Surgical instrument with dual mode end effector and side-loaded clamp arm assembly

US11045275B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cilag GmbH International · CH

Inventors

• Chad P. Boudreaux · Cincinnati, US
• Phillip H. Clauda · Cincinnati, US
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US
• William B. Weisenburgh, II · Maineville, US
• Timothy S. Holland · Madison, US
• Ryan M. Asher · Cincinnati, US
• Tylor C. Muhlenkamp · Cincinnati, US
• Brian D. Black · Loveland, US
• Kristen G. Denzinger · Cincinnati, US
• Amy L. Benchek · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2016
• Grant date: Jun 29, 2021
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0814
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a resilient member. The body includes an electrical conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. The clamp arm is pivotably coupled with the body at a pivot assembly. The clamp arm is operable to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm includes an electrode operable to apply RF energy to tissue, wherein the clamp arm is configured to be loaded onto and removed from the body at the pivot assembly along a path that is transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the body. The resilient member is located within the pivot assembly. The resilient member is configured to provide electrical continuity between the electrode of the clamp arm and the electrical conductor of the body.