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 create significant 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.T

[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 INVENTION The subject-matter 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 may have 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 include cutting elements which might be a plurality of teeth, wherein at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth comprises at least one cutting edge. This cutting edge is arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. The plane defined by the circular disc might be understood to describe the arrangement of the cutting edges. Alternatively, or additionally the cutting tip may include cutting elements or a plurality of teeth, wherein at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth comprises at least one cutting edge arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. The surface defined by the cone surface might not be understood as a part of the cutting tip or being made from a material of the cutting tip but as a geometric help to describe the arrangement of thecutting edges. The cone surface might be only the upper part of the cone without a bottom surface of a cone. The cone might open in a distal or a proximal direction of the tip. This might lead to teeth being 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 comprises at least one row of teeth, wherein a first number of teeth of this row comprises at least one cutting edge arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body.

[0008] Alternatively, or additionally, the cutting tip comprises at least one row of teeth, wherein a second number of teeth of this row teeth of this row comprises at least one cutting edge arranged on a surface defined by a cone that shares its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body.

[0009] In other embodiments the first number of teeth and / or the second number of teeth comprises a fraction of teeth in the respective row, wherein the fraction represents one tooth, at least one tooth, a given percentage of teeth, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 80%, 95 percent or all teeth. In other words, only a plurality, preferably more than 50%, 80% or more than 90% of the teeth of one row do comprise at least one cutting edge arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body.

[0010] In some embodiments the tip comprises at least one row with teeth comprising at last one cutting edge arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body and at least one other row with teeth comprising at least one cutting edge arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. Some embodiments might comprise several rows comprising teeth with cutting edges, especially lateral cutting edges that are arranged on a surface defined by a cone shaped surface. In each row the cone surface might comprise a different opening angle or the same opening angle. The cone surfaces of different rows might open in the same direction or in opposite directions. In some embodiments the described tooth and cutting edge geometries might lead to cutting paths corresponding to the purely ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body generated by the ultrasonic handpiece.

[0011] 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.

[0012] Preferably, the teeth or at least one row of teeth extend(s) 360 degrees around the cutting tip. This means for some embodiments that a row comprises only same sized and shaped teeth that are spaced apart equally to their adjacent teeth in that row. This could also be described in a way 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. In some embodiments all teeth of a row are positioned on the same axial length in the direction of the rotational axis of the tip and of the purely torsional motion. Teeth beingpositioned on a same axial length can mean that at least one of the teeth’s features e.g. their cutting tip, their at least one cutting edge, their most distal extension, their most proximal extension, their biggest extension in the direction of the torsional motion and / or other features of a tooth are positioned on the same axial length along the central axis. 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Preferably, at least two, three, four, five, six rows or all of the multiple rows include equal numbers of 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Preferably, each tooth includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending parallel to the multiple rows. This ensuresthat 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Preferably, the base or at least its projection is diamond shaped. A base being diamond shaped might mean a flat figure or a part of spherical surface like the cutting tip having four closed, straight sides or the sides are being curved along the spherical surface. A diamond shape might also be categorized as rhombus, by having four equal sides and its opposite angles are equal, and its opposite sides are parallel. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0019] 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 point might be formed where all the four triangular shaped faces meet. A cutting edge might be formed where two triangular faces meet. The cutting edges might include longitudinal cutting edges which might extend or at last their projection might extend parallel to the central axis and lateral cutting edges which might extend or at least their projection might extend perpendicular to the central axis. At least one or even all of the the lateral cutting edges or at least their project! on(s) might extend parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. In some embodiments, some or a first subset of the lateral cutting edges are arranged in a plane defined by a circular discsharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body, and other or a second subset of lateral cutting edge are arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. Teeth with the different arrangement of the cutting edges might be separated in different rows, which means each row of teeth might have only one kind of teeth, one kind of lateral cutting edges and the different types of lateral cutting edge arrangement are not mixed in one row. In some embodiments these might be the only types of lateral cutting edges in the arrangement. In other embodiments the cutting tip might comprise teeth with a higher variety of cutting edge arrangements. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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. 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 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 parallelto 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Preferably, the teeth or at least one row of teeth extend or extends 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Preferably, the multiple rows or at least two of the 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Preferably, the base or its projection is diamond shaped. Or the base is diamond shaped on a circular surface.This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0035] 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 corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including apre-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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cutting tip comprises a first row arranged on a most distal position along the central axis of the attachment body, wherein a second number of teeth of this row comprises at least one cutting edge arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body, wherein the cone defining the cone surface opens in the distal direction of the cutting tip. This might lead to a cutting tip that is directed to material that is to be cut.

