Modular ultrasonic surgical instruments

Abstract

An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a base assembly including a housing defining a distal opening, an ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) supported by the housing, and a biasing spring (350) configured to bias the ultrasonic transducer assembly longitudinally relative to the housing to a home position. An elongate assembly configured to releasably engage the base assembly defines a longitudinal axis and includes an ultrasonic waveguide (154). With the ultrasonic transducer assembly biased to the home position, longitudinal clearance is provided to permit insertion of a proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening and into the housing in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongate assembly. With the proximal portion of the elongate assembly disposed within the housing, urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly distally from the home position to an engagement position longitudinally approximates the ultrasonic transducer assembly and the ultrasonic waveguide to facilitate engagement therebetween.

Description

MODULAR ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 605,378, filed December 1, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to modular ultrasonic surgical instruments.BACKGROUND

[0003] 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 treat tissue. An ultrasonic surgical instrument may include, for example, an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member to enable clamping of tissue against the blade. Ultrasonic energy transmitted to the blade causes the blade to vibrate at very high (e.g., ultrasonic) frequencies, which allows for heating tissue clamped against or otherwise in contact with the blade to treat the tissue.SUMMARY

[0004] Ultrasonic surgical instruments that are modular are advantageous in that they reduce waste and cost by enabling various different instrument configurations and / or uses thereof without requiring multiple different instruments. Reposable ultrasonic surgical instruments, as one example of modular ultrasonic surgical instruments, reduce waste and cost by enabling reuse of certain portions of the instrument while other portions of the instrument are disposed of or otherwise replaced. However, one challenge associated with modular (e.g., reposable) ultrasonic surgical instruments is ensuring proper assembly of the modular components without damaging any components or compromising functionality.

[0005] As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is described which is farther from a user (whether a human clinician or a surgical robot), while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to the user. Terms including “generally,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like, as utilized herein, are meant to encompass variations, e.g., manufacturing tolerances, material tolerances, use and environmental tolerances, measurement variations, design variations, and / or other variations and tolerances, up to and including plus orminus 10 percent. Further, any or all of the aspects described herein, to the extent consistent, may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects described herein.

[0006] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is an ultrasonic surgical instrument including a base assembly and an elongate assembly configured to releasably engage the base assembly. The base assembly includes a housing defining a distal opening having a first portion oriented distally and a second portion oriented transversely relative to the first portion. The base assembly further includes an ultrasonic transducer assembly supported by the housing and including a distal connector. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a more proximal home position and a more distal engagement position. The base assembly also includes a biasing spring configured to bias the ultrasonic transducer assembly to the home position. The elongate assembly defines a longitudinal axis and includes an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal connector at a proximal end thereof and an ultrasonic blade at a distal end thereof. With the ultrasonic transducer assembly biased to the home position, longitudinal clearance is provided between the proximal and distal connectors to permit insertion of a proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. With the proximal portion of the elongate assembly disposed within the housing, urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly distally from the home position to the engagement position against the bias of the biasing spring longitudinally approximates the proximal and distal connectors to facilitate engagement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and the ultrasonic waveguide with one another.

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the distal connector is proximally spaced from the second portion of the distal opening and, in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the distal connector overlaps the second portion of the distal opening.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongate assembly includes a drive shaft and a jaw member coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft such that the drive shaft is configured to move the jaw member relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue therebetween. In such aspects, the base assembly includes a drive assembly and the drive shaft is configured to operably engage the drive assembly upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distalopening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that actuation of the drive assembly actuates the drive shaft to thereby move the jaw member between the open position and the closed position.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongate assembly includes a support shaft movably supporting the jaw member at a distal end thereof. The support shaft is configured to rotatably engage the housing of the base assembly upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the housing rotatably supports the elongate assembly.

[0010] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongate assembly includes a nozzle engaged about the support shaft. The nozzle is configured to rotatably engage the housing of the base assembly.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the base assembly further includes a trigger coupled to the housing and the drive assembly. The trigger is configured to actuate the drive assembly.

[0012] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically disconnected from contacts of the base assembly. In the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically connected to the contacts of the base assembly.

[0013] In aspects of the present disclosure, the base assembly further includes a cable configured to connect to a surgical generator. In such aspects, the contacts of the base assembly are configured to electrically connect to the surgical generator via the cable. Alternatively or additionally, the base assembly further includes an ultrasonic generator and a power source supported on or within the housing. The contacts, in such aspects, are configured to electrically connect to at least one of the ultrasonic generator or the power source.

[0014] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatable relative to the housing and contacts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and the contacts of the base assembly define a slip ring configuration to maintain electrical connection in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly regardless of a rotational orientation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly relative to the housing.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the proximal and distal connectors are threaded connectors configured to engage one another upon relative rotation therebetween with the proximal and distal connectors longitudinally approximated relative to one another.

[0016] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing spring is disposed between an internal wall of the housing and a distal face of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly extends proximally from the housing of the base assembly to facilitate manual urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly from the home position to the engagement position.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the base assembly includes a door movable between an open position, permitting insertion and removal of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening, and a closed position enclosing the proximal portion of the elongate assembly within the housing.

[0019] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is removable from the housing.

[0020] Another ultrasonic surgical instrument provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a housing defining a distal opening and including an internal wall, an ultrasonic transducer assembly supported by the housing and including a transducer housing disposed proximally of the internal wall and an ultrasonic horn extending distally through an opening defined within the internal wall, and a biasing spring disposed between the internal wall and the transducer housing and configured to bias the ultrasonic transducer assembly to the home position. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is longitudinally movable relative to the housing against the bias from the home position to a more distal engagement position. The ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes an elongate assembly that defines a longitudinal axis and includes an ultrasonic waveguide. With the ultrasonic transducer assembly biased to the home position, longitudinal clearance is provided between the ultrasonic horn and the ultrasonic waveguide to permit insertion of a proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. With the proximal portion of the elongate assembly disposed within the housing, urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly distally from the home position to the engagement position against the bias of the biasing spring longitudinally approximates the ultrasonic horn and theultrasonic waveguide to enable operable engagement of the ultrasonic horn and the ultrasonic waveguide with one another.

