US 12,408,969 B2
Forceps with linear trigger mechanism
Jennifer L. Rich, Parker, CO (US); Craig V. Krastins, Arvada, CO (US); Kelley D. Goodman, Erie, CO (US); Daniel W. Mercier, Erie, CO (US); and Grant T. Sims, Boulder, CO (US)
Assigned to Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed by Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed on Mar. 2, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/189,892.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/990,277, filed on Mar. 16, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0282841 A1, Sep. 16, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 18/12 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/072 (2006.01); A61B 17/285 (2006.01); A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 90/00 (2016.01)
CPC A61B 18/1442 (2013.01) [A61B 18/1206 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00367 (2013.01); A61B 17/072 (2013.01); A61B 17/285 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00202 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00589 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00595 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0063 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00708 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00916 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1455 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1457 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1475 (2013.01); A61B 2090/0801 (2016.02)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising:
first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof, the first and second shaft members configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position, the first and second shaft members defining a longitudinal axis therebetween;
a knife deployment mechanism disposed within the first shaft member and including a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife operably coupled thereto between a retracted position relative to the jaw members and an extended position between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including first and second rack members operably coupled to one another by a gear disposed therebetween, the trigger operably connected to the first rack member and the knife operably coupled to the second rack member such that movement of the trigger moves the knife in an opposite direction relative thereto; and
a knife lockout configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shaft members between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife, the knife lockout including a flange and an elongated shaft that is pivotably connected to the first shaft member by a flange pin such that approximation of the first and second shaft members forces the second shaft member into the flange to pivot the flange and the elongated shaft relative to the first shaft member to disengage the knife lockout to allow actuation of the knife,
wherein the knife lockout includes a slot defined in the flange configured to operably capture a lock pin disposed in the knife deployment mechanism to prevent movement of the knife when engaged.