Importance

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Abstract

A hollow operating needle for an ultrasonic surgical probe for fragmenting and removing material from the body has an elongated tapered portion which is coupled at its larger end portion to an ultrasonic motor for receiving and transmitting vibrations along the length of the needle to the operating end of the needle, with the needle defining a plurality of spaced apart openings extending from the operating tip end terminating at a distance substantially less than the distance to the larger end portion, whereby a substantial portion of irrigating fluid supplied adjacent the operating end portion of the needle reaches the operating tip end of the needle and the surgical site and another substantial portion of the fluid passes through the plurality of openings without reaching the operating tip of the needle. A generally concentrically positioned sleeve can be positioned about the needle extending from a housing enclosing the ultrasonic motor, thereby forming an annular passage with the needle through which irrigating fluid can be passed and can exit the annular passage adjacent the operating tip end portion of the needle.

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First Claim