Surgical attachment for a surgical device

Abstract

A surgical attachment for a surgical device is provided and includes an attachment body that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device for ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body about a central axis of the attachment body. The surgical attachment for a surgical device includes a cutting tip at the distal end. The cutting tip includes teeth configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis. The cutting paths correspond to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

Description

SURGICAL ATTACHMENT FOR A SURGICALDEVICEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to an ultrasonic surgical device, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic surgical attachment for a surgical device.

[0002] Ultrasonic surgical devices are used in surgical procedures for various applications, such as, dissection, aspiration, coagulation, and cutting of biological tissue. Typically, ultrasonic surgical devices use piezoelectric transducers to operate as a half-wavelength resonator by generating a high frequency wave oscillation that vibrates various surgical tools at a resonant frequency. Generally, resonance can be defined as the time harmonic exchange of the strain energy of the distributed elasticity with the motional energy of the movement of a structure's distributed elasticity. Compared to traditional surgical tools and techniques, ultrasonic surgical devices provide numerous advantages. For example, ultrasonic vibration provides more precise cutting and better coagulation of the tissue than electro- surgical instruments, thereby reducing bleeding and reduced damage to surrounding tissue. In addition, ultrasonic vibration provides for less thermal damage, such as charring, and less desiccation than cryogenic or electro- surgical instruments.

[0003] — Conventional ultrasonic surgical devices provide longitudinal vibration in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. However, the advantages of ultrasonic surgical devices are limited by their use of so-called longitudinal vibration where the transducers generate vibration in an axial direction along the axis of the device. Longitudinal vibration of the transducers moves the surgical tool reciprocally in an axial direction. The precision of the surgical tool may be limited by the type of ultrasonic vibration. During use of the surgical tool, the ultrasonic motion may createsignificant thermal energy that may damage surrounding tissue. In addition, the ultrasonic vibration may causes cavitation of the irrigation fluid typically used in surgical procedures, which obscures the field of vision during surgical procedures. The ultrasonic motion may cause tissue fragmentation in direct proximity to the distal end of the tip. Some known ultrasonic surgical devices provide other types of motion to enhance cutting action. For example, some conventional ultrasonic surgical devices provide a combined movement consisting of partially longitudinal and partially torsional (called LT) motion. However, such LT ultrasonic surgical devices suffer from inefficiencies in converting the longitudinal motion to torsional motion. For example, the combination of the longitudinal and torsional motions causes a displacement that moves in a 45° direction to its central axis. This causes energy loss as part of its motion is still partially longitudinal. Additionally, the tip of the tool tends to pull the hand of the operator in a 45° line across the surface of the hard tissue / bone during cutting, which makes it more difficult to control.

[0004] There is a need for ultrasonic surgical devices that provide purely torsional motion. With the introduction of a purely torsional motion ultrasonic surgical device, there is a need to design of the cutting features of the cutting tip to provide more precise and efficient operation.

[0005] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe subjectmatter of the independent claims solves the above-mentioned problems. Advantages of embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] In one embodiment, a surgical attachment for a surgical device is provided and includes an attachment body that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The attachment body is a rigid structure configured to be attached to an end of the ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device. The attachment body may be made from a metal material compatible with surgical use. The attachment body may be long and slender. The attachment body may be cylindrical. However, the attachment body mayhave various lengths or shapes depending on the particular application. The proximal end is configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device for ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body about a central axis of the attachment body. The central axis extends longitudinally between the ends of the attachment body. The central axis may be internally centered along the attachment body and follow the shape of the attachment body, such as in a linear path or along angled or curved paths of the attachment body. The surgical attachment for a surgical device includes a cutting tip at the distal end. The cutting tip may includes cutting elements or teeth configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis. The cutting paths can be the area of the tissue engaged by the teeth. Tissue in the context of the whole application can be each type of biological tissue, i.e., it can be tissue from a human or an animal patient but can also be dead or foreign cell tissue, including soft, hard and fibrous tissue. The cutting paths correspond to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

[0007] Preferably, the cutting tip is a rasp cutter. The rasp cutter is able to efficiently remove some types of tissue. The rasp cutter can rapidly remove the tissue.

[0008] Preferably, the teeth extend 360 degrees around the cutting tip. This means that the teeth extend entirely circumferentially around the cutting tip. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue. The teeth could also extend less than 360 degrees around the cutting tip, i.e. extend circumferentially around the cutting tip or radially out from the axis in various degrees, sizes and shapes. This could avoid removing or damaging other tissue in proximity of the tissue intended to be removed.

[0009] Preferably, the teeth are arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. This ensures a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0010] Preferably, the multiple rows include equal numbers of the teeth. Providing the same number of teeth, and spaces between the teeth, allows for efficient manufacturability of the cutting tip. However, the rows of teeth may have different numbers of teeth in other various examples.

[0011] Preferably, the multiple rows extend circumferentially around the cutting tip, at least two of the multiple rows of teeth having different diameters. Providing the rows of teeth of different diameters allows for shaping of the tissue during cutting, such as cutting along curved cutting paths.

[0012] Preferably, each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue and a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0014] Preferably, the base is diamond shaped. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base with four sides and four triangular faces meeting at cutting edges, the cutting edges including longitudinal cutting edges extending parallel to the central axis and lateral cutting edges extending perpendicular to the central axis, the lateral cutting edges extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0016] Preferably, the teeth are arranged in multiple rows and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion. As such, the cutting paths of each tooth overlaps with the adjacent tooth cutting path for efficient tissue removal.

[0017] Preferably, the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis. The angle of the channel defines the size and shape of each tooth, such as to control the cutting surface.

[0018] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a tube surrounding a central bore, the central bore being open at the distal end for aspiration. This ensures for removing removed tissue, irrigation fluid and blood. As well as cooling of the cutting tip.

[0019] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a pre-aspiration opening remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore at the pre-aspiration opening location. This ensures for removing removed tissue, irrigation fluid and blood as well as for cooling the tip.

