Ultrasonic surgical handpiece with torsional transducer

Abstract

The surgical handpiece includes a motor having a torsional transducer assembly along a central axis of the surgical handpiece. The motor is configured for operative connection to a power source. The torsional transducer assembly includes a plurality of torsional transducers. Each torsional transducer has a support band surrounding the torsional transducer. The surgical handpiece includes a surgical attachment having a first end removably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an ultrasonic surgical device, and more specifically, to an ultrasonic surgical handpiece having a torsion converter that generates a standing wave that defines an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the handpiece, wherein the position of the antinodes corresponds to the position of the working plane for engaging biological tissue. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic surgical devices are used in a variety of surgical procedures, such as dissection, aspiration, coagulation, and cutting of biological tissue. Typically, ultrasonic surgical devices operate using piezoelectric transducers as half-wavelength resonators by generating high-frequency wave oscillations, which cause various surgical instruments to vibrate at resonant frequencies. Resonance can generally be defined as the time harmonic exchange of strain energy of a distributed elasticity with the kinetic energy of the distributed elastic motion of a structure. Vibrations can be longitudinal, radial, flexural, torsional, or a combination of these forms. For physical analysis purposes, this vibration can be mathematically represented as a standing wave, which consists of two waves: a strain wave and a kinetic wave. Each of these waves (whether strain or kinetic) is superimposed on the structure, and each wave travels in the opposite direction to the other, resulting in the formation of points of maximum strain (nodes) with no motion and points of maximum or zero strain (antinodes).

[0003] Compared to traditional surgical tools and techniques, ultrasound surgical devices offer numerous advantages. For example, compared to electrosurgical instruments, ultrasonic vibrations provide more precise cutting and better tissue coagulation, thus reducing bleeding and damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, compared to cryosurgical or electrosurgical instruments, ultrasonic vibrations provide less thermal damage (such as carbonization) and less drying.

[0004] However, the advantages of ultrasound surgical devices are limited by their so-called longitudinal vibration, in which the transducer vibrates axially along the axis of the device. Correspondingly, this longitudinal vibration causes the surgical instruments to reciprocate in the axial direction, which still limits the accuracy of the instruments during the surgical procedure and generates a significant amount of heat that can potentially damage surrounding tissues. Additionally, longitudinal vibration can cause cavitation of the irrigation fluid commonly used in surgical procedures, which can obstruct the field of vision during the procedure.

[0005] In contrast, the twisting movement of the surgical tip provides smoother and more precise control, thereby reducing damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, the twisting movement generates less heat, thus reducing thermal damage to surrounding tissues. Furthermore, the twisting movement reduces cavitation of the irrigation fluid, thereby improving visibility during the surgical procedure.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an ultrasonic surgical handpiece that uses a torsion converter to provide more precise and efficient operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one embodiment, the surgical handpiece includes a motor having a torsion converter assembly along the central axis of the surgical handpiece. The motor is configured for operatively connecting to a power source. The surgical attachment has a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. The motor is configured to generate a standing wave along the central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from the power source. The standing wave defines an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis. The position of one of the antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

[0008] In another embodiment, the surgical handpiece includes a plurality of torsion transducers along a central axis of the surgical handpiece. The plurality of torsion transducers are configured for operatively connecting to a power source. The surgical attachment has a first end detachably connected to the plurality of torsion transducers and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. The plurality of torsion transducers are configured to generate standing waves along the central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from the power source. The standing waves define an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis. The position of one of the antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for operating a surgical handpiece includes providing a motor and a surgical attachment having a torsion converter assembly along a central axis of the surgical handpiece, the surgical attachment having a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. Power is supplied to the motor, and a standing wave is formed that defines an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis, wherein the position of one of the antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

[0010] In one embodiment, a surgical handpiece is provided, comprising a motor having a torsion converter assembly along a central axis of the handpiece. The motor is configured for operative connection to a power source. The torsion converter assembly includes a plurality of torsion converters. Each torsion converter has a support strap surrounding it. The surgical handpiece includes a surgical attachment having a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support strip includes an annular structure having an inner surface that engages with the outer surface of the torsion converter to support the torsion converter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support strip is made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum and / or aluminum alloys).

[0013] In some embodiments, the support strip has a certain width and the torsion converter has a certain width, wherein the width of the support strip is approximately equal to the width of the torsion converter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the support belt is higher than that of the torsional converter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the motor is configured to generate a standing wave along a central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from a power source. The standing wave defines an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis, wherein the position of one of the antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

[0016] In some embodiments, the surgical attachment has a joint at a location associated with one of the nodes along the central axis to increase the amplitude of the standing wave at the working plane.

[0017] In some embodiments, each torsion converter includes an end surface with a surface roughness configured to make acoustic contact with an end surface of another torsion converter, or each torsion converter includes a piezoelectric ring.

[0018] In some embodiments, each torsion converter includes a piezoelectric ring.

[0019] In some embodiments, the torsional transducer is configured to cause the ultrasonic tip of the surgical attachment to oscillate in a torsional motion around a central axis.

[0020] In some embodiments, the torsional converter is configured to operate as a full-wavelength resonator along the central axis of the handheld device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the torsion converter assembly includes a first stack of torsion converters and a second stack of torsion converters, the first stack and the second stack being opposite each other with the interface as a symmetrical reference plane.

[0022] In some embodiments, the surgical attachment includes an angled adapter.

[0023] In some embodiments, the surgical attachment includes an ultrasonic tip, wherein the ultrasonic tip includes a plurality of teeth configured to correspond to a resonant frequency as a function of peak-to-peak amplitude, or the surgical attachment includes an angled adapter.

[0024] In some embodiments, the motor further includes: a connector block aligned along the central axis of the surgical handpiece; and an amplifier aligned along the central axis of the surgical handpiece.

[0025] In another embodiment, a surgical handpiece is provided, including a motor having a torsion converter assembly along a central axis of the handpiece. The motor is configured for operatively connecting to a power source. The torsion converter assembly includes a torsion converter stack having a plurality of torsion converters stacked end-to-end, bolts securing the torsion converters within the stack, support straps around corresponding torsion converters, and a set of electrodes electrically connected to the corresponding torsion converters. The surgical handpiece includes a surgical attachment having a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane. The surgical attachment includes an ultrasonic tip located at the working plane for engagement with biological tissue.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support strip includes an annular structure having an inner surface that engages with the outer surface of the torsion converter to support the torsion converter.

[0027] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the support belt is higher than that of the torsional converter.

[0028] In some embodiments, the torsional transducer is configured to cause the ultrasonic tip of the surgical attachment to oscillate in a torsional motion around a central axis.

[0029] In some embodiments, the motor is configured to generate a standing wave along a central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from a power source. The standing wave defines an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis, wherein the position of one of the antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

[0030] In another embodiment, a surgical handpiece is provided, comprising a plurality of torsion transducers along a central axis of the handpiece. The plurality of torsion transducers are configured for operatively connecting to a power source. The surgical handpiece includes support straps surrounding corresponding torsion transducers to support them. The surgical handpiece includes surgical attachments operatively coupled to the plurality of torsion transducers. The surgical attachments have ultrasonic tips located at a working plane for engagement with biological tissue. The plurality of torsion transducers are configured to generate standing waves along the central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from the power source. The standing waves define an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis. The position of one of the antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

[0031] In some embodiments, the torsional transducer is configured to cause the ultrasonic tip of the surgical attachment to oscillate in a torsional motion around a central axis.

