US 12,285,203 B2
Jaw for surgical instrument end effector
James M. Wilson, Mason, OH (US); Randolph C. Stewart, Cincinnati, OH (US); Jason R. Lesko, Cincinnati, OH (US); Gregory A. Trees, Loveland, OH (US); and Kristen L. D'Uva, Cincinnati, OH (US)
Assigned to Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed by Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed on Dec. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/539,517.
Application 18/539,517 is a continuation of application No. 16/931,495, filed on Jul. 17, 2020, granted, now 11,857,247, issued on Jan. 2, 2024.
Prior Publication US 2024/0108399 A1, Apr. 4, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/29 (2006.01); A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 18/12 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/1445 (2013.01) [A61B 2017/00389 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00734 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2925 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00083 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00601 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0063 (2013.01); A61B 2018/126 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1455 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1467 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus, comprising:
(a) a body; and
(b) an end effector located distally relative to the body, wherein the end effector is configured to grasp tissue and transmit RF energy to the grasped tissue, wherein the end effector comprises:
(i) a first jaw member comprising a first electrode surface and at least one tooth electrically insulated from the first electrode surface, and
(ii) a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member between an open position, a partially closed position, and a closed position, wherein the second jaw member comprises:
(A) a proximal electrode surface,
(B) a distal electrode surface configured to engage the at least one tooth of the first jaw member in the partially closed position and the closed position at an engagement location, and
(C) a juncture interposed between the proximal electrode surface and the distal electrode surface, wherein the distal electrode surface continuously tapers from the juncture to the engagement location,
wherein, while in the closed position, the distal electrode surface is configured to deform in response to a bending force generated by the at least one tooth engaging the engagement location of the distal electrode surface to define a gap with the first electrode surface.