mechanically engages the end effector assembly 100, and the rotating assembly 80 located at the distal end of the housing 20. It has a proximal end 16 that mechanically engages. The rotating assembly 80 is mechanically associated with the shaft 12. The movement of the rotary assembly 80 gives a similar rotational movement to the shaft 12, which causes the end effector assembly 100 to rotate.

As described in more detail below, with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D, the end effector assembly 100 includes jaw members 110 and 120 having proximal ends 111a, 121a and distal ends 111b, 121b. The jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate closedly so that the jaw members 110 and 120 grip tissue between them from a first position where the jaw members 110 and 120 are spaced apart from each other. It is movable to the second position. Each of the jaw members 110, 120 includes electrodes 112 and 122, respectively, and electrodes 112 and 122 have conductive tissue sealing surfaces 114 and 124 disposed on their inward facing surfaces, respectively. The conductive tissue sealing surfaces 114 and 124 work together to seal the tissue held between them when electrosurgical energy is applied.

Here, referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, the end effector assembly 100 includes jaw members 110 and 120, which are proximal ends 111a and 121a, respectively, via a suitable swivel mechanism 130. Connected with. Jaw members 110 and 120 are rotatable around swivel pins 132 to provide gripping and sealing of tissue 600 (see FIG. 2B). Jaw members 110 and 120 include similar component features that work together to allow easy rotation around the swivel pin 132. Other systems and methods for closing the jaw are possible and are within the understanding of those skilled in the art. The jaw configuration can also be bidirectional or unidirectional.

The electrodes 112 and 122 are rotatably connected to the corresponding jaw members 110 and 120 via the respective swivel mechanisms 142 and 162, respectively. As mentioned above, each of the electrodes 112 and 122 has conductive tissue sealing surfaces 114 and 124 disposed on them, respectively, for the conductive tissue sealing surfaces 114 and 124 to grip the tissue between them. , Arranged so as to be approximately opposed to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the jaw members 110 and 120 are moved around the pivot mechanism 130 relative to each other to grip the tissue 600, the electrodes 112 and 122 are around the swivel axes 142 and 162, respectively. Tilt at, whereby the conductive tissue sealing surfaces 114 and 124 cooperate with each other to engage the tissue in a substantially parallel manner. By ensuring that the sealing surfaces 114 and 124 grip the tissue in a substantially parallel manner, the tissue thickness between the electrodes 112 and 122 is substantially along the length of the sealing surfaces 114 and 124. It remains uniform. This allows the surgeon to selectively apply a uniform closing pressure and a uniform amount of electrosurgical energy to the tissue 600 between the electrodes 112 and 122.

As shown in FIGS. 2C-2D, the pair of non-conductive insulating members 190 prevents an unintentional short circuit between the two conductive tissue sealing surfaces 114 and 124, so that the conductive tissue sealing surface 114 And / or are placed at 124. Insulation member 190 can also be used to maintain an effective gap distance between sealing surfaces 114 and 124 to facilitate tissue sealing, eg, about 0.001 "to about 0.006". The insulating member 190 may also be configured as an insulating ridge arranged along a length of the conductive tissue sealing surface 114 or 124.

Now referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, in another embodiment, the end effector assembly 200 includes jaw members 210 and 220, which are respectively proximal end 211a by means of a suitable swivel mechanism 230. Connected at and 221a and rotatable around swivel pin 232. The electrodes 212 and 222 are configured in a wedge shape so that the thickness of the electrodes 212 and 222 increases distally along their length. Any suitable angle can be incorporated into the electrode to form a wedge shape.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the wedge-shaped construction of the electrodes 212 and 222 facilitates parallel closure of the conductive tissue sealing surfaces 214 and 224 with respect to the tissue 600 located between the jaw members 210 and 220. To do. When the jaw members 210 and 220 move from the first position as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C to the second position as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, the tissue 600 moves the jaw members 210 and 220. Squeezed towards the distal ends of 211b and 221b, respectively. At the same time, the wedge-shaped electrodes 212 and 222 squeeze the tissue 600 towards the proximal ends 211a and 221a of the jaw members 210 and 220, and finally the tissue sealing surfaces 214 and 224 become parallel. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, the substantially parallel tissue sealing surfaces 214 and 224 have a substantially parallel tissue thickness between the electrodes 212 and 222 along a length of the sealing surfaces 214 and 224. Guarantee that it remains uniform. This allows the surgeon to apply the correct closure pressure and the correct amount of electrosurgical energy in a uniform manner to seal the tissue 600.