[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the elongate assembly includes a proximal nozzle and a support shaft extending distally from the proximal nozzle. The proximal nozzle is configured to rotatably engage the housing upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the housing rotatably supports the elongate assembly.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongate assembly includes a drive shaft and a jaw member coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is configured to move the jaw member relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue therebetween. In such aspects, the housing defines and handle and the ultrasonic surgical instrument further includes a trigger coupled to the handle and a drive assembly coupled to the trigger. The drive shaft is configured to operably engage the drive assembly upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that actuation of the trigger moves the jaw member between the open position and the closed position.

[0023] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically disconnected from contacts of the housing and, in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically connected to the contacts of the housing.

[0024] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly extends proximally from the housing to facilitate manual urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly from the home position to the engagement position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system provided in accordance with the present disclosure including an ultrasonic surgical instrument incorporating a powersource and surgical generator wherein a first portion of the instrument is shown engaged to a second portion of the instrument with a door of the first portion disposed in a closed position;

[0027] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A with the first portion of the instrument shown disengaged from the second portion of the instrument with the door disposed in an open position;

[0028] FIGS. 2A-2D are perspective views illustrating various configurations of the door of the first portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another ultrasonic surgical system provided in accordance with the present disclosure including an ultrasonic surgical instrument and a separate surgical generator;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a distal end of the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a proximal end of the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A with a rotation knob removed;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the proximal end of the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1 A with the rotation knob and a nozzle removed;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view illustrating the operable engagement of the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A (with the rotation knob removed) and a drive assembly of the first portion of the instrument;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a side, cut-away view illustrating the operable engagement of the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1 A and the drive assembly of the first portion of the instrument (with the ultrasonic transducer assembly removed);

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another configuration of the operable engagement of the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A and the drive assembly of the first portion of the instrument;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a side, cut-away view illustrating the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A engaged with the drive assembly of the first portion of the instrument and with an ultrasonic transducer assembly of the first portion disposed in a home position disengaged from an ultrasonic waveguide of the second portion;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a side, cut-away view illustrating the second portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A engaged with the drive assembly of the first portion of the instrument andwith the ultrasonic transducer assembly of the first portion disposed in an engagement position engaged with the ultrasonic waveguide of the second portion;

[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates another biasing spring configured for biasing the ultrasonic transducer assembly of the first portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A towards the home position;

[0039] FIGS. 13A and 13B are side, cut-away views illustrating the relative positioning of contacts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and a housing of the first portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A in each of the home and engagement positions, respectively; and

[0040] FIGS. 14A and 14B are side, cut-away views illustrating another configuration of the relative positioning of the contacts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and the housing of the first portion of the instrument of the system of FIG. 1A in each of the home and engagement positions, respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1A and IB, an ultrasonic surgical system provided in accordance with the aspects and features of the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral 10. Ultrasonic surgical system 10 includes an ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 and may be at least partially cordless in that it incorporates an ultrasonic generator and / or a power source, e.g., a battery pack, on or in the ultrasonic surgical instrument 100 itself. In this manner, the connections between instrument 100 and external devices, e.g., generator(s) and / or power source(s), are reduced or eliminated.

[0042] Instrument 100 generally includes a base assembly 102 and an elongate assembly 104 that is configured to releasably engage base assembly 102. More specifically, elongate assembly 104 is configured to engage base assembly 102 in a “drop in” manner wherein the engagement (and disengagement) of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102 is accomplished at least in part by moving elongate assembly 104 relative to base assembly 102 in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104.

[0043] Base assembly 102, in aspects, is configured as a reusable portion such that, after a use of base assembly 102 in a surgical procedure, base assembly 102 is capable of being sterilized (e.g., in an autoclave), cleaned, and / or otherwise prepared for reuse. Elongate assembly 104, in aspects, is configured as a disposable portion configured to be used in a single surgical procedure and safely discarded or returned for reprocessing after such use. However,this configuration may be reversed or both base assembly 102 and elongate assembly 104 may be configured as reusable or disposable assemblies. Further, it is contemplated that some portions of base assembly 102 and / or elongate assembly 104 are reusable while other portions of base assembly 102 and / or elongate assembly 104 are disposable.

[0044] Base assembly 102 of instrument 100 includes a housing 112 a drive assembly 140 (FIG. 8), an ultrasonic transducer assembly 300, an ultrasonic generator 400, and a power source 500. In handheld configurations, base assembly 102 further includes an activation button 120 and a trigger 130. Housing 112, in handheld aspects, for example, defines a body portion 113 and a fixed handle portion 114 depending from body portion 113, thus defining a pistol grip configuration, although other configurations are also contemplated. Body portion 113 of housing 112 of base assembly 102 is configured to receive ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 at least partially therein. Ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 may be removable from body portion 113 of housing 112 or non-removably engaged with body portion 113 of housing 112.

[0045] With momentary reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and IB, ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 includes a piezoelectric stack other suitable ultrasonic transducer components (not explicitly shown) configured to produce ultrasonic vibration energy in response to receipt of an electrical drive signal. At least first and second electrodes of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 are electrically coupled between the piezoelectric elements of the stack of piezoelectric elements to enable energization thereof to produce ultrasonic vibration energy. Although described herein as a linear ultrasonic transducer, other suitable ultrasonic transducer configurations, including plural transducers and / or non- longitudinal, e.g., torsional, transducers are also contemplated.

