Handpiece and blade configurations for ultrasonic surgical instrument

US9943325B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Craig N. Faller · Batavia, US
• Ryan M. Asher · Cincinnati, US
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US
• Randal T. Byrum · South Lebanon, US
• Jose Domingo Vasquez · Cincinnati, US
• Thomas C. Gallmeyer · Ann Arbor, US
• Benjamin M. Boyd · Fairborn, US
• Amy L. Marcotte · Mason, US
• Jacob S. Gee · Cincinnati, US
• Jonathan T. Batross · Mason, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 26, 2013
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/031
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The trigger includes a compliant feature configured to limit the amount of force delivered to tissue by the clamp arm. The flexible feature may comprise a flexible band, living hinge, a series of living hinges, or a flexible tab.