[0020] Preferably, the cutting tip is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23 material. This ensures a more efficient removal of tissue and a safe medical product.

[0021] In another embodiment, a surgical attachment for a surgical device is provided and includes an attachment body that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The attachment body is a rigid structure configured to be attached to an end of the ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device. The attachment body may be made from a metal material compatible with surgical use. The attachment body may be long and slender. The attachment body may be cylindrical. The proximal end is configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device for ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body about a central axis of the attachment body. Thecentral axis extends longitudinally between the ends of the attachment body. The central axis may be internally centered along the attachment body and follow the shape of the attachment body, such as in a linear path or along angled or curved paths of the attachment body. The surgical attachment for a surgical device includes a cutting tip at the distal end. The cutting tip extends along the central axis to an end. The cutting tip includes teeth along an outer surface or an exterior of the cutting tip proximate to the end, each tooth includes a cutting edge extending parallel to the direction of ultrasonic torsional motion. The teeth can be the cutting elements of the cutting tip. The cutting edge is the portion of the tooth configured to dig or cut into the tissue. The teeth are configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis. The cutting paths can be the area of the tissue engaged by the teeth. Tissue in the context of the whole application can be each type of biological tissue, i.e., it can be tissue from a human or an animal patient but can also be dead or foreign cell tissue, including both soft, hard and fibrous tissue. The cutting paths correspond to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

[0022] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a cylindrical tube, the teeth arranged circumferentially around the cylindrical tube at the exterior of the cutting tip proximate to the end. The tube is hollow to reduce weight and ease manufacture of the cutting tip. The tube is hollow to allow aspiration of irrigation fluid, blood, and the like.

[0023] Preferably, the cutting tip is a rasp cutter. The rasp cutter is able to efficiently remove some types of tissue. The rasp cutter can rapidly remove the tissue.

[0024] Preferably, the teeth extend 360 degrees around the cutting tip. This means that the teeth extend entirely circumferentially around the cutting tip. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue. The teeth could also extend less than 360 degrees around the cutting tip, i.e. extend circumferentially around the cutting tip or radially out from theaxis in various degrees, sizes and shapes. This could avoid removing or damaging other tissue in proximity of the tissue intended to be removed.

[0025] Preferably, the teeth are arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. This ensures a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0026] Preferably, the multiple rows include equal numbers of the teeth. Providing the same number of teeth, and spaces between the teeth, allows for efficient manufacturability of the cutting tip.

[0027] Preferably, the multiple rows extend circumferentially around the cutting tip, at least two of the multiple rows of teeth having different diameters. Providing the rows of teeth of different diameters allows for shaping of the tissue during cutting, such as cutting along curved cutting paths.

[0028] Preferably, each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue and a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0030] Preferably, the base is diamond shaped. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base with four sides and four triangular faces meeting at cutting edges, the cutting edges including longitudinal cutting edges extending parallel to the central axisand lateral cutting edges extending perpendicular to the central axis, the lateral cutting edges extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0032] Preferably, the teeth are arranged in multiple rows and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion. As such, the cutting paths of each tooth overlaps with the adjacent tooth cutting path for efficient tissue removal.

[0033] Preferably, the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis. The angle of the channel defines the size and shape of each tooth, such as to control the cutting surface.

[0034] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a tube surrounding a central bore, the central bore being open at the distal end for aspiration. This ensures for removing removed tissue, irrigation fluid and blood.

[0035] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a pre-aspiration opening remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore at the pre-aspiration opening location. This ensures for removing removed tissue, irrigation fluid and blood as well as for cooling the tip.

[0036] Preferably, the cutting tip is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23 material. This ensures a more efficient removal of tissue and a safe medical product. In a further embodiment, a surgical device is provided and includes an ultrasonic handpiece that includes a torsional transducer assembly configured to generate ultrasonic torsional motion. The surgical device includes a surgical attachment operably coupled to the ultrasonic handpiece. The surgical attachment includes an attachment body that extends along a central axis between aproximal end and a distal end. The attachment body is a rigid structure configured to be attached to an end of the ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device. The attachment body may be made from a metal material compatible with surgical use. The attachment body may be long and slender. The attachment body may be cylindrical. The central axis extends longitudinally between the ends of the attachment body. The central axis may be internally centered along the attachment body and follow the shape of the attachment body, such as in a linear path or along angled or curved paths of the attachment body. The proximal end being operably coupled to the ultrasonic handpiece. The surgical attachment includes a cutting tip at the distal end. The cutting tip includes teeth configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis. The teeth can be the cutting elements of the cutting tip. The cutting paths can be the area of the tissue engaged by the teeth. Tissue in the context of the whole application can be each type of biological tissue, i.e., it can be tissue from a human or an animal patient but can also be dead tissue, including both soft, hard and fibrous tissue. The cutting paths correspond to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

[0037] Preferably, each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue and a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0038] Preferably, the teeth are arranged circumferentially around the cutting tip, the teeth being arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion around the cutting tip. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue and a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0039] Preferably, each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base, the base being diamond shaped, each tooth includingfour triangular faces extending from the base to the cutting point and meeting at cutting edges extending between the base and the cutting point, the cutting edges including longitudinal cutting edges extending parallel to the central axis and lateral cutting edges extending perpendicular to the central axis, the lateral cutting edges extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0040] Preferably, the teeth are arranged in multiple rows and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

[0041] Preferably, the cutting tip is a rasp cutter. The rasp cutter is able to efficiently remove some types of tissue. The rasp cutter can rapidly remove the tissue.

[0042] Preferably, the teeth extend 360 degrees around the cutting tip. This means that the teeth extend entirely circumferentially around the cutting tip. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue. The teeth could also extend less than 360 degrees around the cutting tip, i.e. extend circumferentially around the cutting tip. This could avoid removing or damaging other tissue in proximity of the tissue intended to be removed.

