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Force limiting mechanism for an ultrasonic surgical instrument

  • US 6,458,142 B1
  • Filed: 10/05/1999
  • Issued: 10/01/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising:

  • a housing, said housing comprising an actuator;

    an ultrasonic waveguide positioned within said housing, said ultrasonic waveguide having an end-effector extending distally from said housing;

    a clamp arm pivotally mounted on said housing, said clamp arm pivotable with respect to said end-effector for clamping tissue between said clamp arm and said end-effector;

    an actuation mechanism within said housing, said actuation mechanism connected between said clamp arm and said actuator, said actuation mechanism adapted to actuate said clamp arm pivotably with respect to said end-effector, said actuation mechanism comprising;

    a wave spring, said wave spring positioned between said actuator and said clamp arm, wherein said wave spring limits the force applied to said clamp arm from said actuator, said wave spring having a pre-load condition in said actuation mechanism; and

    a washer operatively connected to said wave spring, said washer having a thickness, wherein changing said thickness of said washer alters said pre-load of said wave spring.

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