BLADES WITH FUNCTIONAL BALANCE ASYMMETRIES FOR USE WITH ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

摘要

Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines blade end-effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears-type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radiused cut offset by some distance to form a curved geometry. The cut creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the curve of the instrument is corrected by a non-functional asymmetry proximal to the functional asymmetry. Imbalance due to the asymmetric cross-section of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry. The shape of the blade in one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by two radiused cuts offset by some distance to form a curved and potentially tapered geometry. These two cuts create curved surfaces including a concave surface and a convex surface. The length of the radiused cuts affects, in part, the acoustic balancing of the transverse motion induced by the curved shape.

主权项

1. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising:
an ultrasonic waveguide having a blade extending distally from said distal end of said waveguide; and said blade having an ultrasonically actuated motion in substantially a single plane of motion and comprises a curved treatment portion defining a plane of asymmetry perpendicular to the plane of motion and a balance portion including at least two balance asymmetries, wherein the balance asymmetries are positioned to counter motion of the blade in a plane orthogonal to the single actuation plane of motion.