Clamp arm features for ultrasonic surgical instrument

An apparatus for operating of tissue, the apparatus comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises:

• (a) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the end effector is operable to apply ultrasonic energy at the blade;
• (b) a clamp arm pivotable relative to the blade, wherein the clamp arm comprises a latching feature;
• and
• (c) a clamp pad configured to be selectively secured to the clamp arm;
• wherein the clamp pad is positioned to oppose the blade when the clamp pad is secured to the clamp arm such that the end effector is operable to compress tissue between the clamp pad and the blade;
• wherein the latching feature is operable to prevent the clamp pad from moving laterally, longitudinally, and perpendicularly relative to the clamp arm when the clamp pad is secured to the clamp arm, wherein the latching feature comprises a plurality of barbs, wherein the clamp pad comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive the plurality of barbs.

An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises:

• (a) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the end effector is operable to apply ultrasonic energy at the blade;
• (b) a clamp arm pivotable relative to the blade;
• and
• (c) a clamp pad secured to the clamp arm such that the clamp pad is prevented from moving laterally, longitudinally, and perpendicularly relative to the clamp arm, wherein the clamp pad is positioned to oppose the blade such that the end effector is operable to compress tissue between the clamp pad and the blade;
• wherein the clamp arm has a distal end, wherein the clamp pad is located at one side of the distal end of the clam arm, wherein the other side of the distal end of the clamp arm includes a blunt dissection feature, wherein the blunt dissection feature protrudes from or is recessed relative to an outer surface of the clamp arm;
• wherein the blunt dissection feature is pivotable relative to the clamp arm between a stowed position and a deployed position.