[0032] In some embodiments, the support strip includes an annular structure having an inner surface that engages with the outer surface of the torsion converter to support the torsion converter.

[0033] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the support belt is higher than that of the torsional converter. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The subject matter of the invention will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system according to some embodiments.

[0036] Figure 2 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic surgical handpiece (with its housing removed) taken at section AA, and a corresponding schematic diagram illustrating the standing wave along the ultrasonic surgical handpiece.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an ultrasonic end-effector according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 4 This is an end view of an ultrasonic tip according to some embodiments, showing torsional motion at the working plane.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a partially exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical handpiece according to some embodiments, wherein the housing has been removed, thereby showing the connector.

[0040] Figure 6 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic surgical handpiece taken at section AA.

[0041] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the motor and surgical attachment of an ultrasonic surgical handheld device according to some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a side view of a motor according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 9 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the motor shown is taken from section BB.

[0044] Figure 10 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the motor shown is taken from section CC.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system according to some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 12a It is according to some embodiments along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view shown is of the ultrasonic surgical handpiece (with its housing removed), taken from section DD.

[0047] Figure 12b The diagram illustrates a corresponding standing wave along an ultrasonic surgical handpiece according to some embodiments.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an ultrasonic end-effector according to some embodiments.

[0049] Figure 14 This is an end view of an ultrasonic tip according to some embodiments, showing torsional motion at the working plane.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a partially exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical handpiece according to some embodiments, wherein the housing has been removed, thereby showing the connecting components.

[0051] Figure 16 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 11 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic surgical handpiece taken at section AA.

[0052] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view of the motor and surgical attachment of an ultrasonic surgical handheld device according to some embodiments.

[0053] Figure 18 This is a side view of a motor according to some embodiments.

[0054] Figure 19 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 18 The cross-sectional view of the motor shown is taken from section EE.

[0055] Figure 20 It is according to some embodiments along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the motor shown is taken from section FF.

[0056] The corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts in several figures throughout the entire figure. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following detailed description illustrates the subject matter of the invention by way of example, not limitation. This description enables those skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter, describing several embodiments of the subject matter, as well as adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses. Furthermore, it should be understood that the subject matter of the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The subject matter of the invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting all embodiments of the subject matter of the invention.

[0058] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically identified as a preferred order of execution, the steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0059] The embodiments described herein include ultrasonic surgical systems having a control system, a surgical handpiece, a motor, and a surgical attachment for engaging biological tissue during a surgical procedure. For example, the ultrasonic surgical system may have a surgical handpiece with a motor having a torsion transducer assembly. The torsion transducer assembly may have various configurations as set forth herein. For example, the transducer assembly may be configured to generate a standing wave along the central axis of the surgical handpiece in response to the application of current and voltage from a power source or control system. The standing wave may define an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis, wherein the position of one of the antinodes corresponds to the position of the working plane of the surgical attachment for engaging biological tissue (including both soft and hard tissue). The surgical attachment may have various configurations as set forth herein. Optionally, the ultrasonic surgical system may include an irrigation assembly and / or aspiration assembly for irrigation and / or aspiration of biological tissue.

[0060] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system 10 constructed according to an embodiment, which includes a surgical handpiece 12 extending correspondingly between a first end 15 and an opposite second end 13. The second end 13 is operatively connected to a control system 14 via a connecting assembly 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 14 is configured to provide power, flushing fluid, and suction or aspiration at a working plane 18 of the first end 15 of the handpiece 12 during a surgical procedure. The working plane 18 of the handpiece 12 can engage biological tissue 20 at a surgical site 22 to perform various surgical procedures, such as cutting, coagulation, flushing, and aspiration. In alternative embodiments, the handpiece 12 may be configured to engage soft biological tissue (such as muscle tissue, connective tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, etc.) or hard biological tissue (such as bone, enamel, dentin, cementum, etc.).

[0061] Figure 2 It is according to the embodiment along Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic surgical handpiece 12 (with its housing removed), taken at section AA, and a corresponding schematic diagram illustrating a standing wave 100 along the ultrasonic surgical handpiece 12. In response to the application of current and voltage from the control system 14, the handpiece 12 generates a standing wave 100 along its central axis A, with nodes 102 and antinodes 104 located at various positions along the central axis A in an alternating pattern. The X-axis of this schematic diagram shows the positions of nodes 102 and antinodes along the central axis A of the handpiece 12. The Y-axis shows the amplitude of the standing wave 100 along the central axis A of the handpiece 12.

[0062] For example, antinodes 104 are located at the first end 284 of connector block 202, at interface 150 between the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 of transducer assembly 210, at interface 152 between amplifier 206 and surgical attachment 300, at interface 154 between angled adapter 302 and ultrasonic tip 304, and at working plane 18. For example, the distances between antinodes 14 along the handle 12 (from the second end to the first end) are approximately 0.903 inches, approximately 0.5922 inches, approximately 0.658 inches, approximately 1.087 inches, approximately 1.057 inches, approximately 1.66 inches, approximately 1.626 inches, and approximately 1.365 inches. For example, the amplitude of standing wave 100 gradually increases along the central axis A of handle 12 as it approaches the first end 15 of handle 12, with the maximum amplitude at working plane 18.

[0063] In some embodiments, a standing wave 100 can be described as a wave that oscillates in time but whose peak amplitude distribution does not move in space. The standing wave 100 can represent a motion distribution along the length of the surgical handpiece 12, whose amplitude varies harmonically in time but remains stationary in space. The peak amplitude of the wave oscillation at any point in space is constant in time, and the oscillations at different points throughout the wave are in phase with each other. The standing wave pattern defines an alternating pattern of node locations (e.g., nodes and antinodes). When a standing wave is established, nodes and antinodes remain at the same location along the medium. A node of a standing wave is the location where the standing wave amplitude is minimum (which may include zero). At a node, the displacement is minimum or nonexistent during each vibration cycle. The standing wave 100 can be formed by the interference of two traveling waves. Therefore, nodes are generated at locations where destructive interference occurs. An antinode of a standing wave is the location where the standing wave amplitude is maximum. At an antinode, the displacement is maximum during each vibration cycle. Antinodes oscillate back and forth between positive and negative displacements. Antinodes are generated at locations where constructive interference occurs.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the ultrasonic end cap 304 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 This is an end view of the ultrasonic tip 304 according to an embodiment, showing torsional motion at the working plane 18. The standing wave 100 generated along the handpiece 12 causes torsional motion about a central axis A at the working plane 18 of the surgical attachment 300. For example, the amplitude AA of the ultrasonic tip 304 at the working plane 18 can be a maximum value with a peak-to-peak value of about 18 mils (450 micrometers), where the operating resonant frequency is about 24,500 Hz to 25,500 Hz. However, alternative embodiments may produce other amplitudes at the working plane 18 and / or at other operating resonant frequencies.

[0065] Refer again Figure 1 The control system 14 includes a power supply 24 that provides current and power to the handheld device 12 via a connection assembly 16. For example, the handheld device 12 may have an operating frequency in the range of 24,500 Hz to 25,500 Hz and be driven by the control system 14 at a power range of 85 watts to 110 watts. In alternative embodiments, the handheld device 12 may have an operating frequency less than 24,500 Hz or greater than 25,500 Hz and be driven at a power of less than 85 watts or greater than 110 watts.

