Energy-based surgical instrument incorporating cooling features

Abstract

An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide that defines a blade at its distal portion. The ultrasonic waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy therealong to the blade. The blade defines a plurality of surfaces. At least one lumen is defined that extends at least partially through the blade. The at least one lumen establishes a flow path through the blade that extends from a first open end on one of the plurality of surfaces to a second open end on another of the plurality of surfaces. The at least one lumen is configured to urge fluid along the flow path from the one surface through the blade to the other surface.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 937,659, filed on November 19, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, and more particularly, to energy - based surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic surgical instruments that incorporate cooling features to, for example, facilitate cooling of an ultrasonic blade. Background Art

[0004] Ultrasonic surgical instruments utilize ultrasonic energy, i.e., ultrasonic vibrations, to treat tissue. More specifically, ultrasonic surgical instruments utilize mechanical vibration energy transmitted at ultrasonic frequencies to coagulate, cauterize, fuse, seal, cut, dry, electrocauterize, or otherwise treat tissue.

[0005] Typically, an ultrasonic surgical instrument is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy generated by a generator and a transducer assembly along a waveguide to a blade that is spaced apart from the generator and the transducer assembly. For example, with respect to wireless ultrasonic instruments, a portable power source such as a battery, as well as the generator and the transducer assembly, are mounted on the handheld instrument itself, and the waveguide interconnects the generator and the transducer assembly with the end effector. Wired ultrasonic instruments operate in a similar manner, except that instead of mounting the generator and the power source on the handheld instrument itself, the handheld instrument is configured to be connected to an independent power source and / or generator via a wired connection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the portion described as being away from the user, and the term "proximal" refers to the portion described as being closer to the user. Additionally, to the extent consistent, any or all aspects described herein may be used in combination with any or all other aspects described herein.

[0007] According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes an ultrasonic waveguide that defines, at its distal portion, an ultrasonic waveguide of a blade. The ultrasonic waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy therealong to the blade. The blade defines a plurality of surfaces. At least one lumen is defined that extends at least partially through the blade. The at least one lumen establishes a flow path through the blade that extends from a first open end on one of the plurality of surfaces to a second open end on another of the plurality of surfaces. The at least one lumen is configured to urge a fluid along the flow path from the one surface through the blade to the other surface, for example, thereby facilitating cooling of the blade.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one lumen includes a first lumen extending from the first open end to the second open end.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one lumen includes a plurality of lumens. Each lumen of the plurality of lumens extends from the first open end to the second open end such that the plurality of lumens define a plurality of flow paths between the first open end and the second open end.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one lumen includes at least two lumens. A first lumen of the at least two lumens extends from the first open end, and a second lumen of the at least two lumens extends from the second open end. The at least two lumens are arranged in communication with each other to define the flow path extending between the first open end and the second open end. In such aspects, the first and second lumens may be directly connected or may be interconnected by a third lumen of the at least two lumens. The first and second lumens may be branch lumens, and the third lumen is a main lumen.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, one surface is the top surface of the blade, and the other surface is the bottom surface of the blade.

[0012] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, one surface is the first side surface of the blade, and the other surface is the second opposite side surface of the blade.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a clamp member pivotable relative to the blade between an open position and a clamping position to clamp tissue between the clamp member and one surface of the blade. In such aspects, the other surface may be opposite the one surface.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a transducer coupled to the ultrasonic waveguide at a proximal portion of the ultrasonic waveguide. The transducer is configured to generate the ultrasonic energy for transmission along the ultrasonic waveguide to the blade.

[0015] Another ultrasonic surgical instrument provided according to the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic waveguide that defines a blade at its distal portion. The ultrasonic waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy along it to the blade. The blade defines a plurality of surfaces. A plurality of spaced-apart inner cavities are defined through the blade. Each of the plurality of spaced-apart inner cavities establishes a flow path through the blade that extends from a first open end on one of the plurality of surfaces to a second open end on another of the plurality of surfaces. Each of the plurality of spaced-apart inner cavities is configured to urge fluid along the respective flow path from the one surface through the blade to the other surface, for example, thereby facilitating cooling of the blade.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the one surface is the top surface of the blade, and the other surface is the bottom surface of the blade.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a clamp member that is pivotable relative to the blade between an open position and a clamping position to clamp tissue between the clamp member and one surface of the blade. In such aspects, the other surface may be opposite the one surface.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a transducer that is coupled to the ultrasonic waveguide at the proximal portion of the ultrasonic waveguide. The transducer is configured to generate the ultrasonic energy to transmit along the ultrasonic waveguide to the blade.

