Jeffrey R Townsend

US Patent:

8235992, Aug 7, 2012

Filed:

Sep 23, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/235804

Inventors:

Paul Guerra - Los Gatos CA, US
Curt D. Hammill - Missoula MT, US
James S. Cunningham - Boulder CO, US
Dylan Hushka - Chandler AZ, US
Jeffrey R. Townsend - Loveland CO, US

Assignee:

TYCO Healthcare Group LP - Mansfield MA

International Classification:

A61B 18/18

US Classification:

606 51, 606 52, 606205

Abstract:

An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof that is movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle is included that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another and at least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot. The flexible boot includes one or more mechanically reinforcing elements operatively coupled thereto that is configured enhance the rigidity of the insulating boot.