[0043] Preferably, the teeth are arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. This ensures a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0044] Preferably, the multiple rows include equal numbers of the teeth. Providing the same number of teeth, and spaces between the teeth, allows for efficient manufacturability of the cutting tip.

[0045] Preferably, the multiple rows extend circumferentially around the cutting tip, at least two of the multiple rows of teeth having different diameters. Providingthe rows of teeth of different diameters allows for shaping of the tissue during cutting, such as cutting along curved cutting paths.

[0046] Preferably, each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue and a more efficient removal of tissue.

[0047] Preferably, each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a comer that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0048] Preferably, the base is diamond shaped. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0049] Preferably, the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis. The angle of the channel defines the size and shape of each tooth, such as to control the cutting surface.

[0050] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a tube surrounding a central bore, the central bore being open at the distal end for aspiration. This ensures for removing removed tissue, irrigation fluid and blood.

[0051] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a pre-aspiration opening remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore at the pre-aspiration opening location. This ensures for removing removed tissue, irrigation fluid and blood as well as for cooling the tip.

[0052] Preferably, the cutting tip is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23 material. This ensures a more efficient removal of tissue and a safe medical product.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system constructed in accordance with an embodiment that includes a surgical device having a proximal end operatively connected to a control system with a connection assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0056] Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the ultrasonic surgical device 12 taken along section A-A shown in Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 is an enlarged end view of a portion of the surgical attachment illustrating torsional motion at the working zone in accordance with an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 9 is a side view of an end portion of the surgical attachment in accordance with an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 10 is a top view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0063] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0064] Figure 12 is a right side view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] Figure 13 is a left side view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Figure 14 is a rear view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] Figure 15 is a front view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] The following detailed description illustrates the inventive subject matter by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive subject matter, describes several embodiments of the inventive subject matter, as well as adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the inventive subject matter. Additionally, it is to be understood that the inventive subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting on all embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

[0069] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0070] Embodiments described herein include ultrasonic surgical systems that have control systems, surgical handpieces, motors, and surgical attachments used in surgical procedures to engage biological tissue. For example, the ultrasonic surgical system may have a surgical handpiece with a motor having a transducer assembly, such as a torsional transducer assembly. The torsional transducer assembly may have a variety of configurations as set forth herein. For example, the transducer assembly may be configured to create a standing wave along the central axis of the surgical handpiece in response to the application of an electrical current and voltage from a power source or control system. In various embodiments, the standing wave may define an alternating pattern of nodes and anti-nodes along the central axis with a position of one of the anti-nodes corresponds with the position of a working plane of a surgical attachment that engages biological tissue, including both soft and hard tissue. The surgical attachment may have a variety of configurations as set forth herein. Optionally,the ultrasonic surgical system may include an irrigation assembly and / or an aspiration assembly to irrigate and / or aspirate the biological tissue.

[0071] Embodiments described herein include a cutting tip at the distal end of the surgical attachment used to dissect and / or remove biological tissue. The cutting tip includes an arrangement of cutting elements, such as teeth, uniquely patterned for torsional dissection and cutting of biological tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting portions of the cutting elements, such as the cutting edges of the teeth, are oriented for efficient tissue removal corresponding to the torsional motion induced in the cutting tip by the torsional transducer assembly. The cutting tip may be used for dissection for cutting of hard tissue (for example, bone) and / or soft tissue. The cutting tip may be used in various surgical procedures, such as neurosurgery, spinal surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic / reconstructive surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, or other types of surgery.

[0072] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic surgical system 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment that includes a surgical device 12 having a proximal end 13 operatively connected to a control system 14 with a connection assembly 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 14 is configured to provide power, irrigation fluid, and suction or aspiration at a working zone 18 of a distal end 15 of the device 12 during a surgical procedure. The working zone 18 of the device 12 may engage biological tissue 20 at a surgical site 22 to perform various surgical procedures, such as, cutting, coagulation, irrigation, and aspiration. The biological tissue 20 can be tissue from a human or an animal patient but can also be dead or foreign cell tissue, including both soft, hard and fibrous tissue. In various embodiments, the device 12 may be configured to engage soft biological tissue, such as, muscular tissue, connective tissue, nervous tissue, epithelial tissue, and the like. In various embodiments, the device 12 may be configured to engage hard biological tissue, such as, bone, enamel, dentin, cementum, and the like.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical device 12 includes an ultrasonic handpiece 100 and a surgical attachment 300 coupled to an end of the ultrasonic handpiece 100. The ultrasonic handpiece 100 includes a housing 110 surrounding and holding a motor 200 used to generate ultrasonic motion, in particular torsional ultrasonic motion. The motor 200 may be used to generate other types of ultrasonic motion in alternative embodiments, such as longitudinal motion. In response to the application of electrical current and voltage from the control system 14, the motor 200 creates the ultrasonic signal, such as a standing wave, along the central axis A, such as with an alternating pattern of nodes and anti-nodes located at various positions along the central axis A.

[0074] Generally, the standing wave may be described as a wave that oscillates in time but whose peak amplitude profile does not move in space. The standing wave may represent the distribution of motion along the length of the surgical device 12 whose amplitude varies harmonically in time but remains spatially stationary. The peak amplitude of the wave oscillations at any point in space is constant in time, and the oscillations at different points throughout the wave are in phase with each other. A node of the standing wave is a location at which the amplitude of the standing wave is minimum, which may include zero. At the nodes, there is minimal to no displacement during each vibrational cycle. The standing wave may be formed by the interference of two traveling waves. Therefore, nodes are produced at locations where destructive interference occurs. An anti-node of the standing wave is a location at which the amplitude of the standing wave is maximum. At the anti-nodes, there is a maximum displacement during each vibrational cycle. The anti-node vibrates back and forth between a positive displacement and a negative displacement. Anti-nodes are produced at locations where constructive interference occurs.

