Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for generating profiled pulses of ultrasonic frequency vibratory energy at a distal surface of an ultrasonic applicator of an ultrasonic surgical instrument for application to tissues of a patient, including the providing of a profiled pulse signal with a first profile and a maximum magnitude during a first time portion and a second profile and a minimum magnitude during a second time portion, the second time portion being greater than or equal to the duration of the first time portion, the first time portion being between one millisecond and fifty milliseconds in duration, and the maximum magnitude in the range between two and twenty times the minimum magnitude.

Abstract: An improved method of fragmenting and removing soft tissues of a patient is disclosed. More particularly, the method includes steps for the surgical removal of unwanted fatty tissues using an ultrasonic frequency vibratory probe and a separate multi-lumen suction and irrigation cannula. The ultrasonic frequency vibratory probe and the multi-lumen suction and irrigation cannula are separate instruments that are used to separate the tissue fragmentation and removal processes, thereby decreasing procedure time and reducing trauma to tissues.