Patent ID: 6869439
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical cutting instrument comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis; a vibration coupler positioned within the housing and having a proximal end positioned to engage an ultrasonic generator; a tool member supported adjacent a distal end of the vibration coupler and having a cutting surface; a clamp pivotally connected to the housing, the clamp being positioned adjacent the tool member and being movable from an open position spaced from the cutting surface to a closed position in close alignment with the cutting surface; an actuation member operably connected to the clamp and being movable to move the clamp between the open and closed positions; and a retaining mechanism supported by the housing, the retaining mechanism being positioned and configured to selectively retain the clamp at a plurality of positions in relation to the cutting surface of the tool member.