[0066] An exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 also includes a flushing fluid source 26 configured to provide flushing fluid to the handpiece 12 via a connection assembly 16. In one embodiment, the handpiece 12 may be configured to deliver flushing fluid to the work surface 18 and the surgical site 22 through one or more flushing channels of the handpiece 12 for use as a cooling medium and for flushing purposes. For example, the flushing fluid source 26 may include a flushing pump (not shown), such as a peristaltic pump, configured to pump water from a water source to the handpiece 12 via the connection assembly 16.

[0067] Additionally, an exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 includes a suction collector 28 to provide suction to the handpiece 12 via the connection assembly 16. In one embodiment, the handpiece 12 may be configured to provide suction to the work surface 18 and surgical site 22 through suction channels of the handpiece 12 for suction purposes. For example, the suction collector 28 may include a vacuum pump (not shown) configured to create a vacuum in the handpiece via the connection assembly 16 to transport the aspirated biological tissue from the work surface 18 and surgical site 22 to a biological waste container (not shown).

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection assembly 16 includes an electrical connector 30 that transmits power from the power source 24 of the control system 14 to the handheld device 12. For example, the electrical connector 30 includes a cable 32 having a first end 34 that engages with the handheld device 12 and an electrical connector 36 attached to a second end 38 of the cable 32. Optionally, a strain relief element 40 is attached to the cable end 42 of the electrical connector 36. As illustrated, the electrical connector 36 is a high-voltage modular connector detachably connected to the control system 14, such as a connector manufactured by LEMO. However, in alternative embodiments, the connector can be any suitable connector capable of operatively connecting to the control system 14.

[0069] The connection assembly 16 also includes a flushing connector 44 that transfers flushing fluid from the flushing fluid source 26 of the control system 14 to the handheld device 12. For example, the flushing connector includes a tube 46 having a second end 48 connected to the control system 14 and a connection to the handheld device 12 (e.g., to a flushing barb connector 52). Figure 5 The first end 50 of the connection.

[0070] The connection assembly 16 also includes a suction connector 74 that transfers the aspirated material from the handheld component 12 to the suction collector 28 of the control system 14. For example, the suction connector 74 includes a tube 76 having a second end 78 connected to the control system 14 and a connection to the handheld component 12 (e.g., to a suction hook connector 82). Figure 5 The first end 80 of the connection.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the flushing barb connector 52 and / or the suction barb connector 82 may be made of any suitable material (including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, metal alloys, and any combination thereof). For example, the flushing barb connector 52 and / or the suction barb connector 82 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, the flushing barb connector 52 and / or the suction barb connector 82 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical handpiece 12 according to an embodiment, wherein the housing 110 is removed to show the connection assembly, which includes a motor 200 and a surgical attachment 300. Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic surgical handheld device 12 taken at section AA. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 includes an inner sleeve 112 and an outer sleeve 114, a collar 116, a nasal cone 118, and an irrigation sleeve 120, which are detachably assembled to receive the motor 200 and the surgical attachment 300 and define an irrigation channel 122. Figure 6The flushing channel delivers flushing fluid from the flushing connector 44 to the working plane 18. For example, the generally cylindrical inner sleeve 112 includes a bore 124 configured to receive the motor 200. The generally cylindrical outer sleeve 114 includes a bore 126 configured to receive the inner sleeve 112 and the motor 200, and defines a portion of a generally annular flushing channel 122 between the inner sleeve 112 and the outer sleeve 114. A collar 116 is detachably connected to a second end 128 of the outer sleeve 114 (e.g., by thread). The nose cone 118 includes a second end 130 configured (e.g., by thread) to be detachably connected to a first end 132 of the outer sleeve 126 and defines a portion of the flushing channel 122. The flushing sleeve 120 includes a second end 134 configured (e.g., by thread) to be detachably connected to a first end 136 of the nose cone 118 and defines a portion of the flushing channel 122. The second end 137 of the irrigation sleeve 120 defines an outlet 138 configured to guide irrigation fluid from the irrigation channel 122 to the working plane 18 and the surgical site 22. In one or more embodiments, each component of the housing 110 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, and any combination thereof.

[0073] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the motor 200 and surgical attachment 300 of an ultrasonic surgical handheld device 12 according to an embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical attachment 300 includes an angled adapter 302 and an ultrasonic end 304 aligned along the central axis A of the handheld device 12. The angled adapter 302 includes a body 306 having a second end 308 detachably connected to the motor 200 (e.g., via a threaded hole 310) and a first end 312 detachably connected to the ultrasonic end 304 (e.g., via a threaded hole 314). The body 306 includes a second portion 316 and a first portion 318 offset from each other at an angle (e.g., an angle in the range of about 10° to 45°, but any angle may be used) at a junction 319. The angled adapter 302 may include an amplifier interface 320 at the second end 308 and an angled end interface 324 at the first end 312. In one or more embodiments, the angled adapter 302 may include an angled adapter hole 330 and an end hole 332. Figure 6 ).like Figure 2 As shown, the joint 319 is positioned to be associated with a node of the standing wave 100. The association of the joint 319 with node 102 increases the amplitude of the standing wave 100 as it approaches the working plane 18 after the joint 319.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip 304 includes a body 334 having a second end 336 and a first end 338, the second end being detachably connected (e.g., via a threaded portion) to a first end 312 of an angled adapter 302, the first end having a working plane 18 configured for engaging biological tissue. The body 334 may include multiple portions of discretely different dimensions to correspond to nodes 102 and antinodes 104 of a standing wave. For example, the body 306 may include a base portion 340 at the second end 336, an end portion 342 at the first end 338, and an inclined intermediate portion 344 disposed between the base portion 340 and the end portion 342. An aperture 346 extends along a central axis A through the length of the body 334. The ultrasonic tip 304 is configured such that when the handheld component 12 is assembled, the position of the working plane 18 corresponds to one of the antinodes 104 of the standing wave 100.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip may include a plurality of teeth configured to correspond to a resonant frequency that is a function of peak-to-peak amplitude. In operation, the movement of each tooth overlaps within the peak-to-peak range. The distance between the teeth corresponds to a frequency that produces a peak-to-peak amplitude of 10 to 15 micrometers.

[0076] In alternative embodiments of the surgical attachment 300, the angled adapter 302 and the ultrasonic tip 304 can be configured with dimensions such that the position of the working plane 18 corresponds to the antinode 104 of the standing wave 100. For example, the total length of the ultrasonic tip 304 between the second end 316 and the first end 318 can range from about 2.9 inches to about 3.1 inches. The diameter of the base portion 340 can range from about 0.2 inches to about 0.3 inches. In alternative embodiments of the surgical attachment 300, the ultrasonic tip 304 can be configured to perform various surgical procedures. For example, the ultrasonic tip 304, particularly the tip portion 342 at the working plane 18, can be configured to engage soft biological tissues (such as muscle tissue, connective tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, etc.) or hard biological tissues (such as bone, enamel, dentin, cementum, etc.).

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the angled adapter 302 and / or ultrasonic tip 304 may be made of any suitable material (including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, metal alloys, and any combination thereof). For example, the angled adapter 302 and / or ultrasonic terminal 304 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, the angled adapter 302 and / or ultrasonic tip 304 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a side view of motor 200. Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of motor 200 shown is taken from section BB. Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of motor 200 shown is taken at section CC. In an exemplary embodiment, motor 200 includes a connector block 202 at a second end 204, an amplifier 206 at a first end 208, and a transducer assembly 210 disposed between the connector block 202 and the amplifier 206. The connector block 202, transducer assembly 210, and amplifier 206 are aligned along the central axis A of the handheld member 12 and configured for operatively connecting to a power supply 24 via a connection assembly 16. Figure 1 ).

