Bipolar electrosurgical instrument with replaceable electrodes

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising:

• a first member having a first jaw near a distal end of the instrument, and having a first handle near a proximal end of the instrument;
• a second member having a second jaw near the distal end and having a second handle near the proximal end;
• a pivot joint connecting the first and second members between the proximal and distal ends to allow for arcuate motion of the first and second jaws toward each other;
• a first mechanical interface on the first jaw, and a second mechanical interface on the second jaw;
• first and second electrodes removably mounted in the first and second mechanical interfaces, respectively, wherein each of the first and second electrodes has an electrically conductive seal surface and an electrically insulative substrate, and wherein each substrate is shaped to engage ore of the first or second mechanical interfaces;
• first and second wires connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively;
• a first ratchet on the first handle, and a second ratchet on the second handle, wherein the first and second ratchets interlock in at least one position, and wherein the position holds strain energy in the first and second members to force the first and second electrodes towards each other in opposition defining a closure force.

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing vascular tissue, comprising:

• a first member having a first jaw near a distal end and having a first handle near a proximal end;
• a second member having a second jaw near a distal end and having a second handle near a proximal end;
• a pivot joint connecting the first and second members to allow for arcuate motion of the first and second jaws toward each other;
• a first mechanical interface on the first jaw, and a second mechanical interface on the second jaw;
• first and second electrodes removably mounted in the first and second mechanical interfaces, respectively, wherein each of the first and second electrodes has an electrically conductive seal surface and an electrically insulative substrate, and wherein each substrate has two pins and a forked snap fit extension that are shaped to engage one of the first or second mechanical interfaces;
• first and second wires connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, and removably connected to the first handle and terminated with an electrical connector;
• a first ratchet on the first handle, and a second ratchet on the second handle, wherein the first and second ratchets interlock in at least one position, and wherein the position holds strain energy in the first and second handles to force the first and second electrodes against each other in opposition.