[0042] In other embodiments the cutting tip comprises a first row arranged on a most distal position along the central axis of the attachment body wherein a second number of teeth of this row comprises at least one cutting edge arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body, wherein the cone defining the cone surface opens in the proximal direction of the cutting tip. This geometry might lead to a first row with a higher resistance to wear. In other words, it might lead to front teeth being a little “beefier” in order to reduce the risk of them breaking off.

[0043] In some embodiments the cutting tip comprises multiple rows of teeth and each row of teeth is arranged on a different length in axial direction along the central axis. At least one row comprises a plurality of teeth with a first number of teeth of this row has at least one cutting edge arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. Additionally, the cutting tip comprises at least one other row with a plurality of teeth and a second number of teeth of this row comprises at least one cutting edge arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. In other words, this means the cutting tip at the distal end, comprises multiple rows of teeth, wherein each row of teeth is arranged on a different length in axial direction along the central axis of the attachment body. At least one row of teeth comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth of the row comprises at least one cutting edge arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. The cutting tip comprises at least another row of teeth which comprises at least one tooth with at least one cutting edge being arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface sharing its rotational axis with the central axis of the attachment body. This might allow to remove tissue effectively. In some embodiments this embodiment might comprise features of embodiments described before.

[0044] In a further embodiment, a surgical device is provided and includes an ultrasonic handpiece that includes a torsional transducer assembly configured to generate purely 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 a proximal endand 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 may include 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 isoriented such that it engages a corner 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, 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. This ensures that the cutting surface is oriented such that it engages a corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 corner that is beneficial to rasp and / or cut tissue.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Preferably, the teeth are separated by channels, the channels extending transverse to the central axis. The angle of the channeldefines the size and shape of each tooth, such as to control the cutting surface.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Preferably, the cutting tip includes a central bore open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip including a preaspiration 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.

[0060] 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

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Figure 9 is a side view of an end portion of the surgical attachment in accordance with an embodiment.

[0070] Figure 9a is a schematic and enlarged part of Figure 9.

[0071] Figure 9b is a schematic view of a circular disc defining a plane in which cutting edges of a tooth are arranged of the embodiment of Figure 9.

[0072] Figure 9c is a schematic view of a cone surface defining a surface on which cutting edges of teeth of the embodiment of Figure 9 are arranged.

[0073] Figure 9d is a schematic side view of an end portion of the surgical attachment in accordance with a different embodiment.

[0074] Figure 9e is a schematic perspective view of the end portion of the surgical attachment of the embodiment of Figure 9 d.

[0075] Figure 10 is a top view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0076] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0077] Figure 12 is a right side view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0078] Figure 13 is a left side view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0079] Figure 14 is a rear view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Figure 15 is a front view of the surgical attachment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0081] The following detailed description illustrates the inventive subject matter by way of example and not by way oflimitation. 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 understood that 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 fordissection 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 particulartorsional 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.

[0087] 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 antinodes, 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.

[0088] The standing wave created along the device 12 results in torsional motion about the central axis A at the workingzone 18 of the surgical attachment 300. For example, the amplitude of the tip 320 at the working zone 18 may be a 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 foruse 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.

[0091] In addition, an exemplary embodiment of the control system 14 includes an aspiration collector 28 to provide suction to the device 12 via the connection assembly 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 zone18. 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.

[0097] 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 extendslongitudinally 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.

[0098] 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, thetransducer assembly 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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 arepredetermined 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 43 grade 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.

[0101] 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 theproximal 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical attachment 300 includes an angled adaptor 302 and an ultrasonic tip 320 aligned along the central axis A of 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.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasonic tip 320 includes an attachment body 322 having a proximal end 324detachably 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.

[0105] 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 an exemplary 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 providessmoother 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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 tolongitudinal 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.

