Covidien LP Receives Patent for Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Enhanced Design

Strategic Insights -

Covidien LP, a leading manufacturer of medical devices, has been issued a patent for its innovative ultrasonic surgical instrument. The patent, which was filed on June 10, 2020, and published on September 30, 2025, describes an ultrasonic transducer assembly and ultrasonic surgical instrument that incorporates a unique design to enhance its performance and safety.

The patented design features an ultrasonic horn secured to a piezoelectric stack, a casing that hermetically seals the assembly, and an elongated assembly that includes a waveguide configured to engage the nose of the ultrasonic horn. The instrument is designed to treat tissue using ultrasonic energy, and its enhanced design is intended to improve its durability, efficiency, and overall performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patented design features a unique ultrasonic transducer assembly that includes a piezoelectric stack, an ultrasonic horn, and a casing that hermetically seals the assembly.
  • The ultrasonic surgical instrument incorporates a waveguide that defines a blade at its distal end, which is designed to treat tissue adjacent to the blade.
  • The patented design has 20 claims, including claims for an ultrasonic transducer assembly with a casing that is welded to the ultrasonic horn, and a contact assembly that is hermetically sealed within a window defined through the casing.
  • The instrument is designed to improve the durability, efficiency, and overall performance of ultrasonic surgical instruments.
  • The patented design is intended to enhance the safety and effectiveness of ultrasonic surgical procedures.
  • The instrument is designed to be used in conjunction with a handle assembly that includes a housing and an ultrasonic transducer assembly.

Statistics:

  • The patent was filed on June 10, 2020, and published on September 30, 2025.
  • The patent has 20 total claims.
  • The patent was issued to Covidien LP, a leading manufacturer of medical devices.
  • The patented design features an ultrasonic transducer assembly that includes a piezoelectric stack, an ultrasonic horn, and a casing that hermetically seals the assembly.

Sources:

  • Cowley, M. S. (2020). Ultrasonic transducer assembly and ultrasonic surgical instrument incorporating the same. U.S. Patent Number 12426909, filed June 10, 2020, and published online on September 30, 2025. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12426909)&db=USPAT&type=ids