Abstract: An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade has a blade body and a shank. The shank is fixed at one end to the blade body and is operatively connectable at an opposite end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. The shank has a longitudinal axis. The blade body is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.

Abstract: An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade has a blade body and a shank. The shank is fixed at one end to the blade body and is operatively connectable at an opposite end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. The shank has a longitudinal axis. The blade body is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis.

Abstract: A coupling member for an ultrasonic instrument assembly includes a body member having a first port at a first end and a second port at a second end opposite the first end, the body member having a lumen or channel extending from the first end to the second end so that the first and the second port communicate with one another. The body member is made of a flexible resilient material and is provided with at least one protrusion (or projection) extending into the lumen or channel. The protrusion is variously insertable into at least one cooperating groove or recess on an outer surface of a tubular member to enable an adjustment in a degree of insertion of the tubular member into the coupling member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade has a blade body and a shank. The shank is fixed at one end to the blade body and is operatively connectable at an opposite end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. The shank has a longitudinal axis. The blade body is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.

Abstract: In a discectomy method one removes at least a substantial portion of a spinal disc. Thereafter one operates an ultrasonic instrument to level opposing faces of vertebrae on opposite sides of the removed spinal disc. Graft or synthetic disc material is inserted between the vertebrae so that the graft or synthetic disc material is in contact with the leveled opposing faces. In an associated nucleotomy, a cannulated probe is inserted into a spinal disc and used to remove the nucleus pulposus. A synthetic or substitute nucleus material may then be inserted into the evacuated annulus.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises, in accordance with the present invention, an elongate probe, a sleeve, a sleeve extension and at least one cauterization electrode. The probe is an ultrasonic element, serving to convey ultrasonic vibrations (as standing waves) to organic tissues at a surgical site. The probe has a working tip and a longitudinal axis. The sleeve surrounds the probe with the working tip of the probe projecting from a distal or free end of the sleeve. The sleeve extension is disposed at the distal or free end of the sleeve and defines a multiplicity of apertures having respective axes oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The electrode has a distal or free end removably inserted through one of the apertures.

Abstract: In a discectomy method one removes at least a substantial portion of a spinal disc. Thereafter one operates an ultrasonic instrument to level opposing faces of vertebrae on opposite sides of the removed spinal disc. Graft or synthetic disc material is inserted between the vertebrae so that the graft or synthetic disc material is in contact with the leveled opposing faces. In an associated nucleotomy, a cannulated probe is inserted into a spinal disc and used to remove the nucleus pulposus. A synthetic or substitute nucleus material may then be inserted into the evacuated annulus.

Abstract: A tranducer assembly for an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a front driver having an elongate shaft in one direction and a stud extending in an opposite direction. An electromechanical transducer element is disposed around the stud. The transducer assembly also comprises a rear driver disposed around the stud on a side of the electromechanical transducer element opposite the front driver, the electromechanical transducer element being clamped between the front driver and the rear driver. An inertial or damping mass is fixedly connected to the stud at a point spaced from the rear driver. The stud is of length and thinness to act as a flexible vibration damping element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical probe has an elongate shaft with a head portion having a distal end face oriented at least partially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The head portion has a lateral surface extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the lateral surface being provided with outwardly or radially extending projections. The shaft of the probe is provided with an internal longitudinal channel or bore and at least one ancillary or tributary channel communicating at an inner end with the longitudinal channel or bore and extending to the lateral surface. The ancillary or tributary channel has an outer end disposed in a region about the projections. The projections may be finely configured and distributed so as to form a knurled surface on the head portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade has a blade body and a shank. The shank is fixed at one end to the blade body and is operatively connectable at an opposite end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. The shank has a longitudinal axis. The blade body is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis.

Abstract: A surgical device for ultrasonic ablation and RF cauterization includes a forceps member having at least one prong, the prong being formed as an electrode. At least one electrical connector is provided on the forceps member for operatively connecting the prong to an electrical power source. The surgical device further includes a mechanical connector attached to the forceps member for removably fastening the forceps member to a housing of an ultrasonic probe. The forceps member can thus function to carry out a cauterization procedure during a surgical operation utilizing the probe for ultrasonic ablation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical treatment device has a casing, an elongate probe, a transducer assembly, a sheath and at least one electrode member. The probe is mounted to and extends from the casing and has an axis and a free end serving as an operative tip. The transducer assembly is mounted to the casing and is operatively connected to the probe for generating vibrations of at least one ultrasonic frequency in the probe. The sheath surrounds the probe. The electrode member is connectable to an RF voltage source and is mounted at least indirectly to the casing so as to permit relative motion between the electrode member and the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical treatment device has a casing, an elongate probe, a transducer assembly, a sheath and a plurality of electrode members. The probe is mounted to and extends from the casing and has an axis and a free end serving as an operative tip. The transducer assembly is mounted to the casing and is operatively connected to the probe for generating vibrations of at least one ultrasonic frequency in the probe. The sheath surrounds the probe. The electrode members are connectable to an RF voltage source and are mounted at least indirectly to the casing so as to permit relative motion between the electrode members and the probe.