Title of Invention	ULTRASONIC MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CONNECTION ASSEMBLY
Abstract	An ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly including a vibration antinode, a handpiece, and a medical ultrasonic blade. The blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode. The blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece. A medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations includes first, second, and third connecting members. The first connecting member is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis. The second connecting member is capable of being positioned to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physically contact with the first connecting member. The third connecting member surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member and is threadbly engageable with the first connecting member.

Title of Invention

ULTRASONIC MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CONNECTION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly including a vibration antinode, a handpiece, and a medical ultrasonic blade. The blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode. The blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece. A medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations includes first, second, and third connecting members. The first connecting member is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis. The second connecting member is capable of being positioned to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physically contact with the first connecting member. The third connecting member surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member and is threadbly engageable with the first connecting member.

Full Text	ULTRASONIC MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CONNECTION ASSEMBLY [0001] Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is related generally to medical instruments, and more particularly to an ultrasonic medical instrument and to a medical- instrument connection assembly. [0003] Background of the Invention [0004] Medical instruments are known which include a handpiece and a medical ultrasonic blade assembly. The handpiece contains an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic blade of the assembly makes physical contact with, and is connected to, the handpiece of the assembly only by a threaded connection (internal threads on the blade and external threads on the handpiece) proximate a vibration antinode. This requires multiple turns to attach the blade, requires a torque-limiting device to correctly attach me blade, and is prone to threads being stripped or broken. Quick connections are known which had the blade contact the handpiece at a vibration antinode but provided the force to hold the two members together at a -vibration node. This did not work reliably over a wide range of inputs and was not implemented. [0005] Still, scientists and engineers continue to seek improved handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assemblies and improved medical-instrument connection assemblies. [0006] Summary of the Invention [0007] A first expression of an embodiment of the invention is for an ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly. The handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly includes a vibration antinode, a handpiece and a medical ultrasonic blade. The medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode. The medical ultrasonic blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece. [0008] A second expression of an embodiment of the invention is for a medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations and includes-an ultrasound-medical-instrument first connecting member, an ultrasound-medical-instrument second connecting member, and an ultrasound- medical-instrument third connecting member. The first connecting member is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis. The second connecting member is capable of being positioned to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member. The third connecting member surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member and is threadably engageable with the first connecting member. [0009] Several benefits and advantages are obtained from one or more of the expressions of an embodiment of the invention. In one example, physical contact and threadable engagement (internal threads on the handpiece acting on the external diameter of the blade) proximate a longitudinal vibration antinode provide improved ultrasound transfer while threadable engagement radially apart from the physical contact allows for a quick connection (and disconnection) without requiring multiple turns or a torque limiting device while reducing the possibility of stripped or broken threads. [0010] The present invention has, without limitation, application with straight or curved ultrasonic surgical blades and further in hand-activated instruments as well as in robotic-assisted instruments. [0011] Brief Description of the Figures [0012] FIGURE 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an ultrasonic medical instrument of the invention, including an embodiment of a medical-instrument connection assembly of the invention, wherein the handpiece makes a tapered physical contact with the wave guide portion of the blade, and wherein the third connecting member is fixedly attached to the second connecting member; and [0013] FIGURE 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an ultrasonic medical instrument of the invention, including an embodiment of a medical-instrument connection assembly of the invention, wherein the handpiece makes a non-tapered physical contact with the end effector portion of the blade, and wherein the third connecting member is rotatably attached to the second connecting member. [0014] Detailed Description of the Invention [0015] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the invention is not limited in its application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments of the invention may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments of the present invention for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limiting the invention. [0016] It is understood that any one or more of the following-described embodiments, examples, etc. can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described embodiments, examples, etc. [0017] Referring now to the Figures, in which like numerals indicate like elements, Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention. A first expression of the embodiment of Figure 1 is for an ultrasonic medical instrument 8 having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 10. The handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 10 includes a vibration antinode 16, a handpiece 12, and a medical ultrasonic blade 14. The medical ultrasonic blade 14 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 12 proximate the vibration antinode 16. The medical ultrasonic blade 14 is in ultrasound- transmitting physical contact with the handpiece 12 proximate the vibration antinode 16 and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade 14 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 12. [0018] In one enablement of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure 1, the handpiece 12 includes an ultrasound transducer 18, the vibration antinode 16 is a longitudinal vibration antinode, and the medical ultrasonic blade 14 is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece 12 transversely apart (such as radially apart in the case of a circularly cylindrical blade) from where the medical ultrasonic blade 14 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 12. It is noted that the term "proximate" includes, without limitation, the word "at". Other