Patent ID: 7361172

Claim:
An ultrasonic surgical apparatus for the coagulation of animal tissue having a handle for manipulation by a surgeon, an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic vibration, and an ultrasonic applicator attached to the ultrasonic transducer and extending from the handle for delivery of ultrasonic vibrations to the animal tissue, wherein said apparatus further comprises: a distal portion on the ultrasonic applicator having a generally round cross-section with a diameter between approximately 2 and 6 millimeters to provide a broad surface for coagulation and to avoid cutting of the animal tissue; an elongated support member releasably attached to the surgical handle and extending to the distal portion of the ultrasonic applicator; a movable jaw with a jaw surface attached to the elongated support member adjacent the distal portion of the ultrasonic applicator for movement toward said distal portion to a closed position at a predefined clearance of between about 0.075 to about 1.9 millimeters, from said distal portion, wherein the movable jaw is configured to grasp and hold the animal tissue during coagulation while allowing the animal tissue to flow and coagulate; and a stop for establishing the predefined clearance.