Patent attributes
A surgical instrument includes an end effector that has an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm that is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward a closed position. The ultrasonic blade and the clamp arm are able to receive tissue in the opened position, and the clamp arm is able to clamp tissue against the ultrasonic blade in the closed position. There is a first electrode connected with the clamp arm, and a second electrode associated with the ultrasonic blade. The electrodes are able to apply bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue captured in the end effector. The instrument further has a first button for activating the ultrasonic blade to provide a cutting and sealing mode at the end effector. There is also a second button for activating the electrodes to provide a spot coagulation mode at the end effector.