[0046] Ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 further includes a transducer housing 310 including a proximal rotation knob 320, an ultrasonic horn 330 protruding distally from transducer housing 310, and a plurality of contacts 340 enabling electrical connection through transducer housing 310 from the exterior of transducer housing 310 to the electrodes associated with the stack of piezoelectric elements. Transducer housing 310 may be integral with housing 112 or may be removable therefrom. In either configuration, at least proximal rotation knob 320 protrudes proximally from housing 112 to enable manipulation of rotation knob 320 from an exterior of housing 112. Alternatively, ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 may be fully received within housing 112.

[0047] Ultrasonic horn 330 includes a distal connector 332, e.g., a threaded female receiver, configured for receipt and engagement, e.g., threaded engagement, of proximal connector 158 of ultrasonic waveguide 154 of elongate assembly 104 to thereby secure ultrasonic horn 330 and ultrasonic waveguide 154 of elongate assembly 104 to one another such that ultrasonic vibration motion produced by ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 is transmitted from ultrasonic horn 330 and through ultrasonic waveguide 154 to ultrasonic blade 162 for treating tissue clamped between ultrasonic blade 162 and jaw member 164 or positioned adjacent to ultrasonic blade 162.

[0048] Contacts 340 may include, for example, ring contacts disposed annularly about transducer housing 310 (as shown). Alternatively, ring contacts may be disposed on a distal face of transducer housing 310. In either configuration, contacts 340 enable uninterrupted electrical connection regardless of the rotational orientation of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 relative to housing 112. Other suitable configurations are also contemplated. Further, although two contacts 340 are shown any suitable number of contacts may be provided.

[0049] Ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 is rotatable within and relative to housing 112 and is further configured to move longitudinally within housing 112 through a range of motion. A biasing spring 350 positioned longitudinally between an internal wall 119 within housing 112 and a distal face of transducer housing 310 biases ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 proximally relative to housing 112 towards a home position (FIG. 10). Ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 is movable distally relative to housing 112 through at least a portion of the range of motion against the bias of biasing spring 350, e.g., to load or further load biasing spring 350, from the home position (FIG. 10) to an engagement position (FIG. 11), thereby enabling engagement of distal connector 332 and proximal connector 158 with one another. As can be appreciated, in the home position (FIG. 10) of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300, ultrasonic horn 330 is disposed in a more proximal position within housing 112 compared to the engagement position (FIG. 11) of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 wherein ultrasonic horn 330 is disposed in a more distal position within housing 112.

[0050] Returning with reference to FIGS. 1A and IB, fixed handle portion 114 of housing 112 of base assembly 102 defines an internal compartment 116 configured to receive and support ultrasonic generator 400 and power source 500, e.g., a battery pack, therein. Ultrasonic generator 400 and power source 500 are configured to generate the electrical drive signal foroutput to ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 to drive ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 to produce the ultrasonic vibration energy. Feedback and / or control signals may likewise be communicated between ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 and ultrasonic generator 400 and / or power source 500. In aspects, ultrasonic generator 400 and / or power source 500 are removable from fixed handle portion 114 and, thus, fixed handle portion 114 may include an access door 118 configured to provide selective access to internal compartment 116 to enable the replacement of ultrasonic generator 400 and / or power source 500. Alternatively, ultrasonic generator 400 and / or power source 500 may be non-removably enclosed within internal compartment 116 and, thus, in such aspects, access door 118 may be omitted.

[0051] With ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 engaged with body portion 113 of housing 112 and ultrasonic generator 400 and power source 500 disposed within fixed handle portion 114 of housing 112, an electrical connection assembly (not shown) disposed within housing 112 electrically couples activation button 120, ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 (in the engagement position thereof), ultrasonic generator 400, and power source 500 with one another, thus enabling selective activation of instrument 100 in response to actuation of activation button 120. In aspects, activation button 120 may include an ON / OFF switch. In other configurations, activation button 120 may include multiple actuation switches to enable activation from an OFF state to different ON states corresponding to different activation settings, e.g., a first ON state corresponding to a first activation setting (such as a LOW power and / or tissue sealing mode) and a second ON state corresponding to a second activation setting (such as a HIGH power and / or tissue dissection mode). In other configurations, separate activation buttons may be provided, e.g., a first actuation button for activating a first activation setting and a second activation button for activating a second activation setting. Additional activation buttons, sliders, wheels, etc. are also contemplated to enable control of various different activation settings from housing 112.

[0052] Housing 112 of base assembly 102 of instrument 100 further includes a distal opening 170. Distal opening 170 is configured to receive elongate assembly 104 to enable the abovedetailed “drop in” engagement (and disengagement) of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102 wherein elongate assembly 104 is moved relative to base assembly 102 in a direction transverse to longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104. Thus, distal opening 170 includes a first portion 172 oriented longitudinally to accept the distally extending portion of elongate assembly 104 and a second portion 174 oriented transversely, e.g., upwardly, to acceptthe transversely “dropped in” portion of elongate assembly 104. In aspects, base assembly 102 further includes a door 176 movable between an open position (FIG. IB) and a closed position (FIG. 1A) such that, in the open position (FIG. IB), door 176 provides access to second portion 174 of distal opening 170 for transverse insertion and removal of elongate assembly 104 into and from engagement within base assembly 102 and such that, in the closed position (FIG. 1 A), Door 176 encloses the engaged portion of elongate assembly 104 within base assembly 102. Other configurations are also contemplated such as, for example, wherein door 176 is omitted, e.g., wherein a housing portion of elongate assembly 104 encloses second portion 174 of distal opening 170 when elongate assembly 104 is engaged within base assembly 102.

