Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing a polymethylmethacrylate or other cement plug from the medullary canal during hip-revision surgery. In accordance with the method, a portion of the PMMA plug is softened and a plug removal tool is advanced through the softened portion to become imbedded in the plug. The plug is permitted to harden around the tool, and the tool is withdrawn thereby pulling the plug with it. Softening may be accomplished by conducting ultrasonic energy through the removal tool tip, or by other means. Hardening is accomplished by removing the heat source and permitting passive cooling of the material, or by accelerating cooling of the material through the use of a heat sink or a circulating media such as a compressed gas. Also disclosed is a self-cooling tool tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical junction for facilitating the rapid attachment and removal of ultrasonic surgical components for the transfer of ultrasonic energy across the junction from an ultrasonic transducer to an ultrasonically activated tool bit. The junction achieves a high, evenly distributed compressive force to optimize propagation of the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to a tool bit, while maintaining a relatively small outside diameter of the ultrasonic tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical junction for facilitating the rapid attachment and removal of ultrasonic surgical components for the transfer of ultrasonic energy across the junction from an ultrasonic transducer to an ultrasonically activated tool bit. The junction achieves a high, evenly distributed compressive force to optimize propagation of the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to a tool bit, while maintaining a relatively small outside diameter of the ultrasonic tool. Also disclosed are a plurality of ultrasonic energy activated tool tips for introducing and removing an orthopedic prosthesis.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument such as for use in intraocular surgery having a handpiece with an elongate probe extending forward from it. The probe has an elongate stationary outer cutter with a port at its tip and an elongate inner cutter with a cutting surface coaxially disposed therein. The interior of the inner cutter communicates with a vacuum source. A spring and diaphragm assembly in the handpiece and powered by a low pressure pump causes the inner cutter to rapidly reciprocate axially in the outer cutter, and body material, such as vitreous material, drawn in through the port by the vacuum source is thereby chopped by the cutting surface and aspirated out of the patient's body through the handpiece. A large adjustment nut on the handpiece allows the size of the port to be easily adjusted. Irrigation fluid can be provided at the surgical site through an infusion cap which is adjustable both longitudinally and rotatably on the handpiece.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument such as for use in intraocular surgery having a handpiece with an elongate probe extending foward from it. The probe has an elongate stationary outer cutter with a port at its tip and an elongate inner cutter with a cutting surface coaxially disposed therein. The interior of the inner cutter communicates with a vacuum source. A spring and diaphragm assembly in the handpiece and powered by a low pressure pump causes the inner cutter to rapidly reciprocate axially in the outer cutter, and body material, such as vitreous material, drawn in through the port by the vacuum source is thereby chopped by the cutting surface and aspirated out of the patient's body through the handpiece. A large adjustment nut on the handpiece allows the size of the port to be easily adjusted. Irrigation fluid can be provided at the surgical site through an infusion cap which is adjustable both longitudinally and rotatably on the handpiece.