[0109] 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 attachment body 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting tip 350 is a rasp cutter. For example, the cutting tip 350 is used to scrape or file 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. 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 central axis 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. 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. This means in axial direction along the central axis A of the attachment body 322 each row is arranged on an axial position that is different to the other rows of the cutting tip 350. This means same features of teeth belonging to different rows do not overlap in axial direction, for example the cutting points 364 of teeth from different rows are spaced apart in axial direction of the central axis A. In an exemplary embodiment, the rows 352 extend parallel to the direction of the ultrasonic torsional motion. Otherorientations are possible in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 9, the cutting tip 350 includes six rows 376, 377, 378, 379, 380 and 381 of the teeth 360. For better differentiation in the following the reference sign 352 is used in general for rows. The specific rows 376, 377, 378, 379, 380 and 381 of the cutting tip 360 have their own reference sign. All rows 376, 377, 378, 379, 380 and 381 have the same number of teeth. 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, the cutting tip may include 72 teeth (six rows of 12 teeth). In other various embodiments, the cutting tip may include 108 teeth (6 rows of 18 teeth). In other various embodiments, the cutting tip may include 54 teeth (6 rows of 9 teeth).

[0112] 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 between0.081”-0.091”. 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 0.040”-0.081”, and more preferably between 0.052”-0.062”.

[0113] In the embodiment described with respect to Figures 9, 9a, 9b and 9c, at least two of the rows 352, the three rows 379, 380 and 381 have equal diameters. For example, having the rows 379 and 380 located along the cylindrical attachment body 322 provides rows having equal diameters. Additionally, at least two of the rows 352 have different diameters. For example, the rows 376, 377 and 378 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) 379 and 380 at the middle may have the largest diameter and the rows forward and rearward of the middle may have smaller diameters.

[0114] The row 376 is compared to the other rows 377, 378, 379, 380 and 381 the row with the most distal position and can be described as a first row being in contact with a cutting material during an intended use. The row 376 also has the smallest diameter compared to the diameter of the other rows, which comes from the ball-shaped form of the cutting tip 350. The row 376 comprises a plurality of teeth wherein at least one tooth 400 of the plurality of teeth comprises at least one cutting edge 369 arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface 395 sharing its rotational axis 600 with the central axis A of the attachment body 322.

[0115] The cone surface 395 is schematically shown in Figure 9c. The surface defined by the cone surface 395 is not or at least not completely a part of the cutting tip 350 or being made from a material of the cutting tip 350 but only to be understood being a geometric help to describe the arrangement, the location and the position of the cutting edges 369, which are lateral cutting edges. The cone surface 395 defining the position of the cutting edges 369 is only the conical surface of the cone without a bottom surface 382 of the cone. The cone surface 395 comprises an opening angle a. The angle a may comprise a value between 10° and 90°. The cone surface 395 to describe the position of the cutting edges of row 376 has its widest part in distal direction 326. In the embodiment of Figure 9 all teeth 400 of row 376 do have the same shape. In other embodiments only a number or a majority of teeth may have the same shape for example more than 80%. One tooth 400 of row 376 and its shape is described in the following. The tooth 400 of the row 376 does comprise a cutting point 364 and two lateral cutting edges 369- A and 369-B which are symmetrical to the cutting point 364. In contrast to the teeth of the rows 377, 378, 379, 380 and 381 each tooth 400 of row 376 does comprise only one longitudinal cutting edge 365.

[0116] Row 377, which can also be described as second row, is arranged directly adjacent to row 376 in a more proximal direction along the central axis A. Direct adjacent rows are not separated by a further row of teeth. Row 377 comprises a plurality of teeth 383. Each tooth 383 of row 377 has the same shape. In other embodiments not all teeth, of the second row, but only a majority of the teeth may have the same shape for example more than 80%.

