Abstract: A device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs such as the ear canal or throat having a housing shaped like a flashlight, an electrical power source such as a battery or AC power from a wall socket, and a tip extending from the housing, the tip having at least one wire loop made from a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol switchably connected to the electrical power source such that when electric current flows through the wire loop the wire loop heats up and returns to a previously programmed shape such as a curet or tweezers so as to facilitate removal of the foreign object.

Abstract: A cutting head for attachment to the end of the wire probe of an ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration instrument. The cutting head has a plurality of circumferentially arranged teeth formed at one end thereof to provide a cup-shaped receptacle for kidney stones encountered during the disintegration procedure. An integral reduced diameter collar diminishes stress points in the wire and reduces breakage thereof.

Abstract: The useful life of the wire probe in an ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration instrument is enhanced and prolonged by attaching the wire (24) of the wire probe to the tip (26) of an ultrasonic transducer (28) by means of a clamping arrangement comprising opposing set screws (60, 65), one (60) of which is adapted to accept the clamping load from the other set screw (65) without deforming the wire by machining a pair of mutually transverse grooves (64) in the inner end face (62) of the screw (60) which is adapted to accept and hold the wire probe along the central longitudinal axis (52) of the transducer tip which is adapted to impart ultrasonic energy to the wire. Additionally, damping material is applied to the wire probe (24) in the form of a damper tube (70) through which the wire probe passes in the region adjacent the transducer tip. The damper tube extends outwardly from the transducer tip (26) a predetermined distance, terminating in a resilient soft rubber joint (72).