Ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis;
• an ultrasonic blade extending along the longitudinal axis and operably coupled to the transducer, wherein the ultrasonic blade comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable along the longitudinal axis based on the vibrations produced by the transducer;
• a protective sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end and disposed adjacent to the body, wherein the protective sheath further comprises a pad positioned toward the distal end of the protective sheath and located between the body and the distal end of the protective sheath;
• and
• a clamp arm.

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis;
• an ultrasonic blade extending along the longitudinal axis and operably coupled to the transducer, wherein the ultrasonic blade comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable along the longitudinal axis based on the vibrations produced by the transducer;
• a protective sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end and disposed adjacent to the body, wherein the protective sheath further comprises a pad positioned toward the distal end of the protective sheath and located between the body and the distal end of the protective sheath, and where the protective sheath is longitudinally movable between a retracted position and a deployed position;
• and
• a clamp arm pivotally moveable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position.

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis;
• an ultrasonic blade extending along the longitudinal axis and operably coupled to the transducer, wherein the ultrasonic blade comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable along the longitudinal axis based on the vibrations produced by the transducer;
• a fixed protective sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end and disposed adjacent to the body, wherein the protective sheath further comprises a pad positioned toward the distal end of the protective sheath and located between the body and the distal end of the protective sheath;
• and
• a clamp arm pivotally moveable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position.