[0075] The standing wave created along the device 12 results in torsional motion about the central axis A at the working zone 18 of the surgical attachment 300. For example, the amplitude of the tip 320 at the working zone 18 may bea maximum of about 18 mils peak-to-peak (450 microns) with an operating resonance frequency of about 24500 to 25500 Hz. However, alternate embodiments may produce other amplitudes at the working zone 18 and / or with other operating resonance frequencies. The torsional motion of the surgical attachment is in the torsional direction rotated about the central axis A. The torsional motion of the surgical tip provides smoother and more precise control during the operation, leading to less damage to surrounding tissue. In addition, the torsional motion creates less thermal energy resulting in decreased thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The torsional motional reduces the cavitation of irrigating fluid resulting in an improved field of vision during surgical procedures.

[0076] The control system 14 includes a power source 24 that provides electrical current and power to the device 12 via the connection assembly 16. For example, the device 12 may have an operating frequency in a range of 24500 to 25500 Hz and be driven by the control system 14 with power in a range of 85 to 110 watts. In alternate embodiments, the device 12 may have an operating frequency of less than 24500 Hz or greater than 25500 Hz and be driven with power of less than 85 watts or greater than 110 watts.

[0077] An exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 also includes an irrigation fluid source 26 configured to provide irrigation fluid to the device 12 via the connection assembly 16. In one embodiment, the device 12 may be configured to communicate irrigation fluid through one or more irrigation channels of the device 12 to the working zone 18 and the surgical site 22 for use as a cooling medium and irrigation. For example, the irrigation fluid source 26 may include an irrigation pump (not shown), such as a peristaltic pump, configured to pump water from a water source to the device 12 via the connection assembly 16.

[0078] In addition, an exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 includes an aspiration collector 28 to provide suction to the device 12 via the connectionassembly 16. In one embodiment, the device 12 may be configured to provide suction through a suction channel of the device 12 to the working zone 18 and the surgical site 22 for use as aspiration. For example, the aspiration collector 28 may include a vacuum pump (not shown), configured to create a vacuum to the handpiece via the connection assembly 16 to communicate aspirated biological tissue from the working zone 18 and surgical site 22 to a biological waste cannister (not shown).

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection assembly 16 includes an electrical connection 30 that transmits electrical power from the power source 24 of the control system 14 to the device 12. For example, the electrical connection 30 includes an electrical cable 32 having a distal end 34 coupled with the device 12, and an electrical connector 36 attached to a proximal end 38 of the cable 32. Optionally, a strain relief 40 is attached at a cable end 42 of the electrical connector 36. As illustrated, the electrical connector 36 is a high-voltage modular connector that detachably connects with the control system 14. However, in alternate embodiments, the connector may be any suitable connector capable of operatively connecting with the control system 14.

[0080] The connection assembly 16 also includes an irrigation connection 44 that transmits irrigation fluid from the irrigation fluid source 26 of the control system 14 to the device 12. For example, the irrigation connection includes a tube 46 having a proximal end 48 connected to the control system 14 and a distal end 50 coupled with the device 12, such as with an irrigation barb.

[0081] The connection assembly 16 also includes an aspiration connection 74 that transmits aspirated material from the device 12 to the aspirator collector 28 of the control system 14. For example, the aspirator connection 74 includes a tube 76 having a proximal end 78 connected to the control system 14 and a distal end 80 coupled with the device 12, such as with an aspiration barb.

[0082] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical device 12 in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical device 12 in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the ultrasonic surgical device 12 taken along section A-A shown in Figure 1. The surgical device 12 includes the handpiece 100 and the surgical attachment 300. The handpiece 100 includes the housing 110 and the motor 200 configured to be held in the housing 110.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 includes an inner sleeve 112, an outer sleeve 114, a collar 116, a nosecone 118, and an irrigation sleeve 120, that detachably assemble to receive the motor 200 and the surgical attachment 300. The housing 110 defines an irrigation channel 122 (FIG. 4) that communicates irrigation fluid from the irrigation connection 44 to the working zone 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 motor 200 and defines a portion of the generally annular irrigation channel 122 between the inner sleeve 112 and the outer sleeve 114. The collar 116 detachably couples with a proximal end 128 of the outer sleeve 114, such as with a threaded connection. The nosecone 118 includes a proximal end 130 configured to detachably couple, such as with a threaded connection, with a distal end 132 of the outer sleeve 114 and define a portion of the irrigation channel 122. The irrigation sleeve 120 includes a proximal end 134 configured to detachably couple, such as with a threaded connection, with a distal end 136 of the nosecone 118 and define a portion of the irrigation channel 122. A proximal end 137 of the irrigation sleeve 120 defines an outlet 138 configured to direct irrigation fluid from the irrigation channel 122 to the working zone 18 and surgical site 22. In one or more embodiments, each component of the housing 110 may be manufactured from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, metal alloys, any combination thereof.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 200 includes a connector block 202 at a proximal end 204, an amplifier 206 at a distal 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 device 12 and configured for operative connection to the power source 24 via the connection assembly 16 (FIG. 1). The central axis A generally extends longitudinally between the opposite distal and proximal ends of the device. The central axis A may be located generally along the central region (for example, interior) of the device. The central axis A may be linear. However, the central axis A may include angled portions, such as when the device is angled.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the transducer assembly 210 includes a first stack 212 of transducer elements and a second stack 214 of transducer elements aligned along the center axis A in opposition to each other. The stacks 212, 214 are configured to operate or resonate as a full-wavelength resonator. Each stack 212, 214, includes a shaft or bolt 216 configured to couple with a plurality of transducers 218, a set of electrodes 220, and an inert ring 222. In an exemplary embodiment, the transducers 218 may be torsional transducers configured to generate torsional motion. Other types of transducers may be used in alternative embodiments, such as transducers used to generate longitudinal motion. The first stack 212 is connected to the connector block 202 and the second stack 214 is connected to amplifier 206. A set of three electrodes 220 are disposed between the components and operatively connected to the control system 14 via the electrical connection 30 of the connection assembly 16 (FIG 1). An insulator sleeve 232 is disposed between the shaft 216, the torsional transducers 218, the electrodes 220, and the inert ring 222 to provide electrical insulation between the components. For example, the insulator 232 may be a generally cylindrical sleeve comprised of any suitable electrically insulating material, such as a thermoplastic polymer material. When assembled, the transducer assembly is placed under a predetermined amount of pre-stress to provide for proper interfacing between components. For example, the transducerassembly 210 is placed under a pre-stress in a range of about 1500-2500 psi. In alternate embodiments, the transducer assembly 210 may include any number of stacks of torsional transducers, including a single stack.

