Ultrasound medical instrument having a medical ultrasonic blade
An ultrasound medical instrument includes a medical ultrasonic blade having a proximal blade portion and a distal blade portion. The distal blade portion bends more easily than does the proximal blade portion. A user-actuated articulated sheath surrounds a portion of the medical ultrasonic blade. The distal blade portion includes a distal end portion adapted to contact and ultrasonically treat patient tissue.
1. A surgical instrument comprising:
an ultrasonic blade comprising an articulating portion and a cutting portion, wherein the articulating portion comprises a first transverse area, wherein the cutting portion comprises a second transverse area, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a longitudinal vibration node; and
a sheath configured about at least a portion of the ultrasonic blade, wherein the sheath is configured for user-actuated articulation, wherein the sheath comprises a plurality of support members, wherein each support member of the plurality of support members extends inwardly from the sheath, and wherein at least one support member of the plurality of support members contacts the longitudinal vibration node of the articulating portion such that user-actuated articulation of the sheath causes at least a portion of the ultrasonic blade to bend at the longitudinal vibration node.
2. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the first transverse area is the same as the second transverse area.
3. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the articulating portion and the cutting portion collectively form a distal portion of the ultrasonic blade, and wherein the ultrasonic blade further comprises a proximal portion comprising a third transverse area.
4. The surgical instrument of claim 3 , wherein the third transverse area is greater than the second transverse area.
5. The surgical instrument of claim 4 , wherein the at least one support member of the plurality of support members that contacts the longitudinal vibration node of the articulating portion comprises a first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member contacts a first side of the articulating portion, and wherein the second support member contacts a second side of the articulation portion opposite the first side of the articulation portion.
6. The surgical instrument of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of support members comprises a third support member, and wherein the third support member contacts the proximal portion of the ultrasonic blade.
7. The surgical instrument of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of support members comprises a fourth support member, wherein the third support member contacts a first side of the proximal portion, and wherein the fourth support member contacts a second side of the proximal portion opposite the first side of the proximal portion.
8. The surgical instrument of claim 7 , wherein the ultrasonic blade is a monolithic blade.
9. The surgical instrument of claim 8 , wherein the distal portion is more bendable than the proximal portion.
10. The surgical instrument of claim 9 , wherein the sheath comprises a first sheath portion and a second sheath portion distal to the first sheath portion, wherein the second sheath portion is more flexible than the first sheath portion.
11. The surgical instrument of claim 10 , wherein the first support member and the second support member extend inwardly from the second sheath portion, and wherein the third support member and the fourth support member extend inwardly from the first sheath portion.
12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 , wherein the sheath further comprises a third sheath portion distal to the second sheath portion, wherein the second sheath portion is more flexible than the third sheath portion.
13. The surgical instrument of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of support members comprises a fifth support member, and wherein the fifth support member extends inwardly from the third sheath portion.
14. The surgical instrument of claim 3 , wherein the ultrasonic blade further comprises an intermediate portion configured to couple the proximal portion to the distal portion.
15. The surgical instrument of claim 4 , wherein the intermediate portion comprises a ball and socket joint configured to couple the proximal portion to the distal portion.
16. The surgical instrument of claim 4 , wherein the intermediate portion comprises a dowel press fit configured to couple the proximal portion to the distal portion.
17. The surgical instrument of claim 4 , wherein the intermediate portion comprises a planar interface, wherein the planar interface comprises a surface that is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to a centerline of the interface.
18. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the articulating portion is cylindrical and comprises a diameter in a range of 1 mm and 2 mm.
19. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic blade consists essentially of a titanium alloy.
20. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support members comprise silicone.