[0053] Referring also to FIGS. 2A-2D, door 176 may be configured to move relative to housing 112 between the open and closed positions in various different manners. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, door 176 may be configured to pivot relative to housing 112 between the open and closed positions about a hinge 178a defining a hinge axis transverse to the longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104. In other aspects, as shown in FIG. 2B, door 176 may be configured to pivot relative to housing 112 between the open and closed positions about a hinge 178b defining a hinge axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104. FIG. 2C illustrates yet another configuration wherein door 176 is configured to slide longitudinally about and relative to housing 112 between the open and closed positions along the longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104. FIG. 2D illustrates still another configuration wherein door 176 is configured to slide transversely about and relative to housing 112 between the open and closed positions transversely relative to the longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0054] Turning to FIG. 3, another ultrasonic surgical system provided in accordance with the aspects and features of the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral 20. Ultrasonic surgical system 20 includes an ultrasonic surgical instrument 200 and a surgical generator 600. Instrument 200 is similar to and may include any of the features of instrument 100 (FIG. 1A) except as explicitly contradicted below. Instrument 200, more specifically, differs from instrument 100 (FIG. 1A) in that, rather than having an onboard ultrasonic generator and power source, instrument 200 includes a cable assembly 206 configured to connect instrument 200 to surgical generator 600. Thus, rather than a fixed handle portion configured to receive an ultrasonic generator and power source, fixed handle portion 214 of housing 212 of base assembly202 of instrument 200 is configured to route electrical connections from cable assembly 206 to ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 and activation button 220 of instrument 200, thus enabling selective activation of instrument 200 in response to actuation of activation button 220. Cable assembly 206 of surgical instrument 200 includes a cable 208 and a plug 209. Plug 209 is configured to connect to an ultrasonic (or universal) plug port 630 of surgical generator 600.

[0055] Surgical generator 600 includes a display 610, a plurality user interface features 620, e.g., buttons, touch screens, switches, etc., an ultrasonic energy plug port 630, and an electrosurgical energy plug port 640. Surgical generator 600 may further include additional ports 650, 660 to provide additional functionality, e.g., a monopolar plug port, a bipolar plug port, an electrical plug port to power a thermal heating element, a microwave plug port for supplying microwave energy, a vacuum plug port enabling suction, a fluid plug port enabling irrigation, additional power ports for supplying AC and / or DC electrical power, etc. As an alternative to plural dedicated ports 630-660, one or more common ports (not shown) may be configured to act as any two or more of ports 630-660. Surgical generator 600 may connect to a mains power supply and / or may include an internal power supply, e.g., battery pack.

[0056] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and IB, and with additional reference to FIGS. 4-8, as noted above, elongate assembly 104 is configured to releasably engage base assembly 102. Elongate assembly 104, more specifically, defines longitudinal axis “X-X” and includes a drive shaft 152, a support shaft 153 (FIGS. 4 and 6) disposed coaxially within or about drive shaft 152, an ultrasonic waveguide 154 extending through shafts 152, 153, an engagement nozzle 156a disposed about proximal end portions of shafts 152, 153, a rotation knob 156b engaged about engagement nozzle 156a, and an end effector assembly 160 including an ultrasonic blade 162 and jaw member 164. In robotic or powered configurations, rotation knob 156b may be omitted and rotation may be powered by a robotic motor or on-board motor, for example. A distal portion of drive shaft 152 is operably coupled to jaw member 164 while a distal portion of support shaft 153 pivotably supports jaw member 164. As such, relative movement between shafts 152, 153 moves jaw member 164 relative to ultrasonic blade 162 from an open position towards a closed position for clamping tissue between jaw member 164 and ultrasonic blade 162.

[0057] With particular reference to FIG. 4, jaw member 164 of end effector assembly 160 includes a more rigid structural body 182 and a more compliant jaw liner 184 retained within a cavity 185 defined within structural body 182. Structural body 182 includes a pair of proximalflanges 183 a and a distal body 183 c. Proximal flanges 183 a are pivotably coupled to support shaft 153 via receipt of pivot bosses 155b of proximal flanges 183a within corresponding openings defined within support shaft 153 and operably coupled with drive shaft 152 via a drive pin 155a secured relative to drive shaft 152 and pivotably received within apertures 183b defined within proximal flanges 183a. As such, sliding of drive shaft 152 relative to support shaft 153 (or vice versa) pivots jaw member 164 relative to blade 162 from an open position towards a closed position to clamp tissue between jaw liner 184 of jaw member 164 and blade 162. Other suitable drive structures as opposed to sliding shafts 152, 153 are also contemplated such as, for example, drive rods, drive cables, drive screws, etc.

[0058] Ultrasonic waveguide 154, as noted above, extends through shafts 152, 153. Ultrasonic waveguide 154 includes ultrasonic blade 162 disposed at a distal end thereof. Ultrasonic blade 162 may be integrally formed with waveguide 154, separately formed and subsequently attached (permanently or removably) to ultrasonic waveguide 154, or otherwise operably coupled with ultrasonic waveguide 154. Ultrasonic waveguide 154 and / or ultrasonic blade 162 may be formed from titanium, a titanium alloy, or other suitable electrically conductive material(s), although non-conductive materials are also contemplated. Ultrasonic waveguide 154 includes a proximal connector 158, e.g., a threaded male connector, configured for engagement, e.g., threaded engagement within distal connector 332, e.g., a threaded female receiver, of ultrasonic horn 330 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) such that ultrasonic vibration motion produced by ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is transmitted along ultrasonic waveguide 154 to ultrasonic blade 162 for treating tissue clamped between ultrasonic blade 162 and jaw member 164 or positioned adjacent to ultrasonic blade 162.

[0059] Ultrasonic blade 162 may define a linear configuration, may define a curved configuration, or may define any other suitable configuration, e.g., straight and / or curved surfaces, portions, and / or sections; one or more convex and / or concave surfaces, portions, and / or sections; etc. With respect to curved configurations, blade 162, more specifically, may be curved in any direction relative to jaw member 164, for example, such that the distal tip of blade 162 is curved towards jaw member 164, away from jaw member 164, or laterally (in either direction) relative to jaw member 164. Further, blade 162 may be formed to include multiple curves in similar directions, multiple curves in different directions within a single plane, and / or multiplecurves in different directions in different planes. In addition, blade 162 may additionally or alternatively be formed to include any suitable features, e.g., a tapered configuration, various different cross-sectional configurations along its length, cut outs, indents, edges, protrusions, straight surfaces, curved surfaces, angled surfaces, wide edges, narrow edges, and / or other features.