enablements, including handpieces which transfer ultrasound vibration from an ultrasound transducer located remote from the handpiece, and including non-longitudinal vibrational modes, are left to those skilled in the art. It is noted that electrical connections to the handpiece (such as a cable from a generator outside the handpiece to the ultrasound transmitter inside the handpiece) and fluid connections to the handpiece have been omitted from Figure 1 for clarity. [0019] In one arrangement of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure 1, the medical ultrasonic blade 14 includes a first connecting member 20 having a longitudinal axis 22. In this arrangement, the handpiece 12 includes a second connecting member 24 which is substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 22 and which is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member 20 proximate the vibration antinode 16. In this arrangement, the handpiece 12 includes a third connecting member 26 which surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member 24 and which is threadably engaged with the first connecting member 20 proximate the vibration antinode 16. [0020] In one construction of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure 1 having the connecting-member arrangement, the first connecting member 20 is a monolithic portion of the medical ultrasonic blade 14. In one variation, the handpiece 12 includes an ultrasound transducer 18 and a protrusion 28 operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer 18. In one modification, the second connecting member 24 is a monolithic portion of the protrusion 28. In one example, the third connecting member 26 is fixedly attached to the second connecting member 24 by being a monolithic portion of the protrusion 28. Non-monolithic members and their attachments are left to the artisan. [0021] In a first application of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure 1 having the connecting-member arrangement, the first connecting member 20 includes a substantially longitudinally-facing surface 30 having a tapered recess 32, and the second connecting member 24 has a tapered end 34 engaged in the tapered recess 32. The taper of the tapered recess 32 is greater than the taper of the tapered end 34 to insure ultrasound-transmitting physical contact In one variation, the first connecting member 20 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing 36, and the third connecting member 26 has internal threads 38 threadably engaging the annular wing 36. In one modification, the first connecting member 20 has a first lumen 40, and the second connecting member 24 has a second lumen 42 in fluid communication with the first lumen 40. In one employment, liquid is transmitted to patient tissue through the first and second lumens 40 and 42. In one example, the first, second and third connecting members 20,24 and 26 together define a luer-type connection. [0022] In a second application, as shown in the embodiment of the handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 110 of Figure 2, the first connecting member 120 includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 130, and the second connecting member 124 has a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 131 abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 130 of the first connecting member 120. In one variation, the first connecting member 120 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing 136, and the third connecting member 126 has internal threads 138 threadably engaging the annular wing 136. In one modification, the first connecting member 120 has a first lumen 140, and the second connecting member 124 has a second lumen 142 in fluid communication with the first lumen 140. [0023] In one configuration of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure 1, the medical ultrasonic blade 14 includes a proximal wave guide portion 44 and a distal end effector portion 46, and the proximal wave guide portion 44 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 12. In a second configuration, as shown in the second embodiment of Figure 2, the medical ultrasonic blade 114 includes an end effector portion 146, and the end effector portion 146 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 112. In one variation, the handpiece 112 includes an ultrasound transducer 118. [0024] A second expression of the embodiment of Figure 1 is for a medical- instrument connection assembly 48 for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations and includes an ultrasound-medical-instrument first connecting member 20, an ultrasound-medical-instrument second connecting member 24, and an ultrasound-medical-instrument third connecting member 26. The first connecting member 20 is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis 22. The second connecting member 24 is disposable to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 22 and in contact with the first connecting member 20. The third connecting member 26 surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting, member 24 and is threadably engageable with the first connecting member 20. In one example, one or more of the connecting members 20, 24 and 26 is operatively connected to, or a monolithic portion of, a medical ultrasonic blade 14, and in another example, not shown, there is no medical ultrasonic blade present. [0025] In a first employment of the second expression of the embodiment of Figure 1, a medical ultrasonic blade 14, of a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 10 of an ultrasonic medical instrument 8, includes the first connecting member 20, and a handpiece 12, of the handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 10, includes the second and third connecting members 24 and 26. In a second employment, not shown, a handpiece, of a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly of an ultrasonic medical instrument, includes the first connecting member, and a medical ultrasonic blade, of the handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly; includes the second and third connecting members. [0026] In a first application of the second expression of the embodiment of Figure 1, the first connecting member 20 includes a substantially longitudinally- facing surface 30 having a tapered recess 32, and the second connecting member 24 has a tapered end 34 engaged in the tapered recess 32. The taper of the tapered recess 32 is greater than the taper of the tapered end 34 to insure ultrasound-transmitting physical contact. In one variation, the first connecting member 20 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing 36, and the third connecting member 26 has internal threads 38 threadably engaging the annular wing 36. In one modification, the first connecting member 20 has a first lumen 40, and the second connecting member 24 has a second lumen 42 in fluid communication with the first lumen 40. In one example, the first, second and third connecting members 20, 24 and 26 together define a luer-type connection. [0027] In a second application, as shown in the embodiment of the medical- instrument connection assembly 148 of Figure 2, the first connecting member 120 includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 130, and the second connecting member 124 has a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 131 abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 130 of the first connecting member 120. In one variation, the first connecting member 120 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing 136, and the third connecting member 126 has internal threads 138 threadably engaging the annular wing 136. In one modification, the first connecting member 120 has a first lumen 140, and the second connecting member 124 has a second lumen 142 in fluid communication with the first