Abstract: An ultrasonic lipectomy probe device comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a shank having a proximal end and a distal end, a connector at the proximal end of the shank for connecting the shank to a source of ultrasonic vibrational energy, and an enlarged head at the distal end of the shank. The probe head has a width, in a first direction, substantially larger than an outer diameter of the shank at the distal end thereof. In addition, the head has a thickness, in a second direction essentially orthogonal with respect to the first direction, substantially equal to the outer diameter of the shank. Accordingly, the probe head is flattened, for facilitating the removal of fat in accordance with the present invention. In most applications, the shank is provided with a longitudinally extending channel, while the head may be provided with a pair of inlet bores communicating with the channel and extending at substantial angles to the channel on substantially opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizer device comprises an elongate body member having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body member being provided at least along a distal segment with a longitudinally extending liquid guide channel. The body member is further provided at its distal end with a radially enlarged head and at least one orifice communicating with the channel at a distal end thereof, the orifice extending to an atomizing surface disposed externally to the body in a recess on a proximal side of the head. The body is also provided with means for forming an operative connection with a source of ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer device includes a casing having a distal end and a proximal end, and an acoustic wave generator disposed inside the casing for generating an acoustic type vibration in response to an electrical signal. The acoustic wave generator having an axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the casing. An electrical transmission lead is mounted to the casing and is operatively connected to the acoustic wave generator for transmitting an electrical signal to the acoustic wave generator to energize the generator. A wave transmission member is in acoustic contact with the acoustic wave generator for transmitting the vibration from the acoustic wave generator to an active point outside the casing.

Abstract: A catheterization assembly comprises an elongate substantially cylindrical catheter having an outer surface, and a flexible collapsible guide element attached to the outer surface of the catheter at a distal end thereof. A guidewire extends generally parallel to the catheter and through the guide element so that the guide element is held in an extended guide configuration away from the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for removing adipose tissue uses an elongate rigid tube or probe member having a distal end and a proximal end and an axially extending lumen. An incision is formed in a skin surface of a patient, the tube being inserted through the incision into subcutaneous adipose tissues of the patient. Upon insertion of the tube through the incision, an ultrasonic pressure wave is generated at the proximal end of the tube, the waveform being transmitted through the tube to establish a standing wave therein. The standing ultrasonic wave in the insertion tube produces cavitation bubbles at the distal end of the tube, the bubbles causing liquefaction of adipose tissues of the patient at a surgical site located distally of the distal end of the insertion tube. Suction is applied to the lumen of the tube, thereby aspirating the liquefied adipose tissues from the surgical site through the lumen.

Abstract: An ultrasonic angioplasty device for use in removing unwanted material from the vascular system of a patient comprises a wire having a proximal end, a sheath or catheter surrounding the wire, and a wave generator operatively connected to the wire at the proximal end for generating an ultrasonic waveform and transmitting the waveform axially along the wire. The ultrasonic device further comprises one or more projections extending radially inwardly from the sheath or catheter towards the wire at a plurality of predetermined axial motion nodes along the wire for minimizing transverse motion of the wire while permitting axial motion of the wire during transmission of the waveform along the wire.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer device includes a casing having a distal end and a proximal end, and an acoustic wave generator disposed inside the casing for generating an acoustic type vibration in response to an electrical signal. The acoustic wave generator having an axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the casing. An electrical transmission lead is mounted to the casing and is operatively connected to the acoustic wave generator for transmitting an electrical signal to the acoustic wave generator to energize the generator. A wave transmission member is in acoustic contact with the acoustic wave generator for transmitting the vibration from the acoustic wave generator to an active point outside the casing.

Abstract: A catheterization assembly comprises an elongate substantially cylindrical catheter having an outer surface, and a flexible collapsible guide element attached to the outer surface of the catheter at a distal end thereof. A guidewire extends generally parallel to the catheter and through the guide element so that the guide element is held in an extended guide configuration away from the outer surface.