Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure
A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.
1. A forceps, comprising:
a housing;
at least one shaft extending from the housing, the at least one shaft defining a longitudinal axis;
an end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the at least one shaft having first and second jaw members, the first and second jaw members movable relative to one another from an open position wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a clamping position wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; and
a jaw insert operably disposed within at least one of the first and second jaw members, the jaw insert defining an opening configured to securely house a pivot pin, the pivot pin providing an axis of pivot for the first and second jaw members, the jaw insert including a moveable member defining a cam slot, the cam slot configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement of the cam pin rotates the jaw members from the open position to the clamping position, the moveable member configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and a portion of a sealing force to the jaw members when the first and second jaw members are in the clamping position.
2. The forceps of claim 1 , wherein the moveable member is operably associated with a spring.
3. The forceps of claim 2 , wherein the spring is disposed within the jaw insert.
4. The forceps of claim 3 , wherein the spring is positioned between a proximal wall of the jaw insert and a proximal end of the movable member.
5. The forceps of claim 2 , wherein the type of spring is selected from the group consisting of a torsion spring, a leaf spring, and a coil spring.
6. The forceps of claim 2 , wherein the moveable member defines a spring opening sized and configured to receive the spring.
7. The forceps of claim 2 , wherein a limit band is operably coupled to the spring and is configured to limit movement of the spring.
8. The forceps of claim 2 , wherein the spring is rated less than 120 pounds per square inch.
9. The forceps of claim 1 , wherein the moveable member includes a groove slidably engaged to a corresponding detent of the jaw insert, the groove configured to maintain the moveable member in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis.
10. The forceps of claim 1 , wherein the moveable member includes a detent slidably engaged within a corresponding groove of the jaw insert, the detent configured to maintain the moveable member in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis.
11. The forceps of claim 1 , wherein the cam slot is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
12. The forceps of claim 1 , wherein the jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members and the jaw insert is overmolded to at least one of the first and second jaw members.
13. The forceps of claim 1 , wherein the opening is positioned at a distal location relative to the cam slot.