Removable integrated actuator assembly for electrosurgical forceps

An actuator assembly adapted for use with a bipolar electrosurgical tool comprising a forceps having a handle portion at a proximal region for operation of the forceps by a hand of a user and extending generally between a tool plug at the proximal region and at least two electrodes at a distal region operatively connected to the tool plug for applying to tissue electrical current introduced to the tool plug, wherein the actuator assembly comprises:

• a switch body including (i) a plug mount for removably securing the switch body to the tool plug and permitting separation of the tool plug and the switch body, (ii) a switch movable between an open position and a closed position, and (iii) a power cord for placing the switch in electrical contact with an electrical generating apparatus to introduce electrical current to the tool plug when the switch body is secured to the tool plug and the switch is in the closed position;
• and
• an actuator body comprising an actuator housing and a switch actuating member mounted for movement relative to the actuator housing, wherein:
• the switch body and the actuator body comprise a unitary structure,
• the switch actuating member removably accepts an actuator lever arm, and
• the switch body and actuator body are configured so that when the tool is held in the user's hand with the switch body secured to the tool plug, the actuator lever arm is positioned for movement by a finger of the user's hand to move the switch actuating member and place the switch in the closed position.

A power cord assembly including a switch body adapted for use with a bipolar electrosurgical tool comprising a forceps having a handle portion at a proximal region for operation of the forceps by a hand of a user and a longitudinal axis extending generally between a tool plug at the proximal region and at least two electrodes at a distal region operatively connected to the tool plug for applying to tissue electrical current introduced to the tool plug, wherein the switch body comprises:

• a plug mount for removably securing the switch body to the tool plug and permitting separation of the tool plug and the switch body;
• a switch movable between an open position and a closed position;
• a power cord for placing the switch in electrical contact with an electrical generating apparatus to introduce electrical current to the tool plug when the switch body is secured to the tool plug and the switch is in the closed position;
• and
• connecting structure for removably connecting the switch body to an actuator body having a switch actuating member movable relative to the switch body when the actuator body is connected to the switch body to close the switch when the switch actuating member is moved by a user of the forceps.

An actuator lever arm adapted for use with a bipolar electrosurgical tool comprising a (i) forceps having a handle portion at a proximal region for operation of the forceps by a hand of a user and extending generally between a tool plug at the proximal region and at least two electrodes at a distal region operatively connected to the tool plug for applying to tissue electrical current introduced to the tool plug, and (ii) an actuator assembly mounted to the forceps and including a switch movable between an open position and a closed position and a switch actuating member for closing the switch and introducing electrical current to the electrodes, the actuator lever arm comprising:

• a body molded around a deformable stainless steel core;
• a shaft portion for mounting the actuator lever arm to the switch actuating member;
• and
• an enlarged portion for contact by the user's finger to pivot the actuator lever arm and close the switch when the actuator lever arm is moved by the user.

A bipolar electrosurgical tool comprising:

• a forceps including two tines extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein each tine has a handle portion between the distal and proximal ends and an electrode at the distal end for applying to tissue electrical current introduced to the times at the proximal end thereof;
• a switch body mounted to the distal end of the forceps and including (i) a switch movable between an open position and a closed position, and (ii) connecting structure for removably connecting to the switch body a switch actuating member for operation by a hand of a user holding the handle portions of the tines to place the switch in the closed position;
• and
• a power cord mounted to the switch body for placing the switch in electrical contact with an electrical generating apparatus to introduce electrical current to the tines when the switch is in the closed position.