Ultrasonic dissector and sealer

An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising:

• a handle assembly;
• an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, the elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and including a waveguide;
• and
• a tool assembly including a blade coupled to a distal end of the waveguide and a jaw member moveable relative to the blade, the blade including a proximal portion and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion including:
• a top portion configured to seal tissue;
• a bottom portion including a planar surface that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and defines a part of at least one notch, the planar surface of the bottom portion configured to dissect tissue, the at least one notch includes an arcuate surface;
• and
• planar side segments extending between the top and bottom portions.

An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising:

• a handle assembly;
• an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, the elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and including a waveguide;
• and
• a tool assembly including a blade coupled to a distal end of the waveguide and a jaw member moveable relative to the blade between an open position, in which the jaw member is spaced from the blade, and a closed position, in which the jaw member is in juxtaposed alignment with the blade and is configured to clamp tissue against a top portion the blade including a proximal portion and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion including:
• a top portion configured to seal tissue;
• a bottom portion including a planar surface that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and defines a part of at least one notch, the planar surface of the bottom portion configured to dissect tissue;
• and
• planar side segments extending between the top and bottom portions.