[0060] With particular reference to FIGS. 5-8, engagement nozzle 156a is rotatably fixed and longitudinally slidably disposed about a proximal end portion of drive shaft 152 (e.g., via an engagement feature of engagement nozzle 156a extending through a longitudinal slot 157a defined within drive shaft 152). The engagement features (not explicitly shown) of engagement nozzle 156a also extends through longitudinal slot 157a to engage support shaft 153 and through an aperture 157b defined within support shaft 153 ultrasonic waveguide 154 to thereby fix engagement nozzle 156a relative to support shaft 153 and ultrasonic waveguide 154. Rotation knob 156b is fixed about engagement nozzle 156a. A proximal end portion of drive shaft 152 includes an annular flange 149a to facilitate operable coupling of drive shaft 152 with drive assembly 140 of base assembly 102 upon engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102, as detailed below. Engagement nozzle 156a also includes an annular flange 149b configured to facilitate rotational engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102, as also detailed below.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB, and 5-8, the proximal end of elongate assembly 104, as noted above, is configured for insertion into base assembly 102 in a direction transverse to longitudinal axis “X-X.” More specifically, the proximal end of elongate assembly 104 is first aligned above base assembly 102 (with door 176 disposed in the open position) such that annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 is vertically aligned with drive links 144 of drive assembly 140 of base assembly 102 and such that annular flange 149b of engagement nozzle 156a is vertically aligned with annular channel 178 defined within housing 112 adjacent first portion 172 of distal opening 170 of housing 112. Once this position has been achieved, elongate assembly 104 is moved transversely relative to, e.g., “dropped” into, base assembly 102 until annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 is operably captured between drive links 144 of drive assembly 140 and annular flange 149b of engagement nozzle 156a is received within annular channel 178 of housing 112. Once this engagement has been achieved, door 176 may be moved to the closedposition (FIGS. 1A and 9) to enclose the engaged portion of elongate assembly 104 within base assembly 102.

[0062] With elongate assembly 104 engaged with base assembly 102 via the rotatable capture of annular flange 149b of engagement nozzle 156a within annular channel 178, rotation knob 156b is translationally fixed but rotatable relative to base assembly 102 such that rotation knob 156b is rotatable in either direction to rotate elongate assembly 104 in either direction relative to base assembly 102. Further, with elongate assembly 104 engaged with base assembly 102 via the operable capture of annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 between drive links 144 of drive assembly 140, drive assembly 140 is actuatable to move drive shaft 152 relative to support shaft 153 to thereby pivot jaw member 164 relative to blade 162 between the open position and the closed position.

[0063] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, drive assembly 140 of base assembly 102 is operably coupled to trigger 130 of base assembly 102. More specifically, trigger 130 includes a bifurcated drive portion 131a (to receive elongate assembly 104 therebetween) that extends into housing 112 and couples to housing 112, e.g., via a trigger pivot 132 disposed in fixed position relative to housing 112. Trigger 130 further includes a manipulation portion 131b that extends from housing 112 to enable manipulation thereof by a user. Manipulation portion 131b may define a finger-receiving loop (open or closed) or any other suitable configuration to facilitate grasping and manipulation by a user. Trigger 130 is movable relative to housing 112, e.g., about trigger pivot 132, between an unactuated position and an actuated position. Trigger 130 is further coupled, e.g., via a first pivot 141 (in fixed position relative to housing 112), to a slider 142 of drive assembly 140, which is configured for longitudinal movement within housing 112. Slider 142, in turn, is coupled, e.g., via a second pivot 143 (floating relative to housing 112) that is longitudinally offset relative to first pivot 141, to drive links 144 of drive assembly 140. Drive links 144 are spaced apart from one another within housing 112 to receive elongate assembly 104 therebetween and are coupled to housing 112, e.g., via a third pivot 145 (in fixed position relative to housing 112). As a result of this configuration, moving trigger 130 relative to housing 112 between the unactuated position and the actuated position translates slider 142 within housing 112 to, in turn, pivot drive links 144 about third pivot 145 such that portions of drive links 144 are moved proximally within housing 112. As noted above, annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 is operably captured between drive links 144 of drive assembly 140 whenelongate assembly 104 is engaged with base assembly 102. Thus, proximal movement of the portions of drive links 144 pulls drive shaft 152 proximally to thereby pivot jaw member 164 relative to blade 162 from the open position towards the closed position in response to movement of trigger 130 relative to housing 112 from the unactuated position towards the actuated position. Likewise, return of trigger 130 towards the unactuated position returns jaw member 164 towards the open position.

[0064] The operable capture of annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 between drive links 144 may be accomplished via receipt of annular flange 149a between first and second bosses 148a, 148b, respectively, protruding inwardly from each drive link 144. Thus, as the portions of drive links 144 are moved, e.g., pivoted, proximally, the distal-most boss 148a urges annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 proximally. Likewise, as the portions of drive links 144 are returned, e.g., pivoted, distally, the proximal-most boss 148a urges annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 distally. In aspects, the first and second bosses 148a, 148b of each drive link 144 are offset relative to one another (e.g., offset in a vertical direction) to facilitate application of longitudinal pushing and pulling force to annular flange 149a in response to pivoting of drive links 144.

[0065] In aspects, drive assembly 140 further includes a biasing spring 147 configured to bias slider 142 distally, thereby biasing trigger 130 towards the unactuated position and jaw member 164 towards the open position. Drive assembly 140 may additionally or alternatively include a force spring 149 operably coupled between trigger 130 and slider 142 to provide a force limiting feature whereby the clamping force applied to tissue clamped between jaw member 164 and ultrasonic blade 162 is limited to a particular jaw clamping force or a jaw clamping force within a jaw clamping force range. Alternatively, drive assembly 140 may be tuned to provide a jaw clamping force, or jaw clamping force within a jaw clamping force range.