3C-3D show a pair of non-conductive insulating members 290, the pair of non-conductive insulating members 290 are conductive to prevent an unintentional short circuit between the two tissue sealing surfaces 214 and 224. Placed on the sex tissue sealing surfaces 214 and / or 224. The insulating member 290 can also be used to maintain an effective clearance distance between sealing surfaces 214 and 224 to facilitate tissue sealing, eg, about 0.001 "to about 0.006". The insulating member 290 may also be configured as an insulating ridge arranged along a length of the conductive tissue sealing surface 214 or 224.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, in another embodiment, the end effector assembly 600 includes jaw members 410 and 420, the jaw members 410 and 420 via a suitable swivel mechanism 430 including swivel pin 432. Are rotatably connected to each other at the proximal ends 411a and 421a. Recesses 415 and 425 (see Figure 4D) can be defined within each jaw member 410 and 420, respectively. Electrodes 412 and 422 are located within recesses 415 and 425, respectively, and are rotatably connected to jaw members 410 and 420 at the distal ends 413b and 423b of jaw members 410 and 420. Alternatively, the electrodes 412 and 422 may be connected to the inward facing surfaces of the jaw members 410 and 420, respectively, similar to those shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. Each of the electrodes 412 and 422 is also connected to the jaw members 410 and 420 via elastic members 472 and 492 at their proximal ends 413a and 423a, whereby the elastic members 472 and 492 are electrodes. Each of the 412 and 422 is urged to press against the tissue 600 located between the jaw members 410 and 420. The elastic members 472 and 492 can be any compressible and / or flexible portion as within the understanding of those skilled in the art. In embodiments, the elastic members 472 and 492 are springs. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the jaw members 410 and 420 rotate around the swivel pin 432 to grip the tissue 600 between them, and as they move toward the second position, the electrodes 412 and 422. Tilts against springs 472 and 492 around swivel axes 442 and 462 to compress tissue in a more parallel manner. As mentioned above with respect to the embodiments described, engaging the tissues in a substantially parallel manner with the electrodes closed has a length between the electrodes 412 and 422 with a certain length of sealing surfaces 414 and 424. Guaranteeing that it remains substantially uniform along the line, in this way the surgeon has tissue 6 between electrodes 412 and 422 6

4C and 4D show a pair of opposing insulating members 490 arranged on the conductive sealing surfaces 414 and 424, the pair of opposing insulating members 490 being conductive as described above for the embodiments described. It is configured as an insulating ridge arranged along a length of the tissue sealing surfaces 414 and 424. The insulating member 490 prevents an unintentional short circuit between the two tissue sealing surfaces 414 and 424. The insulating member 490 may also maintain an effective gap distance between sealing surfaces 414 and 424 to facilitate tissue sealing, for example from about 0.001 inch to about 0.006 inch.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the jaw members 510 and 520 of the end effector assembly 500 include electrodes 512 and 522 arranged on their opposing surfaces, respectively. Electrodes 512 and 522 include conductive sealing surfaces 514 and 524, respectively. A trapezoidal swivel mechanism 580 operably connects the jaw members 510 and 520 to each other via a swivel connection 582. The swivel connection 582 connects the actuator rod 586 to the trapezoidal swivel mechanism 580. As shown in FIGS. 5C-5D, when the jaw members 510 and 520 need to be closed to grip the tissue between the jaw members 510 and 520, for example by squeezing the handle assembly 40. The actuator rod 586 is advanced distally, whereby the trapezoidal swivel mechanism 580 facilitates more parallel closure of jaw members 510 and 520. This results in a parallel closure of the tissue sealing surfaces 514 and 524, which leaves the tissue thickness between the electrodes 512 and 522 substantially uniform along some length of the sealing surfaces 514 and 524. Guarantee that The surgeon will be able to selectively apply a uniform closure pressure and a uniform amount of electrosurgical energy to the tissue 600 between the electrodes 512 and 522.

As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D, the non-conductive insulating member 590 is also placed on the conductive tissue sealing surfaces 514 and 524, resulting in an unintentional short circuit between the two conductive tissue sealing surfaces 514 and 526. Can be prevented. The insulating member 590 may also maintain an effective gap distance between sealing surfaces 514 and 524 to facilitate tissue sealing, for example from about 0.001 inch to about 0.006 inch.

With reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, end effector assembly 601 includes jaw members 610 and 620, jaw members 610 and 620 via a suitable swivel mechanism 630 including swivel pin 632, proximal end 611a. And 621a are rotatably connected to each other. Electrodes 612 and 622 are hinged to the jaw members 610 and 620, respectively, via elastic members 672 and 692 at their distal ends 613b and 623b, whereby the elastic members 672 and 692 are The electrodes 612 and 622 are urged in contact with the tissue 600 located between the jaw members 610 and 620. Elastic members 672 and 692 can be substantially straight or formed parts of spring metal, as is within the understanding of those skilled in the art, or at other rigid but bendable portions. It is possible and can provide a balanced force to the organization. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, when the jaw members 610 and 620 rotate around the swivel pin 632 to a second position to grip the tissue 600 between them, the elastic members 672 and The 692 bounces with some force, which causes the electrodes 612 and 622 to tilt, compressing the tissue in a more parallel manner. As described above with respect to the embodiments described, closing the electrodes and engaging the tissue in a substantially parallel manner means that the tissue thickness between the electrodes 612 and 622 is a certain length of the sealing surfaces 614 and 624. Ensuring that it remains substantially uniform along the line, in this way the surgeon has a uniform closing pressure and a uniform amount of electricity in the tissue 600 between the electrodes 612 and 622. Surgical energy can be applied.

6A-6C also show optional pairs of opposing insulating members 690 arranged on conductive sealing surfaces 614 and 624, the optional pairs of opposing insulating members 690 described above with respect to the embodiments described above. As described above, it is configured as an insulating ridge arranged along a certain length of the conductive tissue sealing surfaces 614 and 624. The insulating member 690 prevents an unintentional short circuit between the two tissue sealing surfaces 614 and 624. The insulating member 690 may also maintain an effective clearance distance between sealing surfaces 614 and 624 to facilitate tissue sealing, for example from about 0.001 inch to about 0.006 inch.

Now referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, in another embodiment, the end effector assembly 700 includes jaw members 710 and 720, where jaw members 710 and 720 include a suitable swivel mechanism 730 including swivel pin 732. Via, they are rotatably connected to each other at the proximal ends 711a and 721a. Recesses 715 and 725 are defined within each jaw member 710 and 720, respectively. Electrodes 712 and 722 are located proximal to each recess 715 and 725 and hinged to their jaw members 710 and 720 at their distal ends 713b and 723b via elastic members 772 and 792. Connected to, thereby the elastic members 772 and 792 urge each electrode 712 and 722 in contact with the tissue 600 located between the jaw members 710 and 720. The elastic members 772 and 792 can be substantially straight or formed parts of spring metal, or at other rigid but bendable parts, as is within the understanding of those skilled in the art. It is possible to provide a balanced force against the tissue held between the jaw members 710 and 720. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, as the jaw members 710 and 720 rotate around the swivel pin 732 to a second position to grip the tissue 600 between them, the electrodes 712 and 722 , Tilt in contact with the elastic members 772 and 792, compressing the tissue in a more parallel manner. As described above with respect to the embodiments described, closing the electrodes and engaging the tissue in a substantially parallel manner means that the tissue thickness between the electrodes 712 and 722 is some length of the sealing surfaces 714 and 724. Ensuring that it remains substantially uniform along the line, in this way the surgeon has a uniform closing pressure and a uniform amount of electricity in the tissue 600 between the electrodes 712 and 722. Surgical energy can be applied.

7A-7C also show optional pairs of opposing insulating members 790 arranged on conductive sealing surfaces 714 and 724, and optional pairs of opposing insulating members 790 are described above with respect to the embodiments described above. As such, it is configured as an insulating ridge arranged along some length of the conductive tissue sealing surfaces 714 and 724. The insulating member 790 prevents an unintentional short circuit between the two tissue sealing surfaces 714 and 724. The insulating member 790 may also maintain an effective clearance distance between the sealing surfaces 714 and 724 to facilitate tissue sealing, for example from about 0.001 inch to about 0.006 inch.

Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings and / or discussed herein, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. This is because the present disclosure is intended to be as broad as the art allows, and the specification is intended to be read as well. Therefore, the above should not be construed as limiting, but as merely an example of a particular embodiment. Those skilled in the art will come up with other changes within the scope and spirit of the claims attached herein.