Ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices

Abstract

Disclosed are ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices. The disclosed embodiments include a surgical instrument comprising a waveguide, and end effector and an electrical switch. The waveguide may comprise a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer and one output of a radio frequency (RF) generator. The end effector may comprise an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm coupled. The ultrasonic blade may be mechanically coupled to the distal end of the waveguide and electrically coupled to the waveguide. The clamp arm may comprise a movable jaw member electrically coupled to another output of the RF generator such that an electrical current can pass through the movable jaw member and the ultrasonic blade through tissue located between the movable jaw member and the ultrasonic blade. The electrical switch may be configured to electrically couple to the RF generator and the movable jaw member, wherein the switch is operable to cause the surgical instrument to deliver electrical current from the RF generator to the movable jaw member for a first period, and to cause the surgical instrument to deliver ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic blade for a second period.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 an ultrasonic transducer;   a male plug connector electrically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer; and   a female mating receptacle matable with the male plug connector;   wherein the female mating receptacle is slidable in multiple positions to electrically couple the ultrasonic transducer to either an ultrasonic generator or an RF generator.   
     
     
         15 . The surgical instrument of  claim 14 , wherein the male plug connector is rotatable with the ultrasonic transducer. 
     
     
         16 . The surgical instrument of  claim 14 , wherein the male plug connector comprises a four-lead jack connector. 
     
     
         17 . The surgical instrument of  claim 14 , wherein the female mating receptacle is slidable between a first position and a second position;
 wherein in the first position the ultrasonic transducer is electrically coupled to the ultrasonic generator and is electrically isolated from the RF generator; and   wherein in the second position the ultrasonic transducer is electrically coupled to the RF generator and is electrically isolated from the ultrasonic generator.   
     
     
         18 . The surgical instrument of  claim 14 , wherein the male plug connector and the female mating receptacle form an unlimited rotation connector, wherein the male plug connector comprises a plurality of electrodes coupled to an electrically insulative tube. 
     
     
         19 . The surgical instrument of  claim 18 , wherein at least one electrode of the male plug connector is electrically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and at least one other electrode is electrically coupled to electrodes located at an end effector portion. 
     
     
         20 . The surgical instrument of  claim 18 , wherein the female mating receptacle comprises a plurality of helical contacts. 
     
     
         21 . The surgical instrument of  claim 20 , wherein the plurality of helical contacts are positioned such that each of the helical contacts is electrically coupled to a corresponding electrode on the male plug connector. 
     
     
         22 . The surgical instrument of  claim 20 , wherein each of the plurality of helical contacts comprises:
 a first metal plate;   a second metal plate; and   a plurality of twisted conductors spirally twisted to provide electrical contact between the male plug connector and the first and second metals plates.   
     
     
         23 . The surgical instrument of  claim 22 , wherein the direction of the spiral is alternated to provide increased electrical connectivity in the all directions of rotation. 
     
     
         24 . The surgical instrument of  claim 22 , wherein the direction of the twisted conductors comprises a hyperbolic shape. 
     
     
         25 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . The surgical instrument of  claim 20 , wherein each of the plurality of helical contacts are separated by electrically insulative elements.