[0066] Turning to FIG. 9, as an alternative to drive links 144 pivotably or otherwise movably coupled to slider 142, slider 142 may include an upright fork portion 1144 that defines a semiannular channel 1146 configured to capture annular flange 149a of drive shaft 152 therein. Upright fork portion 1144 is fixed relative to slider 142 and, thus, is configured to translate through housing 112 with slider 142. Thus, in such configurations, moving trigger 130 relative to housing 112 between the unactuated position and the actuated position translates slider 142 (including upright fork portion 1144) within housing 112 to thereby pull or push (dependingupon the direction of movement of trigger 130) drive shaft 152 to pivot jaw member 164 relative to blade 162.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and IB, the engagement of elongate assembly 104 with housing 112 and drive assembly 140 of base assembly 102 is detailed above. In addition to this engagement, engagement of ultrasonic waveguide 154 of elongate assembly 104 with ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 of base assembly 102 is also required to enable the transmission of ultrasonic vibration energy produced by ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 through ultrasonic waveguide 154 to blade 162, e.g., for treating tissue clamped between jaw member 164 and blade 162. Further, while the above-detailed engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102 is accomplished in a “drop in” manner by moving elongate assembly 104 relative to base assembly 102 in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104, engagement of ultrasonic waveguide 154 of elongate assembly 104 with ultrasonic horn 330 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 of base assembly 102 is accomplished in a longitudinally approximating manner, e.g., wherein either or both of ultrasonic waveguide 154 and ultrasonic horn 330 are moved along longitudinal axis “X- X” to facilitate engagement therebetween. Thus, longitudinal clearance is required to be maintained between ultrasonic waveguide 154 and ultrasonic horn 330 during the transverse engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102, e.g., to inhibit contact between (and potential damage of) ultrasonic waveguide 154 and ultrasonic horn 330, and, once this engagement is achieved, ultrasonic waveguide 154 and / or ultrasonic horn 330 are required to be longitudinally approximated relative to one another to enable engagement therebetween. In aspects, upon transverse engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102, ultrasonic horn 330 is aligned on longitudinal axis “X-X” of elongate assembly 104.

[0068] As detailed above, biasing spring 350 biases ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 proximally towards the home position (FIG. 10), wherein ultrasonic horn 330 is sufficiently proximally positioned within housing 112 to maintain longitudinal clearance between ultrasonic waveguide 154 and ultrasonic horn 330 during the transverse engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102. In aspects, ultrasonic horn 330 is positioned proximal of second portion 174 of distal opening 170 of housing 112 in the home position (FIG. 10) such that elongate assembly 104 is inhibited from contacting ultrasonic horn 330 during the transverse engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102. That is, with ultrasonic horn 330positioned proximal of second portion 174 of distal opening 170, elongate assembly 104 is incapable of being aligned above ultrasonic horn 330 and moved transversely into contact therewith.

[0069] Once the transverse engagement of elongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102 is complete as detailed above, ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 can be urged distally through housing 112 and relative to ultrasonic waveguide 154 to the engagement position (FIG. 11), wherein distal connector 332 at least partially overlaps second portion 174 of distal opening 170 and is disposed in approximation with proximal connector 158 sufficiently so as to enable engagement therebetween, e.g., threaded engagement via relative rotation between ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 and elongate assembly 104. In aspects, rotation knob 156b and / or proximal knob 320 incorporates an integrated torque wrench to facilitate sufficient threaded engagement of distal connector 332 and proximal connector 158 without over torquing this engagement. In other aspects, an external torque wrench, e.g., removably engagable with rotation knob 156b and / or proximal knob 320, may be provided for similar purposes.

[0070] Biasing spring 350, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, may be configured as a coil compression spring disposed between a distal face of transducer housing 310 and internal wall 119 of housing 112, configured to compress longitudinally in response to movement of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 from the home position (FIG. 10) to the engagement position (FIG. 11), and configured to expand longitudinally to bias ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 from the engagement position (FIG. 11) back to the home position (FIG. 10). However, the engagement of distal connector 332 and proximal connector 158 retains ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 in the engagement position (FIG. 11) despite the force applied by biasing spring 350.

[0071] Other spring configurations are also contemplated. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, biasing spring 1350 may be configured as one or more flat springs defining an arc configured to flatten (defining an increased radius of curvature) in response to movement of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 from the home position to the engagement position and to curve (defining a reduced radius of curvature) to bias ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 from the engagement position back to the home position.

[0072] Turning to FIGS. 13A and 13B, in addition to the home position of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 providing sufficient clearance for the transverse engagement ofelongate assembly 104 with base assembly 102 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) contacts 340 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 are also spaced apart from corresponding contacts 390 of housing 112 in the home position of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 (FIG. 13 A), thus maintaining ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 in an electrically disconnected condition in the home position (FIG. 13 A). As ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 is moved from the home position (FIG. 13 A) to the engagement position (FIG. 13B), contacts 340 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 are moved into contact with corresponding contacts 390 of housing 112. Contacts 390 are configured to connect to ultrasonic generator 400 and / or power source 500 (see FIG. 1A) within housing 112 or, in aspects where a remote generator is utilized, to connect to cable 208 and plug 209 for ultimate connection to generator 600 (see FIG. 3). In either configuration, with contacts 340 and 390 connected with one another, an ultrasonic drive signal can be communicated to ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 to drive ultrasonic transducer assembly 300. Feedback signals may also be communicated via the connection of contacts 340 and 390. Further, although two sets of contacts 340, 390 are shown, any suitable number of contacts may be provided.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 13A and 13B, contacts 340 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 are configured as ring contacts disposed annularly about transducer housing 310 and contacts 390 of housing 112 are positioned radially outward of transducer housing 310 to define a slip ring configuration whereby contact between contacts 340 and 390 in the engagement position (FIG. 13B) is maintained regardless of the rotational orientation of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 relative to housing 112. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, contacts 1340 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 may be configured as ring contacts disposed on a distal face of transducer housing 310 and contacts 1390 of housing 112 are configured as pin or spring contacts positioned distally of and facing transducer housing 310 to define a slip ring configuration whereby contact between contacts 1340 and 1390 in the engagement position (FIG. 14B) is maintained regardless of the rotational orientation of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 relative to housing 112. The reverse is also contemplated, wherein contacts 1340 of ultrasonic transducer assembly 300 are configured as pin or spring contacts while contacts 1390 of housing 112 define ring contacts. Other configurations may also be provided.

