Vessel sealer and divider with non-conductive stop members

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable 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. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to affect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spacedapart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate …