ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTROSURGICAL FEATURE

摘要

A surgical instrument system includes an end effector, a generator, and a controller. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and at least one electrode surface. The generator provides power to the end effector. The end effector applies ultrasonic energy to tissue via the blade or RF energy to tissue via the at least one electrode surface. The controller is configured to select between one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy, and thereby control the generator to provide the selected one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy at the end effector, based on a sensed operating condition of the end effector. The controller may select between ultrasonic energy and RF energy based on whether a clamp arm is in an open position relative to the blade, based on which button is being activated, and based on whether tissue is sensed at the end effector.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument system comprising:
(a) an end effector operable to manipulate tissue, wherein the end effector comprises:
(i) an ultrasonic blade, wherein the end effector is operable to apply ultrasonic energy at the blade, and(ii) at least one electrode surface, wherein the at least one electrode surface comprises a first electrode surface, wherein the end effector is further operable to apply RF energy through the at least one electrode surface; (b) a generator operable to provide power to the end effector, wherein the generator is operable to drive the ultrasonic blade to apply ultrasonic energy, wherein the generator is further operable to drive the at least one electrode surface to apply RF energy; and (c) a controller in communication with the generator, wherein the controller is configured to select between one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy, and thereby control the generator to provide the selected one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy at the end effector, based on a sensed operating condition of the end effector.