[0019] Another ultrasonic surgical instrument provided according to the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic waveguide that defines a blade at its distal portion. The ultrasonic waveguide is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy along it to the blade. The blade defines a plurality of surfaces. At least one main inner cavity is defined at least partially through the blade. At least one branch inner cavity is defined at least partially through the blade. The at least one main inner cavity and the at least one branch inner cavity cooperate to define at least one flow path through the blade that extends from a first open end on one of the plurality of surfaces to a second open end on another of the plurality of surfaces. The at least one main inner cavity and the at least one branch inner cavity are configured to cooperate to urge fluid along the at least one flow path from the one surface through the blade to the other surface, for example, thereby facilitating cooling of the blade.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a clamp member pivotable relative to the blade between an open position and a clamping position to clamp tissue between the clamp member and one surface of the blade. In such aspects, the other surface may be opposite the one surface.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a transducer coupled to the ultrasonic waveguide at a proximal portion of the ultrasonic waveguide. The transducer is configured to generate the ultrasonic energy for transmission along the ultrasonic waveguide to the blade. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0023] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical instrument provided in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged front perspective view of the detail area indicated as "2" in, showing the end effector assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument;

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged rear perspective view of the distal portion of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of, showing its end effector assembly;

[0026] Figure 4A is Figure 1 a perspective view of the blade of the end effector assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument of;

[0027] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 4A section line "4B-4B" of;

[0028] Figure 5A is Figure 1 a perspective view of another blade configured to be used with the ultrasonic surgical instrument of;

[0029] Figure 5B is Figure 5A a cross-sectional view taken along the section line "5B-5B" of;

[0030] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of another blade configured to be used with the ultrasonic surgical instrument of; and

[0031] Figure 7is a perspective view of a distal portion of an electrosurgical instrument provided in accordance with the present disclosure, showing its end effector assembly. Detailed Description

[0032] Generally referring to Figure 1 , there is shown an ultrasonic surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects and features of the present disclosure, generally identified by reference numeral 10. Although the present disclosure describes the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 in detail, aspects and features of the present disclosure are equally applicable for use with any suitable surgical instrument, including electrosurgical instruments, other ultrasonic surgical instruments, and the like.

[0033] The ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 generally includes a handle assembly 100 and an elongate assembly 200 extending distally from the handle assembly 100. The handle assembly 100 includes a housing 110 and a fixed handle portion 114. The housing 110 defines a body portion 112 configured to support a transducer and generator assembly ("TAG") 300, and the fixed handle portion 114 defines an internal compartment configured to receive a battery (not shown). The handle assembly 100 further includes an activation button 120 operatively positioned to electrically couple the TAG 300 and the battery when the TAG 300 is mounted on the body portion 112 of the housing 110 and the battery is engaged within the internal compartment of the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110. A clamp trigger 130 extends from the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100, adjacent to the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110. The clamp trigger 130 extends into the body portion 112 of the housing 110 and is selectively movable relative to the housing 110 to actuate the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10.

[0034] The TAG 300 and the battery are each removable from the handle assembly 100 to facilitate disposal of the handle assembly 100 after single use or to enable sterilization of the handle assembly 100 for subsequent use. The TAG 300 can be configured to withstand sterilization such that the TAG 300 can be sterilized for reuse. On the other hand, the battery is configured for aseptic transfer and retention within the internal compartment of the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100 such that the battery can be reused without sterilization. A locking door 116 provides selective access to the internal compartment of the fixed handle portion 114 to enable insertion and removal of the battery from the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110 and to retain the battery within the internal compartment when in the locked state.

[0035] After the TAG 300 engages with the main body portion 112 of the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100 and the battery is engaged within the internal compartment of the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110, the activation button 120, the TAG 300, and the battery are electrically coupled to each other. Thus, in use, when the activation button 120 is enabled in an appropriate manner, depending on the activation mode of the activation button 120, a dual-mode switch assembly (not shown) below is activated in a "low" power mode or a "high" power mode to supply power from the battery to the TAG 300.

[0036] The TAG 300 includes a generator and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer converts the high-voltage AC signal received from the generator into mechanical motion and then outputs it to the elongate assembly 200, as detailed below. As an alternative to providing the TAG 300 and the battery, the transducer of the TAG 300 can be disposed on the faceplate of the handle assembly 100 (integral with or detachable from the handle assembly), while the generator of the TAG 300 is remotely disposed and connected to the transducer via a surgical cable. In such a configuration, no battery needs to be provided because the generator can be powered by a remote power source such as a wall outlet.

