Patent ID: 6500188
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector including relatively movable blade and clamp means for the engagement of tissue located therebetween, said end effector including ultrasonic means for propagating vibrational energy between said movable blade and clamp means;an elongated shaft structure having a first end operatively connected to said end effector; a handle portion engageable in a pencil grip for receiving a second end of said elongated shaft structure, said second end of said elongated shaft structure being connected to operative means in said handle for imparting movement to said end effector, said operative means being adapted to receive ultrasonic energy and to transmit said ultrasonic energy to said end effector through said elongated shaft structure; said handle portion including first finger-operated means for imparting selective clamping and releasing movement to said blade and clamp means, and second finger-operated means for imparting selective rotational displacement to said end effector; said elongated shaft structure extending from one end of said handle portion in coaxial relationship therewith, said first and second finger-operated means being spaced about the circumference of said handle portion, two indents being formed one each in the circumferential surface of said handle portion on opposite sides of and rearwardly of the location of said first finger-operated means, said indents each receiving the second finger-operated means; said first finger-operated means comprising a pivotable lever hingedly connected to said handle portion, such that selective upward and downward pivoting of said lever respectively, imparts closing and opening movements between the clamp and blade means of said end effector so as to selectively engage and release tissue located therebetween; and wherein said lever has an essentially hollow thimble-shaped configuration to facilitate insertion therein of the index finger of a user gripping the handle portion in a pencil-like manner.