US5968007A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power-limit control for ultrasonic surgical instrument
Assignee: Sonics and Materials Inc
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Filing: 1997-05-01
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Granted: 1999-10-19
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Expires: 2017-05-01
Abstract
Abstract A control for an ultrasonic surgical instrument is described wherein a transducer having an elongate tip is vibrated to perform surgery. The amplitude of the vibrations by the tip are controlled and the power delivered to the tip can be set so that the operator of the instrument can in effect render the instrument sensitive to different tissues to avoid damage thereto and enhance the safety of the patient.
Inventors
- 👤 William P. Simon
- 👤 Alan Broadwin
- 👤 John Massa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320068; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00026; A61B2017/00115; A61B2017/00119; A61B2017/00123
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for limiting the ultrasonic power from an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer with a tip whose vibration amplitude is controlled by an output parameter of a sonic generator for driving the transducer, comprising: means for producing a power signal indicative of the ultrasonic output power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer; means for generating a reference signal representative of the desired output power to the ultrasonic transducer; means responsive to the power signal and the reference signal for generating a demand signal when the output power to the ultrasonic transducer exceeds the desired output power; and means for using the demand signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for limiting the ultrasonic power from an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer with a tip whose vibration amplitude is controlled by an output parameter of a sonic generator for driving the transducer, comprising: means for producing a power signal indicative of the ultrasonic output power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer; means for generating a reference signal representative of the desired output power to the ultrasonic transducer; means responsive to the power signal and the reference signal for generating a demand signal when the output power to the ultrasonic transducer exceeds the desired output power; and means for using the demand signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said power signal producing means comprises means for sensing the current flowing to the ultrasonic transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said power signal generating means comprises means for sensing the voltage applied to the ultrasonic transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for using the demand signal comprises an audible alarm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for using the demand signal comprises a visual indication.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and further including means responsive to said demand signal for changing the output power to said ultrasonic transducer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said output power changing means comprises a switch actuated by said demand signal and interposed to effectively cause an interruption of ultrasonic power to said ultrasonic transducer.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for limiting the ultrasonic power from an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer with a tip whose vibration amplitude is controlled by an output parameter of a sonic generator for driving the transducer, comprising: means for producing a power signal indicative of the ultrasonic output power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer; means for generating a reference signal representative of the desired output power to the ultrasonic transducer; means responsive to the power signal and the reference signal for generating a demand signal when the output power to the ultrasonic transducer exceeds the desired output power; means responsive to the demand signal for reducing the output power from the sonic generator; and means responsive to said demand signal for providing an indication thereof.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for limiting the ultrasonic power from an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer with a tip whose vibration amplitude is controlled by an output parameter of a sonic generator for driving the transducer, comprising: means for producing a power signal indicative of the ultrasonic output power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer; means for generating a reference signal representative of the desired output power to the ultrasonic transducer; means responsive to the power signal and the reference signal for generating a demand signal when the output power to the ultrasonic transducer exceeds the desired output power; means responsive to the demand signal for reducing the output power from the sonic generator; and means responsive to said demand signal for providing an indication thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said indication providing means comprises an audible alarm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said means for reducing the output power interrupts the output power without reducing the tip vibration amplitude.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for limiting the ultrasonic power from an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer with a tip whose vibration amplitude is controlled by an output parameter of a sonic generator for driving the transducer, comprising: means for producing a power signal indicative of the ultrasonic output power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer; means for generating a reference signal representative of the desired output power to the ultrasonic transducer; means responsive to the power signal and the reference signal for generating a demand signal when the output power to the ultrasonic transducer exceeds the desired output power; a foot switch coupled to generate a signal to activate the sonic generator; and means responsive to the demand signal and the signal generated by the foot switch for interrupting the output power from the sonic generator and enabling the sonic generator after a subsequent reactivation of the foot switch.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for limiting the ultrasonic power from an ultrasonic surgical instrument having an ultrasonic transducer with a tip whose vibration amplitude is controlled by an output parameter of a sonic generator for driving the transducer, comprising: means for producing a power signal indicative of the ultrasonic output power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer; means for generating a reference signal representative of the desired output power to the ultrasonic transducer; means responsive to the power signal and the reference signal for generating a demand signal when the output power to the ultrasonic transducer exceeds the desired output power; a foot switch coupled to generate a signal to activate the sonic generator; and means responsive to the demand signal and the signal generated by the foot switch for interrupting the output power from the sonic generator and enabling the sonic generator after a subsequent reactivation of the foot switch.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for using an ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising the steps of: selecting the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations of an ultrasonic transducer driven by the instrument; selecting a desired maximum power level to be applied to the ultrasonic transducer; comparing the actual power applied to the transducer to the desired maximum power level and producing a power signal indicative thereof; and interrupting the power to the ultrasonic transducer when the actual power exceeds the desired maximum power level.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for using an ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising the steps of: selecting the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations of an ultrasonic transducer driven by the instrument; selecting a desired maximum power level to be applied to the ultrasonic transducer; comparing the actual power applied to the transducer to the desired maximum power level and producing a power signal indicative thereof; and interrupting the power to the ultrasonic transducer when the actual power exceeds the desired maximum power level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-10-18 | 2003-04-19 | 2003-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-18 | 2007-04-19 | 2007-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-18 | 2011-04-19 | 2011-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |