Abstract:
An ultrasonic treatment device comprises a transducer unit, probe unit, and a main unit. The transducer unit comprises an ultrasonic transducer generating ultrasonic vibration in response to supply of power. The probe unit has a treatment member at a distal end thereof. The probe unit is detachably loaded to the transducer unit, and is equipped with an ultrasonic probe transmitting the ultrasonic vibration to the distal end of the treatment member when the transducer unit is loaded to the probe unit. The main unit is manually grasped by an operator. The probe unit with the transducer unit loaded thereto is detachably loaded to the main unit. The main unit has a cylindrical insert through which the ultrasonic probe is inserted to have the treatment member protruded outwardly when the probe unit is loaded. The main unit further has an outer sheath detachably covering an outer surface of the insert.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application relates to and incorporates by reference to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-098229 filed on Mar. 30, 2004.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment device and an ultrasonic treatment apparatus that are able to generate ultrasonic vibration for enabling treatment on a living tissue using such ultrasonic vibration.  
         [0004]     2. Related Art  
         [0005]     Now, ultrasonic treatment apparatuses have become a vital requirement as one of medical devices in medical wards for surgeries.  
         [0006]     The ultrasonic treatment apparatuses include those of various types as described below. Such examples include one that is known from Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 2002-224133. This literature discloses an ultrasonic treatment device in which ultrasonic vibration, generated with an ultrasonic transducer, is transmitted to a probe to allow a treatment member, mounted onto a distal end of the probe, to execute a treatment on a living tissue utilizing the ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic treatment device is comprised of a main unit, a probe unit and a transducer unit, all of which are mounted to be detachable from among three component parts.  
         [0007]     Among these, the main unit is comprised of an operational main part, an inner sheath to which a vibration transmitting member is inserted when the probe unit is fitted to the operational main part, a jaw located on a distal end of the inner sheath in face-to-face relationship with a distal end of the vibration transmitting member, an operational force transfer member for rotating the jaw that operates an operating portion disposed on the operational main part, and an outer sheath by which the operational force transfer member and the inner sheath are covered. The operational main part, the inner sheath, the outer sheath and the operational force transfer member, which are formed in a substantially integrated fashion.  
         [0008]     With such a case of the ultrasonic treatment device, the probe unit and the transducer unit are separated from the main unit, after use, for cleaning various units. For example, in cases where filths, such as blood or the like, intrude a space between the inner sheath and the outer sheath of the main unit, using implements, such as special cleaning device and a syringe or the like, causes a cleaning liquid to burst into the space between the inner sheath and the outer sheath, thereby letting out the filths from between the inner sheath and the outer sheath for cleaning.  
         [0009]     Since the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment device, disclosed in the above patent literature, is formed in the substantially integrated fashion, it takes time when cleaning the inner sheath, the outer sheath and the operational force transfer member. For instance, when removing the filths, intruded to between the inner sheath and the outer sheath, it is hard for the brush or the like to be inserted to the narrow space to be brought into direct contact with the filths and, hence, not only it takes a long time but also a need arises for the special cleaning device.  
         [0010]     Further, probabilities occur with the occurrence of damage only to the outer sheath due to frequent use of the ultrasonic treatment device. In such cases, a need arises for the main unit to be replaced in its entirety. The reason comes from the fact that the operational main part, the inner sheath, the outer sheath and the operational force transfer member are formed in the substantially integrated fashion and it becomes hard to disassemble these component parts. Therefore, even if a need arises for replacing only the outer sheath of the main unit, an issue has arisen with an increase in cost for replacement.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention has been made in consideration of the above drawbacks, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate cleaning in the inner space of an ultrasonic treatment device.  
         [0012]     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic treatment device comprising: a transducer unit equipped with an ultrasonic transducer generating ultrasonic vibration in response to supply of power; a probe unit configured to have a treatment member at a distal end thereof, detachably loaded to the transducer unit, and equipped with an ultrasonic probe transmitting the ultrasonic vibration to the distal end of the treatment member when the transducer unit is loaded to the probe unit; and a main unit which is manually grasped by an operator, to which the probe unit with the transducer unit loaded thereto is detachably loaded, and which has a cylindrical insert through which the ultrasonic probe is inserted to have the treatment member protruded outwardly when the probe unit is loaded and an outer sheath detachably covering an outer surface of the insert.  