[0079] Transducer assembly 210 includes a first stack 212 and a second stack 214, which are aligned relative to each other along the central axis A with the interface 150 as the symmetric reference plane. Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the interface 150 of the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 is associated with the position of the antinode 104. Figure 2 The positions of the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 relative to the nodes 102 and the antinodes 104, respectively, place the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 in the regions of minimum amplitude to reduce mechanical stress and power loss on the transducer assembly 210.

[0080] The first stack 212 and the second stack 214 are respectively configured to operate or resonate as full-wavelength resonators. Each of the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 respectively includes a shaft or bolt 216 configured to be coupled to a plurality of torsional transducers 218, a set of electrodes 220, and an inert ring 222. Figure 7 For example, shaft 216 may include a raised collar 224 at a first end 226 to abut against inertial ring 222, wherein a pair of torsional transducers 218 are adjacent to inertial ring 222. The second end 228 of the first stack 212 is connected to connector block 202, and the second end 230 of the second stack 214 is connected to amplifier 206. A set of three electrodes 220 is disposed between the components, which are operatively connected to control system 14 via electrical connector 30 of connection assembly 16. Figure 1 An insulator sleeve 232 is provided between shaft 216, torsion transducer 218, electrode 220, and inert ring 222 to provide electrical insulation between the components. For example, insulator 232 can be a generally cylindrical sleeve made of any suitable electrically insulating material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. When assembled, the transducer assembly is placed under a predetermined prestress to provide proper mating between the components. For example, transducer assembly 210 is placed under a prestress in the range of approximately 1500 psi to 2500 psi. In alternative embodiments, transducer assembly 210 may include any number of torsion transducer stacks, including a single stack.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, each torsional transducer 218 is a piezoelectric ring configured to convert electrical energy into ultrasonic vibrations. Each transducer 218 includes a second end surface 234, a first end surface 236, a generally annular outer surface 238, and an aperture 240. The second end surface 234 and the first end surface 236 may each be generally smooth to increase acoustic contact between the transducers 218 when assembled. For example, the second end surface 234 and the first end surface 236 may each be uncoated and polished to a surface roughness in the range of about 2 Ra to 6 Ra. The second end surface 234 and / or the first end surface 236 may have a surface finishing layer that is smooth enough to ensure good contact between the torsional transducers 218 in the stack. This surface finishing layer can improve transmission between the torsional transducers 218. In an alternative embodiment, each ring may include a coating (not shown) of a predetermined thickness on one or more surfaces. The coating can be made from conductive materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, silver, silver alloys, copper, copper alloys, gold, gold alloys, platinum, platinum alloys, tin, tin alloys, palladium, palladium alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, beryllium, beryllium alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, steel, chromium, chromium alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, etc.

[0082] The dimensions of transducer 218 are predetermined to achieve a suitable piezoelectric effect. For example, transducer 218 may have a thickness of about 0.145 inches to 0.215 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a thickness less than 0.145 inches or greater than 0.215 inches. For example, transducer 218 may have an outer diameter of about 0.465 inches to 0.655 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have an outer diameter less than 0.465 inches or greater than 0.655 inches. For example, the aperture 240 of transducer 218 may have a diameter of about 0.175 inches to 0.375 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a diameter less than 0.175 inches or greater than 0.375 inches.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the torsion transducers 218 may be made of a piezoelectric ceramic material, such as perovskite, lead zirconate titanate (“PZT”), piezoelectric oxide, PXE 5 grade, PXE 52 grade, PXE 59 grade, PXE 21 grade, PXE 41 grade, PXE 42 grade, PXE 43 grade, PXE 71 grade, etc. Alternatively, each transducer may be made of a material having a crystal structure without a center of symmetry (such as a perovskite crystal structure). In one or more embodiments, each torsion transducer 218 may be made of a material having a tetragonal crystal cell below its Curie temperature and a cubic crystal cell above its Curie temperature.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the inertial ring 222 includes a second end surface 242, a first end surface 244, a generally annular outer surface 246, and an aperture 248. The transducer 218 is sized and made of predetermined material to achieve a proper configuration of the standing wave 100 along the central axis A and correspondingly to achieve the positions of the nodes 102 and antinodes 104. For example, the inertial ring 222 may have a thickness of about 0.265 inches to 0.385 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a thickness of less than 0.265 inches or greater than 0.385 inches. For example, the inertial ring 222 may have an outer diameter of about 0.465 inches to 0.655 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have an outer diameter of less than 0.465 inches or greater than 0.655 inches. For example, the aperture 248 of the inertial ring 222 may have a diameter of about 0.175 inches to 0.375 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a diameter of less than 0.175 inches or greater than 0.375 inches.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the inert ring 222 may be made of any suitable material (including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.) or any combination of suitable materials. For example, the inert ring 222 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, iron, iron alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, silver, silver alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, tin, tin alloys, gold, gold alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, beryllium, beryllium alloys, platinum, platinum alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, lead, lead alloys, palladium, palladium alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, rhodium, rhodium alloys, niobium, niobium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, manganese, manganese alloys, indium, indium alloys, tantalum, tantalum alloys, molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, cadmium, cadmium alloys, thallium, thallium alloys, ruthenium, ruthenium alloys, iridium, iridium alloys, gallium, gallium alloys, osmium, osmium alloys, rhenium, rhenium alloys, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, the inertial ring 222 may be made of the following materials: underdamped materials, materials with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloys, annealed titanium alloys, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloys.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, each electrode 220 is generally annular and includes a second end surface 250, a first end surface 252, a generally annular outer surface 254, and a hole 256. One or more of these electrodes may include leads 258 operatively connected to the control system 14 via electrical connections 30 of the connection assembly 16. Figure 1 The dimensions of transducer 218 are predetermined to allow for proper connection between components. For example, electrode 220 may have a thickness of approximately 0.700 inches to 0.900 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a thickness less than 0.700 inches or greater than 0.900 inches. For example, electrode 220 may have an outer diameter of approximately 0.465 inches to 0.655 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have an outer diameter less than 0.465 inches or greater than 0.655 inches. For example, the aperture 256 of electrode 220 may have a diameter of approximately 0.175 inches to 0.375 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a diameter less than 0.175 inches or greater than 0.375 inches. One or more of the electrodes 220 may be made of the following materials: aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, silver alloy, copper, copper alloy, gold, gold alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, tin, tin alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, steel, chromium, chromium alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, etc.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, connector block 202 is a generally cylindrical component having a second end 260 configured to be detachably connected to connector assembly 16 and a first end 262 configured to be connected to transducer assembly 210. The outer surface 264 of connector block 202 is configured to receive O-rings, which form an hermetic seal with housing 110. Figure 5 A suction port 266 extends through connector block 202, having an inlet 268 at a second end 260 for engagement with suction barb connector 82 and an outlet 270 at a first end 262 for engagement with port 290 of transducer assembly 210. A flushing port 272 extends through connector block 202, having an inlet 274 at a second end 260 for engagement with flushing barb connector 52 and an outlet 276 at a first end 262 for engagement with flushing channel 122. The transducer 218 is sized to achieve a proper configuration of standing wave 100 and correspondingly to achieve the positions of nodes 102 and antinodes 104.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, connector block 202 may be made of any suitable material (including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.) or any combination of suitable materials. For example, connector block 202 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, connector block 202 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, amplifier 206 is a generally cylindrical component having a first end 284 configured to be detachably connected to surgical attachment 300 and a second end 286 configured to be connected to transducer assembly 210. Figure 5 The dimensions of amplifier 206 are predetermined to achieve a proper configuration of standing wave 100 and correspondingly to achieve the positions of nodes 102 and antinodes 104.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, amplifier 206 may be made of any suitable material (including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.) or any combination of suitable materials. For example, amplifier 206 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, amplifier 206 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0091] Figures 11 to 20 An ultrasonic surgical system 10 according to an embodiment is shown, the ultrasonic surgical system including a surgical handpiece 12 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 11 to 20 The ultrasonic surgical system 10 and surgical handpiece 12 shown are similar to Figures 1 to 10 The ultrasonic surgical system 10 and surgical handpiece 12 are shown, and similar components are identified by similar reference numerals.

[0092] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system 10 constructed according to an embodiment, which includes a surgical handpiece 12. The surgical handpiece 12 extends accordingly between a first end 15 and an opposite second end 13. The first end 15 may be proximal, and the second end 13 may be distal, or vice versa, depending on the orientation from the user's or patient's perspective. The second end 13 is operatively connected to a control system 14 via a connecting assembly 16.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 14 is configured to provide power, flushing fluid, and suction or aspiration at the working plane 18 of the first end 15 of the handpiece 12 during a surgical procedure. The working plane 18 of the handpiece 12 can engage biological tissue 20 at the surgical site 22 to perform various surgical procedures, such as cutting, coagulation, flushing, and aspiration. In alternative embodiments, the handpiece 12 may be configured to engage soft biological tissue (such as muscle tissue, connective tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, etc.) or hard biological tissue (such as bone, enamel, dentin, cementum, etc.).

[0094] Figure 12a It is according to the embodiment along Figure 11The cross-sectional view shown is of the ultrasonic surgical handheld device 12 (with its outer shell removed), taken at section DD. Figure 12b This is a corresponding schematic diagram illustrating a standing wave 100 along the ultrasonic surgical handpiece 12 according to an embodiment. In response to the application of current and voltage from the control system 14, the handpiece 12 generates a standing wave 100 along its central axis A, wherein nodes 102 and antinodes 104 are located at various positions along the central axis A in an alternating pattern. The X-axis of this schematic diagram shows the positions of nodes 102 and antinodes along the central axis A of the handpiece 12. The Y-axis shows the amplitude of the standing wave 100 along the central axis A of the handpiece 12.

[0095] For example, antinodes 104 are located at the first end 284 of connector block 202, at interface 150 between the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 of transducer assembly 210, at interface 152 between amplifier 206 and surgical attachment 300, at interface 154 between angled adapter 302 and ultrasonic tip 304, and at working plane 18. For example, the distances between antinodes 14 along the handle 12 (from the second end 13 to the first end 15) are approximately 0.903 inches, approximately 0.5922 inches, approximately 0.658 inches, approximately 1.087 inches, approximately 1.057 inches, approximately 1.66 inches, approximately 1.626 inches, and approximately 1.365 inches. For example, the amplitude of standing wave 100 gradually increases along the central axis A of handle 12 as it approaches the first end 15 of handle 12, with the maximum amplitude at working plane 18.

[0096] In some embodiments, a standing wave 100 can be described as a wave that oscillates in time but whose peak amplitude distribution does not move in space. The standing wave 100 can represent a motion distribution along the length of the surgical handpiece 12, whose amplitude varies harmonically in time but remains stationary in space. The peak amplitude of the wave oscillation at any point in space is constant in time, and the oscillations at different points throughout the wave are in phase with each other. The standing wave pattern defines an alternating pattern of node locations (e.g., nodes 102 and antinodes 104). When a standing wave is established, nodes 102 and antinodes 104 remain at the same location along the medium. A node of a standing wave is the location where the standing wave amplitude is minimum (which may include zero). At node 102, the displacement is minimum or nonexistent during each vibration cycle. The standing wave 100 can be formed by the interference of two traveling waves. Thus, node 102 is generated at the location where destructive interference occurs. An antinode of a standing wave is the location where the standing wave amplitude is maximum. At antinode 104, the displacement is maximum during each vibration cycle. Antinode 104 oscillates back and forth between positive and negative displacements. Antinode 104 is generated at the location where constructive interference occurs.

[0097] Figure 13This is a perspective view of the ultrasonic end cap 304 according to an embodiment. Figure 14 This is an end view of the ultrasonic tip 304 according to an embodiment, showing torsional motion at the working plane 18. The standing wave 100 generated along the handpiece 12 causes torsional motion about a central axis A at the working plane 18 of the surgical attachment 300. For example, the amplitude of the ultrasonic tip 304 at the working plane 18 can be a maximum peak-to-peak value of about 18 mils (450 micrometers), with an operating resonant frequency of about 24,500 Hz to 25,500 Hz. However, alternative embodiments may produce other amplitudes at the working plane 18 and / or at other operating resonant frequencies.

[0098] Refer again Figure 11 The control system 14 includes a power supply 24 that provides current and power to the handheld device 12 via a connection assembly 16. For example, the handheld device 12 may have an operating frequency in the range of 24,500 Hz to 25,500 Hz and be driven by the control system 14 at a power range of 85 watts to 110 watts. In alternative embodiments, the handheld device 12 may have an operating frequency less than 24,500 Hz or greater than 25,500 Hz and be driven at a power of less than 85 watts or greater than 110 watts.

[0099] An exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 also includes a flushing fluid source 26 configured to provide flushing fluid to the handpiece 12 via a connection assembly 16. In one embodiment, the handpiece 12 may be configured to deliver flushing fluid to the work surface 18 and the surgical site 22 through one or more flushing channels of the handpiece 12 for use as a cooling medium and for flushing purposes. For example, the flushing fluid source 26 may include a flushing pump (not shown), such as a peristaltic pump, configured to pump water from a water source to the handpiece 12 via the connection assembly 16.

[0100] Additionally, an exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 includes a suction collector 28 to provide suction to the handpiece 12 via the connection assembly 16. In one embodiment, the handpiece 12 may be configured to provide suction to the work surface 18 and surgical site 22 through suction channels of the handpiece 12 for suction purposes. For example, the suction collector 28 may include a vacuum pump (not shown) configured to create a vacuum in the handpiece via the connection assembly 16 to transport the aspirated biological tissue from the work surface 18 and surgical site 22 to a biological waste container (not shown).

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection assembly 16 includes an electrical connector 30 that transmits power from the power source 24 of the control system 14 to the handheld device 12. For example, the electrical connector 30 includes a cable 32 having a first end 34 that engages with the handheld device 12 and an electrical connector 36 attached to a second end 38 of the cable 32. Optionally, a strain relief element 40 is attached to the cable end 42 of the electrical connector 36. As illustrated, the electrical connector 36 is a high-voltage modular connector detachably connected to the control system 14, such as a connector manufactured by LEMO. However, in alternative embodiments, the connector can be any suitable connector capable of operatively connecting to the control system 14.

[0102] The connection assembly 16 also includes a flushing connector 44 that transfers flushing fluid from the flushing fluid source 26 of the control system 14 to the handheld device 12. For example, the flushing connector includes a tube 46 having a second end 48 connected to the control system 14 and a connection to the handheld device 12 (e.g., to a flushing barb connector 52). Figure 15 The first end 50 of the connection.

[0103] The connection assembly 16 also includes a suction connector 74 that transfers the aspirated material from the handheld component 12 to the suction collector 28 of the control system 14. For example, the suction connector 74 includes a tube 76 having a second end 78 connected to the control system 14 and a connection to the handheld component 12 (e.g., to a suction hook connector 82). Figure 15 The first end 80 of the connection.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the flushing barb connector 52 and / or the suction barb connector 82 may be made of any suitable material (including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, metal alloys, and any combination thereof). For example, the flushing barb connector 52 and / or the suction barb connector 82 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, the flushing barb connector 52 and / or the suction barb connector 82 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0105] Figure 15 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical handpiece 12 according to an embodiment, wherein the housing 110 is removed to show the connection assembly, which includes a motor 200 and a surgical attachment 300. Figure 16 It is along Figure 11 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic surgical handheld device 12 taken at section DD. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 includes an inner sleeve 112 and an outer sleeve 114, a collar 116, a nasal cone 118, and an irrigation sleeve 120, which are detachably assembled to receive the motor 200 and the surgical attachment 300 and define an irrigation channel 122. Figure 16 The flushing channel delivers flushing fluid from the flushing connector 44 to the working plane 18. For example, the generally cylindrical inner sleeve 112 includes a bore 124 configured to receive the motor 200. The generally cylindrical outer sleeve 114 includes a bore 126 configured to receive the inner sleeve 124 and the motor 200, and defines a portion of a generally annular flushing channel 122 between the inner sleeve 112 and the outer sleeve 114. A collar 116 is detachably connected to a second end 128 of the outer sleeve 114 (e.g., by thread). The nose cone 118 includes a second end 130 configured (e.g., by thread) to be detachably connected to a first end 132 of the outer sleeve 114 and defines a portion of the flushing channel 122. The flushing sleeve 120 includes a second end 134 configured (e.g., by thread) to be detachably connected to a first end 136 of the nose cone 118 and defines a portion of the flushing channel 122. The first end 137 of the irrigation sleeve 120 defines an outlet 138 configured to guide irrigation fluid from the irrigation channel 122 to the working plane 18 and the surgical site 22. In one or more embodiments, each component of the housing 110 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, and any combination thereof.

[0106] Figure 17This is an exploded perspective view of the motor 200 and surgical attachment 300 of an ultrasonic surgical handheld device 12 according to an embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical attachment 300 includes an angled adapter 302 and an ultrasonic end 304 aligned along the central axis A of the handheld device 12. The angled adapter 302 includes a body 306 having a second end 308 detachably connected to the motor 200 (e.g., via a threaded hole 310) and a first end 312 detachably connected to the ultrasonic end 304 (e.g., via a threaded hole 314). The body 306 includes a second portion 316 and a first portion 318 offset from each other at an angle (e.g., an angle in the range of about 10° to 45°, but any angle may be used) at a junction 319. The angled adapter 302 may include an amplifier interface 320 at the second end 308 and an angled end interface 324 at the first end 312. In one or more embodiments, the angled adapter 302 may include an angled adapter hole 330 and an end hole 332. Figure 16 As shown in Figure 12, the junction 319 is positioned to correlate with a node of the standing wave 100. The correlation between the junction 319 and node 102 increases the amplitude of the standing wave 100 as it approaches the working plane 18 after the junction 319. In an alternative embodiment, the surgical attachment 300 can be connected to the amplifier without using an angled adapter 302. In other alternative embodiments, the adapter can be linear rather than angled, causing the ultrasound tool to extend along a linear path rather than an angled path.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip 304 includes a body 334 having a second end 336 and a first end 338, the second end being detachably connected (e.g., via a threaded portion) to a first end 312 of an angled adapter 302, the first end having a working plane 18 configured for engaging biological tissue. The body 334 may include multiple portions of discretely different dimensions to correspond to nodes 102 and antinodes 104 of a standing wave. For example, the body 334 may include a base portion 340 at the second end 336, an end portion 342 at the first end 338, and an inclined intermediate portion 344 disposed between the base portion 340 and the end portion 342. An aperture 346 extends along a central axis A through the length of the body 334. The ultrasonic tip 304 is configured such that when the handheld component 12 is assembled, the position of the working plane 18 corresponds to one of the antinodes 104 of the standing wave 100.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip 304 may include one or more teeth configured to correspond to a resonant frequency that is a function of peak-to-peak amplitude. In operation, the movement of the teeth may overlap within the peak-to-peak range. However, in alternative embodiments, the teeth may follow non-overlapping paths. The distance between the teeth corresponds to a frequency that produces a peak-to-peak amplitude of 10 to 15 micrometers. The ultrasonic tip 304 may include other rough surfaces besides teeth, such as abrasive surfaces, linear cutting elements, or other shaped functional elements, for performing surgical functions.

[0109] In alternative embodiments of the surgical attachment 300, the angled adapter 302 and the ultrasonic tip 304 can be configured with dimensions such that the position of the working plane 18 corresponds to the antinode 104 of the standing wave 100. For example, the total length of the ultrasonic tip 304 between the second end 338 and the first end 336 can range from about 2.9 inches to about 3.1 inches. The diameter of the base portion 340 can range from about 0.2 inches to about 0.3 inches. In alternative embodiments of the surgical attachment 300, the ultrasonic tip 304 can be configured to perform various surgical procedures. For example, the ultrasonic tip 304, particularly the tip portion 342 at the working plane 18, can be configured to engage soft biological tissues (such as muscle tissue, connective tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, etc.) or hard biological tissues (such as bone, enamel, dentin, cementum, etc.).

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the angled adapter 302 and / or ultrasonic tip 304 may be made of any suitable material (including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, metal alloys, and any combination thereof). For example, the angled adapter 302 and / or ultrasonic terminal 304 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, the angled adapter 302 and / or ultrasonic tip 304 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0111] Figure 18 This is a side view of motor 200. Figure 19It is along Figure 18 The cross-sectional view of motor 200 shown is taken from section EE. Figure 20 It is along Figure 18 The cross-sectional view of motor 200 shown is taken at section FF. In an exemplary embodiment, motor 200 includes a connector block 202 at a second end 204, an amplifier 206 at a first end 208, and a transducer assembly 210 disposed between the connector block 202 and the amplifier 206. The connector block 202, transducer assembly 210, and amplifier 206 are aligned along the central axis A of the handheld member 12 and configured for operatively connecting to a power supply 24 via a connection assembly 16. Figure 11 ).

[0112] Transducer assembly 210 includes a first stack 212 and a second stack 214, which are aligned relative to each other along the central axis A with the interface 150 as the symmetric reference plane. Figure 17 In an exemplary embodiment, the interface 150 of the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 is associated with the position of the antinode 104 (FIG. 12). The positions of the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 relative to the nodes 102 and antinodes 104, respectively, place the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 in regions of minimum amplitude to reduce mechanical stress and power loss on the transducer assembly 210. In alternative embodiments, the transducer assembly 210 may include more or fewer stacks, such as a single stack.

