Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical handpiece has a motor having a torsional transducer assembly along a central axis of the surgical handpiece, the motor being configured for operative connection to a power source. A surgical attachment has a proximal end detachably connected to the motor and a distal end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. The motor is configured to create a standing wave along the central axis in response to the application of an electrical current and voltage from the power source. The standing wave defines an alternating pattern of nodes and anti-nodes along the central axis, wherein a position of one of the anti-nodes along the center axis corresponds with the position of the working plane.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical handpiece may include an assembled handpiece, an ultrasonic tip, a tubing set, and an irrigation sleeve. The assembled handpiece may include an assembled motor, a housing sleeve, and a nosecone. The housing sleeve and the nosecone may be disposed over a portion of the assembled motor. The assembled motor may include an assembled transducer, a transducer sleeve, and an angled adaptor. The transducer sleeve may be disposed over a portion of the assembled transducer. The assembled transducer may include an amplifier, one or more piezoelectric rings, and a connector block. A surgeon may use the ultrasonic surgical handpiece to perform a portion of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A control system for an ultrasonic surgical device has a console operatively connected to a power source and configured for detachable connection to the ultrasonic surgical device. A control circuit of the console is configured to regulate an operating signal to correspond to the operating characteristics of the ultrasonic surgical handpiece in response to a loading signal. An operator input of the console operatively connects to the control circuit to provide a control signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical handpiece has a motor having a torsional transducer assembly along a central axis of the surgical handpiece, the motor being configured for operative connection to a power source. A surgical attachment has a proximal end detachably connected to the motor and a distal end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. The motor is configured to create a standing wave along the central axis in response to the application of an electrical current and voltage from the power source. The standing wave defines an alternating pattern of nodes and anti-nodes along the central axis, wherein a position of one of the anti-nodes along the center axis corresponds with the position of the working plane.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical handpiece includes a motor having a transducer assembly along a central axis of the surgical handpiece. The motor is configured for operative connection to a power source. A surgical attachment has a proximal end detachably connected to the motor and a distal end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. A housing has a housing distal end, a housing proximal end, and a cavity configured to receive the motor and the surgical attachment. An irrigation path of the housing is configured to communicate irrigation fluid. The irrigation path has an inlet proximate the housing proximal end operatively connected to an irrigation fluid source, and an outlet proximate to the working plane. The irrigation path is separated from the housing cavity to prevent contact between the irrigation fluid and an operational portion of the surgical attachment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical handpiece may include an assembled handpiece, an ultrasonic tip, a tubing set, and an irrigation sleeve. The assembled handpiece may include an assembled motor, a housing sleeve, and a nosecone. The housing sleeve and the nosecone may be disposed over a portion of the assembled motor. The assembled motor may include an assembled transducer, a transducer sleeve, and an angled adaptor. The transducer sleeve may be disposed over a portion of the assembled transducer. The assembled transducer may include an amplifier, one or more piezoelectric rings, and a connector block. A surgeon may use the ultrasonic surgical handpiece to perform a portion of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue dissection system providing combined longitudinal and torsional motion of tips, together with irrigation and aspiration, for improved cutting of resistant biological tissue. The system permits the use of common and inexpensive electro-mechanical transducers for the production of such motion through the use of longitudinal-torsional resonators.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue dissection system providing combined longitudinal and torsional motion of tips, together with irrigation and aspiration, for improved cutting of resistant biological tissue. The system permits the use of common and inexpensive electro-mechanical transducers for the production of such motion through the use of longitudinal-torsional resonators.

Abstract: Ultrasonic vitreous liquefaction is achieved through use of an apparatus which includes a transducer for generating an ultrasonic vibration to longitudinally ultrasonically vibrate a solid ultrasonic tip. The tip is preferably tapered and the free end of the tip is preferably at least partially surrounded by a stationary sheath. The apparatus may include structure for applying irrigation and aspiration.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue dissection system providing combined longitudinal and torsional motion of tips, together with irrigation and aspiration, for improved cutting of resistant biological tissue. The system permits the use of common and inexpensive electro-mechanical transducers for the production of such motion through the use of longitudinal-torsional resonators.

Abstract: A tubular resonant mechanical horn having a contoured inner surface such that, under vibration, an output radial displacement is obtained on the outer surface of horn that is substantially uniform over its entire surface, for producing effects useful in continuous processes. The horn does not contain a node of motional displacement.

Abstract: A tubular resonant mechanical horn having a contoured inner surface such that, under vibration, an output radial displacement is obtained on the outer surface of horn that is substantially uniform over its entire surface, for producing effects useful in continuous processes. The horn does not contain a node of motional displacement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue dissection system providing combined longitudinal and torsional motion of tips, together with irrigation and aspiration, for improved cutting of resistant biological tissue. The system permits the use of common and inexpensive electromechanical transducers for the production of such motion through the use of longitudinal-torsional resonators.

Abstract: Apparatus using the temperature sensitive elastic property of super elastic alloys is disclosed for measuring temperate using, and controlling the vibration in response to temperature of, resonant electro-mechanical systems in commercial, industrial and medical applications.

Abstract: A method for the melting and removal of thermoplastic prosthetic implant cement through the use of an aspirating ultrasonic surgical device 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: This invention relates to a surgical apparatus having four general embodiments: (1) the use of an ultrasonic vibrator and a radio frequency generator to simultaneously cut and cauterize tissue, (2) the use of an ultrasonic vibrator to cut tissue coupled with the independent use of a radio frequency generator to cut tissue, (3) the exclusive use of a radio frequency generator to cut and cauterize tissue, and (4) the use of a laser to fulgerate tissue. An aspiration system is preferably combined with these embodiments to facilitate surgery and biopsy.

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.