[0074] Although the aspects and features of the present disclosure are detailed, in exemplary embodiments above, with respect to a handheld ultrasonic surgical instrument, it is also contemplated that the aspects and features of the present disclosure may apply to roboticultrasonic surgical instruments. Thus, rather than the housing of the base assembly configured for handheld use with manual actuators (e.g., for jaw actuation, energy application, rotation, etc.), it is contemplated that the base assembly and, more specifically, the housing thereof be configured to attach to a robotic surgical system whereby the manual actuation features (e.g., for jaw actuation, energy application, rotation, etc.) of the above-detailed base assembly are replaced with robotic input features to be actuated or otherwise driven by motors or other suitable robotic actuators associated with a robotic arm to which the housing is attached (directly or indirectly). Accordingly, reference to a housing and / or the operable components thereof, as utilized herein, is not limited to handheld or hand-actuated instruments but, instead, includes both handheld instruments (whether manually-actuated or powered) as well as robotic instruments. Similarly, reference to a base assembly, as utilized herein, includes any suitable assembly configured for manual, powered, and / or robotic use.

[0075] Aspects of this disclosure may be further described by reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0076] 1. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: a base assembly, including: a housing defining a distal opening having a first portion oriented distally and a second portion oriented transversely relative to the first portion; an ultrasonic transducer assembly supported by the housing and including a distal connector, the ultrasonic transducer assembly longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a more proximal home position and a more distal engagement position; and a biasing spring configured to bias the ultrasonic transducer assembly to the home position; and an elongate assembly configured to releasably engage the base assembly, the elongate assembly defining a longitudinal axis and including an ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal connector at a proximal end thereof and an ultrasonic blade at a distal end thereof, wherein, with the ultrasonic transducer assembly biased to the home position, longitudinal clearance is provided between the proximal and distal connectors to permit insertion of a proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, with the proximal portion of the elongate assembly disposed within the housing, urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly distally from the home position to the engagement position against the bias of the biasing spring longitudinally approximates the proximal and distal connectors to facilitateengagement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and the ultrasonic waveguide with one another.

[0077] 2. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the distal connector is proximally spaced from the second portion of the distal opening and wherein, in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the distal connector overlaps the second portion of the distal opening.

[0078] 3. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, whereimthe elongate assembly includes a drive shaft and a jaw member coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft, the drive shaft configured to move the jaw member relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue therebetween, the base assembly include a drive assembly, and the drive shaft is configured to operably engage the drive assembly of the base assembly upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that actuation of the drive assembly actuates the drive shaft to thereby move the jaw member between the open position and the closed position.

[0079] 4. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 3, whereimthe elongate assembly includes a support shaft movably supporting the jaw member at a distal end thereof, and the support shaft is configured to rotatably engage the housing of the base assembly upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the housing rotatably supports the elongate assembly.

[0080] 5. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 4, wherein the elongate assembly includes a nozzle engaged about the support shaft, the nozzle configured to rotatably engage the housing of the base assembly.

[0081] 6. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 3, wherein the base assembly further includes a trigger coupled to the housing and the drive assembly, the trigger configured to actuate the drive assembly.

[0082] 7. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically disconnected from contacts of the base assembly and wherein, in the engagement position of theultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically connected to the contacts of the base assembly.

[0083] 8. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 7, wherein the base assembly further includes a cable configured to connect to a surgical generator, and wherein the contacts of the base assembly are configured to electrically connect to the surgical generator via the cable.

[0084] 9. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 7, wherein the base assembly further includes an ultrasonic generator and a power source supported on or within the housing, and wherein the contacts of the base assembly are configured to electrically connect to at least one of the ultrasonic generator or the power source.

[0085] 10. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatable relative to the housing and wherein contacts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly and the contacts of the base assembly define a slip ring configuration to maintain electrical connection in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly regardless of a rotational orientation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly relative to the housing.

[0086] 11. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein the proximal and distal connectors are threaded connectors configured to engage one another upon relative rotation therebetween with the proximal and distal connectors longitudinally approximated relative to one another.

[0087] 12. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein the biasing spring is disposed between an internal wall of the housing and a distal face of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.

[0088] 13. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein a portion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly extends proximally from the housing of the base assembly to facilitate manual urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly from the home position to the engagement position.

[0089] 14. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, further comprising a door movable between an open position, permitting insertion and removal of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening, and a closed position enclosing the proximal portion of the elongate assembly within the housing.

[0090] 15. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer assembly is removable from the housing.

[0091] 16. An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising: a housing defining a distal opening and including an internal wall; an ultrasonic transducer assembly supported by the housing, the ultrasonic transducer assembly including a transducer housing disposed proximally of the internal wall and an ultrasonic horn extending distally through an opening defined within the internal wall, the ultrasonic transducer assembly longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a more proximal home position and a more distal engagement position; and a biasing spring disposed between the internal wall and the transducer housing and configured to bias the ultrasonic transducer assembly to the home position; and an elongate assembly configured to releasably engage the housing, the elongate assembly defining a longitudinal axis and including an ultrasonic waveguide, wherein, with the ultrasonic transducer assembly biased to the home position, longitudinal clearance is provided between the ultrasonic horn and the ultrasonic waveguide to permit insertion of a proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, with the proximal portion of the elongate assembly disposed within the housing, urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly distally from the home position to the engagement position against the bias of the biasing spring longitudinally approximates the ultrasonic horn and the ultrasonic waveguide to enable operable engagement of the ultrasonic horn and the ultrasonic waveguide with one another.