[0117] One tooth 383 of row 377 and its shape is described in the following with respect to the enlarged schematic sectionshown in Figure 9a. The tooth 383 of row 377 does comprise two cutting edges 369- A und 369-B arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface 395. The cone surface 395 being used to describe the position of the lateral cutting edges 369- A und 369-B of the row 377 has its widest part also in the distal direction 326. Compared to the cone shaped surface 395 that is used to describe the position of the cutting edges of the tooth 400 of the first row 376 the angle a of the cone surface 395 that is used to describe the position of the cutting edges of the tooth 383 is bigger. This means the first two rows 376 and 377 both comprise cutting edges 369- A und 369-B that are arranged on a surface defined by a cone shaped surface that opens to the distal direction of the cutting tip 350 but the cutting edges are arranged in a different slope. The tooth 383 of row 377 differs from a tooth 400 of row 376 with only one longitudinal cutting edge, as it comprises two longitudinal cutting edges 365-A and 365-both extending from the cutting point 364 symmetrically in a longitudinal direction. Longitudinal cutting edges means that the edge is arranged to cut tissue parallel to the longitudinal direction or that at least its projection is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. The tooth 383 of row 377 has a pentahedron shape, the tooth 383 having a base 362 with four sides 388, 389, 401 and 402. All four sides 388, 389, 401, 402 do have the same length and do form a rhombus or 'diamond'. In other embodiments the sides of the base can differ in length especially the base can be formed in a way that the longitudinal direction or its projection serves as a symmetrical axis for the base or the whole tooth. This may especially be the cases for teeth with cutting edges that are arranged on a conical surface. Further the tooth 383 comprises four triangular faces 371, 372, 372, 372 and 374. Always two faces meet to form an edge of the pentahedron shape which are the cutting edges 366 of the tooth, wherein the the cutting edges 369- A and 369-B are lateral cutting edges and dohave the same length and the cutting edges 365-A and 365-B are longitudinal cutting edges and do also have the same length. All four faces 371, 372, 372 and 374 and all four cutting edges 369- A, 369-B, 365-A and 365-B of one tooth 383 do meet in one cutting point 364 of the tooth 383 which is positioned on the most radial extension of the tooth.

[0118] Row 378, which can also be described as third row, is arranged directly adjacent to row 377 in a more proximal direction along the central axis A. Row 378 comprises a plurality of teeth 403. The row 378 and its teeth 403 are comparable to row 377 and its teeth 383. A tooth 403 does also have a pentahedron shape with two lateral 369- A and 369-B and two longitudinal 365-A and 365-B cutting edges and a diamond shaped base 362. One difference is that the cone surface 395 that is used to describe the position of the lateral cutting edges 369- A and 369-B of tooth 403 is opened in a different direction than the cone surface 395 that is used to describe the tooth 383 of row 377 and the tooth 400 of row 376. This means the cutting edges 369- A and 369-B of the tooth 403 are arranged on a cone surface that opens in the proximal direction of the cutting tip 350.

[0119] Row 379, which can also be described as fourth row, is arranged directly adjacent to row 378 in a more proximal direction along the central axis A. Row 380, which can also be described as fifth row, is arranged directly adjacent to row 379 in a more proximal direction along the central axis A. Row 381, which can also be described as sixth row, is arranged directly adjacent to row 380 in a more proximal direction along the central axis A. The three rows 379, 380 and 381 do comprise the same diameter and these three rows all do comprise a same type of tooth 387 which is described in the following with respect to Figures 9a and 9b.

[0120] In other embodiments not all teeth of the fourth, fifth and sixth row, but only a number of the teeth may have the same shape for example more than 80%. The tooth 387 comprises two cutting edges 386-A and 386-B that meet in a cutting point 364 and are arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc 390 sharing its rotational axis 500 with the central axis A of the attachment body 322. The plane defined by the circular disc 390 can be understood as a cross section through the cutting tip 350 perpendicular to its central axis A. This means all lateral cutting edges 386 of teeth 387 of one row 379 are arranged on the same axial height in axial direction of the central axis A. The circular disc 390 to define the plane in which the cutting edges are arranged is only a geometric help to describe the arrangement, the location and the position of the cutting edges 386, which are lateral cutting edges. The tooth 387 has a pentahedron shape with a base 362 with four sides 388, 389, 401 and 402. All four sides 388, 389, 401, 402 do have the same length and do form a diamond. In other embodiments the sides of the bases can differ in length. Especially the base can be formed in a way that the longitudinal direction or its projection serves as a symmetrical axis for the base or the whole tooth. Further the tooth 387 comprises four triangular faces 371, 372, 372 and 374. Always two faces meet to form an edge of the pentahedron shape which are the cutting edges 366 of the tooth. The cutting edges 386-A and 386-B are lateral cutting edges and do have the same length. The cutting edges 391 -A and 391 -B are longitudinal cutting edges and do have the same length. All four faces 371, 372, 372 and 374 of the tooth 387 do have the same shape and the same size. All four faces 371, 372, 372 and 374 of the tooth 387 and all four cutting edges 386-A, 386-B, 391-A and 391-B of the tooth 387 do meet in one cutting point 364 of the tooth 387 which is positioned on the most radial extension of the tooth 387. The cutting edges 391-A and 391-B do comprise a projectionthat fully overlaps with a symmetry axis 700 of the base 362 of the tooth 387. The cutting edges 386-A and 386-B do comprise a projection that fully overlaps with a symmetry axis 800 of the base 362 of tooth 387. In other words, does this embodiment refer to a cutting tip with three rows that comprise teeth of the same type and cutting edges that are arranged on a plane defined by a circular disc and three rows with teeth comprising cutting edges that are arranged on a surface defined by the cone surface.

