US 11,944,366 B2
Asymmetric segmented ultrasonic support pad for cooperative engagement with a movable RF electrode
Craig N. Faller, Batavia, OH (US); Richard W. Flaker, Fairfield, OH (US); Nina Mastroianni, Cincinnati, OH (US); John E. Brady, Cincinnati, OH (US); Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hillsboro, OH (US); and Jeffrey D. Messerly, Cincinnati, OH (US)
Assigned to Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed by Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed on May 29, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/887,554.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/955,292, filed on Dec. 30, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0196336 A1, Jul. 1, 2021
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/32 (2006.01); A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 18/12 (2006.01); A61B 18/16 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/00 (2013.01) [A61B 18/1445 (2013.01); A61B 2017/320075 (2017.08); A61B 2017/320094 (2017.08); A61B 2017/320095 (2017.08); A61B 2018/00607 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0063 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00994 (2013.01); A61B 2018/126 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1452 (2013.01); A61B 18/16 (2013.01)] 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An end-effector, comprising:
a clamp arm; and
an ultrasonic blade acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer and electrically coupled to a first pole of an electrical generator;
wherein the clamp arm comprises:
a clamp arm frame;
a clamp jaw having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end pivotally movable about a pivot point;
a cantilever electrode comprising a metallic spring material electrically coupled to a second pole of the electrical generator, wherein a proximal end of the cantilever electrode is mechanically fixed to a clamp arm frame connection surface at a proximal end of the clamp arm frame and a distal end that is free to deflect at a distal end of the clamp arm frame, wherein the cantilever electrode defines a surface configured to contact tissue and apply electrical energy to the tissue in contact therewith; and
a clamp arm pad fixed to the clamp jaw and having at least a portion disposed between the clamp jaw and the cantilever electrode and another portion extending beyond the surface of the cantilever electrode and configured to contact the tissue.