Forceps with linear trigger kickout mechanism

An electrosurgical forceps, comprising:

• first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof, the first and second shaft members configured to rotate about a first pivot to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position, the first and second shaft members defining a longitudinal axis therebetween;
• a knife deployment mechanism disposed within the first shaft member and including a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife operably coupled thereto between a retracted position relative to the jaw members and an extended position between the jaw members, the knife deployment mechanism including at least a first link and a second link that cooperate with a knife carrier to actuate the knife from the retracted position to the extended position between the jaw members upon actuation of the trigger;
• a trigger carrier including a channel defined therein configured to support the trigger upon actuation thereof;
• a trigger pin operably coupled to the trigger and slidable within the trigger channel upon actuation of the trigger;
• and
• a knife kickout mechanism pivotably coupled to the second link and configured to engage a ramp disposed in the second shaft member upon approximation of the first and second shaft members, the knife kickout configured to cooperate with the first and second links to urge the knife back to the retracted position upon the opening of the first and second shaft members.