DRIVE SHAFT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

The present invention provides a drive shaft for a bipolar surgical instrument, the drive shaft comprising an elongate body defining a first axis, and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the elongate body comprising: a first portion defining a first open channel extending along a portion of the length of the elongate body; and a second portion distinct from the first portion, the second portion defining a second open channel extending along a portion of the length of the elongate body, wherein both the first and second portions are aligned with one another and extend parallel to the first axis, and wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion so as to define a recessed blade track therebetween, the recessed blade track extending parallel to the first axis. The present invention further provides a bipolar surgical instrument incorporating such a drive shaft.