Abstract: A device for the electrolytic dissolution of urinary calculi in patients affected by urinary calculosis, the particularity whereof consists of the fact that it has: a tubular sleeve which is meant to be inserted in the urinary cavities of a patient, a cathode electrode accommodated in the sleeve, and at least one anode electrode which can slide within the sleeve so as to protrude, in an active position, from the sleeve in order to make contact with a calculus and dissolve it electrolytically in association with the cathode electrode.

Abstract: Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical system for ultrasonically vibrating said needle along with a power source for providing pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical system. Irrigation fluid is provided to the handpiece needle and aspirating fluid is removed from the handpiece needle. A determination of a voltage current phase relationship of the provided electrical power is made and in response thereto a control system varies a power level duty cycle provided to the handpiece electrical system from the power source and/or modify the aspiration flow rate. In addition, a separate input enables manual control of pulse amplitude and the control system in response to a selected amplitude determines a duty cycle of the provided pulsed electrical power.

Abstract: A metallic flexible probe for use in shock wave lithotripsy is provided next to its head portion and approximately at a transition to an adjoining initial length of the probe with a rated break point for causing without any disturbance of the energy flow along the length of the probe as optimized by different dimensional and material chracteristics of the probe a fracture at a position which most presumably will not lead to harmful injuries of the patient and to no damages of the surrounding lumen of the endoscope which is used in combination with a lithotripter.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device for retrieving foreign objects from a patient and the method of constructing the device are disclosed. The device incorporates a wire cable composed of a precursor alloy to a superelastic material to improve durability of the device. Because precursor alloys exhibit a linear stress-strain relationship and a yield point associated with a relatively high stress level, the device transfers greater stresses before experiencing deformation. Thus, greater crushing forces can be achieved using a device of this type. These crushing forces may be needed when the foreign object is too large to remove intact. This property also facilitates the device in dilating ducts to retrieve foreign objects. Using the precursor alloy additionally eliminates the need for heat treatment of the cables used in constructing the device. A retrieval device made of precursor alloy cable also is less susceptible to permanent deformation and unwinding during use.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic surgical apparatus includes an ultrasonic handpiece. An ultrasonic fragmenting tool is mountable within the handpiece, the tool having a vibratable tip adapted for ultrasonically fragmenting tissue at a surgical site of a patient. A transducer is mounted within the handpiece and coupled to a connector body. The connector body is coupled to the tip for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the tip from the transducer, the tip and the connector body being constructed of titanium or its alloys. An aspirating system is connected to the handpiece for aspirating fluid and tissue fragmented by the tip from the surgical site. An irrigation system is connected to said handpiece for supplying irrigation fluid to the surgical site for suspending fragmented tissue by the tip. Preferred embodiments include operational frequencies of about 36 kHz.

Abstract: The invention is an improved phacoemulsification probe drive circuit for supplying electrical power to an ultrasonic transducer. The drive circuit has a power control loop and a frequency control loop. The power control loop has a variable gain amplifier whose output is an input to a power amplifier. After the power amplifier amplifies power, power is delivered to a transformer and, thereafter, to a transducer. The voltage and current applied to the primary of the transformer are sensed to generate a signal proportional to the power (real or apparent) and the result is compared against a power command originating from a foot pedal. Once compared, the result of this comparison is sent to a first controller which acts upon the information by sending a corrective signal to the variable gain amplifier. Also, the phase of the voltage and current waveforms applied to the primary of the transformer are sensed by a phase detector.

Abstract: An acoustic ablation catheter includes a mass cap mounted by a spring at the distal end of the catheter, to thereby form a structure capable of axial motion with a resonant frequency. The mass cap defines an aperture which may be used for a guide wire, for aspiration/infusion, or both. Acoustic motion of the resonant structure is generated by sources of laser light spaced about the distal end of the flexible portion of the catheter body, which produce laser light beams which produce microexplosions adjacent the proximal end of the mass cap. The sources of laser light beams may be laser chips located at the distal end of the body, or they may be the distal ends of optical fibers extending through the body from laser light generators outside the catheter itself. In one advantageous embodiment, relative motion is introduced between the mass cap and the light beams, so that erosion is distributed over a track. At least that portion of the mass cap upon which the laser light pulses impinge is made from titanium.