[0113] The first stack 212 and the second stack 214 are respectively configured to operate or resonate as full-wavelength resonators. Each of the first stack 212 and the second stack 214 respectively includes a shaft or bolt 216 configured to be coupled to a plurality of torsion converters 218, a support strip 292 configured to surround the torsion converters 218, a set of electrodes 220, and an inert ring 222. Figure 17 For example, shaft 216 may include a raised collar 224 at a first end 226 to abut against inertial ring 222, wherein a pair of torsional transducers 218 are adjacent to inertial ring 222. The second end 228 of the first stack 212 is connected to connector block 202, and the second end 230 of the second stack 214 is connected to amplifier 206. A set of three electrodes 220 is disposed between the components, which are operatively connected to control system 14 via electrical connector 30 of connection assembly 16. Figure 11An insulator sleeve 232 is provided between shaft 216, torsion transducer 218, electrode 220, and inert ring 222 to provide electrical insulation between the components. For example, insulator 232 can be a generally cylindrical sleeve made of any suitable electrically insulating material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. When assembled, the transducer assembly is placed under a predetermined prestress to provide proper mating between the components. For example, transducer assembly 210 is placed under a prestress in the range of approximately 1500 psi to 2500 psi. In alternative embodiments, transducer assembly 210 may include any number of torsion transducer stacks, including a single stack.

[0114] Each support band 292 includes an annular structure surrounding the torsion converter 218. The support band 292 includes an inner surface 293 and an outer surface 295. The support band 292 surrounds an aperture 296. The torsion converter 218 is received in the aperture 296. The support band 292 surrounds the torsion converter 218 in a supportive manner, such as to support or resist radial expansion of the torsion converter 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the support band 292 (at the inner surface 293) may be equal to the outer diameter of the torsion converter 218. The inner surface 293 abuts against the outer surface of the torsion converter 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the support band 292 supports the torsion converter 218. The support band 292 can prevent expansion of the torsion converter 218. For example, the support band 292 can prevent expansion of the torsion converter 218 during operation and / or during cleaning of the component (e.g., in an autoclave for sterilization). The support band 292 can prevent the torsion converter 218 from expanding, so as to maintain the operating characteristics of the torsion converter 218 and reduce the risk of depolarization of the torsion converter 218 (such as depolarization caused by thermal expansion).

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the support strip 292 is made of a rigid material, such as a metal. In several different embodiments, the support strip 292 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In an exemplary embodiment, the support strip 292 is made of a material with a stiffness higher than that of the material used for the torsion converter 218. The longitudinal width of the support strip 292 is approximately equal to the width of the torsion converter 218. In alternative embodiments, the support strip 292 may be configured to support a plurality of torsion converters 218, such as supporting a stack of torsion converters 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the support strip 292 is made of a material configured to withstand autoclave conditions, such as those used for sterilization. The support strip 292 is configured to withstand high pressure and high temperature. The support strip 292 is configured to support the torsion converter 218 in an autoclave, such as supporting the torsion converter 218 when subjected to high pressure and high temperature.

[0116] The support strip 292 can be made of any suitable material, such as titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. In several other different embodiments, the support strip 292 can be made of non-metallic materials (such as polymer composites, carbon fiber materials, high-strength plastic materials, etc.).

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, each torsional transducer 218 is a piezoelectric ring configured to convert electrical energy into ultrasonic vibrations, and may be referred to hereinafter as a transducer ring. However, in alternative embodiments, the torsional transducer may have other shapes, such as a disk or cylinder without a hollow hole passing through it. Each transducer 218 includes a second end surface 234, a first end surface 236, a generally annular outer surface 238, and an aperture 240. A support band 292 surrounds the annular outer surface 238. The second end surface 234 and the first end surface 236 may each be generally smooth to increase acoustic contact between the transducers 218 when assembled. For example, the second end surface 234 and the first end surface 236 may each be free of any coating and polished to a surface roughness in the range of about 2 Ra to 6 Ra. In alternative embodiments, each ring may include a coating (not shown) of a predetermined thickness on one or more surfaces. The coating can be made from conductive materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, silver, silver alloys, copper, copper alloys, gold, gold alloys, platinum, platinum alloys, tin, tin alloys, palladium, palladium alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, beryllium, beryllium alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, steel, chromium, chromium alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, etc.

[0118] The dimensions of transducer 218 are predetermined to achieve a suitable piezoelectric effect. For example, transducer 218 may have a thickness of about 0.145 inches to 0.215 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a thickness less than 0.145 inches or greater than 0.215 inches. For example, transducer 218 may have an outer diameter of about 0.465 inches to 0.655 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have an outer diameter less than 0.465 inches or greater than 0.655 inches. For example, the aperture 240 of transducer 218 may have a diameter of about 0.175 inches to 0.375 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a diameter less than 0.175 inches or greater than 0.375 inches.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the torsion transducers 218 may be made of a piezoelectric ceramic material, such as perovskite, lead zirconate titanate (“PZT”), piezoelectric oxide, PXE 5 grade, PXE 52 grade, PXE 59 grade, PXE 21 grade, PXE 41 grade, PXE 42 grade, PXE 43 grade, PXE 71 grade, etc. Alternatively, each transducer may be made of a material having a crystal structure without a center of symmetry (such as a perovskite crystal structure). In one or more embodiments, each torsion transducer 218 may be made of a material having a tetragonal crystal cell below its Curie temperature and a cubic crystal cell above its Curie temperature.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the inertial ring 222 includes a second end surface 242, a first end surface 244, a generally annular outer surface 246, and an aperture 248. The transducer 218 is sized and made of predetermined material to achieve a proper configuration of the standing wave 100 along the central axis A and correspondingly to achieve the positions of the nodes 102 and antinodes 104. For example, the inertial ring 222 may have a thickness of about 0.265 inches to 0.385 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a thickness of less than 0.265 inches or greater than 0.385 inches. For example, the inertial ring 222 may have an outer diameter of about 0.465 inches to 0.655 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have an outer diameter of less than 0.465 inches or greater than 0.655 inches. For example, the aperture 248 of the inertial ring 222 may have a diameter of about 0.175 inches to 0.375 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a diameter of less than 0.175 inches or greater than 0.375 inches.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the inert ring 222 may be made of any suitable material (including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.) or any combination of suitable materials. For example, the inert ring 222 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, iron, iron alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, silver, silver alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, tin, tin alloys, gold, gold alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, beryllium, beryllium alloys, platinum, platinum alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, lead, lead alloys, palladium, palladium alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, rhodium, rhodium alloys, niobium, niobium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, manganese, manganese alloys, indium, indium alloys, tantalum, tantalum alloys, molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, cadmium, cadmium alloys, thallium, thallium alloys, ruthenium, ruthenium alloys, iridium, iridium alloys, gallium, gallium alloys, osmium, osmium alloys, rhenium, rhenium alloys, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, the inertial ring 222 may be made of the following materials: underdamped materials, materials with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloys, annealed titanium alloys, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloys.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, each electrode 220 is generally annular and includes a second end surface 250, a first end surface 252, a generally annular outer surface 254, and a hole 256. One or more of these electrodes may include leads 258 operatively connected to the control system 14 via electrical connections 30 of the connection assembly 16. Figure 11 The dimensions of transducer 218 are predetermined to allow for proper connection between components. For example, electrode 220 may have a thickness of approximately 0.700 inches to 0.900 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a thickness less than 0.700 inches or greater than 0.900 inches. For example, electrode 220 may have an outer diameter of approximately 0.465 inches to 0.655 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have an outer diameter less than 0.465 inches or greater than 0.655 inches. For example, the aperture 256 of electrode 220 may have a diameter of approximately 0.175 inches to 0.375 inches. However, alternative embodiments may have a diameter less than 0.175 inches or greater than 0.375 inches. One or more of the electrodes 220 may be made of the following materials: aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, silver alloy, copper, copper alloy, gold, gold alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, tin, tin alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, steel, chromium, chromium alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, etc.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, connector block 202 is a generally cylindrical component having a second end 260 configured to be detachably connected to connector assembly 16 and a first end 262 configured to be connected to transducer assembly 210. The outer surface 264 of connector block 202 is configured to receive O-rings, which form an hermetic seal with housing 110. Figure 15 A suction port 266 extends through connector block 202, having an inlet 268 at a second end 260 for engagement with suction barb connector 82 and an outlet 270 at a first end 262 for engagement with port 290 of transducer assembly 210. A flushing port 272 extends through connector block 202, having an inlet 274 at a second end 260 for engagement with flushing barb connector 52 and an outlet 276 at a first end 262 for engagement with flushing channel 122. The transducer 218 is sized to achieve a proper configuration of standing wave 100 and correspondingly to achieve the positions of nodes 102 and antinodes 104.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, connector block 202 may be made of any suitable material (including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.) or any combination of suitable materials. For example, connector block 202 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, connector block 202 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, amplifier 206 is a generally cylindrical component having a first end 284 configured to be detachably connected to surgical attachment 300 and a second end 286 configured to be connected to transducer assembly 210. Figure 15 The dimensions of amplifier 206 are predetermined to achieve a proper configuration of standing wave 100 and correspondingly to achieve the positions of nodes 102 and antinodes 104.

