Surgical instruments, systems, and methods incorporating ultrasonic and three-phase electrosurgical functionality

Abstract

A surgical system includes an ultrasonic generator configured to provide an ultrasonic drive signal, an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the ultrasonic generator to receive the drive signal and produce mechanical ultrasonic energy, an electrosurgical generator configured to output three-phase RF energy, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade coupled to the transducer to supply the mechanical ultrasonic energy to tissue to treat tissue. At least a portion of the ultrasonic blade defines a first electrode; second and third electrodes are also provided. The first and second electrodes, the first and third electrodes, and the second and third electrodes are electrically coupled to the electrosurgical generator and configured to conduct the first, second, and third phases, respectively, of the three-phase RF energy therebetween and through tissue to at least one of treat or interrogate tissue.