Abstract: An apparatus that senses the pressure within a fluid line which has an external surface. The apparatus includes a sensor which has a probe that is in contact with the external surface of the fluid line. Any change in pressure deflects the fluid line and displaces the probe. The sensor provides an output signal that is representative of the probe displacement.

Abstract: An irrigation sleeve for a surgical instrument which has an outer band that is attached to the sleeve. The irrigation sleeve has an inner bore that extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the sleeve. Located at the distal end of the sleeve is a tip which has an outlet port. The outer band is attached to the distal end of the sleeve at a location that is adjacent to the tip. The sleeve is typically constructed from a silicone rubber material that is flexible enough so that the tip can be repeatedly inserted through an incision in a cornea without damaging the eye. The band is preferably constructed from a rigid material such as TEFLON which will not collapse when inserted through the cornea incision. The band has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity so that heat is not transferred to the cornea tissue. The band also has a low coefficient of friction so that the Decemets membrane does not roll up on the sleeve when inserted into and out of the incision.

Abstract: A thermokeratoplasty system and method for locally heating and reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces a minimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe that is coupled to a power source which can provide a predetermined power, frequency and time duration that creates a thermal profile within the cornea which extends from the epithelium into the corneal stroma. The electrical return of the probe is a lid speculum which maintains the eye lids in an open position. The probe is placed into contact with the cornea and energy is transferred from the power source to the eye, through the lid speculum and back to the power source. The energy from the power supply is focused by a probe tip that locally heats and denatures the cornea, and causes a subsequent shrinkage of corneal tissue. A pattern of denatured areas can be created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye. It has been found that power no greater than 1.2 watts, for a duration no greater than 1.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ultrasonic knife of a type for incising various types of material. The knife has a reduced thermal footprint to tailor thermally induced tissue effects. Tooth configuration on the knife cooperates with the stroke of the ultrasonic drive to produce efficient cutting, as well as tactile feedback to the surgeon with respect to the rate of cutting, and changes in tissue density. Ultrasonic knife tip extenders are also disclosed for advancing the ultrasonic knife tip through the working channel of an endoscope or trocar sheath. Methods utilizing the foregoing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing a polymethylmethacrylate or other cement plug from the medullary canal during hip-revision surgery. In accordance with the method, a portion of the PMMA plug is softened and a plug removal tool is advanced through the softened portion to become imbedded in the plug. The plug is permitted to harden around the tool, and the tool is withdrawn thereby pulling the plug with it. Softening may be accomplished by conducting ultrasonic energy through the removal tool tip, or by other means. Hardening is accomplished by removing the heat source and permitting passive cooling of the material, or by accelerating cooling of the material through the use of a heat sink or a circulating media such as a compressed gas. Also disclosed is a self-cooling tool tip.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting tip assembly for an ultrasonic surgical cutting instrument having an ultrasonic transducer. The assembly includes a transition horn which is operatively couplable to the transducer, an elongated ultrasonic vibration-transmitting tube which is separable from the horn, and a threaded retaining nut. The threaded portion of the nut threadably engages the threaded portion of the transition horn to hold the proximal end of the tube and the horn together so that ultrasonic vibrations can thereby be efficiently transmitted from the transducer to the distal end of the tube, and then to the surgical site. The nut threaded portion can be formed either on the outside or the inside of the nut, and when on the outside in one embodiment, the nut and tube can be formed as an integral member to be threaded into the distal end of the horn. The elimination of all exposed tip nut surface angles greater than forty-five degrees increases the hydrodynamic performance of the assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic inertia tool for applying a cyclic percussive force to an orthopedic article via a reciprocating shuttle comprising a passageway extending between a first port and a second port. The shuttle travels within the passageway and strikes an anvil, imparting its momentum to the orthopedic article. The mass of the shuttle and its velocity at impact are selected to fix a bone relative to the orthopedic article via the existing inertia of the bone. The shuttle reciprocates within the passageway by alternating pressure and vacuum forces applied at the first port and at the second port.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ultrasonic knife of the type for surgical incision in various types of tissue and/or for the removal of cement within the body. The knife has a reduced thermal footprint to minimize thermally induced tissue damage. Tooth configuration on the knife cooperates with the stroke of the ultrasonic drive to produce efficient cutting, as well as tactile feedback to the surgeon with respect to the rate of cutting, and changes in tissue density. Ultrasonic knife tip extenders are also disclosed for advancing the ultrasonic knife tip through the working channel of an endoscope. Methods utilizing the foregoing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for implantation and extraction of osteal prostheses. Ultrasonic energy coupling adapters are disclosed for propagating ultrasonic energy along an incidence axis which deviates from a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis within a predetermined angular range. Methods of implantation and extraction of osteal prostheses are also disclosed, in which ultrasonic energy is propagated along an axis which extends at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical junction for facilitating the rapid attachment and removal of ultrasonic surgical components for the transfer of ultrasonic energy across the junction from an ultrasonic transducer to an ultrasonically activated tool bit. The junction achieves a high, evenly distributed compressive force to optimize propagation of the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to a tool bit, while maintaining a relatively small outside diameter of the ultrasonic tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical junction for facilitating the rapid attachment and removal of ultrasonic surgical components for the transfer of ultrasonic energy across the junction from an ultrasonic transducer to an ultrasonically activated tool bit. The junction achieves a high, evenly distributed compressive force to optimize propagation of the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to a tool bit, while maintaining a relatively small outside diameter of the ultrasonic tool. Also disclosed are a plurality of ultrasonic energy activated tool tips for introducing and removing an orthopedic prosthesis.

Abstract: Apparatus particularly suited for implantation and/or extraction of osteal prostheses, comprising an ultrasonic power generator, regulator means for regulating the ultrasonic power generator in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, at least one transducer connected to the output line for converting said electrical energy to a linear mechanical motion, an acoustic transformer for increasing or decreasing peak-to-peak motion of the transducer and means for connecting the acoustic transformer to a surgical tool or a prosthetic device. The system suitably comprises a pair of transducers, one operating at each of 20 KHz and 40 KHz frequencies. Novel adapters for the four major types of osteal prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for controlling amounts of fluid flow to and from a surgical site. The system includes a surgical handpiece having means including a passage for allowing fluid flow to and from a surgical site. A dispensing assembly is couplable to the handpiece for movement therewith and is selectively operable for automatically controlling continuously or discretely a controlled and metered amount of fluid flow to and from the surgical site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ultrasonic knife of the type for surgical incision in various types of tissue and/or for the removal of cement within the body. The knife has a reduced thermal footprint to minimize thermally induced tissue damage. Tooth configuration on the knife cooperates with the stroke of the ultrasonic drive to produce efficient cutting, as well as tactile feedback to the surgeon with respect to the rate of cutting, and changes in tissue density. Ultrasonic knife tip extenders are also disclosed for advancing the ultrasonic knife tip through the working channel of an endoscope. Methods utilizing the foregoing apparatus are also disclosed.