| abstract |
An ultrasonic instrument (10) comprises a body (22), a shaft assembly (30), an ultrasonic blade (42), and a pivoting member (54). The shaft assembly (30) extends distally from the body (22). The ultrasonic blade (42) is positioned distal to the shaft assembly (30). The pivoting member (54) is pivotable with respect to the blade (42) from an open position to a closed position to thereby clamp tissue between the pivoting member (54) and the blade (42). The shaft assembly (30) comprises a feature to provide for the removal of surgical debris (e.g. tissue, coagulated blood, etc.), body fluid, etc. from the shaft assembly (30). The feature may remove the surgical debris, body fluid, etc. from a cavity within the shaft assembly (30). The feature may also prevent the collection of surgical debris, body fluid, etc. within the shaft assembly (30). |