ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR USE WITH AN ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

摘要

An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smooths out abusive tissue forces.

主权项

1. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising an actuator; an outer tube having a proximal end joined to the housing, and a distal end; an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end and further positioned within the outer tube; an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the waveguide; a clamp member pivotable with respect to the blade for clamping tissue between the clamp member and the blade; and an actuator element reciprocably positioned within the outer tube and operatively connected to the actuator and the clamp arm and comprising:
a first compression spring positioned between the actuator and the clamp arm wherein the first compression spring provides the force to pivotable move the clamp member with respect to the blade and;a second compression spring positioned between the first compression spring and the actuator wherein the second compression spring limits the force applied to the clamp arm from the actuator.