[0126] In one or more embodiments, amplifier 206 may be made of any suitable material (including but not limited to polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.) or any combination of suitable materials. For example, amplifier 206 may be made of the following materials: titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, iron, iron alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, silver, silver alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, tin, tin alloy, gold, gold alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, beryllium, beryllium alloy, platinum, platinum alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, lead, lead alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, rhodium, rhodium alloy, niobium, niobium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, manganese, manganese alloy, indium, indium alloy, tantalum, tantalum alloy, molybdenum, molybdenum alloy, cadmium, cadmium alloy, thallium, thallium alloy, ruthenium, ruthenium alloy, iridium, iridium alloy, gallium, gallium alloy, osmium, osmium alloy, rhenium, rhenium alloy, stainless steel, brass, bronze, duralumin, or nitinol. Illustratively, amplifier 206 may be made of the following materials: underdamped material, material with a Q factor greater than 0.5, annealed metal alloy, annealed titanium alloy, or annealed Ti-6Al-4V ultra-low gap titanium alloy.

[0127] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the subject matter set forth herein without departing from the scope of the subject matter set forth herein. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no means restrictive and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the subject matter described herein should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “therein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in the device plus function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 USC § 112(f), unless and until such limitation of claims expressly uses the phrase “device for…” and is not followed by a further description of the function of the structure.

[0128] As used herein, an element or step referred to in the singular and beginning with the word "a / an" should be understood to not exclude the plural form of the element or step unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" of the subject matter currently described are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the mentioned features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment that "comprises" or "has" one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements without that characteristic.

[0129] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments (including best modes) of the subject matter set forth herein, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, including making and using the apparatus or system and performing methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the literal language of the claims.

[0130] The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the subject matter of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where the drawings illustrate diagrams of functional blocks representing multiple different embodiments, these functional blocks do not necessarily indicate a division between hardware circuits. Thus, for example, one or more functional blocks (e.g., communication unit, control system, etc.) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (e.g., general-purpose signal processor, microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, etc.). Similarly, a program may be a standalone program, may be incorporated as a subroutine into an operating system, may be a functional module within an installed software package, and so on. The multiple different embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings.

[0131] Since certain changes may be made to the above systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the invention as addressed herein, all subjects described above or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted only as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter of the invention.

[0132] Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, changes may be made to the above construction, and all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A surgical handheld device, comprising: A motor, comprising a torsion converter assembly along the central axis of the surgical handpiece, the motor being configured for operative connection to a power source, wherein the torsion converter assembly includes a plurality of torsion converters, each torsion converter including a support strap surrounding the torsion converter; and A surgical attachment comprising a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue.

2. The surgical handpiece as described in claim 1, wherein, The support belt includes a ring structure with an inner surface that engages with the outer surface of the torsion converter to support the torsion converter.

3. The surgical handpiece as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support strip is made of metal, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

4. The surgical handpiece as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The support belt has a certain width, and the torsion converter has a certain width, wherein the width of the support belt is approximately equal to the width of the torsion converter.

5. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The stiffness of the support belt is higher than that of the torsional converter.

6. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The motor is configured to generate a standing wave along the central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from the power source. The standing wave defines an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis, wherein the position of one of these antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

7. The surgical handpiece as described in claim 6, wherein, The surgical attachment has a joint at a location associated with one of these nodes along the central axis to increase the amplitude of the standing wave at the working plane.

8. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Each torsion converter includes an end surface with a surface roughness configured to make acoustic contact with the end surface of another torsion converter, or each torsion converter includes a piezoelectric ring.

9. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, These torsional transducers are configured to cause the ultrasonic tip of the surgical attachment to oscillate in a torsional motion around the central axis, or are configured to operate as a full-wavelength resonator along the central axis of the handpiece.

10. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The torsion converter assembly includes a first stack of torsion converters and a second stack of torsion converters, the first stack and the second stack being opposite each other with the interface as a symmetric reference plane.

11. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The surgical attachment includes an ultrasonic tip, wherein the ultrasonic tip includes a plurality of teeth configured to correspond to a resonant frequency as a function of peak-to-peak amplitude, or the surgical attachment includes an angled adapter.

12. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The motor further includes: A connector block aligned along the central axis of the surgical handpiece; and an amplifier aligned along the central axis of the surgical handpiece.

13. A surgical handheld device, comprising: The motor includes a torsion converter assembly along the central axis of the surgical handpiece, the motor being configured for operative connection to a power source, the torsion converter assembly including a torsion converter stack comprising a plurality of torsion converters stacked end-to-end, bolts securing the torsion converters in the torsion converter stack, support straps surrounding the respective torsion converters, and a set of electrodes electrically connected to the respective torsion converters; as well as A surgical attachment comprising a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane, the surgical attachment including an ultrasonic tip located at the working plane for engagement with biological tissue.

14. A surgical handheld device, comprising: Multiple torsion converters along the central axis of the surgical handpiece are configured for operative connection to a power source. Support strips, which surround the corresponding torsion converters to support them; as well as A surgical attachment operatively coupled to the plurality of torsion converters, the surgical attachment including an ultrasonic end located at a working plane for engagement with biological tissue; The plurality of torsional converters are configured to generate standing waves along the central axis in response to the application of current and voltage from the power source. The standing waves define an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes along the central axis, wherein the position of one of these antinodes along the central axis corresponds to the position of the working plane.

15. The surgical handpiece as claimed in claim 14, wherein, These torsional transducers are configured to cause the ultrasonic tip of the surgical attachment to oscillate in a torsional motion around the central axis.

16. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein, The support belt includes a ring structure with an inner surface that engages with the outer surface of the torsion converter to support the torsion converter.

17. The surgical handpiece as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The stiffness of the support belt is higher than that of the torsional converter.

Images