Combination tissue pad for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument

Abstract

An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smooths out abusive tissue forces. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural swing of the surgeon's thumb, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

1 . A method for assembling an ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus comprising the steps of:
 providing:
 an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end; 
   an ultrasonically actuated blade attached to the distal end of the waveguide;
 a first tissue pad having a first tissue engaging surface length and a first engaging surface; 
 a second tissue pad having a second tissue engaging surface length and a second engaging surface; and 
 a clamp member pivotable with respect to said blade and having an open position in which at least a portion of the clamp member is spaced from the blade and a closed position in which the clamp member is adjacent to the blade for clamping tissue between the first and second tissue pads and the blade, the clamp member comprising a slot having a length substantially equal to the sum of the first tissue engaging surface length and the second tissue engaging surface length; and 
 engaging the first and second engaging surfaces to the clamp member.