Importance

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Abstract

An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving jaw members 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. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member and integrally associated with the knife. The monopolar element is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member. The monopolar element is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy such that the monopolar element is selectively activateable independent of the bipolar mode.

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First Claim