A new instrument for advanced laparoscopic surgery: A reusable bipolar forceps with grasping and cutting capacity

A new reusable device combining bipolar coagulation, grasping capacity and cutting ability was designed. Bipolar coagulation is obtained by current flowing between two separate and parallel grasping forceps. A scalpel blade can be pushed between the two forceps to cut the coagulated tissue. Between the jaws of the forceps, due to the use of special insulating material and the nature of the metal part, an almost char-free coagulation with minimal lateral thermal effect is obtained. The instrument is now available in 12 mm size but future developments towards reduced sizes are currently evaluated.