Ultrasonic surgical instrument with articulation joint having integral stiffening members

US10029125B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Cara L. Shapiro · Milford, US
• Ryan M. Asher · Cincinnati, US
• Kristen G. Denzinger · Cincinnati, US
• William B. Weisenburgh, II · Maineville, US
• David J. Cagle · Cincinnati, US
• Benjamin D. Dickerson · Cincinnati, US
• Barry C. Worrell · Maineville, US
• Gregory W. Johnson · Milford, US
• Joseph E. Hollo · Kyles, US
• Jason R. Sullivan · Morrow, US
• Tylor C. Muhlenkamp · Cincinnati, US
• Stephen J. Balek · Springboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 16, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 24, 2018
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/508
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section is operable to flex to thereby deflect the end effector from a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The rigidizing member is operable to selectively rigidize the articulation section and thereby prevent deflection of the end effector by preventing flexibility of the articulation section. Such rigidization includes removing any “play” or other small movement that might otherwise be provided by the articulation section due to manufacturing tolerances and/or looseness between parts.