[0037] Also referring to Figure 2 and 3 and, the elongate assembly 200 includes an outer drive sleeve 210, an inner support sleeve 220 disposed within the outer drive sleeve 210 and configured to slide therearound, a waveguide 230 extending through the inner support sleeve 220, knobs 260 operatively coupled respectively around the proximal portions of the outer sleeve 210 and the inner sleeve 220, and an end effector assembly 270 disposed at the distal end of the inner support sleeve 220. The elongate assembly 200 is configured such that the mechanical motion output from the ultrasonic transducer of the TAG 300 is transmitted along the waveguide 230 to the end effector assembly 270 to process tissue through the end effector assembly, such that the clamp trigger 130 can be selectively actuated to manipulate the end effector assembly 270, and such that the knob 260 can be selectively rotated to rotate the elongate assembly 200 relative to the handle assembly 100. The elongate assembly 200 can be configured as a single-use disposable assembly or a reusable assembly that can be sterilized for subsequent use, and can be detachably engaged with or integrally fixed to the handle assembly 100.

[0038] The outer drive sleeve 210 is operatively coupled to the clamp trigger 130 within the handle assembly 100 at the proximal portion of the outer drive sleeve 210, and is operatively coupled to the clamp member 272 of the end effector assembly 270 at the distal portion of the outer drive sleeve 210, for example, by receiving the proximal flange 276 of the clamp member 272 within a bore 212 defined within the outer drive sleeve 210. The inner support sleeve 220 pivotally supports the clamp member 272 at the distal end of the inner support sleeve, for example, by receiving a pivot boss (not shown) of the proximal flange 276 of the clamp member 272 within a corresponding bore (not shown) defined within the inner support sleeve 220. Due to this configuration, actuation of the clamp trigger 130 causes the outer drive sleeve 210 to translate about the inner support sleeve 220 and urges the clamp member 272 to pivot between an open position ( Figure 2 and 3 ) and a clamping position for clamping tissue between the clamp member 272 and the blade 234 of the waveguide 230.

[0039] The clamp member 272 of the end effector 270 includes a more rigid structural body 274 that includes a proximal flange 276, and a more flexible clamp pad 278 that engages the more rigid structural body 274 opposite the blade 234 of the waveguide 230 such that in the clamping position, tissue is clamped between the more flexible clamp pad 278 of the clamp member 272 and the generally convex top surface 236 of the blade 234 of the waveguide 230.

[0040] The waveguide 230 defines a body (not shown) and a blade 234 extending distally from the distal end of the body. The body of the waveguide 230 is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer of the TAG 300 within the handle assembly 100 and extends distally from the handle assembly 100 through the inner support sleeve 220. The blade 234 extends from the body of the waveguide 230 and extends distally from the inner support sleeve 220 and forms part of the end effector 270 since the blade 234 is positioned opposite the clamp member 272 such that the clamp member 272 moves from an open position ( Figure 2 and 3)Pivoting to the clamping position enables clamping of tissue between the jaw member 272 and the blade 234. The blade 234 defines a curved configuration in which the direction of movement of the jaw member 272 between the open position and the clamping position is perpendicular to the bending direction of the blade 234. However, it is also conceivable that the blade 234 defines a linear configuration, or that the blade 234 bends towards or away from the jaw member 272, that is to say, in which the direction of movement of the jaw member 272 between the open position and the clamping position is coaxial or parallel with the bending direction of the blade 234. Multiple curves and / or other suitable configurations in one or more planes of the blade 234 can also be considered.

[0041] In an embodiment, the blade 234 defines a generally convex top surface 236, such as the surface facing the jaw member 272, and a generally convex bottom surface 238 opposite the generally convex top surface 236. The generally convex surfaces 236, 238 can each be defined by a pair of surfaces (flat or arcuate surfaces) converging at a tip, or can be formed by a single arcuate surface defining a tip. The blade 234 further includes side surfaces 237, 239 which are generally smooth and flat except for the curved portions of the blade 234. Other configurations of the blade 234 and its surfaces 236, 237, 238, 239 can also be considered.

[0042] Still referring Figure 4A and 4B , the blade 234 defines a plurality of internal cavities 240 extending at least partially therethrough. Any suitable number of internal cavities 240 can be provided in any suitable pattern (or random distribution) along any single or multiple parts or the whole of the blade 234. The internal cavities 240 can be formed by laser ablation or in any other suitable manner. Each internal cavity 240, either by itself or in combination with one or more other internal cavities 240, communicates with at least two different open ends 242, where two of the at least two open ends 242 are defined on different surfaces 236, 237, 238, 239 of the blade 234. For example, as Figure 4A and 4B shows, each internal cavity 240 can extend from a first open end 242 at the surface 236 to a second open end 242 at the surface 238. As another example, the internal cavity 240 can extend from the open end 242 at the surface 237 to the open end at the surface 239. Figure 4A and 4B show two rows of longitudinally spaced internal cavities 240 disposed on either side of the tips of the surfaces 236, 238; however, other suitable configurations can also be considered.

