Ultrasonic clamp and coagulation apparatus with tissue support surface
OwnerGregory D. Bishopinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved end effector for an ultrasonic surgical instrument is disclosed. An improved end effector for an ultrasonic surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector has an ultrasonic blade having a proximal and a distal end. A clamping mechanism is provided that includes a clamping surface positioned opposite the ultrasonic blade for clamping tissue against the ultrasonic blade. A first and a second support surface are positioned laterally on opposite sides of the ultrasonic blade. The first and second support surfaces are isolated from the blade and face at least a portion of the clamping surface. When the clamping mechanism clamps tissue against the ultrasonic blade, the first and the second tissue support surfaces clamp tissue against the clamping surface.
Claims10
An end effector for an ultrasonic surgical instrument, said end effector comprising:
- an ultrasonic blade having a proximal and a distal end;
- a clamping mechanism having a clamping surface positioned opposite said ultrasonic blade, wherein said clamping mechanism is adapted to clamp tissue against said ultrasonic blade;
- a first support surface positioned laterally on a first side of said ultrasonic blade, said first support surface being ultrasonically isolated from said blade and positioned opposite at least a portion of said clamping surface;
- and
- a second support surface positioned laterally on a second side of said ultrasonic blade, said second support surface being ultrasonically isolated from said blade and positioned opposite at least a portion of said clamping surface, wherein when said clamping mechanism clamps tissue against said ultrasonic blade, said first and said second tissue support surfaces clamp tissue against said clamping surface.
The end effector of claim 12, wherein said support surface angle is between about one degree and about sixty degrees.
The end effector of claim 13, wherein said support surface angle is preferably ten degrees.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.