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Publication Number
US-12672909-B2
Publication Date
2026-07-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrosurgical device having a first shaft with a tang positioned along an intermediate portion to provide a pivot point that is offset from the longitudinal axis. A second shaft is pivotally coupled to the tang of the first shaft using a slot that accepts the tang of the first shaft. The second shaft is formed from three portions, each of which extends along a different longitudinal axis so that the jaws of the device will be closed when the second shaft abuts a stop of the first shaft.
Core Innovation
An electrosurgical device is disclosed that includes a vessel sealer with scissor-style operation using a first shaft and a second shaft, each associated with a jaw. The first shaft includes a tang positioned along an intermediate portion that is offset from the longitudinal axis, and the second shaft is coupled to the tang so that relative jaw movement is controlled through a slot geometry that accepts a pivot of the first shaft.
The coupling is implemented so that the second shaft is pivotally coupled to the tang by a pivot pin extending through a pair of sidewalls of the second shaft, the tang, and a pair of bushings positioned in the slot. The sidewalls extend along a third axis that is oblique to the first and second axes, and the sidewalls are spaced apart from the pivot pin to provide a location where any blade extending along the third axis can travel along the third axis without contacting the pivot pin.
The second shaft defines three axis portions, where the second axis and third axis are oriented at about 28 degrees relative to each other. The first axis, second axis, and third axis are oriented so that when the first jaw and the second jaw are in contact with each other an outside of the first portion of the second shaft is in contact with the stop of the first shaft, and the first and second jaws are interconnected to an electrosurgical generator that can selectively supply radiofrequency (RF) energy to the jaws for desiccation and sealing of a blood vessel clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim clm-00001 includes 5 main inventive features: an offset tang on a first shaft, a multi-axis slot geometry with a pivot accepted by the slot, a pivot pin and bushing arrangement coupled through tang and sidewalls, a spaced sidewall structure that provides blade travel along an oblique third axis without contacting the pivot pin, and a defined axis orientation including an about 28 degrees relationship, combined with RF energy supplied to jaws for blood vessel desiccation and sealing.
Offset tang on first shaft
A first shaft extending along a longitudinal axis includes a tang positioned along an intermediate portion that is offset from the longitudinal axis.
Multi-axis slot geometry for accepting pivot
A second shaft includes a slot having a predetermined length accepting a pivot of the first shaft, with a first portion extending along a first axis, a second portion extending along a second axis oblique to the first axis for the predetermined length, and a third portion extending along a third axis oblique to the first axis from the slot to the first end.
Pivot pin with tang and bushings within slot
The second shaft is pivotally coupled to the tang of the first shaft by a pivot pin extending through a pair of sidewalls of the second shaft, the tang of the first shaft, and a pair of bushings positioned in the slot.
Spaced sidewalls enabling blade travel without pivot pin contact
The pair of sidewalls join together and extend along the third axis oblique to the first axis and the second axis, spaced apart from the pivot pin to provide a location where any blade extending along the third axis can travel along the third axis without contacting the pivot pin.
Defined axis orientation and RF vessel sealing by jaws
The second axis and third axis are oriented at about 28 degrees relative to each other, and the first jaw and the second jaw are interconnected to an electrosurgical generator that can selectively supply radiofrequency (RF) energy to the jaws for the desiccation and sealing of a blood vessel clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw.
The claim set centers on an offset tang on the first shaft and a second-shaft slot geometry defining first, second, and third oblique axes to position a tang/pivot coupling via a pivot pin and bushings. The claim further requires spaced sidewalls that prevent blade contact with the pivot pin while enabling blade travel along the third axis, and it specifies an about 28 degrees relationship between the second and third axes combined with RF energy delivered to the jaws for blood vessel desiccation and sealing.
Stated Advantages
Improved ergonomics and field of view by reducing device bulk.
Enables smaller pivot/pin diameter for blade-travel clearance.
Documented Applications
Desiccation and sealing of a blood vessel clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw using radiofrequency (RF) energy supplied to the jaws by an electrosurgical generator.
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