| abstract |
A sealing instrument (10) provided in particular for filigree work has two branches (15, 16) with sealing jaws (19, 20, 36, 37), which can be acted upon with a sealing voltage preferably between 80 and 120 volts. Between the branches (15, 16) tissue receiving spaces (53, 54) are defined, which are separated from each other by a wall-like extension (24), which carries at its lower edge a cutting electrode (31). Between a branch (16) and the cutting electrode is a cutting voltage of 300 to 500 volts. When closing the branches, the collected tissue is simultaneously sealed between the sealing jaws (19, 36 and 20, 37) and severed by the cutting electrode (31). For example, even if the tissue is completely severed after 0.3 to 0.5 seconds and the sealant requires additional time, a total of about 1.5 to 3.5 seconds, the tissue bulges captured in the tissue containment spaces (53, 54) act as a positive fit the fabric seams in the tool (12). |