Vessel sealing instrument

A method of performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising:

• moving a first handle relative to a second handle of a bipolar forceps to move a pair of jaw members between an open position and a closed position;
• depressing a button that extends from the first handle toward the second handle to a first threshold with the second handle upon movement of the jaw members to the closed position;
• depressing the button to a second threshold with the second handle when the jaw members are in the closed position to actuate a switch coupled to the button to control a supply of electrosurgical energy to the jaw members;
• rotating a trigger to advance a knife distally through the jaw members when the jaw members are in the closed position;
• rotating an anti-deployment link into engagement with the trigger to prevent rotation of the trigger when the jaw members are in the open position;
• and
• rotating a protrusion extending from the second handle into contact with the anti-deployment link to rotate the anti-deployment link out of engagement with the trigger to permit rotation of the trigger when the jaw members are in the closed position.

A method of performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising:

• moving a handle relative to a housing of an electrosurgical instrument to move a pair of jaw members between an open position and a closed position;
• approximating the handle to the housing to engage a button with the handle, the button extending from the housing toward the handle;
• moving the button to a first position with the handle upon movement of the jaw members to the closed position;
• moving the button to a second position with the handle when the jaw members are in the closed position to actuate a switch disposed within the housing to control delivery of electrosurgical energy to the jaw members;
• rotating a trigger to advance a knife distally through the jaw members when the jaw members are in the closed position;
• rotating an anti-deployment link into engagement with the trigger to prevent rotation of the trigger when the jaw members are in the open position;
• and
• rotating a protrusion extending from the handle into contact with the anti-deployment link to rotate the anti-deployment link out of engagement with the trigger to permit rotation of the trigger when the jaw members are in the closed position.