lumen 140. [0028] Several benefits and advantages are obtained from one or more of the expressions of an embodiment of the invention. In one example, physical contact and threadable engagement (internal threads on the handpiece acting on the external diameter of the blade) proximate a longitudinal vibration antinode provide improved ultrasound transfer while threadable engagement radially apart from the physical contact allows for a quick connection (and disconnection) without requiring multiple turns or a torque limiting device while reducing the possibility of stripped or broken threads. [0029] While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of several embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or limit the spirit and scope of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous other variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the ultrasonic medical instrument and the medical-instrument connection assembly of the invention have application in robotic assisted surgery taking into account the obvious modifications of such systems, components and methods to be compatible with such a robotic system. It will be understood that the foregoing description is provided by way of example, and that other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended Claims. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An ultrasonic medical instrument comprising a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly, wherein the handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly includes: a) a vibration antinode; b) a handpiece; and c) a medical ultrasonic blade, wherein the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode, and wherein the medical ultrasonic blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece. 2. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical ultrasonic blade includes a first connecting member having a longitudinal axis, wherein the handpiece includes a second connecting member which is substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and which is in ultrasound- transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member proximate the vibration antinode, and wherein the handpiece includes a third connecting member which surrounds and is rotatably or fixedly attached to the second connecting member and which is threadably engaged with the first connecting member proximate (he vibration antinode. 3. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the first connecting member is a monolithic portion of the medical ultrasonic blade, wherein the handpiece includes an ultrasound transducer and a protrusion operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer, and wherein the second connecting member is a monolithic portion of the protrusion. 4. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the first connecting member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing surface having a tapered recess, and wherein the second connecting member has a tapered end engaged in the tapered recess. 5. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 4, wherein the first connecting member has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing, and wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably engaging the annular wing. 6. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 5, wherein the first connecting member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting member has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. 7. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 6, wherein the first, second and third connecting members together define a luer-type connection. 8. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the first connecting member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface, and wherein the second connecting member has a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface of the first connecting member. 9. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 8, wherein the first connecting member has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing, and wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably engaging the annular wing. 10. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 9, wherein the first connecting member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting member has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. 11. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical ultrasonic blade includes an end effector portion, and wherein the end effector portion is threadably engaged by the handpiece. 12. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical ultrasonic blade includes a proximal wave guide portion and a distal end effector portion, and wherein the proximal wave guide portion is threadably engaged by the handpiece. 13. A medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations comprising: a) an ultrasound-medical-instrument first connecting member adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and having a longitudinal axis; b) an ultrasound-medical-instrument second connecting member disposable to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member; and c) an ultrasound-medical-instrument third connecting member which surrounds and is rotatably or fixedly attached to the second connecting member and which is threadably engageable with the first connecting member. 14. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 13, wherein the first connecting member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing surface having a tapered recess, and wherein the second connecting member has a tapered end engaged in the tapered recess. 15. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 14, wherein the first connecting member has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing, and wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably engaging the annular wing. 16. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 15, wherein the first connecting member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting member has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. 17. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 16, wherein the first, second and third connecting members together define a luer-type connection. 18. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 13, wherein the first connecting member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface, and wherein the second connecting member has a substantially longitudinally- facing flat surface abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface of the first connecting member. 19. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 18, wherein the first connecting member has a substantially transversely-extending annular wing, and wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably engaging the annular wing. 20. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 19, wherein the first connecting member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting member has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen. An ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly including a vibration antinode, a handpiece, and a medical ultrasonic blade. The blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode. The blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece. A medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations includes first, second, and third connecting members. The first connecting member is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis. The second connecting member is capable of being positioned to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physically contact with the first connecting member. The third connecting member surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member and is threadbly engageable with the first connecting member.