         [0013]     As a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic treatment device comprising: a main unit having an operation member to be grasped and operated by an operator; an ultrasonic transducer; a treatment member; an ultrasonic probe being detachably loaded to the main unit and transmitting ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer to the treatment member, the ultrasonic transducer being located at a base end of the probe and the treatment member being located at a distal and of the probe; an inner sheath approximately cylindrically shaped, arranged in the main unit, and configured to allow the ultrasonic probe to be inserted therethrough when the ultrasonic probe is loaded to the main unit; a jaw rotatably supported to face the treatment member of the ultrasonic probe at a distal end of the inner sheath when the ultrasonic probe is loaded to the main unit and formed to grip living tissue of the subject together with the treatment member, an operational force transfer member linking the jaw and the operation member, being able to move forward and backward on a surface of the inner sheath along an axial direction of the inner sheath, and transmitting to the jaw an operation force generated by the operation member; and an outer sheath detachably attached to the main unit to cover an outer surface of the inner sheath.  
         [0014]     As anther aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic treatment device comprising: a main unit grasped and operated by an operator; and a probe unit detachably loaded to the main unit and formed to transmit ultrasonic vibration from a base end of the probe unit to a distal end of the probe unit, the ultrasonic vibration being generated by an ultrasonic transducer and a treatment member being disposed at the distal end of the probe unit, wherein the main unit comprises an inner sheath through which the probe is inserted when the probe unit is loaded to the main unit, a jaw rotatably supported to face the treatment member at a distal end of the inner sheath and formed to grip living tissue of the subject together with the treatment member, an operation member disposed at a base end of the inner sheath and operated by the operator, an operational force transfer member linking the jaw and the operation member, being able to move forward and backward on a surface of the inner sheath along an axial direction of the inner sheath, and transmitting to the jaw an operation force generated by the operation member; and an outer sheath detachably attached to the main unit to cover an outer surface of the inner sheath.  
         [0015]     Still, the present invention provides, as one aspect, a treatment apparatus comprising: a probe comprising an energy transmitting member and a treatment member and being used such that physical energy is transmitted to the treatment member through the energy transmitting member to allow the treatment member to medically treat living tissue of a subject to be treated; a device movably supported near to the treatment member by the probe and formed to be in charge of a cooperative operation for the living tissue together with the probe; an operation member used to provide an operation for moving the device from or to the treatment member; a first sheath which links the device and the operation member and through which the energy transmitting member is inserted; an operational force transfer member linking the device and the operation member, being movably disposed along an outer surface of the first sheath, and transmitting an operation force from the operation member to the device; and a second sheath detachably loaded to the operation member to cover the first sheath as well as the operation force transfer member. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     In the accompanying drawings:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of a first embodiment.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a schematic side view showing a status wherein the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment is exploded into a main unit, a probe unit, a transducer unit and an outer sheath.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the probe unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of a neighborhood of an operating portion of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded perspective view of an insertion member and a distal-end operating portion of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment;  FIG. 7B  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the insertion member of the main unit; and  FIG. 7C  is a schematic perspective view showing a status wherein the part of the insertion member of the main unit, shown in  FIG. 7B , is modified.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8A  is a plan view of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic side view in partially cross-section showing a status as viewed in a direction as shown by an arrow  8 B in  FIG. 8A ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional view taken on line  8 C- 8 C in  FIG. 8B ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional view taken on line  8 D- 8 D in FIG.  8 B;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9A  is a schematic perspective view showing a jaw main part of a jaw unit of a distal-end operating portion of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9B  is a schematic side view showing a status wherein a projecting portion of the jaw main part of the jaw unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9C  is a schematic side view showing a status wherein the projecting portion of the jaw main part of the jaw unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment is brought into abutment with a protrusion of a jaw holding member;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10A  is a schematic perspective view showing a status wherein the outer sheath is inserted from the distal end of the insertion member of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment or the outer sheath is removed from the insertion member of the main unit;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10B  is an exploded perspective view of the outer sheath of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment;  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view, partially cutaway, showing a status wherein the outer sheath is inserted from the distal end of the insertion member of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment;  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view showing a status wherein the probe unit is inserted from a base end of the operating portion of the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the first embodiment or the probe unit is removed from the operating portion of the main unit;  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is a schematic cross sectional view showing a status wherein the outer sheath is inserted from a distal end of the insertion member of the main unit of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of a second embodiment or the outer sheath is removed from the insertion member of the main unit;  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is a schematic cross sectional showing a status in which the outer sheath is fitted to the insertion member of the main unit of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the second embodiment;  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a status wherein a high-frequency sheath unit is inserted from the distal end of the insertion member of the main unit of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of a third embodiment or the high-frequency sheath unit is removed from the insertion member of the main unit;  
         [0038]      FIG. 16  is a schematic perspective view showing a status wherein a high-frequency sheath unit is inserted from the distal end of the insertion member of the main unit of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of a third embodiment or the high-frequency sheath unit is removed from the insertion member of the main unit;  
         [0039]      FIG. 17  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a status wherein the high-frequency sheath unit is fitted to the insertion member of the main unit of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the third embodiment; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a status wherein the high-frequency sheath unit is fitted to the insertion member of the main unit of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the third embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]     Hereinafter, various forms (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) for implementing this invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0042]     Now, a first embodiment is described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  12 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 1  shows an ultrasonic treatment device  10  of the first embodiment. The ultrasonic treatment device  10  and an apparatus main part AU form an ultrasonic treatment apparatus US.  