[0121] Figures 9d and 9e show a schematic side view of a cutting tip 350- A which can also be called an end portion of the surgical attachment 300 in accordance with an embodiment. The cutting tip 350-A of the embodiment of Figure 9d is in a lot of features comparable to the cutting tip 350 of Figure 9. Items and features with same reference signs do have the same or comparable features. In the following, mainly varying features are described. The cutting tip 350-A of the embodiment of Figure 9d comprises also six rows 801, 378, 379, 380, 381 and 381-A of teeth. Row 801 is the row with the most distal position. In contrast to the row with the most distal direction of the embodiment of Figure 9 the teeth 400- A if row 801 do comprise a longitudinal cutting edge 365-A that is directed on the distal direction. In other words, a tooth 400- A of row 801 comprises two longitudinal cutting edges which meet in the cutting point of the tooth. Direct adjacent row in a proximal direction is row 378. The four rows 379, 380, 381 and 381-A follow in the proximal direction. Each of the four rows four rows 379, 380, 381 and 381-A comprises the same diameter and a plurality of teeth 387. Each of the rows 379, 380, 381 and 381-A is comparable to one of the three most proximal rows 379, 380, 381 of the cutting tip in Figure 9 or 9a. and comprises teeth that are shaped like a tooth 387. Compared to the embodiment of Figure 9 the cutting tip 350-A comprises not only three but four of the rows with cutting edges 386 that are arranged on a plane defined on a circular disc 390.

[0122] The first and most distal row 801 differs from the first row 376 of the embodiment of Figure 9 in the opening direction of the cone shaped surface 395 defining a surface on which the cutting edges 369 of the teeth 400 are arranged. It opens in the proximal direction. This might lead to teeth 400-A with improved resistance against wear. The second row 378 of the cutting tip 350-A is comparable to the third row 378 of the cutting tip 350 of Figure 9. In other word does this embodiment refer to a tip with four rows that comprise teeth of the same type and cutting edges that are arranged on a plane defined by the circular disc and two rows with teeth comprising cutting edges that are arranged on a surface defined by the cone surface.

[0123] In some embodiments the teeth do not own a longitudinal cutting edge and the pentahedron shaped tooth comprises a radius or another connection that does not cut between the two faces or where two face meet in a longitudinal direction.

[0124] 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 atmeet 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.

[0125] 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 longitudinal cutting 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 energyresulting 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).

[0126] 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.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting tip 350 includes a tube 335 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 bore 336 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 bore 336 is in flow communication with the aspiration system (for example, the aspiration collector). The removed tissue and irrigation fluid may be aspirated through the opening 337 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 preaspiration opening 339 remote from the distal end 326 to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore 336 at the pre-aspiration 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. In axial direction the pre-aspiration hole may overlap with an outer sleeve.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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 thatoccur 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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 limitationsexpressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical attachment (300) for a surgical device (12) comprising: an attachment body (322) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece (100) of the surgical device (12) for purely ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body (322) about a central axis (A) of the attachment body (322); and a cutting tip (350) at the distal end, the cutting tip (350) comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein at least one tooth (387) of the plurality of teeth comprises at least one cutting edge (386) arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc (390) sharing its rotational axis (500) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322).

2. A surgical attachment (300) for a surgical device (12) comprising: an attachment body (322) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece (100) of the surgical device (12) for purely ultrasonic torsional motion of the attachment body about a central axis (A) of the attachment body (322); and a cutting tip (350) at the distal end, the cutting tip (350) comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein at least one tooth (400, 403 383) of the plurality of teeth comprises at least one cutting edge (369) arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322).

