Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical system is disclosed comprising a surgical instrument and a wrench assembly. The surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly and a body member pivotably coupled to the handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a first finger grip, an ultrasonic blade, and a waveguide extending proximally from the ultrasonic blade. The body member comprises a second finger grip, a clamp arm movable relative to the ultrasonic blade to capture tissue therebetween, a first body surface defined on a first side of the body member, and a second body surface defined on a second side of the body member. The wrench assembly comprises a wrench and an adapter operably coupled to the wrench. The adapter comprises a first wrench surface configured to engage the first body surface and a second wrench surface configured to engage the second body surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the epidural space in a mammal has a cutting sheath with a distal end adapted to transition from a closed cutting configuration to an open configuration. A tissue engagement device is in a hollow portion of the sheath. The tissue engagement device has a blunt distal end and an engagement feature. A method of accessing an epidural space includes the step of forming an opening to a position at or near the ligamentum flavum using the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is positioning a tissue engagement device within the hollow portion of the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is transitioning the cutting sheath from the closed cutting configuration to the open configuration. Another step of the method is manipulating the tissue engagement device to controllably advance the tissue engagement device at least partially through the ligamentum flavum.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the epidural space in a mammal has a cutting sheath with a distal end adapted to transition from a closed cutting configuration to an open configuration. A tissue engagement device is in a hollow portion of the sheath. The tissue engagement device has a blunt distal end and an engagement feature. A method of accessing an epidural space includes the step of forming an opening to a position at or near the ligamentum flavum using the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is positioning a tissue engagement device within the hollow portion of the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is transitioning the cutting sheath from the closed cutting configuration to the open configuration. Another step of the method is manipulating the tissue engagement device to controllably advance the tissue engagement device at least partially through the ligamentum flavum.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the epidural space in a mammal has a cutting sheath with a distal end adapted to transition from a closed cutting configuration to an open configuration. A tissue engagement device is in a hollow portion of the sheath. The tissue engagement device has a blunt distal end and an engagement feature. A method of accessing an epidural space includes the step of forming an opening to a position at or near the ligamentum flavum using the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is positioning a tissue engagement device within the hollow portion of the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is transitioning the cutting sheath from the closed cutting configuration to the open configuration. Another step of the method is manipulating the tissue engagement device to controllably advance the tissue engagement device at least partially through the ligamentum flavum.

Abstract: Provided are surgical fasteners coated with a material including an initiator configured for activation upon application of an initiator. The surgical fasteners may be configured for use in combination with a surgical fastener applying apparatus. In one version, the surgical fastener is a surgical staple including a pair of legs, a crown interconnecting the pair of legs, and a material including an initiator coating at least a portion of the legs and/or crown. Adhesive may be delivered into contact with the initiator associated with the surgical fasteners such that a desirable size, shape, and configuration of activated or polymerized adhesive is created.