Patent ID: 7883465
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: A61B,H01H

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling an ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising the steps of: obtaining a housing having a transducer for converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, at least one switch located on the housing, a sensor for outputting a variable pressure value based on a user applied pressure to the at least one switch and a generator for outputting a variable power level to energize the transducer; monitoring the user applied pressure to the switch and outputting a pressure value in response thereto; activating the transducer at a first power level if the monitored user applied pressure reaches a first threshold; deactivating the transducer if the monitored user applied pressure reaches a second threshold; providing a switching functionality according to a lagging effect as the monitored user applied pressured is changed; and operating the transducer at a variable power level in response to the user applied monitored pressure.