[0086] 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 proximal end surface 234, and distal end surface 236, a generally annular outer surface 238, and a bore 240. The end surfaces 234, 236 may be generally smooth to increase the acoustic contact between transducers 218 when assembled. For example, the end surfaces 234, 236 may be absent of any coatings and polished to a surface roughness in a range of about 2 Ra to 6 Ra. In alternate embodiments, each ring may include a coating (not shown) on one or more of the surfaces with a predetermined thickness. The coating may be manufactured from an electrically conductive material, such as, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, silver, a silver alloy, copper, a copper alloy, gold, a gold alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, tin, a tin alloy, palladium, a palladium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, beryllium, a beryllium alloy, tungsten, a tungsten alloy, a steel, chromium, a chromium alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, titanium grade 23 and the like.

[0087] The dimensions of the transducer 218 are predetermined to achieve the proper piezoelectrical effect. For example, the thickness, the inner diameter, and the outer diameter of the transducer 218 may be selected to achieve a desired piezoelectrical effect, such as to control the ultrasonic vibration frequency. The dimensions and materials of the transducer 218 are predetermined to achieve the proper configuration of the standing wave along the central axis A, and correspondingly, the position of the nodes and anti-nodes. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the torsional transducers 218 may be manufactured from a piezoelectric ceramic material, such as, perovskite material, a lead zirconate titanate (“PZT”) material, piezoxide material, a PXE 5 grade material, a PXE 52 grade material, a PXE 59 grade material, a PXE 21 grade material, a PXE 41 grade material, a PXE 42 grade material, a PXE 43grade material, a PXE 71 grade material, and the like. Alternatively, each transducer may be manufactured from a material having a crystal structure with no center of symmetry, such as, a perovskite crystal structure. In one or more embodiments, each torsional transducer 218 may be manufactured from a material having a tetragonal crystal lattice elementary cell below the material's Curie temperature, such as, a cubic crystal lattice elementary cell above the material's Curie temperature.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the connector block 202 is a generally cylindrical component having a proximal end 260 configured to detachably connect with the connection assembly 16 and a distal end 262 configured to couple with the transducer assembly 210. The outer surfaces 264 of the connector block 202 are configured to receive O-rings that form a hermetic seal with the housing 110 (FIG. 4). An aspiration bore 266 extends through the connector block 202 having an inlet 268 for coupling with the aspiration barb 82 at the proximal end 260, and an outlet 270 for coupling with a bore 290 of transducer assembly 210 at the distal end 262. An irrigation bore 272 extends through the connector block 202 having an inlet 274 for coupling with the irrigation barb 52 at the proximal end 260, and an outlet 276 for coupling with the coupling with the irrigation channels 122 at the distal end 262. The dimensions of the transducer 218 are predetermined to achieve the proper configuration of the standing wave, and correspondingly, the position of the nodes and anti-nodes.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the amplifier 206 is a generally cylindrical component having a distal end 284 configured to detachably connect with the surgical attachment 300 and a proximal end 286 configured to couple with the transducer assembly 210. The dimensions of the amplifier 206 are predetermined to achieve the proper configuration of the standing wave, and correspondingly, the position of the nodes and anti -nodes.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical attachment 300 includes an angled adaptor 302 and an ultrasonic tip 320 aligned along the central axis Aof the device 12. The angled adaptor 302 includes a body 306 having a proximal end 308 detachably connected to the motor 200, such as with a threaded bore 310, and a distal end 312 detachably connected to the ultrasonic tip 320, such as with a threaded bore 314. The body 306 includes a proximal portion 316 and a distal portion 318 offset from each other at angle at a junction 319, such as an angle in the range of about 10°-45°, however, any angle can be used. In alternative embodiments, the adapter may be a longitudinal adapter following a linear path rather than being angled. In such embodiments, the central axis A extends along a linear path rather than an angled path.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip 320 includes an attachment body 322 having a proximal end 324 detachably connected to the distal end 312 of the angled adaptor 302, such as with a threaded portion, and a distal end 326 at the working zone 18 configured for engagement of biological tissue. The attachment body 322 is movable in the ultrasonic torsional motion generated by the handpiece 100. The attachment body 322 may include a plurality of portions having discretely different dimensions. For example, the body 322 may include a base portion 330 at the proximal end 324, a tip portion 332 at the distal end 326, and a sloped intermediate portion 334 disposed between the base portion 330 and the tip portion 332. A central bore 336 extends through the length of attachment body 322 along the center axis A. The central bore 336 may be used for aspiration and or irrigation. The ultrasonic tip 320 is configured so that when the device 12 is assembled, the position of the working zone 18 corresponds to one of the anti-nodes of the standing wave.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip 320 includes a cutting tip 350 at the distal end 326 of the attachment body 322. The cutting tip 350 may be integral with the attachment body 322, or a portion of the attachment body 322, such as the tip portion 332. For example, the cutting tip 350 may be milled or cut into the end of the attachment body 322. In alternative embodiments, the cutting tip 350 is separate and discrete from the attachment body 322 and coupled thereto. The cutting tip 350 includes teeth 360 configured to cut into tissue during the surgical procedure. In anexemplary embodiment, the teeth 360 are movable along oscillating torsional cutting paths, with the cutting tip 350, corresponding to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body 322. The torsional motion of the cutting tip 350 provides smoother and more precise control during the operation, leading to less damage to surrounding tissue. In addition, the torsional motion creates less thermal energy resulting in decreased thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The torsional motional reduces the cavitation of irrigating fluid resulting in an improved field of vision during surgical procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, the motion of the teeth 360 overlaps each other peak to peak when moved along the oscillating torsional cutting paths. The distance between the teeth corresponds to the operating frequency of the device.

