Tissue pad for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument

• US 20060079874A1
• Filed: 10/07/2005
• Published: 04/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Houser, Kevin L., Faller, Craig N., Kowalski, Karen M.
• Application Number:
  US11/245,819
• Publication Number:
  US 20060079874A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320092 with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00353 one mechanical instrument performing multiple functions, e.g. cutting and grasping channel for multiple instruments A61B2017/3445; instrument channel A61B2017/22072; replaceable heads A61B2017/2931; suction A61M1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00424 ergonomic, e.g. fitting in fist
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2825 Inserts of different material in jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2845 with a spring pushing the handle back
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2911 rings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320094 additional movable means performing clamping operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320095 with sealing or cauterizing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49005 Acoustic transducer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49998 Work holding

Abstract

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 two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smooths out abusive tissue forces. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural swing of the surgeon'"'"'s thumb, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising:

an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end;

an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the waveguide;

a tissue pad having a first tissue engaging surface defining a first region having a rough surface and a second region having a smooth surface; and

a clamp member pivotable with respect to said blade member and having an open position in which at least a portion of the clamp member is spaced from the blade and a closed position in which the clamp member is adjacent to the blade for clamping tissue between the tissue pad and the blade.

2. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tissue pad is formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction.

3. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator in accordance with claim 2, wherein the tissue pad is formed from polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE).

4. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tissue pad comprises a second engaging surface having a flange member.

6. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the flange member is T-shaped.

7. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the flange member is wedge-shaped.

8. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first region defines a saw tooth-like configuration.

9. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a rotatable element operatively associated with the waveguide, the blade and the clamp member, the rotatable member being rotatable to cause corresponding rotation of the blade and clamp member.

5. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein the clamp member comprises a slot for slidably receiving the flange member.

10. A method of assembling an ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising the steps of:

providing;

an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end;

an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the waveguide;

a tissue pad having a first tissue engaging surface defining a first region having a rough surface and a second region having a smooth surface, and a second engaging surface having a flange member; and

a clamp member pivotable with respect to said end-effector and having an open position in which at least a portion of the clamp member is spaced from the blade and a closed position in which the clamp member is adjacent to the blade for clamping tissue between the clamp arm and the blade, the clamp member comprising a slot for slidably receiving the flange member; and

slidably engaging the flange member within the slot.