Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080200940 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other. | 08-21-2008 |
20090030351 | Multiple end effectors ultrasonic surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. The transducer includes a first end and a second end. A first resonator portion includes a first end coupled to the first end of the transducer. The first resonator includes a second end adapted to receive a first ultrasonic transmission waveguide. A second resonator portion includes a first end coupled to the second end of the transducer. The second resonator includes a second end adapted to receive a second ultrasonic transmission waveguide. | 01-29-2009 |
20090105750 | ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument handle assembly includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing. A distal opening is formed at the distal end of the housing. The proximal and the distal openings define a longitudinal axis. A handle extends downwardly from the longitudinal axis. The handle defines a proximal contact surface, a saddle surface, and a stabilization tail. A trigger is pivotally attached to the housing and is pivotally moveable relative to the handle. | 04-23-2009 |
20100069940 | Ultrasonic Device for Fingertip Control - An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The instrument includes an activation member that is operable to selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the same. The controller may permit selection from three or more available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of ways. | 03-18-2010 |
20100228092 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICES AND METHODS PROVIDING SEAL MOVEMENT IN PREDEFINED PATHS - Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228094 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICES AND METHODS PROVIDING SEAL MOVEMENT IN PREDEFINED MOVEMENT REGIONS - Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. | 09-09-2010 |
20110082486 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 04-07-2011 |
20110087213 | SURGICAL GENERATOR FOR ULTRASONIC AND ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES - A surgical generator for providing a drive signal to a surgical device may have a receptacle assembly having a receptacle body, a flange and a central protruding portion. The outer periphery of the central protruding portion may have at least one curved section and at least one linear section. Additionally, a surgical instrument may comprise an electrical connector assembly having a flange. The flange may comprise at least one curved section and at least one linear section. In some embodiments, A surgical instrument system may comprise a surgical generator, a surgical instrument comprising a connector assembly, and an adapter assembly operatively coupled to the receptacle assembly and the connector assembly. | 04-14-2011 |
20110196399 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE BLADE AND HOLLOW SHEATH ARRANGEMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that rotatably supports an ultrasonic transducer assembly therein that may be selectively rotated by a motor housed therein. Various forms of blades are disclosed for attachment to the ultrasonic transducer assembly such that the blade may be selectively rotatable within a hollow outer sheath. The hollow outer sheath has at least one opening therein through which the blade tip may be exposed to tissue. Vacuum may be applied to the cutting implement or through the outer sheath to draw tissue through the opening(s) in the sheath and into contact with a portion of the blade. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196401 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH PARTIALLY ROTATING BLADE AND FIXED PAD ARRANGEMENT - An ultrasonic surgical instrument that supports an ultrasonically excited blade and an outer sheath that can be selectively rotated relative to each other to bring a distal cutting tip of the blade into contact with at least one cutting surface formed on a distal end of the outer sheath. In some embodiments, the distal cutting tip may contact two cutting surfaces located on opposing sides of an opening in the outer sheath through which the distal cutting tip protrudes. Tissue pads may be attached to the cutting surfaces. Various embodiments also include at least one suction lumen. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196403 | OUTER SHEATH AND BLADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath, a blade disposed at least partially within the hollow sheath and extending through an opening in the sheath, and at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade. The blade may include a polygonal cross-sectional shape and the tip may project away from the sheath's longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a blade with suction disposed therethrough and at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade. The blade may include a cutting edge that is positioned over a blade opening. Also, the cutting edge may project away from the blade's longitudinal axis. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196404 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MOVING CUTTING IMPLEMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath and a blade disposed at least partially within the sheath. Coupled to the blade may be at least one ultrasonic transducer, which, in turn, may be coupled to a drive system. The drive system may be configured to deliver gross axial motions to the blade such that the blade translates with respect to the hollow sheath when the drive system is activated. Accordingly, tissue may be cut by the blade with gross axial movement of the blade and/or ultrasonic vibrational motion provided by the ultrasonic transducer(s). In alternative embodiments, the blade may be rotated axially instead of translated with respect to the hollow sheath. | 08-11-2011 |
20110251612 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENTS WITH CAM-ACTUATED JAWS - Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members. | 10-13-2011 |