3. A surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cutting tip (350) comprises as least one row (379) of teeth, wherein a first number of teeth (387) of this row (397) comprise at least one cutting edge (386) arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc (390) sharing its rotational axis (500) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322).

4. A surgical attachment (300) of at least one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting tip (350) comprises as least one row (378, 377, 376) of teeth, wherein a second number of teeth (383, 400, 403) of this row (378, 377, 376) comprise at least one cutting edge (369) arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322).

5. A surgical attachment (300) of at least one of the claims 3 or 4, wherein the first number of teeth and / or the second number of teeth comprises a fraction of teeth in the respective row, wherein the fraction represents one tooth, at least one tooth, a given percentage of teeth, at least 50%, at least 60% at least 80%, 95 percent or all teeth.

6. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one row (378, 379) of teeth (360) extends 360° around the cutting tip (350).

7. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least two rows (378, 379) of teeth (360) include equal numbers of teeth (360).

8. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two rows (378, 379) of teeth (360) extending circumferentially around the cutting tip (350), have different diameters.

9. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one tooth (360, 383, 387, 403) has a pentahedron shape having a base (362) with four sides (388, 389, 401, 402) and four triangular faces (368, 371, 372, 372, 374) meeting at cutting edges (366), the cutting edges (366) including longitudinal cutting edges (365, 391)and lateral cutting edges (367, 386, 369), wherein a at least one cutting edge (386) arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc (390) sharing its rotational axis (500) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322) and / or a at least one cutting edge (369) arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322) is / are lateral cutting edges.

10. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a base (362) of at least one tooth (383, 387) or a projection of the base (362) of at least one tooth (383, 387) is diamond shaped.

11. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the teeth (383, 360, 387) are arranged in multiple rows (376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381) and separated by a pitch within the corresponding row, the pitch (356) being less than an amplitude of the ultrasonic torsional motion and / or, wherein the teeth (383, 360, 387, 403) are separated by channels (354), the channels extending (354) transverse to the central axis (A).

12. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cutting tip (350) includes a tube (335) surrounding a central bore (336), the central bore (336) being open at the distal end for aspiration.

13. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cutting tip (350) includes a central bore (336) open at the distal end for aspiration, the cutting tip (350) including a pre-aspiration opening (339) remote from the distal end to allow inlet of irrigation fluid into the central bore (336) at the pre-aspiration opening (339) location.

14. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cutting tip (350) is manufactured from a titanium material, more preferred from titanium grade 23 material.

15. The surgical atachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a cone defining the cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the atachment body (322) opens in distal direction or proximal direction of the attachment body (322).

16. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cuting tip (350) comprises a first row (376) arranged on a most distal position along the central axis (A) of the atachment body (322) wherein a second number of teeth (400) of this row (376) comprises at least one cutting edge (369) arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the atachment body (322), wherein the cone defining the cone surface (395) opens in the distal direction of the cuting tip (350).

17. The surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cuting tip (350) comprises a first row (376-B) arranged on a most distal position along the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322) wherein a second number of teeth (400- A) of this row (376-B) comprises at least one cuting edge (369) arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the atachment body (322), wherein the cone defining the cone surface (395) opens in the proximal direction of the cutting tip (350).

18. A surgical attachment (300) for a surgical device (12) comprising: an attachment body (322) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured to be operably coupled to an ultrasonic handpiece (100) of the surgical device (12) for purely ultrasonic torsional motion of the atachment body (322) about a central axis (A) of the attachment body (322); anda cutting tip (350) at the distal end comprising multiple rows (379, 378) of teeth (360), wherein each row of teeth is arranged on a different length in axial direction along the central axis (A), wherein at least one row (379) comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein a first number of teeth (387) of this row (397) comprises least one cutting edge (386) arranged in a plane defined by a circular disc (390) sharing its rotational axis (500) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322) and wherein at least one row (378) comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein a second number of teeth (383, 400, 403) of this row (378, 377, 376) comprises at least one cutting edge (369) arranged on a surface defined by a cone surface (395) sharing its rotational axis (600) with the central axis (A) of the attachment body (322).

19. A surgical device (12) comprising: an ultrasonic handpiece (100) including a torsional transducer assembly configured to generate purely ultrasonic torsional motion; and a surgical attachment (300) of one of claims 1 to 18 operably coupled to the ultrasonic handpiece (100).

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