Full Text

ULTRASONIC MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND
MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CONNECTION ASSEMBLY
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is related generally to medical instruments, and
more particularly to an ultrasonic medical instrument and to a medical-
instrument connection assembly.
[0003] Background of the Invention
[0004] Medical instruments are known which include a handpiece and a
medical ultrasonic blade assembly. The handpiece contains an ultrasound
transducer. The ultrasonic blade of the assembly makes physical contact with,
and is connected to, the handpiece of the assembly only by a threaded
connection (internal threads on the blade and external threads on the handpiece)
proximate a vibration antinode. This requires multiple turns to attach the blade,
requires a torque-limiting device to correctly attach me blade, and is prone to
threads being stripped or broken. Quick connections are known which had the
blade contact the handpiece at a vibration antinode but provided the force to
hold the two members together at a -vibration node. This did not work reliably
over a wide range of inputs and was not implemented.
[0005] Still, scientists and engineers continue to seek improved handpiece and
medical ultrasonic blade assemblies and improved medical-instrument
connection assemblies.
[0006] Summary of the Invention
[0007] A first expression of an embodiment of the invention is for an
ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade
assembly. The handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly includes a

vibration antinode, a handpiece and a medical ultrasonic blade. The medical
ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration
antinode. The medical ultrasonic blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical
contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from
where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece.
[0008] A second expression of an embodiment of the invention is for a
medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations
and includes-an ultrasound-medical-instrument first connecting member, an
ultrasound-medical-instrument second connecting member, and an ultrasound-
medical-instrument third connecting member. The first connecting member is
adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis. The second
connecting member is capable of being positioned to be substantially coaxially
aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physical
contact with the first connecting member. The third connecting member
surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting
member and is threadably engageable with the first connecting member.
[0009] Several benefits and advantages are obtained from one or more of the
expressions of an embodiment of the invention. In one example, physical
contact and threadable engagement (internal threads on the handpiece acting on
the external diameter of the blade) proximate a longitudinal vibration antinode
provide improved ultrasound transfer while threadable engagement radially
apart from the physical contact allows for a quick connection (and
disconnection) without requiring multiple turns or a torque limiting device
while reducing the possibility of stripped or broken threads.
[0010] The present invention has, without limitation, application with straight
or curved ultrasonic surgical blades and further in hand-activated instruments as
well as in robotic-assisted instruments.
[0011] Brief Description of the Figures

[0012] FIGURE 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment
of an ultrasonic medical instrument of the invention, including an embodiment
of a medical-instrument connection assembly of the invention, wherein the
handpiece makes a tapered physical contact with the wave guide portion of the
blade, and wherein the third connecting member is fixedly attached to the
second connecting member; and
[0013] FIGURE 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of an ultrasonic medical instrument of the invention, including an
embodiment of a medical-instrument connection assembly of the invention,
wherein the handpiece makes a non-tapered physical contact with the end
effector portion of the blade, and wherein the third connecting member is
rotatably attached to the second connecting member.
[0014] Detailed Description of the Invention
[0015] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it should be noted
that the invention is not limited in its application or use to the details of
construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings
and description. The illustrative embodiments of the invention may be
implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and
modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways.
Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed
herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative
embodiments of the present invention for the convenience of the reader and are
not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
[0016] It is understood that any one or more of the following-described
embodiments, examples, etc. can be combined with any one or more of the
other following-described embodiments, examples, etc.
[0017] Referring now to the Figures, in which like numerals indicate like
elements, Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention. A first
expression of the embodiment of Figure 1 is for an ultrasonic medical

