ULTRASONIC BLADE SUPPORT

• US 20070282334A1
• Filed: 05/22/2007
• Published: 12/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Young, Joseph E., Dannaher, William D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,574,252 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2825 Inserts of different material in jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320071 with articulating means for working tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320089 node location
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320093 additional movable means performing cutting operation
• 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: A61B 2090/031 torque limiting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/033 Abutting means, stops, e.g. abutting on tissue or skin
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/142 specially adapted for hand operated wrenches or screwdrivers
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 11/24 for conducting sound through solid bodies, e.g. wires

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 an outer sheath and an ultrasonic waveguide positioned within the outer sheath. The waveguide includes an ultrasonically actuated blade positioned at least partially distal the waveguide. A rigid support is positioned between the outer sheath and the waveguide.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising:

an outer sheath;

an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end and positioned within the outer sheath;

an ultrasonically actuated blade positioned at least partially distal the waveguide; and

a rigid support positioned proximal to the blade and further disposed between the outer sheath and waveguide.

2. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is comprised of a thermoset polymer.

3. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is comprised of a thermoplastic resin.

4. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 1, wherein the rigid support further comprises at least one support member for contacting with the outer sheath.

5. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 1, wherein the rigid support further comprises at least one heat dissipation member for contacting with the outer sheath.

6. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 1, wherein the rigid support is positioned on the waveguide at a vibration node proximal to the blade.

7. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 6, wherein the waveguide further comprises a most-distal vibration node and the rigid support is positioned at the most-distal vibration node.

8. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 1, wherein the rigid support further comprises an annular collar for positioning around the waveguide.

9. The ultrasonic clamp coagulator of claim 8, wherein the outer sheath comprises an inner diameter, and the waveguide comprises an outer diameter, and wherein the annular collar comprises an inner diameter substantially equal to the waveguide outer diameter and an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer sheath inner diameter.

10. A method for providing nodal support to an ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising an outer sheath and waveguide positioned within the outer sheath and having a distal blade and a most-distal vibration node, the steps comprising:

a) providing a rigid nodal support comprising an annular collar; and

b) positioning the rigid annular collar between the waveguide and outer sheath.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

c) providing at least one support member attached to the annular collar; and

d) positioning the at least one support member in contact with the outer sheath.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:

e) positioning the annular collar at the most-distal vibration node.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the rigid nodal support is made from a thermoplastic resin.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the rigid nodal support is made from a thermoset polymer.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the rigid nodal support is made from a ceramic.