Importance

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Abstract

A bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto. The shaft includes first and second jaw members attached to the distal end thereof which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel disposed substantially along the length thereof. The knife channel has a depth, a width and an aspect ratio which is defined as the depth of the knife channel divided by the width of the knife channel. Preferably the aspect ratio of the knife channel is at least 1.3. The forceps is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy and also includes an actuator for moving the jaw members relative to one another. A knife assembly is included which allows a user to selectively move a knife to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.

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First Claim