Abstract: The surgical extractor has three distinct portions respectively called “body”, “gripper” and “pusher”. The body is rigid and rectilinear and has a first end from which an handle integrally projects perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The gripper consists of one or more flexible rods having first ends connected to the opposite end of the body in a foldable manner with respect to a transverse axis. The pusher is rigid and rectilinear and has a first end connected to the opposite ends of the straps and a second end provided with a pushing button. Hooks are provided for retaining in a slidable manner the pusher on top of the first end of the body opposite to the handle once the straps have been folded about the transverse axis in order to be positioned together with a pusher flat onto the body.

Abstract: An apparatus to introduce impact pulses into the human body has an impact transmitter (8) displaceable in an axial direction and an electromagnetic impact generator (2, 6; 26, 24; 36, 34) driven by current pulses and supplying force impulses to the impact transmitter. The impact generator includes a magnet fixed in position and having a magnetic field, and a coil (6, 26, 36) displaceable in the direction of transmitter displacement in the field of the magnet (2; 23, 24; 33, 34), the coil being energized by the current pulses to be axially displaced and drive the impact transmitter (8).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the application of ultrasound to a location within the body is provided. The apparatus can advantageously operate at a pulse duration below about 100 milliseconds and in the range 0.1 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds and a pulse repetition period below about 1 second and in the range of 1 millisecond to 1 second. Duty ratios over 5 and preferably over 8 are also advantageous. Therapeutic applications of ultrasound such as for assisting in the treatment of medical conditions such as cancer and/or other ailments are also provided.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter and stent delivery system using vibratory energy to open calcified lesions. The catheter having an expandable stent mounted on a balloon portion thereof, is adapted to convey vibratory energy through the stent to a calcified lesion to facilitate crossing and dilating the lesion during a PTCA procedure. A vibratory energy source is transmitted through a flexible wire to provide vibratory energy to the stent, which in turn provides vibratory energy to a calcified lesion to thereby at least partially pulverize the lesion and assist in crossing and dilating the body lumen.

Abstract: Acoustic shock waves for medical uses are generated by an electrical discharge between two electrodes, which are mounted in a liquid medium. A catalyst is added to the liquid medium in the area of the electrodes; this catalyst partially or completely catalytically converts the gas which forms upon application of the voltage to the electrodes back into its original state or partially or completely prevents the formation of the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for infusing fluid through the sheath of a stone basket involves a connector fixedly attached to the rearward end of the sheath and releasably attached to a handle. A basket assembly has a portion thereof disposed within the longitudinal passageway of the sheath. The basket assembly is extensible beyond the forward end of the sheath to permit its basket to expand. The basket assembly is removable from the longitudinal passageway of the sheath by uncoupling the connector from the handle and withdrawing the basket assembly through the rearward end of the sheath. The connector further includes a means for coupling a syringe to the connector when the connector is detached from the handle and the basket assembly is removed from the sheath. Thus the handle can be detached from the connector, the basket assembly removed from the sheath, and a syringe coupled to the connector to infuse fluid through the sheath.

Abstract: A morcellator for removing large masses of tissues during laparoscopic procedures includes a rotationally fixed, axially movable inner tube disposed within a rotating cutting member. The cutting member is often disposed in the annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. A laparoscopic grasping instrument is inserted through the lumen and draws the tissue proximally through the morcellator. As the cutting member severs tissue, the tissue is drawn into the fixed lumen of the inner tube. This prevents the cutting member from twisting the severed tissue, thereby preventing any degradation of the surgeon's control. A novel valve is provided to prevent loss of insufflation gas when no instrument traverses the lumen. The inner tube can be translated distally to protect tissues and/or other surgical implements against inadvertent contact with the cutting edge of the cutting member.

Abstract: A method for morselating and removing the morselated tissue through a small incision comprising in general inserting a tissue container into the body cavity of a patient through an incision, placing resected tissue in the vessel, inserting a morselator having a rotatable electrode thereon through the incision and into the vessel, morselating the tissue and removing the tissue from the containment vessel and the body. An apparatus for morselating and removing tissue through a small incision within the body cavity of a patient is also disclosed and may comprise a tissue container having an inner chamber for containing resected tissue, and a morselator having a proximal end and a distal end carrying an electrode wherein the distal end is insertable into the body cavity and containment vessel for morselating resected tissue.

Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.

