Patent attributes
A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes providing an ultrasonic waveguide comprising a blade implement at a distal end thereof, providing an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and providing a hollow sheath sized to receive the ultrasonic blade. The method further includes identifying a motionless node on the ultrasonic waveguide when the ultrasonic transducer assembly is driven at maximum current at a resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer assembly, and installing a seal on the waveguide at the motionless node, wherein the seal has an annular groove therein. Installing the seal comprises positioning a first annular seal portion at the motionless node on the waveguide such that a first axial seal portion and a second axial seal portion extend axially in opposite axial directions beyond the first annular seal portion. When compressed, the seal maintains a contact with the waveguide that is less than a contact with the hollow sheath.