[0092] 17. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 16, wherein the elongate assembly includes proximal nozzle and a support shaft extending distally from the proximal nozzle, and wherein the proximal nozzle is configured to rotatably engage the housing upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the housing rotatably supports the elongate assembly.

[0093] 18. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 17, wherein: the elongate assembly includes a drive shaft and a jaw member coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft, the drive shaft configured to move the jaw member relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue therebetween, the housing defines a handle, the ultrasonic surgical instrument further comprises a trigger coupled to the handle and adrive assembly coupled to the trigger, and the drive shaft is configured to operably engage the drive assembly upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly through the distal opening of the housing and into the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that actuation of the trigger moves the jaw member between the open position and the closed position.

[0094] 19. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically disconnected from contacts of the housing and wherein, in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly is electrically connected to the contacts of the housing.

[0095] 20. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to paragraph 15, wherein a portion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly extends proximally from the housing to facilitate manual urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly from the home position to the engagement position.

[0096] While several aspects of the disclosure have been detailed above and are shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description and accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An ultrasonic surgical instrument (100), comprising: a base assembly (102), including: a housing (112) defining a distal opening (170) having a first portion oriented distally and a second portion oriented transversely relative to the first portion; an ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) supported by the housing (112) and including a distal connector (332), the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) longitudinally movable relative to the housing (112) between a more proximal home position and a more distal engagement position; and a biasing spring (350) configured to bias the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) to the home position; and an elongate assembly (104) configured to releasably engage the base assembly (102), the elongate assembly (104) defining a longitudinal axis and including an ultrasonic waveguide (154) having a proximal connector (158) at a proximal end thereof and an ultrasonic blade (162) at a distal end thereof, wherein, with the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) biased to the home position, longitudinal clearance is provided between the proximal and distal connectors (158, 332) to permit insertion of a proximal portion of the elongate assembly (104) through the distal opening (170) of the housing (112) and into the housing (112) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, with the proximal portion of the elongate assembly (104) disposed within the housing (112), urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) distally from the home position to the engagement position against the bias of the biasing spring (350) longitudinally approximates the proximal and distal connectors (158, 332) to facilitate engagement of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) and the ultrasonic waveguide (154) with one another.

2. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300), the distal connector (332) is proximally spaced from the second portion of the distal opening (170) and wherein, in the engagement position of theultrasonic transducer assembly (300), the distal connector (332) overlaps the second portion of the distal opening (170).

3. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the elongate assembly (104) includes a drive shaft (152) and a jaw member (164) coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft (152), the drive shaft (152) configured to move the jaw member (164) relative to the ultrasonic blade (162) between an open position and a closed position for clamping tissue therebetween, the base assembly (102) include a drive assembly (140), and the drive shaft (152) is configured to operably engage the drive assembly (140) of the base assembly (102) upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly (104) through the distal opening (170) of the housing (112) and into the housing (112) in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that actuation of the drive assembly (140) actuates the drive shaft (152) to thereby move the jaw member (164) between the open position and the closed position.

4. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein: the elongate assembly (104) includes a support shaft (153) movably supporting the jaw member (164) at a distal end thereof, and the support shaft (153) is configured to rotatably engage the housing (112) of the base assembly (102) upon insertion of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly (104) through the distal opening (170) of the housing (112) and into the housing (112) in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the housing (112) rotatably supports the elongate assembly (104).

5. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the elongate assembly (104) includes a nozzle (156a) engaged about the support shaft, the nozzle configured to rotatably engage the housing (112) of the base assembly (102).

6. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base assembly (102) further includes a trigger (130) coupled to the housing (112) and the drive assembly (140), the trigger (130) configured to actuate the drive assembly (140).

7. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the home position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) is electrically disconnected from contacts (390, 1390) of the base assembly (102) and wherein, in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) is electrically connected to the contacts (390, 1390) of the base assembly (102).

8. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the base assembly (102) further includes a cable (208) configured to connect to a surgical generator (600), and wherein the contacts (390, 1390) of the base assembly (102) are configured to electrically connect to the surgical generator (600) via the cable (208).

9. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the base assembly (102) further includes an ultrasonic generator (400) and a power source (500) supported on or within the housing (112), and wherein the contacts (390, 1390) of the base assembly (102) are configured to electrically connect to at least one of the ultrasonic generator (400) or the power source (500).

10. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) is rotatable relative to the housing (112) and wherein contacts (340, 1340) of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) and the contacts (390, 1390) of the base assembly (102) define a slip ring configuration to maintain electrical connection in the engagement position of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) regardless of a rotational orientation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) relative to the housing (112).

11. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the proximal and distal connectors (158, 332) are threaded connectors configured to engage one another uponrelative rotation therebetween with the proximal and distal connectors (158, 332) longitudinally approximated relative to one another.

12. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the biasing spring (350) is disposed between an internal wall (119) of the housing (112) and a distal face of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300).

13. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) extends proximally from the housing (112) of the base assembly (102) to facilitate manual urging of the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) from the home position to the engagement position.

14. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, further comprising a door (176) movable between an open position, permitting insertion and removal of the proximal portion of the elongate assembly (104) through the distal opening (170), and a closed position enclosing the proximal portion of the elongate assembly (104) within the housing (112).

15. The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to any preceding claim, wherein the ultrasonic transducer assembly (300) is removable from the housing (112).

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