Method of treating tissue using end effector with ultrasonic and electrosurgical features

An apparatus comprising:

• (a) a body;
• (b) a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide, wherein the acoustic waveguide is configured to communicate ultrasonic vibrations;
• and
• (c) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises:
• (i) an electrically nonconductive ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide,
• (ii) a nonconductive clamp arm assembly, wherein the nonconductive clamp arm assembly is pivotable toward and away from the nonconductive ultrasonic blade,
• (iii) a first conductive outrigger, wherein the first conductive outrigger is spaced apart from the nonconductive ultrasonic blade and from the nonconductive clamp arm assembly, and
• (iv) a second conductive outrigger, wherein the second conductive outrigger is spaced apart from each of the nonconductive ultrasonic blade, the nonconductive clamp arm assembly, and the first conductive outrigger.

An apparatus comprising:

• (a) an electrical source;
• (b) a body;
• (c) a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide, wherein the acoustic waveguide is configured to communicate ultrasonic vibrations;
• and
• (d) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises:
• (i) an electrically nonconductive ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide,
• (ii) a nonconductive clamp arm assembly, wherein the nonconductive clamp arm assembly is pivotable toward and away from the nonconductive ultrasonic blade,
• (iii) a first conductive arm, wherein the first conductive arm is spaced apart from the nonconductive ultrasonic blade and from the nonconductive clamp arm assembly, wherein the first conductive arm is connected with the electrical source such that the first conductive arm has a first polarity, and
• (iv) a second conductive arm, wherein the second conductive arm is spaced apart from the nonconductive ultrasonic blade and from the nonconductive clamp arm assembly, wherein the second conductive arm is connected with the electrical source such that the second conductive arm has a second polarity opposite the first polarity.