Importance

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Abstract

In general the ultrasonic probe for improved fragmentation is comprised of a longitudinal shank having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft. The shaft joins the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the longitudinal shank has a connector for connecting the longitudinal shank to a source of ultrasonic vibrational energy. The distal end of the longitudinal shank may have a blunt or bullet-nosed tip. The shaft has one or more grooves near the tip which circumscribe the shaft of the longitudinal shank. The walls of the one or more grooves in the shaft of the longitudinal shank provide surface area on the distal end of the ultrasonic probe in planes generally perpendicular to the axis of the ultrasonic probe. The additional surface area increases the tissue fragmenting surface area of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe without increasing the diameter of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe. Thus, one is able to more rapidly and thoroughly fragment or emulsify tissues with a given diameter of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe. Further, because tissue typically does not contact the bottom of the grooves, the tissue contact surface area along and about the distal end of the ultrasonic probe is reduced, thus reducing the potential for tissue burns.

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First Claim