Abstract: Apparatus including a receptacle mounted on the handpiece of ultrasonic apparatus which utilizes ultrasonic energy for removing cores of thermoplastic material such as bone cement used to implant prostheses. The receptacle is placed in fluid communication with an acoustical conductor extending through the apparatus and a tubular tip provided at the end of the conductor which tip is vibrated ultrasonically to remove the cores, for example of bone cement. The receptacle is connected to a source of suction, and the cores are drawn or aspirated through the tubular tip, the acoustical connector, and into the receptacle. A filter may be provided in the receptacle to assure that cores received in the receptacle are not drawn or aspirated out of the receptacle through flexible tubing which interconnects the receptacle to a source of suction.

Abstract: An aspirating ultrasonic surgical device for the melting and removal of thermoplastic prosthetic implant cement is provided. The instrument defines a centrally located bore which expands in diameter from a surgical tip in the direction of aspirant flow for a length equal to at least 1/4 the wavelength corresponding to the resonant frequency of the device so as to prevent blockage by solidified cores of cement. Alternatively, the bore expands from a first uniform diameter extending from the tip end to a second uniform diameter. A compound taper at the tip end minimizes contact between the outer surface of the tube at the tip end. A novel transducer cooling system is provided by incorporating a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material between the piezoelectric crystal (which generates heat as a byproduct) and a hollow metal bolt which defines a central bore through which cooling irrigant flows to conductively remove heat generated by the crystal.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handpiece; a vibration source within the handpiece for generating mechanical vibrations in response to current supplied thereto; an elongated tool operatively associated with the vibration source and attached to the handpiece at a point where essentially no vibrational motion occurs; the tool extending away from the handpiece to a work site, whereby vibration of the working tip of the tool causes disintegration of hydrated biological material; a motor oberatively associated with the vibration source for rotating the tool and its working tip about its circumference through at least one revolution; a support structure located within the handpiece for mounting said vibration source and capable of independent longitudinal movement relative to the handpiece; a fingergrip for longitudinally reciprocating the support structure and tool towards and away from the work site independently of moving the handpiece; an open portion for irrigating the work site with fluid to assist in withdraw

Abstract: A unitary extended width comb horn for generating ultrasonic vibrations over a width of greater than 12 inches for a frequency of 20 kHz wherein such vibrations vary by less than .+-.10% across the width of the horn. Also, processes utilizing this horn and related devices incorporating same.

Abstract: A unitary extended width comb horn for generating ultrasonic vibrations over a width of greater than 12 inches for a frequency of 20 kHz wherein such vibrations vary by less than .+-.10% across the width of the horn. Also, processes utilizing this horn and related devices incorporating same.