Ultrasonic surgical instrument with rigidizing articulation drive members

US10034683B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David A. Monroe · Milford, US
• Richard W. Timm · Cincinnati, US
• Craig N. Faller · Batavia, US
• Kristen L. Pirozzi · Cincinnati, US
• Jacob S. Gee · Cincinnati, US
• Jeffrey D. Messerly · Cincinnati, US
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US
• Benjamin D. Dickerson · Cincinnati, US
• Ryan M. Asher · Cincinnati, US
• Cara L. Shapiro · Milford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 16, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2018
• Expiry date: May 5, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2034/715
• 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 an articulation lock assembly. 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 and includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft and encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation lock comprises a tensioning feature, which is configured to selectively apply tension to at least one of the first member and the second member of the articulation section to thereby increase rigidity in the articulation section.