Abstract: An apparatus and a method for using a vascular introducer with an ultrasonic probe to remove a debris from a graft, fistula, vessel, port, or other vascular access device. The vascular introducer for insertion into a vascular access device includes an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal insertion end; an anchoring mechanism that resides within the elongated shaft when the anchoring mechanism is in a retracted position and extends beyond the proximal insertion end of the elongated shaft and engages an inner surface of the vascular access device when the anchoring mechanism is in an extended position; and an activation mechanism that moves the anchoring mechanism from the retracted position to the extended position. The vascular introducer may further include a rotation mechanism that allows the vascular introducer to change direction within the vascular access device without being removed from the vascular access device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical device comprising an ultrasonic probe and a collet assembly for probe attachment and detachment, and a method of removing occlusions in blood vessels using the ultrasonic medical device. The probe detachability allows insertion, manipulation and withdrawal independently of a device body. The collet assembly comprises a compression clamp capable of releasably receiving the probe, and a compression housing that initiates a minimal area “line-contact” between the collet assembly segments upon engagement. A line-contact lip ensures consistent and repeatable contact between the compression clamp and the compression housing at a predetermined location to provide a consistent closing force on the probe for any selected tightening torque. The line-contact between the collet assembly segments provides efficient ultrasonic energy transfer from an ultrasonic energy source to the probe thereby increasing the probe efficiency during tissue ablation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe.

Abstract: A transverse mode ultrasonic probe is provided which creates a cavitation area along its longitudinal length, increasing the working surface of the probe. Accessory sheaths are also provided for use with the probe to enable a user to select from features most suited to an individual medical procedure. The sheaths provide acoustic enhancing and aspiration enhancing properties, and/or can be used as surgical tools or as medical access devices, protecting tissue from physical contact with the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating small-diameter probe and a coupling assembly for probe attachment and detachment that that enables the probe to disengage from the device body. The probe detachability allows for insertion, manipulation, and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance tissue ablation. The device body includes an ultrasonic energy source and a horn assembly. The probe of the present invention is engaged to the device body in a manner which creates an impedance mismatch between the probe and the device body which allows the probe and the device body to operate as separate acoustic systems. The present invention also comprises a method for the removal of vascular occlusions in a blood vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing small diameter ultrasonic probes capable of vibrating in a transverse mode that can be used in ultrasonic tissue ablation. The apparatus includes a die, a style puller which is used to engage a functional end of the medical device, and a die room puller which is used to draw the medical device through the die. The die includes a bell-shaped lead-in on a front side of the die and a bell-shaped lead-in on a back side of the die allowing for reversal of the direction of the draw. The method of manufacturing includes heat treating a large diameter medical device, drawing the large diameter device through a die and reversing the draw of the medical device through the die to provide a medical device having a varying diameter along a length of the device. The method is repeated until a final diameter is reached.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe.

Abstract: A transverse mode ultrasonic probe is provided which creates a cavitation area along its longitudinal length, increasing the working surface of the probe. Accessory sheaths are also provided for use with the probe to enable a user to select from features most suited to an individual medical procedure. The sheaths provide acoustic enhancing and aspiration enhancing properties, and/or can be used as surgical tools or as medical access devices, protecting tissue from physical contact with the probe.

Abstract: A method for removing an occlusion is provided comprising introducing a transverse mode ultrasonic probe into a blood vessel, positioning the probe in proximity to the occlusion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy to the probe, until the occlusion is removed. The probe has a small cross-sectional lumen and is articulable for navigating in a tortuous vessel path. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The probe can also be used with a balloon catheter. The probe, sheaths, and catheter can be provided in a sharps container which further provides a means of affixing and detaching the probe from an ultrasonic medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating gynecological diseases using an ultrasonic medical device operating in a transverse mode to cause fragmentation of diseased tissue without the excision of adjacent non-diseased tissue. The ultrasonic medical device includes an elongated probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis that can be inserted into a body lumen, and an ultrasonic generator for providing ultrasonic energy to the elongated probe for emission along the longitudinal axis of the elongated probe to the tissue adjacent the body lumen, wherein the ultrasonic energy creates a standing transverse wave in the elongated probe. A method includes inserting a member having a longitudinal axis into the body cavity, providing ultrasonic energy to the member and generating an area of cavitation along the longitudinal axis of the member, and sweeping the member over the surface of the body cavity to destroy the targeted cells.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating elongated probe, and a coupling assembly for probe attachment detachment that enables the probe assembly and separation from the device body that includes the ultrasound energy source and a sound conductor, and a method of use for removal of vascular occlusions in blood vessels. The coupling assembly enables incorporation of elongated probes with small cross sectional lumens such as a catheter guidewires. The probe detachability allows insertion manipulation and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The horn assembly of the device that contains a sound conducting horn functions as an energy regulator and reservoir for the probe, and precludes loss of probe cavitation energy by its bending or damping within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for destructing, reducing or removing mammalian tissue with an ultrasonic device IS disclosed, comprising contacting the tissue with a transverse mode ultrasonic probe, and transmitting ultrasonic energy to the probe, until the tissue is fragmented by emulsification. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion and in combination with an imaging device to effect remodeling of human tissue in medical and cosmetic surgical procedures.