Vessel sealer and divider with non-conductive stop members

Abstract

An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another 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 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A jaw member for a bipolar forceps, the jaw member comprising:
 a flat seal surface extending along a length of the jaw member and adaptable to connect to a source of electrical energy; and   a plurality of stop members disposed along a length of the flat seal surface and configured to maintain a uniform distance between the flat seal surface and a second flat seal surface of a second jaw member when the jaw members are disposed in a closed position.   
     
     
         20 . The jaw member according to  claim 19 , wherein the flat seal surface includes a knife channel defined therein configured to receive a knife during translation thereof. 
     
     
         21 . The jaw member according to  claim 20 , wherein at least two of the plurality of stop members are configured as a pair of opposed stop members on either side of the knife channel. 
     
     
         22 . The jaw member according to  claim 19 , wherein the plurality of stop members comprises a series of circle-like tabs that extend from a proximal end of the flat seal surface to a distal end of the flat seal surface. 
     
     
         23 . The jaw member according to  claim 19 , wherein each of the plurality of stop members protrudes 0.001 inches to 0.005 inches from the flat seal surface. 
     
     
         24 . The jaw member according to  claim 19 , wherein the plurality of stop members is configured to prevent short circuiting between the flat seal surfaces.