Importance

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Abstract

A surgical method for increasing the size of a tissue weld in clamped tissue is disclosed. The method includes providing an end effector for an ultrasonic surgical instrument. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade having a proximal and a distal end and a clamping mechanism having a clamping surface positioned opposite the ultrasonic blade. The clamping mechanism is adapted to clamp tissue against a side of the ultrasonic blade. A first and a second support surface are positioned laterally on two sides of the ultrasonic blade. Both support surfaces are ultrasonically isolated from the blade and positioned opposite at least a portion of the clamping surface. The method includes actuating the clamping mechanism to clamp tissue between the clamping surface and the ultrasonic blade and between the clamping surface and the first and second tissue support surfaces to define a substantially continuous pressure region. Finally, ultrasonic energy is applied to the ultrasonic blade for the creation of a tissue weld in the substantially continuous pressure region. The tissue weld spreading from tissue clamped between the clamping surface and the ultrasonic blade and into tissue clamped between the clamping surface and the first and second tissue support surfaces.

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First Claim