Shielding features for ultrasonic blade of a surgical instrument

US9993260B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael J. Stokes · Cincinnati, US
• Jacob S. Gee · Cincinnati, US
• Kevin D. Felder · Cincinnati, US
• Taylor C. Muhlenkamp · Cincinnati, US
• Patrick J. Scoggins · Loveland, US
• Craig N. Faller · Batavia, US
• Jeffrey D. Messerly · Cincinnati, US
• David J. Cagle · Cincinnati, US
• William B. Weisenburgh, II · Maineville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 25, 2014
• Grant date: Jun 12, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0472
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a shield member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. The clamp arm is movable toward the ultrasonic blade to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is selectively movable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the clamp arm toward the ultrasonic blade. The shield member is configured cover at least a first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the first position. The shield member is configured to uncover the first portion of the ultrasonic blade in the second position.