Ultrasonic cutting device

Abstract

An ultrasonic surgical cutting method and apparatus is provided wherein the method and apparatus allows for the cutting of bone from within a hollow pathway such that a cutter associated with the ultrasonic method and apparatus remains sufficiently cool to prevent necrosis of the bone being cut. Furthermore the ultrasonic device and method can be employed in the cutting of soft tissue, wherein a cooled cutter is used to prevent the sticking of soft tissue to the cutting blade of the device during use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. DUQ008A) entitled “Ultrasonic Cutting Device”, filed on Feb. 2, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cutting device, and more particularly to a system and method for cutting bone using an ultrasonic cutting device while preventing heat damage to the bone and neighboring tissue. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The use of ultrasonic medical devices in surgery is widely known in various surgical fields. Traditional surgical instruments using ultrasonic frequencies typically use the ultrasonic energy to dissect, coagulate, and cut living tissue during surgery. Existing ultrasonic surgical devices typically employ an ultrasonic transducer to translate electrical energy provided to the transducer into mechanical energy for use in the intended surgical procedure. The mechanical vibratory motion is typically delivered to a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In light of the inherent problems and concerns of existing surgical cutting techniques, a cooling mechanism attached to the cutter of an ultrasonic surgical device is beneficial. When the ultrasonic device is used to cut bone, reduction of heat at the cutter prevents bone necrosis. Additionally, as the cutter is operating at a less elevated temperature, damage to tissue surrounding the cutter is less of a concern. In light of this, should a cooled ultrasonic cutter stray from the intended subject and accidentally come into contact or close contact with an unintended region of tissue, the likelihood of damage to this tissue is reduced.

[0007] The present invention relates to surgical cutting devices wherein ultrasonic vibration can be used in conjunction with a cooling mechanism. Using a cutting and cooling arrangement, as provided in the present invention, a cooled cutter can be used in cutting hard tissues such as bone, and is further capable of preventing heat related damage to hard or soft tissue surrounding the site of intended use.

[0008] Providing an ultrasonic cutting device wherein the cutter is maintained at a reduced temperature offers numerous advantages as compared to existing surgical devices. Firstly, the combination of ultrasonic cutting frequencies provides for speedy removal of bone during a surgical procedure. Additionally, as the cutting tip is at a reduced operating temperature, traditional problems with bone necrosis due to heat are reduced. In light of this, damage to the region of hard or soft tissue surrounding the location of the cut are minimized.

Problems solved by technology

Firstly, the combination of ultrasonic cutting frequencies provides for speedy removal of bone during a surgical procedure.

This thermal damage has been shown to effect bone reformation.

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