Features to promote removal of debris from within ultrasonic surgical instrument

US10478211B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Foster B. Stulen · Mason, US
• John A. Weed, III · Monroe, US
• Joseph Isosaki · Cincinnati, US
• Frederick L. Estera · Cincinnati, US
• Ryan M. Asher · Cincinnati, US
• Brian D. Black · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 7, 2017
• Grant date: Nov 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 7, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M3/022
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port, an irrigation member, a second fluid port, and a fluid communication assembly. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The first fluid port is in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade. The irrigation member is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade. The second fluid port is in communication with the irrigation member. The fluid communication assembly is configured to couple the first fluid port with a fluid source, couple the first fluid port with a suction source, and couple the second fluid port with the fluid source.