[0093] The ultrasonic tip 320 is configured to accomplish various surgical procedures. For example, the ultrasonic tip 320 may be configured to engage soft biological tissue, such as, muscular tissue, connective tissue, nervous tissue, epithelial tissue, and the like, or hard biological tissue, such as, bone, enamel, dentin, cementum, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the angled adaptor 302 and / or the tip 320 may be manufactured from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, polymers, metals, metal alloys, any combination thereof. For example, the angled adaptor 302 and / or the tip 320 may be manufactured from titanium, a titanium alloy, titanium grade 23, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, iron, an iron alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, silver, a silver alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, tin, a tin alloy, gold, a gold alloy, tungsten, a tungsten alloy, beryllium, a beryllium alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, chromium, a chromium alloy, lead, a lead alloy, palladium, a palladium alloy, zinc, a zinc alloy, rhodium, a rhodium alloy, niobium, a niobium alloy, vanadium, a vanadium alloy, manganese, a manganese alloy, indium, and indium alloy, tantalum, a tantalum alloy, molybdenum, a molybdenum alloy, cadmium, a cadmium alloy, thallium, a thallium alloy, ruthenium, a ruthenium alloy, iridium, an iridium alloy, gallium, a gallium alloy, osmium, an osmium alloy, rhenium, a rhenium alloy, stainless steel, a brass, a bronze, a duralumin, or a nitinol.

[0094] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 is an enlarged end view of a portion of the surgical attachment 300 illustrating torsional motion at the working zone 18 in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 9 is a side view of an end portion of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an embodiment.

[0095] The surgical device 12 is operated to provide pure torsional motion for the surgical attachment 300. The torsional motion is rotating motion about the central axis A. In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the surgical attachment 300 is torsional, as opposed to longitudinal or a combination of longitudinal and torsional, to provide improved cutting for certain surgical procedures. By eliminating longitudinal motion, the risk of damage to surrounding tissue may be reduced. The surgical device 12 using purely torsional motion has improved dissection control during the surgical procedure. The cutting interface of the surgical attachment 300 is designed for the torsional motion, as opposed to longitudinal or the longitudinal-torsional motion of conventional surgical devices. For example, the cutting interfaces are oriented relative to the axis of rotation to optimize cutting during torsional motion (as opposed to longitudinal or the longitudinal-torsional motion). However, the cutting interface of the surgical attachment 300 can also be designed for pure longitudinal or longitudinal- torsional motion.

[0096] The surgical attachment 300 includes the ultrasonic tip 320 including the attachment body 322 and the cutting tip 350 at the distal end 326 of the attachment body 322. The attachment body 322 extends along the central axis A. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment body 322 is a hollow tube having the central bore 336 being open and extending along the central axis A. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment body 322 is cylindrical, particularly at the distal end 326. The attachmentbody 322 includes an exterior surface 338. The exterior surface 338 may be cylindrical. The attachment body 322 may have other shapes in alternative embodiments, such as having a rectangular or square cross section.

[0097] The cutting tip 350 is provided at the distal end 326. The cutting tip 350 includes a plurality of the teeth 360 arranged at a working interface. The teeth 360 are arranged at the exterior surface 338 of the attachment body 322, such as proximate to the distal end 326. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 360 extend entirely circumferentially around (for example, 360°) the distal end 326 to form the cutting tip 350. However, the teeth 350 may extend only partially circumferentially around the distal end 326 in alternative embodiments, such as along approximately 180°, or along approximately 90°, or along approximately 45°, or along other sections of the attachment body 322. In other various embodiments, the cutting tip 350 may include a planar side having the teeth 360 arranged in a flat area along the side.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting tip 350 is a rasp cutter. For example, the cutting tip 350 is used to scrape or fde away the tissue during operation. The cutting tip 350 is suited for fast removal of the tissue material. The cutting tip 350 may be used for rounding and shaping the tissue, such as the bone. The cutting tip 350 may be used to remove sharp points from the material and / or hollow or chamfer the material to remove or shape the tissue.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 360 are arranged in multiple rows 352 extending at least partially around the cutting tip 350. Adjacent teeth 360, within the rows 352, are separated by channels 354. The teeth 360 in the adjacent rows 352 are separated by the channels 354. The channels 354 may be formed during manufacturing, such as during forming of the teeth 360. For example, the material of the attachment body 322 may be removed by a cutting process to form the teeth 360. In an exemplary embodiment, the channels 354 extend transverse to the central axis A. For example, the channels 354 may be oriented at approximately 45° relative to the centralaxis A. Other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments, including having the channels 354 oriented parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic motion. The channels 354 may crisscross or overlap each other to form the teeth 360.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the rows 352 of the teeth 360 are oriented perpendicular to the central axis A. For example, the rows 352 are stacked at different depths from the distal end 326. In an exemplary embodiment, the rows 352 extend parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. Other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting tip 350 includes six rows of the teeth 360. However, the cutting tip 350 may include greater or fewer rows 352 of the teeth 360 in alternative embodiments, including a single row. In various embodiments, each row may include 72 teeth (six rows of 12 teeth). In other various embodiments, each row may include 108 teeth (6 rows of 18 teeth). In other various emboidmemnts, each row may include 54 teeth (6 rows of 9 teeth).