instrument 8 having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 10.
The handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 10 includes a vibration
antinode 16, a handpiece 12, and a medical ultrasonic blade 14. The medical
ultrasonic blade 14 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 12 proximate the
vibration antinode 16. The medical ultrasonic blade 14 is in ultrasound-
transmitting physical contact with the handpiece 12 proximate the vibration
antinode 16 and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade 14 is threadably
engaged by the handpiece 12.
[0018] In one enablement of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure
1, the handpiece 12 includes an ultrasound transducer 18, the vibration antinode
16 is a longitudinal vibration antinode, and the medical ultrasonic blade 14 is in
ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece 12 transversely
apart (such as radially apart in the case of a circularly cylindrical blade) from
where the medical ultrasonic blade 14 is threadably engaged by the handpiece
12. It is noted that the term "proximate" includes, without limitation, the word
"at". Other enablements, including handpieces which transfer ultrasound
vibration from an ultrasound transducer located remote from the handpiece, and
including non-longitudinal vibrational modes, are left to those skilled in the art.
It is noted that electrical connections to the handpiece (such as a cable from a
generator outside the handpiece to the ultrasound transmitter inside the
handpiece) and fluid connections to the handpiece have been omitted from
Figure 1 for clarity.
[0019] In one arrangement of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure
1, the medical ultrasonic blade 14 includes a first connecting member 20 having
a longitudinal axis 22. In this arrangement, the handpiece 12 includes a second
connecting member 24 which is substantially coaxially aligned with the
longitudinal axis 22 and which is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact
with the first connecting member 20 proximate the vibration antinode 16. In
this arrangement, the handpiece 12 includes a third connecting member 26
which surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting

member 24 and which is threadably engaged with the first connecting member
20 proximate the vibration antinode 16.
[0020] In one construction of the first expression of the embodiment of Figure
1 having the connecting-member arrangement, the first connecting member 20
is a monolithic portion of the medical ultrasonic blade 14. In one variation, the
handpiece 12 includes an ultrasound transducer 18 and a protrusion 28
operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer 18. In one modification, the
second connecting member 24 is a monolithic portion of the protrusion 28. In
one example, the third connecting member 26 is fixedly attached to the second
connecting member 24 by being a monolithic portion of the protrusion 28.
Non-monolithic members and their attachments are left to the artisan.
[0021] In a first application of the first expression of the embodiment of
Figure 1 having the connecting-member arrangement, the first connecting
member 20 includes a substantially longitudinally-facing surface 30 having a
tapered recess 32, and the second connecting member 24 has a tapered end 34
engaged in the tapered recess 32. The taper of the tapered recess 32 is greater
than the taper of the tapered end 34 to insure ultrasound-transmitting physical
contact In one variation, the first connecting member 20 has a substantially
transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing 36, and the third connecting
member 26 has internal threads 38 threadably engaging the annular wing 36. In
one modification, the first connecting member 20 has a first lumen 40, and the
second connecting member 24 has a second lumen 42 in fluid communication
with the first lumen 40. In one employment, liquid is transmitted to patient
tissue through the first and second lumens 40 and 42. In one example, the first,
second and third connecting members 20,24 and 26 together define a luer-type
connection.
[0022] In a second application, as shown in the embodiment of the handpiece
and medical ultrasonic blade assembly 110 of Figure 2, the first connecting
member 120 includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 130, and
the second connecting member 124 has a substantially longitudinally-facing flat

