Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ultrasonic surgical devices, and more particularly to an ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus for coagulating and/or cutting tissue, including an improved tissue pad for securing tissue within a clamp arm of a surgical clamp coagulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ultrasonic surgical devices, and more particularly to an ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus for coagulating and/or cutting tissue, including an arrangement for pivotally mounting a clamp arm of the apparatus in order to form an improved jaw useful in manipulating tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved arrangement for mounting the pivotal clamp arm of the present clamp coagulator apparatus and providing the means to slideably engage the clamp arm via an outer actuating tube sliding over a non-actuating inner tube upon which the clamp arm is mounted. The arrangement is desirably economical in configuration, and cooperates with the associated pivotal clamp arm to position and maintain the clamp arm in substantial alignment with an associated end-effector, notwithstanding normal manufacturing tolerances of the components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for limiting the force applied to tissue by a mounted pivotal clamp arm of the present clamp coagulator apparatus and providing the appropriate amount of force to correctly positioned tissue. The arrangement is desirably economical in configuration, and cooperates with the associated pivotal clamp arm to position and maintain the clamp arm in substantial alignment with an associated end-effector, notwithstanding normal manufacturing tolerances of the components.

Abstract: Methods and devices that provide reduced transverse motion in a curved ultrasonic blade and/or ultrasonic surgical instrument with functional asymmetries. An ultrasonic blade in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a curved functional portion of an ultrasonic blade, wherein the center of mass of the curved functional portion lies on the mid-line of a waveguide delivering ultrasonic energy to the blade. Balancing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, using placement of the center of mass of the curved portion of the blade appropriately, provides blade balance in a proximal portion of the blade, without reduction of mass and inherent stress increase proximal to the end-effector.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-surgical-shears stop pad has a stop-pad body including a base material and at least one filler material. An alternate ultrasonic-surgical-shears stop pad has a stop-pad body adjacent to tissue pad. An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade and a clamping arm which is operable to open and close toward the blade and which has a transversely and resiliently flexible distal tip. An alternate ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a stop pad attached to the clamping arm and having a blade contact surface, wherein at least a portion of the stop pad is resiliently flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the blade contact surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate nutritional malabsorption by diverting digestive secretions, such as bile or pancreatic secretions. A tube is positioned substantially within the small intestine. The tube comprises a proximal end which when deployed is operative to receive digestive secretions, a distal end which when deployed is operative to discharge the digestive secretions into the alimentary tract, and a tube wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the tube wall inner surface defining passage extending between the proximal and distal ends. When deployed the passage is operative to transfer the digestive secretions from the proximal end to the distal end thereby reducing digestive contact between the digestive secretions and food in the small intestine.