20110282339 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND END EFFECTORS THEREFOR - Various forms of surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, an end effector having operable and closable jaws is attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft such that portions of the jaws are axially offset from the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are coupled to an actuation arrangement that permits portions of the jaws to be moved out of axial alignment with the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are configured to facilitate tissue dissection. Electrosurgical instruments are also disclosed. One embodiment employs a flexible electrode that is conformable to tissue. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282381 | Therapeutic Cell Applicator Instrument with Modular Tips - A surgical device comprises a housing, a bioprocessing module, an end effector, and a pumping device. The bioprocessing module comprises media reservoirs, fluid conduits in communication with the reservoirs, and a port through which media is expelled. The end effector is configured for insertion into a lumen and delivering a tissue repair composition into that lumen. The end effector has at least one fluid conduit extending therethrough and at least one orifice in communication with the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit in the first end effector is in fluid communication with the port on the bioprocessing module. The pumping device is operable to urge a tissue repair composition comprising at least a portion of the contents of the media reservoirs through the fluid conduit of the first end effector such that the tissue repair composition is expelled from the at least one orifice. | 11-17-2011 |
20110306972 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING A THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue thereby causing current to flow through the tissue and, as a result, generate heat within the tissue. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fluid circulatory system embedded within at least a portion the end effector wherein, in at least one embodiment, the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid circulatory system and onto the jaws of the end effector and/or the tissue positioned between the jaws. | 12-15-2011 |
20120022529 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke may be regulated by at least one electromagnet and at least one electromagnetic engagement surface. | 01-26-2012 |
20120059247 | ECHOGENIC NEEDLE FOR BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device comprises an elongate needle having a piercing tip, a lateral aperture, and one or more echogenic features. In some versions, a dimpled surface provides the one or more echogenic features. The dimples may be concave or convex. In some versions, the piercing tip comprises a blade, and the one or more echogenic features are provided by openings formed transversely through the blade. In some versions, the one or more echogenic features are provided by serrations of the blade. Such serrations may be jagged or rounded. In some versions, the piercing tip is multi-faceted, and the facets of the tip provide the one or more echogenic features. A coagulant may also be provided on the needle. The piercing tip of the needle may rotate relative to other portions of the needle to facilitate insertion of the needle in tissue. | 03-08-2012 |
20120074200 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SELECTIVELY ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector. The instrument includes an articulation system that has a rotatable actuator member that interfaces with an articulation transmission. Rotation of the actuator member in a first rotary direction about an actuation axis causes at least one articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector in a first articulation direction and rotation of the actuator member in a second rotary direction causes at least one articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector in a second articulation direction. | 03-29-2012 |
20120074201 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH TRIGGER ASSEMBLY FOR GENERATING MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTIONS - A surgical instrument that has an actuation system that is configured to generate at least two separate actuation motions. A clutch assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly is in operable engagement with the actuation system and an unengaged position. In various forms, the surgical instrument includes a manually actuatable trigger assembly that interfaces with the clutch assembly and the actuation system such that a first stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate a first one of the actuation motions and moves the clutch assembly from the unengaged position to the engaged position whereupon a second stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate another one of the actuation motions. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078139 | SURGICAL GENERATOR FOR ULTRASONIC AND ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES - A generator is disclosed to generate a drive signal to a surgical device. The generator includes an ultrasonic generator module to generate a first drive signal to drive an ultrasonic device, an electrosurgery/radio frequency (RF) generator module to generate a second drive signal to drive an electrosurgical device, and a foot switch coupled to each of the ultrasonic generator module and the electrosurgery/RF generator module. The foot switch is configured to operate in a first mode when the ultrasonic device is coupled to the ultrasonic generator module and the foot switch is configured to operate in a second mode when the electrosurgical device is coupled to the electrosurgery/RF generator module. The generator further includes a user interface to provide feedback in accordance with the operation of any one of the ultrasonic device and the electrosurgical device in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078243 | CONTROL FEATURES FOR ARTICULATING SURGICAL DEVICE - An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a rotary knob, a pivoting knob, or a pivoting fin, among other things. An electrical coupling may contact a conductive moving member along at least two axes. A resiliently biased lever may assist a trigger in returning from an actuated position to a home position. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078244 | CONTROL FEATURES FOR ARTICULATING SURGICAL DEVICE - An electrosurgical device includes a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws and at least one electrode that is operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. The body includes a controller operable to selectively actuate the articulation section. The controller may include a trigger that also drives the cutting member, a rotator that also rotates the shaft and end effector, a wedge-shaped pivoting member, a pivotally coupled pair of housing portions, or a pivoting cam member, etc. A release member may selectively release the articulation section from the controller, allowing a resilient bias to return the end effector into alignment with the shaft. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078248 | ARTICULATION JOINT FEATURES FOR ARTICULATING SURGICAL DEVICE - An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft extending between the body and the end effector. The end effector includes a pair of jaws and at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation section may include beads, segments, asymmetric features, preformedly bent features, an integral hinge, a helical cutout or spring, clevis features, an angled joint, a beaded actuation linkage, and/or an offset pivot, among other things. The device may also include a crimped cutting member, a retroacting cutting member, dual pivoting jaws, and/or a wire tensioning assembly. | 03-29-2012 |
20120116262 | CAM DRIVEN COUPLING BETWEEN ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND WAVEGUIDE IN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a waveguide, a transducer, and a coupling assembly. In some versions the coupling assembly translates the transducer to couple the transducer to the waveguide. For instance, a gear having arcuate troughs may engage pins on the transducer and/or waveguide to mate the transducer to waveguide. A pawl may selectively engage and prevent rotation of the gear. Alternatively, lever arms may cam the transducer into the waveguide. The lever arms may selectively couple to a casing to prevent decoupling of the transducer and waveguide. In another configuration, a locking tab can be slid and locked into a slot to couple the transducer and waveguide. Further still, levers with self-locking pins may engage and couple the transducer to the waveguide. In another version, a rotatable body portion may engage a tab on the transducer to rotate and couple the transducer to the waveguide. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116263 | GEAR DRIVEN COUPLING BETWEEN ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND WAVEGUIDE IN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument is separable into a transducer unit and a lower body portion. The lower body portion includes a waveguide and a casing. The transducer unit includes a transducer and a geared mechanism operable to couple the transducer to the waveguide. In some versions the geared mechanism includes bevel gears coupled to a rack and pinion such that linear motion may be used to rotatably couple a transducer to a waveguide. The rack gear may further include a handle extending out of the transducer unit casing to be actuatable by a user. The rack gear may also be flexible or rigid. In other versions, the bevel gears may be coupled to a threaded shaft that is operable to translate the transducer into the waveguide to form an interference fit. The transducer unit may also include a slide lock mechanism to couple to the casing of the lower body portion. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116433 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MODULAR CLAMP PAD - An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transmission assembly extending from a body assembly that is configured to selectively couple to a disposable clamp arm. In some versions the clamp arm may include a tab that is insertable into a slot of an inner member such that actuation of the inner member rotates the clamp arm relative to a blade. In other versions the clamp arm may include a ball recess and the inner member may include a rod and ball. The clamp arm may be configured to snap onto the ball and rod. Alternatively, the clamp arm may include living hinges coupleable to an outer sheath and the inner member. Such living hinges may be unitarily formed with a clamp pad on the clamp arm. Further still, the clamp arm may be part of an end effector configured to couple to the transmission assembly via resilient tabs and slots. | 05-10-2012 |
20120184946 | ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a trigger configured to be actuated by a proximally directed force and by a distally directed force. The trigger may comprise a proximal trigger portion having a first length and a distal trigger hook comprising a distal portion having a second length. The second length may be less than the first length. The distal trigger hook may be coupled to the proximal trigger portion. | 07-19-2012 |
20120245582 | ENERGY-BASED SCISSORS DEVICE - An energy-based surgical instrument is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The scissors grip instrument provides for tube-in-tube construction so the device is useful for both open and minimally invasive procedures. The assembly includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm and/or housing which are specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces. | 09-27-2012 |
20120269676 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument includes an elongated transmission waveguide defining a longitudinal axis. The transmission waveguide has a distal end and a proximal end. The at least one strike surface is formed on the proximal end and is configured to receive vibratory energy. | 10-25-2012 |
20120310262 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310263 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310264 | DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING TISSUE - Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. | 12-06-2012 |
20130062394 | SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH SELF-DISPENSING STAPLE BUTTRESS - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge when in an open position. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The instrument includes a movable buttress that is integral with the housing of the cartridge or integral with the lower jaw of the end effector. The buttress may attach to the anvil and include a portion to receive tissue. The receipt of tissue urges and moves the buttress proximally inwards to further encompass the tissue. | 03-14-2013 |
20130068820 | FIBRIN PAD MATRIX WITH SUSPENDED HEAT ACTIVATED BEADS OF ADHESIVE - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a cartridge when in an open position. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further receives a matrix including glue beads suspended in the matrix. The staples are driven through the matrix to secure the matrix to tissue. The glue beads are activated when the matrix is secured to the tissue, such that the activated adhesive further secures the staple line in the tissue. | 03-21-2013 |
20130075446 | SURGICAL STAPLE ASSEMBLY WITH HEMOSTATIC FEATURE - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, a deck disposed over the plurality of staples, and a fastener insert tip including a plurality of hooks. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The instrument includes a fastener insert including hooks, and the fastener insert is removably received in the anvil. A buttress is attached to one or both of the anvil and the cartridge via the hooks. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075451 | Surgical Stapling Device with Adjunct Material Application Feature - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further includes an agent. The firing bar is operable to assist with releasing the agent onto a severed line of tissue when the firing bar is advanced. | 03-28-2013 |
20130211397 | ROBOTICALLY CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly with an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator. | 08-15-2013 |
20130296843 | ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a first arm, a second arm, a firing beam, a lockout feature, and a scissor grip portion. The first and second arms include first and second jaws, respectively. The jaws each include a respective electrode operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue. The firing beam is operable to translate distally through the first and second jaws to sever tissue captured between the first and second jaws. The lockout feature is operable to selectively prevent translation of the firing beam. The scissor grip portion is operable to pivot the first arm toward the second arm. The apparatus may include a disposable cartridge assembly removably coupled with a reusable grip assembly. The cartridge assembly may include the first and second jaws. A sliding actuator may be used to translate a firing beam. A lockout feature may selectively restrict translation of the sliding actuator. | 11-07-2013 |
20140066962 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for operation in an aqueous environment is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a hollow sheath, a blade disposed at least partially within the hollow sheath and extending through an opening in the sheath, and at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade. The blade may include a polygonal cross-sectional shape and the tip may project away from the sheath's longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a blade with suction disposed therethrough and at least one ultrasonic transducer operably coupled to the blade. The blade may include a cutting edge that is positioned over a blade opening. Also, the cutting edge may project away from the blade's longitudinal axis. | 03-06-2014 |
20140155921 | ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a trigger configured to be actuated by a proximally directed force and by a distally directed force. The trigger may comprise a proximal trigger portion having a first length and a distal trigger hook comprising a distal portion having a second length. The second length may be less than the first length. The distal trigger hook may be coupled to the proximal trigger portion. | 06-05-2014 |
20140207163 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation. | 07-24-2014 |
20140222054 | ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other. | 08-07-2014 |
20140276736 | Surgical Instrument with Partial Trigger Lockout - An end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a firing beam, and a lockout feature. The second jaw pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The firing beam has a sharp distal end and translates between the first and second jaws. The firing beam translates from a proximal position to a first distal position to pivot the second jaw to the closed position. The end effector applies bipolar RF energy when the firing beam is in the first distal position. The firing beam then translates to a second distal position to sever tissue captured between the first and second jaws. The lockout feature prevents the firing beam from advancing from the first distal position to the second distal position until the lockout feature is actuated. | 09-18-2014 |
20140343550 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENTS WITH CAM-ACTUATED JAWS - Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members. | 11-20-2014 |
20140358142 | ELECTROSURGICAL FORCEPS WITH TRANSLATING BLADE DRIVER - An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a body, a lever, an end effector, and a tissue severing assembly. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close on tissue. The end effector is also capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue. The lever is configured to drive the pair of jaws. The tissue severing assembly comprises a trigger having at least one elongate member, at least one gear, and a firing beam. The trigger may also comprise a button operable to activate the RF energy. The firing beam is operable to sever tissue captured between the jaws. The at least one elongate member, at least one gear, and firing beam are associated such that longitudinal movement of the trigger in a first direction causes longitudinal movement of the firing beam in a second direction. | 12-04-2014 |
20140364852 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MODULAR MOTOR - An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a handpiece, an elongate shaft, an end effector, a firing beam, and a modular motor. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close upon tissue. The firing beam comprises a blade insert with a sharp edge operable to sever tissue captured within the end effector. The modular motor is insertable into the handpiece. The modular motor comprises a drive gear that engages a plurality of components disposed within the handpiece. Rotation of the drive gear drives longitudinal translation of the firing beam within the elongate shaft. Longitudinal translation of the firing beam opens and closes the jaws of the end effector relative to tissue. Longitudinal translation of the firing beam also severs tissue captured between closed jaws of the end effector. | 12-11-2014 |