Energy-based surgical instruments and systems configured to minimize thermal spread

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second grasping components each defining a tissue-contacting portion. One or both of the first or second grasping components is movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first and second tissue-contacting portions cooperate to define a grasping area therebetween. One or both of the first or second grasping components is configured to apply energy from the tissue-contacting portion thereof to tissue disposed within the grasping area to treat tissue. The tissue-contacting portion of the first grasping component defines a first opening therethrough. The first opening is disposed within the grasping area and in communication with a first lumen defined at least partially through the first grasping component. The first lumen is adapted to connect to a source of vacuum to enable aspiration through the first opening.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising:
 an ultrasonic waveguide defining an ultrasonic blade at a distal end portion thereof, the ultrasonic waveguide configured to transmit ultrasonic energy therealong to the ultrasonic blade;   a jaw member pivotable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position, the jaw member including a structural body and a jaw liner retained by the structural body, the jaw liner defining a tissue-contacting surface, wherein, in the closed position, the tissue-contacting surface of the jaw liner and an opposed surface of the ultrasonic blade cooperate to define a grasping area therebetween,   wherein at least one of the ultrasonic blade or the jaw liner defines an opening therethrough, the opening disposed within the grasping area and in communication with a lumen defined at least partially through the at least one of the ultrasonic blade or the jaw liner, the lumen adapted to connect to a source of vacuum to enable aspiration through the opening.   
     
     
         16 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 15 , wherein the ultrasonic waveguide defines the lumen extending therethrough and into the ultrasonic blade, and wherein the ultrasonic blade defines the opening therethrough in communication with the lumen. 
     
     
         17 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 15 , wherein the jaw liner defines the lumen such that the lumen has an open proximal end portion and a closed distal end portion, the jaw liner defining the opening therethrough in communication with the lumen. 
     
     
         18 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a housing; and   an elongated assembly extending distally from the housing, the elongated assembly supporting an end effector assembly at a distal end portion thereof, the end effector assembly including the ultrasonic blade and the jaw member,   wherein the lumen communicates with a shaft lumen extending through the elongated assembly, the shaft lumen adapted to connect to a source of vacuum to enable aspiration through the opening.   
     
     
         19 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a transducer and generator assembly disposed on or in the housing; and   a battery assembly disposed on or in the housing, wherein the battery assembly is configured to power the transducer and generator assembly to, in turn, produce ultrasonic energy for transmission along the ultrasonic waveguide.   
     
     
         20 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 18 , further comprising a vacuum system disposed on or within the housing, the vacuum system configured to enable aspiration through the opening. 
     
     
         21 . An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising:
 an ultrasonic blade;   a jaw member pivotable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position, the jaw member including a structural body and a jaw liner retained by the structural body, the jaw liner defining a tissue-contacting surface, wherein, in the closed position, the tissue-contacting surface of the jaw liner and the ultrasonic blade cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween,   wherein the jaw liner defines a lumen extending through the jaw liner in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of openings extending from the lumen through the tissue-contacting surface at a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal locations, the lumen defining a closed distal end and an open proximal end.   
     
     
         22 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 21 , wherein the open proximal end of the lumen is configured to connect to a source of vacuum to facilitate aspiration through the plurality of openings and the lumen. 
     
     
         23 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a housing; and   an elongated assembly extending distally from the housing, the elongated assembly supporting an end effector assembly at a distal end portion thereof, the end effector assembly including the ultrasonic blade and the jaw member,   wherein the open proximal end of the lumen communicates with a shaft lumen extending through the elongated assembly.   
     
     
         24 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 21 , further comprising a transducer configured to produce ultrasonic energy for transmission to the ultrasonic blade. 
     
     
         25 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 24 , further comprising a vacuum system communicating with the open proximal end of the lumen and configured to establish suction through the lumen and the plurality of openings. 
     
     
         26 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 25 , wherein the vacuum system is activated in a pre-determined manner relative to activation of the transducer. 
     
     
         27 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 25 , wherein the vacuum system is activated in response to activation of the transducer. 
     
     
         28 . An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising:
 an ultrasonic blade;   a jaw member pivotable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the jaw member and the ultrasonic blade cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween,   wherein the ultrasonic blade defines a lumen extending through the ultrasonic blade in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of openings in communication with the lumen and oriented towards the jaw member at a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal locations, the lumen defining a closed distal end and an open proximal end.   
     
     
         29 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 28 , wherein the open proximal end of the lumen is configured to connect to a source of vacuum to facilitate aspiration through the plurality of openings and the lumen. 
     
     
         30 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 28 , further comprising:
 a housing; and   an end effector assembly including the ultrasonic blade and the jaw member, the end effector assembly distally-spaced relative to the housing.   
     
     
         31 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 28 , further comprising a transducer configured to produce ultrasonic energy for transmission to the ultrasonic blade. 
     
     
         32 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 31 , further comprising a vacuum system communicating with the open proximal end of the lumen and configured to establish suction through the lumen and the plurality of openings. 
     
     
         33 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 32 , wherein the vacuum system is activated in a pre-determined manner relative to activation of the transducer. 
     
     
         34 . The ultrasonic surgical instrument according to  claim 32 , wherein the vacuum system is activated in response to activation of the transducer.