The present invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to a multi-functional curved shears blade for an ultrasonic surgical clamping instrument (120). Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines end effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radius cut to form a curved, and potentially tapered geometry. This cut creates a curved surface including a concave surface (53), and a convex surface (57). The convex surface transitions into a short, straight, flat surface. The length of this straight portion affects, in part, the acoustic balancing of the transverse motion induced by the curved shape. Relative to straight blade tips, the tip curvature of the present design provides improved visibility of the transection site and improved access to targeted tissues.