Abstract: A trocar is formed from a cannula and an interfitting obturator for penetrating body cavity walls in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The obturator is provided with an improved piercing tip having a pointed blade with an improved sheath mounting and shield design. Hydrophilic coatings or components are also employed on the shield and cannula to facilitate quicker shield action covering the pointed blade and ease of entry of the cannula tube through the body cavity wall. The sheath and obturator handle and housing assembly may be fabricated as a single plastic piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high frequency surgical instrument comprising a handling part (11) which has a guide channel (12) which is open at at least one end and a holding element (13) which is axially displaceably guided therein and on which a high frequency voltage acts. The holding element (13) is axially displaceable by means of an actuating part (14) axially displaceable relative to the handling part (11) and is electrically conductively connected at its free end to a preferably elastic cutting loop (15) in such a way that, through axial adjustment of the actuating part (14), the cutting loop (15) can be drawn to a greater or lesser degree into the guide channel (12), or into a tube (16) which continues it outwardly, or can be pushed out of the guide channel (12), or out of the tube (16) continuing it outwardly, whereby the loop size can be changed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intracorporal treatment system for crushing concretions, such as stones in the urinary tract, calcium deposits in the blood vessels or bone cement, havinga thrust unit which accelerates a thrust element in an acceleration path in such a manner that it impinges upon a target, anda thrust transmitter designed as a probe which can be inserted into a human body and which is moved by the target in order to transmit the thrust to the treatment site.The invented treatment system is distinguised by the fact that the axes of the acceleration path and the thrust transmitter are offset and that said target is a non-axially acting transformation element which transmits the kinetic energy of said thrust element onto the proximal end of said thrust transmitter.

Abstract: A surgical extractor, and related method, for removing material (such as calculi and stones) from the body has the ability to capture and release material. The extractor has a sheath, a basket comprised of a plurality of legs that are unattached at a distal end of the basket and joined at a proximal base of the basket, and a plunger at the distal end of the sheath. The legs are movable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position within the sheath and an extended position outside of the sheath in the form of an open basket. The plunger can be moved back and forth between a withdrawn position against the distal end of the sheath with the basket legs in the open position and an extended position away from the distal end of the sheath with the basket legs in a closed position. The distal ends of the legs are farther apart from each other when in the open position than when in the closed position.

Abstract: A lithotripsy system, used to break calculi and stones, consisting of a flexible energy probe assembly, which can be inserted into a small and flexible endoscope, and an energy source. The flexible energy probe assembly consists of a target mass, an impact rod and a return spring. The energy source supplies an impact to the target mass which then transmits the energy from the impact rod to the stone. A return spring then restores the target mass and impact rod to their original position after each impact. The energy source can be a mechanical, electrical or pneumatic system.

Abstract: A medical extractor comprising a cannula assembly having an annularly expanding and retracting gripping and releasing mechanism on the distal end thereof and a moving assembly on the proximal end thereof. The arrangement is such that a manual movement of the moving assembly in one direction effects a longitudinally outward movement of an annular array of longitudinally movable wire flexure elements within an annular array of longitudinally fixed tubular flexure elements to cause the fixed flexure elements to flex transversely outwardly and create an annularly expanded condition defined by an annular series of transversely outwardly flexed fixed flexure elements interconnected at their ends by an annular series of arcuately outwardly flexed portions of the movable flexure elements.

Abstract: A handpiece for use in lithotripsy is provided with a probe which as a wave guide transmits shock waves that are produced by an impact force of a projectile acting against a mass body member located at the proximal end of the probe whereby this mass body member is located at the free end of a guide tube for said projectile and adapted for transmitting the impact force from the projectile to said probe the shock waves of which are adapted to cause an intercorporeal fragmentation of calculi.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for detecting, destroying and removing urinary calculi and other similar structures anywhere within an animal body, and more specifically to a method for locating such structures, fragmenting and vaporizing them and related detection and control schemes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus comprises at least one hand piece, a plurality of probes, and an ultrasonic drive device. The hand piece has an ultrasonic oscillation device for generating ultrasonic vibration. Each probe is adapted to be attached to the hand piece and designed to transmit the ultrasonic vibration generated by the hand piece. The ultrasonic drive device is connected to the hand piece, for driving the ultrasonic oscillation device.

Abstract: The expandable intraluminal catheter is used for removing occlusive material from a body passage. The catheter includes a handle having both a proximal handle end and a distal handle end. Attached to the distal handle end is an elongate tubular body, which includes a proximal elongate tubular body end and a distal elongate tubular body end. The elongate tubular body further includes a lumen between the proximal elongate tubular body end and the distal elongate tubular body end. A number of radially-expandable segments are disposed on the elongate tubular body near the distal elongate tubular body end. These radially-expandable segments can be mechanically activated by a user when the distal elongate tubular body end is within a blood vessel, to thereby contact and partition occlusive material within the blood vessel. The partitioned occlusive material within the blood vessel can then be removed.