[0043] The inner cavity 240 is configured to aspirate fluid from one surface 236, 237, 238, 239 of the blade 234 through the blade 234 to the other surface 236, 237, 238, 239 of the blade 234 during use to facilitate cooling of the blade 234. More specifically, when the blade 234 is activated, such as by ultrasonic vibration from ultrasonic energy transmitted along the waveguide 230 from TAG 300( Figure 1 ), the ultrasonic energy waves propagating through the blade 234 and the fluid density changes within / across the inner cavity 240 and / or at the open ends 242 of the inner cavity 240 are used to drive fluid such as air, steam, smoke, liquid, other surgical fluids, etc. into the open end 242, through the inner cavity 240, and out of the other open end 242. This fluid flow through the blade 234 cools the blade 234, and this fluid flow can be achieved without a pumping or other flow system. Additionally, compared to a completely solid blade, the inner cavity 240 reduces the mass and increases the surface area of the blade 234, thus facilitating radiative cooling of the blade 234 after use.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5A and 5B , another blade 1234 is shown that is configured to act as the waveguide 230( Figure 2 and 3 ) or other suitable waveguide, which includes a plurality of inner cavities 1240 that at least partially extend therethrough. More specifically, the plurality of inner cavities 1240 of the blade 1234 include one or more main inner cavities 1244 and one or more branch inner cavities 1246. Each main inner cavity 1244 may include one or more closed ends that terminate within the blade 1234, and / or may include one or more open ends 1245 that open to one of the surfaces 1236, 1237, 1238, 1239 of the blade 1234. Each branch inner cavity 1246 includes an inner end 1247 and an outer open end 1249, the inner end being arranged to communicate with the main inner cavity 1244, and the outer open end opening to one of the surfaces 1236, 1237, 1238, 1239 of the blade 1234.

[0045] When the blade 1234 is activated, the ultrasonic energy wave propagating through the blade 1234 and the fluid density changes within / across the lumen 1240 and / or at the open ends 1245, 1249 of the lumen 1240 are used to drive fluid such as air, steam, smoke, liquid, other surgical fluids, etc. into the open ends 1245, 1249, through the lumen 240 (including the main lumen 1244 and / or one or more branch lumens 1246 communicating with each main lumen 1244), and out of the other open ends 1245, 1249. This fluid flow through the blade 1234 cools the blade 1234, and this fluid flow can be achieved without a pumping or other flow system. Additionally, compared to a completely solid blade, the lumen 1240 reduces the mass and increases the surface area of the blade 1234, thus facilitating radiative cooling of the blade 1234 after use.

[0046] Referring Figure 6 , another blade 2234 configured to function as a waveguide 230 ( Figure 2 and 3 ) or other suitable waveguide is shown, including a plurality of lumens 2240 extending at least partially therethrough. The blade 2234 is similar to the blade 1234 ( Figure 5A and 5B ), except that, unlike the blade 1234 (see Figure 5A and 5B ) which includes a plurality of laterally extending main lumens 1244, the blade 2234 includes one or more longitudinally extending main lumens 2244 having one or more branch lumens 2246 extending therefrom.

[0047] Generally referring Figures 1 to 4B , in use, the ultrasonic instrument 10 is advanced to a surgical site and operated, for example, by rotating the end effector 270 by rotating the knob 260 such that the end effector 270 is positioned to place the tissue to be treated between the clamp member 272 and the blade 234, where the clamp member 272 is positioned in the open position ( Figure 1 ). Thereafter, the clamp trigger 130 is squeezed from the unactuated position towards the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110 to the actuated position, causing the outer drive sleeve 210 to translate around the inner support sleeve 220 and relative to the end effector 270, thereby pivoting the clamp member 272 from the open position towards the clamping position relative to the blade 234 to clamp the tissue between the clamp member 272 and the blade 234, and more specifically, to clamp the tissue between the more flexible clamp liner 278 of the clamp member 272 and the generally convex top surface 236 of the blade 234.

