Ultrasonic surgical instrument with movable rigidizing member

US11684385B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cilag GmbH International · CH

Inventors

• William B. Weisenburgh, II · Maineville, US
• Barry C. Worrell · Maineville, US
• Jeffrey D. Messerly · Cincinnati, US
• Kristen L. D'Uva · Cincinnati, US
• Craig N. Faller · Batavia, US
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US
• Kristen G. Denzinger · Cincinnati, US
• Joseph E. Hollo · Kyles, US
• Jason R. Sullivan · Morrow, US
• Brian D. Black · Loveland, US
• Frederick L. Estera · Cincinnati, US
• Stephen M. Leuck · Milford, US
• Tylor C. Muhlenkamp · Cincinnati, US
• Gregory A. Trees · Loveland, US
• Gregory W. Johnson · Milford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 2, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 27, 2023
• Expiry date: Jun 2, 2040

Classification

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

Abstract

A surgical apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section includes a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The rigidizing member is configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the articulation section to thereby selectively provide rigidity to the articulation section.