Importance

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Abstract

A transducer in a probe is positioned between first and second body members in a housing. An elongated tip is coupled to the first body member. A mass is provided on the first body member to amplify the ultrasonic vibrations imparted to the tip by the transducer. A tube extends through the second body member and the transducer into the first body member to hold the transducer in an abutting relationship with the body members without extending any bolts between the body members and the transducer. The tube, the body member, the transducer and the tip have axial passage which provide an axial aspiration path from the free end of the tip. Suction in the passageways exhausts through the passageways material removed from a particular area in a patient's body upon the application of the tip to the particular area while the tip is vibrating ultrasonically. A coil spring within the housing prestresses the transducer by compressing the transducer between the body members and also acts to amplify the ultrasonic vibrations imparted to the tip by the transducer. The probe is driven by applying an alternating electric voltage across the transducer. The probe may include an irrigation system parallel to the passage in the probe tip.

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First Claim