Force limiting mechanism for an ultrasonic surgical instrument
US6458142B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/320094
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to an improved force limiting mechanism for an ultrasonic surgical clamping instrument. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus is described including a housing, an actuator, an outer tube having a proximal end joined to the housing, and a distal end. An actuating element is reciprocably positioned within the outer tube and operatively connected to the actuator. An ultrasonic waveguide is positioned within the outer tube, with an end-effector extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube. A clamp arm is pivotally mounted on the distal end of the outer tube for pivotal movement with respect to the end-effector for clamping tissue between the clamp arm and the end-effector. The clamp arm is operatively connected to the actuating element so that reciprocal movement of the actuating element pivots the clamp arm. There is an actuation mechanism within the housing, connected between the clamp arm and the actuator. The actuation mechanism is adapted to actuate the clamp arm pivotably with respect to the end-effector. In one embodiment the actuation mechanism includes …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.