Vessel sealing instrument

1. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising:

first and second shafts each having proximal and distal ends and each having a tapered jaw member which resists bending due to the reaction force of tissue, each jaw member extending from a distal end thereof, a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof, and a pivot pin extending through a bore in each of the jaw members for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members include a length and are disposed in opposable, spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface;

a source of electrical energy having first and second electrical potentials, the first electrical potential being connected to one of the jaw members via a conductive lead having a terminal end and a second electrical potential being connected to the other of the jaw members via a conductive tube such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal, wherein the terminal end mechanically interfaces with a boss member extending from a distal connector disposed between the jaw members; the terminal end electrically interfacing with a contact which encircles the boss member, connecting one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential; and

at least one non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive sealing surface of at least one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween and wherein the distance is maintained substantially uniform along at least a majority of the length of the jaw members throughout movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position.

2. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery according to claim 1 wherein the at least one non-conductive stop creates a gap between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces within the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches.

3. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery according to claim 1 wherein the non-conductive stop creates a gap between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces within the range of about 0.002 inches to about 0.003 inches.

4. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery according to claim 1 wherein the terminal end connecting one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential is configured to provide a running electrical contact therebetween during the entire range of motion from the first position to the second position.

5. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising:

first and second shafts each having proximal and distal ends and each having a tapered jaw member which resists bending due to the reaction force of tissue, each jaw member extending from a distal end thereof, a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof, and a pivot pin extending through a bore in each of the jaw members for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members include a length and are disposed in opposable, spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface;

a source of electrical energy having first and second electrical potentials, the first electrical potential being connected to one of the jaw members via a conductive lead having a terminal end and a second electrical potential being connected to the other of the jaw members via a conductive tube such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal, wherein the terminal end mechanically interfaces with a boss member extending from a distal connector disposed between the jaw members; the terminal end electrically interfacing with a contact which encircles the boss member, connecting one of the jaw members to the first electrical potential;

at least one non-conductive stop member disposed on the electrically conductive sealing surface of at least one of the jaw members which controls the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween and wherein the distance is maintained substantially uniform along at least a majority of the length of the jaw members throughout movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position; and

a ratchet disposed on the first shaft and at least one complementary interlocking mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft, the ratchet and the complementary interlocking mechanical interface providing at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm 2 to about 16 kg/cm 2 between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces.

6. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 5 wherein the ratchet and the complementary interlocking mechanical interface provide at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure pressure in the range of about 7 kg/cm 2 to about 13 kg/cm 2 between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces.

7. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 5 further comprising a non-stick material disposed on the electrically conductive sealing surfaces.

8. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 7 wherein the non-stick material is a coating which is deposited on the electrically conductive sealing surfaces.

9. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 8 wherein the non-stick coating is selected from a group of materials consisting of: nitrides and nickel/chrome alloys.

10. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 8 wherein the non-stick coating includes one of TiN, ZrN, TiAlN, CrN, nickel/chrome alloys with a Ni/Cr ratio of approximately 5:1, Inconel 600, Ni200 and Ni201.

11. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 7 wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are manufactured from a non-stick material.

12. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to claim 5 wherein the at least one non-conductive stop member is disposed adjacent the electrically conductive sealing surfaces.