Ultrasonic surgical apparatus and silicon waveguide and methods for use thereof

Abstract

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and ultrasound transducer cores including a transducing structure affixed to a longitudinally elongated, generally planar, single crystal or polycrystalline material waveguide.

Description

[0001] Cross references to related patent applications [0002] This patent application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 233,945, filed August 14, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] Various embodiments relate to ultrasonic surgical devices, and more particularly, to ultrasonic surgical instruments and methods for shear thinning dermal fillers. Background technique [0004] Human skin is composed of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. Beneath these layers is the hypodermis, which is not usually classified as a skin layer. The thinner outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) provides a barrier to the external environment. The epidermis is typically about 0.05 to 1.5 mm thick (varying from its minimum at the eyelids to its maximum on the palms and soles of the feet). It is composed of many different types of cells, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerh...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, existing known devices are imperfect in that contact devices are usually designed for macroscopic coagulation or ablation of tissue surfaces, whereas HIFU devices are usually designed for image-guided hyperthermia, coagulation, or cavitation-induced deep tissue damage

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