Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure

Abstract

An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure that is operably associated with the shaft and is operably disposed adjacent the end effector assembly. One of a driving structure guide and movable cam operably couples to the driving structure and is configured to facilitate movement of the jaw members.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An endoscopic forceps, comprising
 a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom and defines a longitudinal axis therethrough;   an end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and including a first jaw member and a second jaw member pivotably coupled to one another via a pivot pin, at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a clamping position, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;   a drive mechanism including a driving structure; and   a cam operably disposed adjacent the end effector, the cam longitudinally movable with respect to the end effector and including a first cam slot and a second cam slot, the first cam slot disposed in operative communication with a first cam follower operatively coupled to the first jaw member, the second cam slot disposed in operative communication with a second cam follower operatively coupled to the second jaw member.   
     
     
         22 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the driving structure is substantially flexible and selected from the group consisting of a rod, shaft, cable, wire and band. 
     
     
         23 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the cam includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the top surface is parallel to the bottom surface. 
     
     
         24 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the first cam slot are the second cam slot are disposed in a generally criss-crossed configuration with respect to each other. 
     
     
         25 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 24 , wherein the first cam slot is free from intersection with the second cam slot. 
     
     
         26 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the first cam follower is a first cam pin that is operably disposed adjacent a proximal end of the first jaw member. 
     
     
         27 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 26 , wherein the second cam follower is a second cam pin that is operably disposed adjacent a proximal end of the second jaw member. 
     
     
         28 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , further comprising a handle that is operably associated with the driving mechanism, the handle configured to actuate the driving mechanism to move the jaw members from the open position to the clamping position. 
     
     
         29 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the cam is disposed adjacent a distal end of the driving structure. 
     
     
         30 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the cam is longitudinally fixed with respect to the driving structure. 
     
     
         31 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the first cam follower is offset from the pivot pin by a first angle. 
     
     
         32 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 31 , wherein the first angle is between about 25° and about 65°. 
     
     
         33 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 32 , wherein the second cam follower is offset from the pivot pin by a second angle. 
     
     
         34 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 32 , wherein the second angle is between about 25° and about 65°. 
     
     
         35 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the first cam follower is longitudinally offset from the pivot pin. 
     
     
         36 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 35 , wherein the second cam follower is longitudinally offset from the pivot pin. 
     
     
         37 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the first and second cam slots are linear. 
     
     
         38 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the pivot pin is disposed distally of each of the first cam follower and the second cam follower. 
     
     
         39 . The endoscopic forceps according to  claim 21 , wherein the drive mechanism is configured to generate a closure force from about 3 kg/cm 2  to about 16 kg/cm 2  between the first jaw member and the second jaw member.