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the rows 352 include equal numbers of the teeth 360. For example, each row 352 may include twelve teeth 360. However, the rows 352 may include greater or fewer teeth 360 in each row 352 in alternative embodiments, such as eighteen teeth, nine teeth or another appropriate number of teeth 360. The number of teeth 360 may depend on the size of the surgical attachment 300, such as the diameter of the surgical attachment 300. In various embodiments, one or more of the rows of teeth 360 (for example, measured at the tips of the teeth) may have a diameter in a range of approximately 0.110”-0.135”, and more preferably between 0.117” -0.127”. In various embodiments, one or more of the rows of teeth 360 (for example, measured at the tips of the teeth) may have a diameter in a range of approximately ,095”-0.125”, and more preferably between 0.105”-0.115”. In various embodiments, one or more of the rows of teeth 360 (for example, measured at the tips of the teeth) may have a diameter in a range of approximately 0.070”-0.110”, and more preferably between 0.081”-0.091”. In various embodiments, one or more of the rows ofteeth 360 (for example, measured at the tips of the teeth) may have a diameter in a range of approximately 0.040”-0.081”, and more preferably between 0.052”-0.062”.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two of the rows 352 have equal diameters. For example, having the rows 352 located along the cylindrical attachment body 322 provides rows having equal diameters. In an exemplary embodiment, at least two of the rows 352 have different diameters. For example, the row(s) 352 at the distal end 326 may have a smaller diameter. For example, the attachment body 322 may be curved inward at the distal end 326 and the row(s) 352 along the inward taper may have a smaller diameter than the row(s) 352 along the cylindrical portion of the attachment body 322. In various embodiments, the cutting tip 350 may be bulbous shaped, wherein the row(s) 352 at the middle may have the largest diameter and the rows forward and rearward of the middle may have smaller diameters.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, each tooth 360 has a polyhedron shape having a base 362 and a cutting point 364 opposite the base 362. The tooth 360 includes cutting edges 366 between faces 368. The faces may be polygonal faces. In an exemplary embodiment, the tooth 360 has a pentahedron shape. The base 362 may be a quadrilateral, such as a square or a rhombus. For example, the base 362 may be diamond shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 362 has four sides and four of the triangular shaped faces 368 meet at the cutting edges 366 and extend to the cutting point 364. The triangular faces 368 are outwardly oriented at meet at the cutting edges 366. In an exemplary embodiment, the tooth 360 includes four of the cutting edges 366. Each tooth 360 may have a different shape in alternative embodiments.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the cutting edges 366 are primary cutting edges extending generally parallel to the direction of torsional motion. The primary cutting edges are leading edges configured to cut or dissect the tissue during operation. The primary cutting edges may be oriented generally parallel to the rows 352. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting edges 366 include longitudinalcutting edges 365 extending parallel to the central axis A and lateral cutting edges 367 extending perpendicular to the central axis A. The lateral cutting edges 367 extend generally parallel to the rows 352. In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral cutting edges 367 extend generally parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral cutting edges 367 are arranged at an angle relative to the torsional motion, such as preferably +-30° relative to the torsional motion, and more preferably +-15° relative to the torsional motion, and most preferably at 0° relative to the torsional motion. The corners of the teeth 360 defined at the lateral cutting edges 367 are configured to cut / rasp into the tissue for efficient dissection and tissue removal. Aligning the lateral cutting edges 367 with the direction of torsional motion allows for smooth cutting as the surgical device does not pull the user’s hand in any direction as there is no angularity to the movement of the cutting tip 350. The torsional motion of the cutting tip 350 provides smoother and more precise control during the operation, leading to less damage to surrounding tissue. In addition, the torsional motion creates less thermal energy resulting in decreased thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The torsional motional reduces the cavitation of irrigating fluid resulting in an improved field of vision during surgical procedures. In some alternative embodiments, the ultrasonic motion may be in the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal cutting edges 367 extend generally parallel to the longitudinal motion, thus defining primary cutting edges for the teeth 360. In various embodiments, the teeth 360 may face in different directions, such as having some teeth with the primary cutting edges facing sideways (perpendicular to the central axis) and having some teeth with the primary cutting edges facing forward (parallel to the central axis). For example, the cutting tip 350 may have three rows of twelve teeth 360 facing sideways (total of 36 teeth) and two rows of twelve (total of 24 teeth) facing forwards. In other embodiments, the cutting tip 350 may have three rows of eighteen teeth facing sideways (total of 54 teeth) and two rows of eighteen teeth facing forward (total of 36 teeth). In other embodiments, the cutting tip 350 may have three rows of nine teeth 360 facing sideways (total of 27 teeth) and two rows of nine teeth 360 facing forwards (total of 18 teeth).

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 360 in the rows 352 are separated by a pitch 356. The pitch 356 is the point-to-point distance (for example, arcuate distance) between two adjacent teeth 360 within the corresponding row 352. In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch 356 is less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion. The amplitude is the arcuate range of motion of the cutting tip 350. The pitch 356 is less than the amplitude to ensure that the cutting path of each tooth 360 overlaps the cutting path of the adjacent tooth 360 for efficient tissue removal.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting tip 350 includes a tube335 surrounding the central bore 336. The tube 335 may be cylindrical. The tube 335 includes an opening 337 to the central bore 336 at the distal end 326. The central bore336 may have a diameter of between .040”-.054”, and more preferably having a diameter of between .046”-.048”, and more preferably having a diameter of .047”. In an exemplary embodiment, the central bore 336 is used for aspiration. For example, the central bore336 is in flow communication with the aspiration system (for example, the aspiration collector). The removed tissue and irrigation fluid may be aspirated through the opening337 into the central bore 336. The irrigation fluid may be used to cool the attachment body 322 and the cutting tip 350. For example, the irrigation fluid may flow along the central bore 336 to reduce a temperature of the surgical attachment 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting tip 350 includes a pre-aspiration opening 339 remote from the distal end 326 to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore 336 at the preaspiration opening 339 location. The pre-aspiration opening 339 may have a diameter of between 0.007-0.017”, and more preferably a diameter of 0.010”. The pre-aspiration opening 339 may divert some of the irrigation fluid into the central bore 336, such as to reduce misting of the irrigation fluid at the surgical site to improve visibility at the surgical site. The pre-aspiration opening 339 may divert some of the irrigation fluid into the central bore 336 to lubricate the inside of the tube 335 to allow the aspirated tissues and fluid to flow through the central bore 336 without clogging.

