| abstract |
A multi-function ultrasonic surgical instrument operable to perform a number of surgical procedures including: 1) scoring of tissue to a controlled depth, 2) coaptive transection of vessels utilizing a clamping mechanism, 3) coagulation under tension with a blunt edge, 4) coaptive coagulation and ablation, and 5) tissue nibbling. The multi-function ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an elongated ultrasonic waveguide and an ultrasonic end effector at a distal end of the waveguide. The ultrasonic end effector includes a recessed ultrasonic blade extending axially along a first side of the ultrasonic end effector, a distal ultrasonic blade located at the distal end of the end effector. The multi-function ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a sheath slideably positioned on the elongated ultrasonic waveguide, wherein the sheath may be slideably positioned to expose portions of the end effector according to the surgical procedure being conducted. and surrounds at least a portion of the elongated ultrasonic waveguide. The sheath includes a channel extending from a proximal end of the sheath to a distal end of the sheath, the channel terminating at a first opening in the distal end of the sheath and a tissue notch located in the sheath proximal to the first opening, wherein the tissue notch extends from an outer surface of the sheath to the channel. |