[0048] With the tissue clamped between the jaw member 272 and the blade 234, the blade 234 can be activated, for example, by pressing the activation button 120. When the activation button 120 is pressed, a DC power signal is provided from the battery to the generator of the TAG 300, which converts the DC power signal into a high-voltage AC waveform ultrasonic drive signal that is transmitted to the piezoelectric stack of the ultrasonic transducer of the TAG 300. Activation of the piezoelectric stack generates ultrasonic energy that is transmitted along the waveguide 230 to the blade 234, causing the blade 234 to vibrate ultrasonically. The ultrasonic energy provided at the blade 234 is used to heat the clamped tissue to treat the tissue, such as to seal and cut the tissue. When the blade 234 is activated, the blade 234 is also heated. However, the lumen 240 facilitates cooling of the blade 234 by allowing fluid to flow through the blade 234 without the need for pumping or other flow systems.

[0049] As an alternative or in addition to clamping the tissue, the top surface 236 and / or the bottom surface 238 can be positioned in contact with the tissue, respectively, and moved relative to the tissue when the blade 234 is activated to dissect the tissue.

[0050] Turning now to Figure 7 , as an alternative to the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 ( Figure 1 ), as described above, aspects and features of the present disclosure can be embodied within other surgical instruments such as, for example, electrosurgical instruments. An example of a suitable electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector assembly 3100 having a first jaw member 3110 and a second jaw member 3120, at least one of the first and second jaw members being pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamping position to clamp tissue between the conductive bodies 3116, 3126 of the first jaw member 3110 and the second jaw member 3120, respectively. The conductive bodies 3116, 3126 are adapted to be connected to an electrosurgical energy source, such as an RF generator, to define a bipolar configuration in which the body 3116 is charged to a first electrical potential and the body 3126 is charged to a second different electrical potential, thereby creating an electrical potential gradient to conduct energy therebetween and through the clamped tissue. Either or both of the bodies 3116, 3126 can be configured, for example, as plates respectively mounted on the jaw members 3110, 3120, can define a solid jaw body (i.e., the entirety of the jaw members 3110, 3120), or can define any other suitable configuration. Regardless of the specific configuration, a lumen 3140 is defined through one or both of the bodies 3116, 3126 (in accordance with any of the embodiments detailed above or in any other suitable configuration) to facilitate cooling of the bodies 3116, 3126 during use.

[0051] Based on the foregoing and with reference to the various drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that certain modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure thereto, but rather to make the present disclosure as broad as permitted in the art and to read this specification in the same manner. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as restrictive, but merely as illustrative of specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims herein.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic surgical instrument (10) comprising: An ultrasonic waveguide (230) defining a blade (234, 1234, 2234) at its distal portion, the ultrasonic waveguide configured to transmit ultrasonic energy therealong to the blade, the blade defining a top surface (236, 1236), a bottom surface (238, 1238) opposite the top surface, and first and second side surfaces (237, 239, 1237, 1239) connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; and A clamp member (272) pivotable relative to the blade (234, 1234, 2234) between an open position and a clamping position for clamping tissue between the clamp member and the top surface (236, 1236) of the blade, Characterized in that the blade further defines at least one internal cavity (240, 1246, 2246) extending transversely through the blade, the at least one internal cavity establishing a flow path through the blade, the flow path extending from a first open end (242, 1249) on the top surface of the blade to a second open end (242, 1249) on the bottom surface (238, 1238) of the blade, the at least one internal cavity configured to urge fluid along the flow path from one surface through the blade to a different surface.

2. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the blade (234, 1234, 2234) defines a plurality of internal cavities (240, 1246, 2246), each of the plurality of internal cavities extending transversely from a respective first open end (242, 1249) on the top surface (236, 1236) of the blade to a respective second open end (242, 1249) on the bottom surface (238, 1238) of the blade such that the plurality of internal cavities define a plurality of flow paths between the respective first open ends and the respective second open ends.

3. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the blade (1234, 2234) further defines a main internal cavity (1244, 2244) in communication with the plurality of transversely extending internal cavities (1246, 2246).

4. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blade (1234) further defines a transversely extending internal cavity extending from a respective open end (1245) on a first side surface of the blade to a respective second end on an opposite second side surface of the blade.

5. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a transducer (300) coupled to the ultrasonic waveguide (230) at a proximal portion of the ultrasonic waveguide, the transducer configured to generate the ultrasonic energy for transmission therealong to the blade (234, 1234, 2234).

6. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 4, further comprising a transducer (300) coupled to the ultrasonic waveguide (230) at a proximal portion of the ultrasonic waveguide, the transducer configured to generate the ultrasonic energy for transmission along the ultrasonic waveguide to the blade (234, 1234, 2234).

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