Abstract: A surgical system having a console that receives a cassette with a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The housing serves as a substrate for an elastomeric acoustic coupling that can be formed on the housing outside of the fluid channel. The acoustic transducer is elastically mounted within the console, such as on a spring, so as to provide a relatively constant force between the transducer and the acoustic coupling when the cassette is installed in the console.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide top and bottom clamping of a surgical cassette. One embodiment of the present invention includes a surgical cassette adapted for use in a surgical system having a first side (e.g., an inner side) and second side (e.g., an outer side). The surgical cassette, according to one embodiment, comprises a body portion configured to interface on its first side with a surgical console during use, a first clamping portion projecting from the top of the body portion configured to contact a first clamp rail on the cassette's second side during use and a second clamping portion projecting from the bottom of the body portion configured to contact a second clamp rail on the cassette's second side during use.

Abstract: A surgical system having all of the various pneumatic control sub-systems integrally mounted on a common manifold. The various required control mechanisms such as valves are likewise integrally mounted to the common manifold.

Abstract: A surgical system having all of the various pneumatic control sub-systems integrally mounted on a common manifold. The various required control mechanisms such as valves are likewise integrally mounted to the common manifold. Air cylinders for valve actuation are directly installed into the manifolds, and pressurized air for the air cylinders is supplied to the cylinders through the manifolds. Such a construction eliminated the need to use external air tubing to supply the air cylinders with pressurized air, thereby improving reliability and simplifying construction.

Abstract: A control handle assembly, comprising, a body; a pair of handles extending from the body; and an actuator disposed within the body, wherein the handles move in unison, and wherein movement of the actuator is controlled by movement of the pair of handles.

Abstract: A system for removing cut tissue from the inner bore of a surgical rongeur or suction punch, comprising: an elongated tubular member having a side hole positioned adjacent its distal end; and an insert projecting inwardly from the distal end of the tubular member into the inner bore of the tubular member.

Abstract: A system for recovering bone particles removed from a patient, comprising a sub-system for removing particles of bone; a sub-system for irrigating the operative site to yield a slurry comprising the bone particles; a sub-system for removing the slurry from the operative site; and a sub-system for recovering the bone particles from the slurry.