Abstract: A retrieval basket comprises a plurality of wires normally encased in a compact form within a sheath whereupon displacement of the sheath to free a portion of the wires enables the wires to form an enlarged retrieval basket. The wires forming the retrieval basket are cold formed in a predetermined shape and are secured together in a predetermined fashion to define the retrieval basket.

Abstract: A method is described for removing tooth fillings and shattering teeth using a device that generates focused acoustic pressure or shock waves with an appropriate energy. The focussed waves are coupled into the tooth and/or the filling. The apparatus includes a sound generating unit for generating focussed pressure or sound waves and a coupling cushion for coupling the focussed waves through a cheek or open mouth of the patient into the tooth or filling to be removed.

Abstract: A flexible bag is introduced into the abdominal cavity to remove larger portions of tissue from the abdominal cavity through a threaded casing introduced into the abdominal wall. The bag features a side opening through which the tissue can be moved into the bag. The end opening of the bag remains extracorporeal to the threaded casing. After pulling out the bag the side opening is located outside of the threaded casing and the tissue is tightly enclosed by the portion of the bag remaining in the abdominal cavity and is accessible for cutting up the tissue form outside, through the threaded casing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue resector is slidably engaged with a working channel of a flexible neuroendoscope for resecting brain tumors, cysts, hematomas, and herniated spinal discs. The resector includes a piezoelectric transducer for generating ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy is coupled to an ultrasonic probe having a rigid proximal segment for transmitting the energy therealong and a flexible distal segment which can bend to conform to the flexible neuroendoscope. An aspiration channel is provided, and the resector can be endoscopically positioned in the brain through the neuroendoscope and energized to ultrasonically break up tissue such as tumors, cysts, and hematomas and remove the tissue through the aspiration channel.

Abstract: A lithotripter for fragmenting concretions has a hollow probe with a first end that is arranged to face a concretion to be fragmented, and a second end that is received by a housing. A drive arrangement is arranged in the housing and produces energy and/or impulses at the second end of the hollow probe. The hollow probe has a lateral outlet opening and is surrounded by a connecting device to which a suction tube is attached, so that aspiration of fragmented concretions takes place outside the housing.

Abstract: A device for removing calculi by using an intracorporeal lithotripter (1) including a probe (2) transmitting impact waves is characterized by a guiding tube (5) for the probe, which is adapted for introduction into the operating passage of an endoscope and which is provided with a suction and/or extraction passage (8, 9, 10, 15) for removal of the calculi fragmented by means of the probe, for connexion to a suction pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arterial reperfusion through non-invasive ultrasonic action transforms supplied energy into ultrasound signals and transmits the ultrasound signals into a body sufficiently to influence the dissolution of thrombus in a blood vessel in the body. A transducer for the transmitting has piezoelectric crystals, the crystals respectively sending the ultrasound signals each with a defined energy level and at least one frequency in an individual direction non-simultaneously with any other of the crystals.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for use in combination with a surgical instrument for the removal of a cataract through an incision in a patient's eye. The sleeve apparatus includes a first sleeve member having an interior longitudinal bore through which at least a portion of the surgical instrument is insertable. A second sleeve member, substantially concentric to and operatively attached to an outer surface of the first sleeve member, substantially surrounds a portion of the first sleeve member to create a chamber for receipt of expansion material therebetween. The second sleeve member is resilient and expansile in circumference due to the presence of expansion material within the chamber, so as to substantially conform to the shape of the incision and/or the interior of the wound and substantially seal the incision and reduce the loss of fluid from the patient's eye during surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dilating blood vessels in vasospasm through the use of high frequency wave, e.g., hydraulic or acoustic waves. The invention is suitable to treat any vasospasm, including any vasospasm intractable to medication, including cerebral vasospasm, which currently is not susceptible to any mechanical or chemical treatments. The apparatus for dilating blood vessels includes a catheter having a fluid-filled lumen, a wave generator arranged within the catheter lumen for generating a wave front that propagates through the fluid in the lumen and is transmitted from the distal end of the catheter to propagate through the fluid in the blood vessel, and an energy source connected to the wave generator to provide energy to produce the wave front.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic percussion device, of the type including:an ultrasonic wave generator, terminated by an unit (6) transmitting the vibration generated;a wire (8), the near end of which is carried by said unit and the far end of which is set into percussive movement; andlinking means (7) for immobilizing the near end of said wire in said generator unit.According to the invention, said unit (6) is produced from an elastically deformable material and said linking means (7) are formed on said unit in such a way as to form an integral part of the latter, said linking means being capable of occupying a spontaneously close-together position, for which the near end (8A) of said wire (8) is clamped by said unit, and a position deliberately spaced apart by actuation means (14) for which the near end (8A) of said wire can be freed from said unit or engaged in said unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fragmentation of a lung embolus. The apparatus includes a catheter that is introduced over a guide wire to the site of the lung embolism in the vascular system of a patient. When the guide wire is withdrawn from the distal end segment of the catheter, the distal end segment bends back proximally. An opening in the bend of the catheter is in line with the central axis of the catheter when the distal end segment is in a curved configuration. The guide wire is then advanced to extend distally from the catheter opening past the embolism and stabilize the longitudinal position of the catheter in the blood vessel. The apparatus also includes a thread for pulling the bent distal end segment into a generally oval-shaped loop condition and stabilizing the loop about the embolism. The looped catheter is then rotated and moved longitudinally back and forth for mechanically destroying the embolism.