surface 131 abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat
surface 130 of the first connecting member 120. In one variation, the first
connecting member 120 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending
annular wing 136, and the third connecting member 126 has internal threads
138 threadably engaging the annular wing 136. In one modification, the first
connecting member 120 has a first lumen 140, and the second connecting
member 124 has a second lumen 142 in fluid communication with the first
lumen 140.
[0023] In one configuration of the first expression of the embodiment of
Figure 1, the medical ultrasonic blade 14 includes a proximal wave guide
portion 44 and a distal end effector portion 46, and the proximal wave guide
portion 44 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 12. In a second
configuration, as shown in the second embodiment of Figure 2, the medical
ultrasonic blade 114 includes an end effector portion 146, and the end effector
portion 146 is threadably engaged by the handpiece 112. In one variation, the
handpiece 112 includes an ultrasound transducer 118.
[0024] A second expression of the embodiment of Figure 1 is for a medical-
instrument connection assembly 48 for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations and
includes an ultrasound-medical-instrument first connecting member 20, an
ultrasound-medical-instrument second connecting member 24, and an
ultrasound-medical-instrument third connecting member 26. The first
connecting member 20 is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a
longitudinal axis 22. The second connecting member 24 is disposable to be
substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 22 and in contact with
the first connecting member 20. The third connecting member 26 surrounds,
and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting, member 24 and is
threadably engageable with the first connecting member 20. In one example,
one or more of the connecting members 20, 24 and 26 is operatively connected
to, or a monolithic portion of, a medical ultrasonic blade 14, and in another
example, not shown, there is no medical ultrasonic blade present.

[0025] In a first employment of the second expression of the embodiment of
Figure 1, a medical ultrasonic blade 14, of a handpiece and medical ultrasonic
blade assembly 10 of an ultrasonic medical instrument 8, includes the first
connecting member 20, and a handpiece 12, of the handpiece and medical
ultrasonic blade assembly 10, includes the second and third connecting
members 24 and 26. In a second employment, not shown, a handpiece, of a
handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly of an ultrasonic medical
instrument, includes the first connecting member, and a medical ultrasonic
blade, of the handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly; includes the
second and third connecting members.
[0026] In a first application of the second expression of the embodiment of
Figure 1, the first connecting member 20 includes a substantially longitudinally-
facing surface 30 having a tapered recess 32, and the second connecting
member 24 has a tapered end 34 engaged in the tapered recess 32. The taper of
the tapered recess 32 is greater than the taper of the tapered end 34 to insure
ultrasound-transmitting physical contact. In one variation, the first connecting
member 20 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing
36, and the third connecting member 26 has internal threads 38 threadably
engaging the annular wing 36. In one modification, the first connecting
member 20 has a first lumen 40, and the second connecting member 24 has a
second lumen 42 in fluid communication with the first lumen 40. In one
example, the first, second and third connecting members 20, 24 and 26 together
define a luer-type connection.
[0027] In a second application, as shown in the embodiment of the medical-
instrument connection assembly 148 of Figure 2, the first connecting member
120 includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface 130, and the
second connecting member 124 has a substantially longitudinally-facing flat
surface 131 abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat
surface 130 of the first connecting member 120. In one variation, the first
connecting member 120 has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending
annular wing 136, and the third connecting member 126 has internal threads

138 threadably engaging the annular wing 136. In one modification, the first
connecting member 120 has a first lumen 140, and the second connecting
member 124 has a second lumen 142 in fluid communication with the first
lumen 140.
[0028] Several benefits and advantages are obtained from one or more of the
expressions of an embodiment of the invention. In one example, physical
contact and threadable engagement (internal threads on the handpiece acting on
the external diameter of the blade) proximate a longitudinal vibration antinode
provide improved ultrasound transfer while threadable engagement radially
apart from the physical contact allows for a quick connection (and
disconnection) without requiring multiple turns or a torque limiting device
while reducing the possibility of stripped or broken threads.
[0029] While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of
several embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or limit
the spirit and scope of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous other
variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the ultrasonic
medical instrument and the medical-instrument connection assembly of the
invention have application in robotic assisted surgery taking into account the
obvious modifications of such systems, components and methods to be
compatible with such a robotic system. It will be understood that the foregoing
description is provided by way of example, and that other modifications may
occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of
the appended Claims.
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An ultrasonic medical instrument comprising a handpiece and medical
ultrasonic blade assembly, wherein the handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade
assembly includes:
a) a vibration antinode;
b) a handpiece; and
c) a medical ultrasonic blade, wherein the medical ultrasonic blade is
threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode, and
wherein the medical ultrasonic blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical
contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from
where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece.

2. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical ultrasonic
blade includes a first connecting member having a longitudinal axis, wherein
the handpiece includes a second connecting member which is substantially
coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and which is in ultrasound-
transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member proximate the
vibration antinode, and wherein the handpiece includes a third connecting
member which surrounds and is rotatably or fixedly attached to the second
connecting member and which is threadably engaged with the first connecting
member proximate (he vibration antinode.
3. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the first connecting
member is a monolithic portion of the medical ultrasonic blade, wherein the
handpiece includes an ultrasound transducer and a protrusion operatively
connected to the ultrasound transducer, and wherein the second connecting
member is a monolithic portion of the protrusion.
4. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the first connecting
member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing surface having a tapered
recess, and wherein the second connecting member has a tapered end engaged
in the tapered recess.

5. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 4, wherein the first connecting
member has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing, and
wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably engaging
the annular wing.
6. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 5, wherein the first connecting
member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting member has a
second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen.
7. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 6, wherein the first, second and
third connecting members together define a luer-type connection.
8. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 2, wherein the first connecting
member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface, and wherein
the second connecting member has a substantially longitudinally-facing flat
surface abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface
of the first connecting member.
9. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 8, wherein the first connecting
member has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending annular wing, and
wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably engaging
the annular wing.

10. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 9, wherein the first connecting
member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting member has a
second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen.
11. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical
ultrasonic blade includes an end effector portion, and wherein the end effector
portion is threadably engaged by the handpiece.

12. The ultrasonic medical instrument of claim 1, wherein the medical
ultrasonic blade includes a proximal wave guide portion and a distal end
effector portion, and wherein the proximal wave guide portion is threadably
engaged by the handpiece.
13. A medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic
vibrations comprising:

a) an ultrasound-medical-instrument first connecting member adapted to
be ultrasonically vibrated and having a longitudinal axis;
b) an ultrasound-medical-instrument second connecting member
disposable to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in
ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member; and
c) an ultrasound-medical-instrument third connecting member which
surrounds and is rotatably or fixedly attached to the second connecting member
and which is threadably engageable with the first connecting member.

14. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 13, wherein the first
connecting member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing surface
having a tapered recess, and wherein the second connecting member has a
tapered end engaged in the tapered recess.
15. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 14, wherein the first
connecting member has a substantially transversely-outwardly-extending
annular wing, and wherein the third connecting member has internal threads
threadably engaging the annular wing.
16. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 15, wherein the first
connecting member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting
member has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen.
17. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 16, wherein the first,
second and third connecting members together define a luer-type connection.

18. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 13, wherein the first
connecting member includes a substantially longitudinally-facing flat surface,
and wherein the second connecting member has a substantially longitudinally-
facing flat surface abuttingly engaging the substantially longitudinally-facing
flat surface of the first connecting member.
19. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 18, wherein the first
connecting member has a substantially transversely-extending annular wing,
and wherein the third connecting member has internal threads threadably
engaging the annular wing.
20. The medical-instrument connection assembly of claim 19, wherein the first
connecting member has a first lumen, and wherein the second connecting
member has a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen.

An ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and
medical ultrasonic blade assembly including a vibration
antinode, a handpiece, and a medical ultrasonic blade.
The blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece
proximate the vibration antinode. The blade is in
ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the
handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart
from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably
engaged by the handpiece. A medical-instrument
connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic
vibrations includes first, second, and third connecting
members. The first connecting member is adapted to be
ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis.
The second connecting member is capable of being
positioned to be substantially coaxially aligned with
the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting
physically contact with the first connecting member.
The third connecting member surrounds, and is rotatably
or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member
and is threadbly engageable with the first connecting
member.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=Us7B8lRE6/LkPPcmP8JZtQ==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

269119

Indian Patent Application Number

2025/KOLNP/2008

PG Journal Number

41/2015

Publication Date

09-Oct-2015

Grant Date

30-Sep-2015

Date of Filing

21-May-2008

Name of Patentee

ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC

Applicant Address

4545 CREEK ROAD CINCINNATI, OH

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KEVEN L. HOUSER	570 FOLIAGE LANE, SPRINGBORO, OHIO 45066
2	LEE E. REICHEL	80 GLENCOE COURT, SPRINGBORO, OHIO 45066

PCT International Classification Number

A61B 18/18

PCT International Application Number

PCT/US2006/045382

PCT International Filing date

2006-11-22

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	11/291,174	2005-12-01	U.S.A.