[0107] Figure 10 is a top view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 is a bottom view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 is a right side view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 is a left side view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 is a rear view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 is a front view of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0108] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the presently described subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

[0109] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of disclosed subject matter, including making and using the devices or systems and performing the methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be 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 with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0110] The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the present inventive subject matter will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (for example, communication unit, control system, etc.) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (for example, a general -purpose signal processor, microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, and the like). Similarly, the programs may be stand-alone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installed software package, and the like. The various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

[0111] Since certain changes may be made in the above-described systems and methods, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the inventive subject matter.

[0112] Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0113] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials,orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, 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. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical attachment for a surgical device comprising: an attachment body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device for ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body about a central axis of the attachment body; and a cutting tip at the distal end, the cutting tip including teeth configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis, the cutting paths corresponding to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

2. The surgical attachment of claim 1, wherein the cutting tip is a rasp cutter.

3. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the teeth extend 360° around the cutting tip.

4. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the teeth are arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

5. The surgical attachment of claim 4, wherein the multiple rows include equal numbers of the teeth.

6. The surgical attachment of one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the multiple rows extend circumferentially around the cutting tip, at least two of the multiple rows of teeth having different diameters.

7. The surgical attachment of one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows.

8. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base.

9. The surgical attachment of claim 8, wherein the base is diamond shaped.

10. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base with four sides and four triangular faces meeting at cutting edges, the cutting edges including longitudinal cutting edges extending parallel to the central axis and lateral cutting edges extending perpendicular to the central axis, the lateral cutting edges extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

11. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 3 or 8 to 10, wherein the teeth are arranged in multiple rows and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

12. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis.

13. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cutting tip includes a tube surrounding a central bore, the central bore being open at the distal end for aspiration.

14. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a pre-aspiration opening remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore at the pre-aspiration opening location.

15. The surgical attachment of one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cutting tip is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23 material.

16. A surgical attachment for a surgical device comprising: an attachment body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece of the surgical device for ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body about a central axis of the attachment body; and a cutting tip at the distal end, the cutting tip extending along the central axis to an end, the cutting tip including teeth along an exterior of the cutting tip proximate to the end, each tooth including a cutting edge extending parallel to the direction of ultrasonic torsional motion, the teeth configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis, the cutting paths corresponding to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

17. The surgical attachment of claim 16, wherein the cutting tip includes a cylindrical tube, the teeth arranged circumferentially around the cylindrical tube at the exterior of the cutting tip proximate to the end.

18. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the cutting tip is a rasp cutter.

19. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the teeth extend 360° around the cutting tip.

20. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the teeth are arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

21. The surgical attachment of claim 20, wherein the multiple rows include equal numbers of the teeth.

22. The surgical atachment of one of claims 20 or 21, wherein the multiple rows extend circumferentially around the cutting tip, at least two of the rows of teeth having different diameters.

23. The surgical attachment of one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows.

24. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 23, wherein each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base.

25. The surgical attachment of claim 24, wherein the base is diamond shaped.

26. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 23, wherein each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base with four sides and four triangular faces meeting at cutting edges, the cutting edges including longitudinal cutting edges extending parallel to the central axis and lateral cuting edges extending perpendicular to the central axis, the lateral cutting edges extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

27. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 19 or 23 to 26, wherein the teeth are arranged in multiple rows and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

28. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis.

29. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the cutting tip includes a tube surrounding a central bore, the central bore being open at the distal end for aspiration.

30. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a pre-aspiration opening remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore at the pre-aspiration opening location.

31. The surgical attachment of one of claims 16 to 30, wherein the cutting tip is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23 material.

32. A surgical device comprising: an ultrasonic handpiece including a torsional transducer assembly configured to generate ultrasonic torsional motion; and a surgical attachment operably coupled to the ultrasonic handpiece, the surgical attachment including an attachment body extending along a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being operably coupled to the ultrasonic handpiece, the surgical attachment including a cutting tip at the distal end, the cutting tip including teeth configured to cut into tissue along oscillating torsional cutting paths perpendicular to the central axis, the cutting paths corresponding to the ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

33. The surgical device of claim 32, wherein each tooth includes a cutting edge extending parallel to the direction of ultrasonic torsional motion to cut along the oscillating torsional cutting paths.

34. The surgical device of one of claims 32 or 33, wherein the teeth are arranged circumferentially around the cutting tip, the teeth being arranged in multiplerows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion around the cutting tip.

35. The surgical device of claim one of claims 32 to 34, wherein each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base, the base being diamond shaped, each tooth including four triangular faces extending from the base to the cutting point and meeting at cutting edges extending between the base and the cutting point, the cutting edges including longitudinal cutting edges extending parallel to the central axis and lateral cutting edges extending perpendicular to the central axis, the lateral cutting edges extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

36. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the teeth are arranged in multiple rows and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

37. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the cutting tip is a rasp cutter.

38. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the teeth extend 360° around the cutting tip.

39. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the teeth are arranged in multiple rows extending parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion.

40. The surgical device of claim 39, wherein the multiple rows include equal numbers of the teeth.

41. The surgical device of one of claims 39 or 40, wherein the multiple rows extend circumferentially around the cutting tip, at least two of the multiple rows of teeth having different diameters.

42. The surgical device of one of claims 39 to 41, wherein each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows.

43. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 34 or 36 to 42, wherein each tooth has a pentahedron shape having a base and a cutting point opposite the base.

44. The surgical device of claim 43, wherein the base is diamond shaped.

45. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 44, wherein the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis.

46. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 45, wherein the cutting tip includes a tube surrounding a central bore, the central bore being open at the distal end for aspiration.

47. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 46, wherein the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a pre-aspiration opening remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore at the pre-aspiration opening location.

48. The surgical device of one of claims 32 to 47, wherein the cutting tip is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23.

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