Patent ID: 6159175
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
An ultrasonic surgical instrument for emulsifying tissue from an operating site and removing the tissue by an aspiration flow force from a source comprising:a needle for receiving the ultrasonic energy, said needle having an internal aspiration passage terminating in a cavity with an inlet port to said cavity at the needle distal end, aspiration flow force applied to said aspiration passage aspirating tissue into said cavity through said inlet port to be emulsified by the ultrasonic energy while in said cavity; andan ultrasonic energy directing structure on the interior of said aspiration flow passage, said structure positioned in said aspiration passage proximally of said inlet port to modify the aspiration flow force pattern in said aspiration passage and having a first portion at an angle of less than 90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of said aspiration passage and facing toward said cavity for directing ultrasonic energy both distally of and non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of said aspiration passage to an area in said cavity to emulsify the tissue aspirated into said cavity, and a second portion proximal of said first portion at an angle to said aspiration passage and facing toward the proximal end of said needle for directing ultrasonic energy away from said inlet port along said aspiration passage back toward the proximal end of said needle to increase the effect of the aspiration flow in said aspiration passage, wherein at least the second portion is positioned on only one side of the aspiration passage so that the aspiration passage is asymmetrical in the second portion region.