Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same

A blade for use in an electrosurgical instrument, the blade comprising:

• an inner shearing surface;
• an intermediate, electrically insulative layer;
• an outer electrically conductive layer electrically insulated from the inner shearing surface by the insulative layer;
• and
• a mounting portion for pivotally mounting the blade with another blade,
• wherein the insulative layer extends to the mounting portion.

A cutting assembly for an electrosurgical scissors comprising:

• a first blade member and a second blade member, the first blade member comprising:
• a cutting layer having a shearing surface;
• an electrically conductive layer;
• and
• an insulative layer disposed between the cutting layer and the conductive layer;
• and
• a joining member pivotally connecting the first and second blade members so as to permit a scissors-like movement of the first and second blade members,
• wherein the insulative layer extends to a portion of the first blade member that accommodates the joining member.

An electrosurgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue, comprising:

• an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween;
• a handle proximate the proximal end of the tubular member;
• a cutting member proximate the distal end of the tubular member, the cutting member comprising:
• a first blade member and a second blade member, the first blade member comprising:
• a cutting layer having a shearing surface;
• an electrically conductive layer;
• and
• an insulative layer disposed between the cutting layer and the conductive layer;
• and
• a joining member pivotally connecting the first and second blade members so as to permit a scissors-like movement of the first and second blade members, wherein the insulative layer extends to a portion of the first blade member that accommodates the joining member;
• and
• a control member extending through the lumen between the handle and the cutting member, wherein movement of the handle imparts a scissors-like movement to at least one of the first and second blade members relative to each other.