Abstract: A shock wave lithotrite has a soft iron mass body (33), which is accelerated by the magnetic field produced by a coil (19) and, on impact against a shock receiver (26), abruptly transmits as a shock impulse the kinetic energy thereby accumulated. The shock impulse is transmitted by the shock receiver (26) to an impulse conducting wire (13), passes through the latter in the form of a shock wave propagated between the molecules and passes out at the other end of the wire. The coil (19) can be connected to one of the usual high-voltage pulse generators (11) used for electrohydraulic lithotrites.

Abstract: Various forms of micromachined electrostatic microconveyors and useful devices based thereon are described. In one embodiment, a tube shaped conveyor is formed by disposing conductors circumferentially about the exterior surface of the tube. The tube is formed of an insulating material (e.g., silicon dioxide). Driving voltages are applied in staggered phase to selected ones of the conductors to provide a travelling electrostatic wave within the tube. Charged particles (or fluid or gas) can be propelled through the tube electrostatically by "riding" the travelling wave. Various aspects of the invention are directed to apparatus making use of the microconveyor to convey particles, gas ions, etc.. Apparatus is described for using gas pressure resulting from the transport of gas ions to do mechanical work (i.e., to operate mechanical actuators.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and technique for aspirating substances partially or completely occluding blood vessels or chambers of the heart. The aspirator assembly comprises a catheter assembly and a suction member for aspirating substances through the catheter. The catheter assembly comprises a catheter which travels over a guidewire. Exemplary suction members used for aspirating include a syringe or a vacuum reservoir. The method of treating the intravascular site comprises the steps of advancing a catheter assembly through a patient's vasculature until a distal end of the catheter assembly reaches an area close to the site, and aspirating occluding substances in the vicinity of the site through the distal end of the catheter assembly. The method may also include the additional steps of introducing medication through the catheter, and pulverizing the occlusion or any of its residue, prior to aspirating the occluding substances.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus and method for coupling ultrasonic energy into intravascular walls to enhance phonophoresis and for dissolution of intravascular blockages. The apparatus includes a radiator for coupling ultrasonic waves and a piezoelectric crystal, connected with said radiator, for the intravascular generation of ultrasonic waves; said ultrasonic waves being propagated along a longitudinal axis of said piezoelectric crystal. The radiator is sized for intravascular insertion. A transmission cable may be provided for transmitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transducer to the radiator. A seed liquid is introduced proximate the radiator for promoting cavitation of intravascular fluid. In addition, enhancement of dissolution of intravascular blockages and inhibition of restenosis by chemical agents is significantly increased when combined with ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dilating blood vessels in vasospasm through the use of high frequency wave, e.g., hydraulic or acoustic waves. The invention is suitable to treat any vasospasm, including any vasospasm intractable to medication, including cerebral vasospasm, which currently is not susceptible to any mechanical or chemical treatments. The apparatus for dilating blood vessels includes a catheter having a fluid-filled lumen, a wave generator arranged within the catheter lumen for generating a wave front that propagates through the fluid in the lumen and is transmitted from the distal end of the catheter to propagate through the fluid in the blood vessel, and an energy source connected to the wave generator to provide energy to produce the wave front.

