Ultrasonic knife
First Claim
1. A handpiece for an ultrasonic tool comprising a transducer to produce ultrasonic vibrations, said transducer interposed between an acoustical concentrator and a bulk head, said transducer comprising at least two piezo-electric washers interposed between a front block and a heel slug with a central bolt passing through aligned holes in said washers and interconnecting said front block and said heel slug to compress said washers therebetween, said central bolt including an isolation region positioned between said bulk head and said heel slug, said isolation region extending proximally beyond an end of said heel slug to said bulk head at a distance from said heel slug, said isolation region having a transverse cross-sectional area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said handpiece no greater than about one-tenth of the transverse cross-sectional area of said heel slug.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an improved ultrasonic knife of a type for incising various types of material. The knife has a reduced thermal footprint to tailor thermally induced tissue effects. Tooth configuration on the knife cooperates with the stroke of the ultrasonic drive to produce efficient cutting, as well as tactile feedback to the surgeon with respect to the rate of cutting, and changes in tissue density. Ultrasonic knife tip extenders are also disclosed for advancing the ultrasonic knife tip through the working channel of an endoscope or trocar sheath. Methods utilizing the foregoing apparatus are also disclosed.
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Citations
11 Claims
- 1. A handpiece for an ultrasonic tool comprising a transducer to produce ultrasonic vibrations, said transducer interposed between an acoustical concentrator and a bulk head, said transducer comprising at least two piezo-electric washers interposed between a front block and a heel slug with a central bolt passing through aligned holes in said washers and interconnecting said front block and said heel slug to compress said washers therebetween, said central bolt including an isolation region positioned between said bulk head and said heel slug, said isolation region extending proximally beyond an end of said heel slug to said bulk head at a distance from said heel slug, said isolation region having a transverse cross-sectional area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said handpiece no greater than about one-tenth of the transverse cross-sectional area of said heel slug.
Specification