Abstract: An endoscopic lithotriptor including an elongated, flexible stone impacting member in the form of a wire whose distal end is brought against a stone to be broken and whose proximal end is adapted to be periodically struck by a hammer element. The hammer element is pneumatically driven by a linear jet of air causing it to swing through an arc about a pivot to impact an anvil affixed to the wire and oriented tangentially to the arc swept out by the hammer. The pneumatic chamber structure in which the hammer is pivotally mounted is designed to maximize the angular velocity reached by the hammer before impacting the anvil.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus for clot dissolution and plaque ablation includes a radiator for coupling ultrasonic waves into plaque and a piezoelectric crystal, connected with said radiator, for the intravascular generation of ultrasonic waves; said ultrasonic waves being propagated along a longitudinal axis of said piezoelectric crystal and having an inertial node position within said piezoelectric crystal. The piezoelectric crystal is constructed in order to prevent significant power loss caused by a shifting of the inertial node of the generated ultrasonic waves to a position exterior to said piezoelectric crystal due to loading of the radiator-means caused by the coupling of ultrasonic waves into the clot or plaque.

Abstract: A method of tuning ultrasonic transducers by using the admittance of the transducer as the tuning parameter rather than the phase angle. The admittance magnitude of a transducer is not related to the phase angle and thus, using the admittance of the transducer as the tuning parameter allows tuning over a broad bandwidth. In addition, transducer performance can be normalized against the variation in admittance magnitude and frequency location of the series and parallel resonance points by quantifying these variations and continually adjusting the operational set point as a function of transducer drive voltage during transducer operation.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer having a hand piece, an ultrasonic vibrating element secured to the hand piece and a probe coupled with the hand piece for propagating the ultrasonic oscillation produced by the ultrasonic vibrating element, a driving circuit for producing a driving signal for the ultrasonic vibrating element, a voltage controlled amplifier for amplifying the driving signal, an impedance matching transformer having a plurality of primary windings connected to the output of the voltage controlled amplifier via a switching circuit and a secondary winding connected to the ultrasonic vibrating element, a probe identification circuit for detecting the probe connected to the hand piece to produce a probe identification signal, a feedback control loop for generating a control voltage which is applied to the voltage controlled amplifier for controlling the amplification factor thereof in accordance with a driving current of the driving signal, an impedance detecting circuit for detectin

Abstract: A shielded tip catheter for use with a pulsed energy source for fracturing deposits such as urinary and biliary stones and atherosclerotic plaque in the human body is disclosed. The flexible catheter has a shielded tip structure which is adapted for insertion through a fluid passage in a living body. The tip structure can contain an impact element, a scraping implement or a cutting implement. An energy source creates repeated rapid vapor expansions adjacent the element causing it to undergo repeated pulse like movements, imparting a series of high-velocity impulses to an adjacent deposit, thereby fracturing or cutting it. The energy source can be a laser with a fiber optic delivery system in the catheter terminating adjacent the impact element, or a spark generator with a conductor within the catheter to deliver a fluid vaporizing spark adjacent the element.

Abstract: A flexible catheter which has a basket at one end for the capture and removal of a calculus, such as a kidney stone. The catheter includes a plurality of wires with ends forming a basket, an elongate flexible tube through which the wires pass, a handpiece supporting the tube and having a cavity, a shaft disposed in the cavity and fixedly connecting to second ends of the wires, the tube and shaft having aligned central bores, a conductor extending through the bores, and lock means for holding the shaft in a selective position.

Abstract: An endoscopic lithotriptor including an elongated, flexible stone impacting member in the form of a wire whose distal end is brought against a stone to be broken and whose proximal end is adapted to be periodically struck by a hammer element. The hammer element is pneumatically driven by a linear jet of air causing it to swing through an arc about a pivot to impact an anvil affixed to the wire and oriented tangentially to the arc swept out by the hammer. The pneumatic chamber structure in which the hammer is pivotally mounted is designed to maximize the angular velocity reached by the hammer before impacting the anvil.

Abstract: Apparatus for disintegrating or otherwise destroying a stone, such as a gallstone, within the body of a living being. The apparatus comprises a small diameter catheter having a longitudinal axis and a working head located at the distal end thereof. The catheter is capable of being located at any position within the body so that the working head is adjacent the stone. The working head is arranged to be rotated at a high speed about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The working head comprises at least one bladed member having an impacting surface thereon. The bladed member is arranged to move from a retracted position wherein its impacting surface is located adjacent the periphery of the catheter to an extended position wherein the impacting surface extend substantially beyond the periphery of the catheter when the working head is rotated. The impacting surface is arranged so that when it rotates in the extended position, it impacts the stone to disintegrate or otherwise destroy the stone.