         [0044]     The ultrasonic treatment device  10 , shown in  FIG. 1 , is comprised of a main unit  12 , a probe unit (ultrasonic probe)  14  and a transducer unit  16  as three main units, which are assembled to be detachable from each other. That is, the probe unit  14  is configured in the transducer unit  16  to be detachable therefrom (see  FIG. 2 ). For this reason, a unit, in which the probe unit  14  and the transducer unit  16  are combined, can be detachably mounted to the main unit  12 . That is, combining the main unit  12 , the probe unit  14  and the transducer unit  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , results in an assembly of the ultrasonic treatment device  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0045]     Also, among the three principal units described above, the main unit  12  includes an outer sheath according to the present invention as a component part of the main unit  12 . The outer sheath will be described later with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  10 A,  10 B and  11 .  
         [0046]     Moreover, an entire configuration of the ultrasonic treatment device  10  under an assembled status is regarded to be substantially “bar shape” and a longitudinal direction of the bar shape is herein referred to as an “axial direction”. Further, an area (at a left side in the drawing figure) closer to a distal end of the ultrasonic treatment device  10  in the axial direction is referred to as a “distal end”, a “distal end side” or a “distal end portion” and, in addition, another area (at a right side in the drawing figure) closer to the apparatus main part AU of the ultrasonic treatment device  10  in the axial direction is referred to as a “base end”, a “base end side” or a “base end portion”.  
         [0047]     The transducer unit  16  is comprised of a cylindrical transducer cover  20  and an ultrasonic transducer UT incorporated inside the cylindrical transducer cover  20  for producing ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic transducer UT has a distal end formed with a horn HN that amplifies amplitude of the generated vibration. A base end portion of the probe unit  14  is detachably mounted to a distal end of the horn HN.  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the transducer cover  20  has a distal end provided with a unit coupling member  22  through which the transducer cover  20  is detachably coupled to a transducer connecting member  85  (see  FIG. 4 ) of an operational main part  58 , which will be described below, of the main unit  12 . Mounted onto an outer periphery of the unit coupling member  22  is a C-shaped engaging ring (C-ring)  24  that is partially cut out. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the transducer cover  20  has a rear end portion to which a power-supply connecting code, in which a transducer-use plug (not shown) is provided, is connected.  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the probe unit  14  is comprised of a vibration transmitting member (probe)  30 , a horn part  32  formed on a base end portion of the vibration transmitting member  30 , a maximum-diameter part  34  formed on a base end portion of the horn part  32 , and a treatment member  36 . A modified cross-section shape part  38 , different in cross-section from a circular configuration, is provided between the horn part  32  and the maximum-diameter part  34 . The modified cross-section shape part  38  has an outer peripheral surface formed with, for instance, parallel flat surfaces in opposition to each other. This enables the probe unit  14  to be mounted to a positioning member  80 , which will be described later, of the main unit  12  in a predetermined position due to the flat parallel surfaces of the modified cross-section shape part  38 .  
         [0050]     The vibration transmitting member  30  has an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of flange-shaped support members  40  are disposed at nodes of a standing wave of ultrasonic vibration to be transferred from a base end side of the vibration transmitting member  30  toward a distal end thereof. These support members  40  are formed of resilient material such as, for instance, rubber or the like, in ring shapes, respectively.  
         [0051]     The maximum-diameter part  34  has a base end portion provided with a mounting screw  34   a  that is coupled to a probe mounting member (not shown) of the distal end of the horn HN of the transducer unit  16 . The mounting screw  34   a  is screwed into a threaded bore part of the probe mounting member of the transducer unit  16 . Therefore, the probe unit  14  and the transducer unit  16  can be unitarily assembled. The horn part  32  between the maximum-diameter part  34  and the vibration transmitting member  30  serves to amplify the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration transferred from the transducer unit  16 . The vibration transmitting member  30  transmits the ultrasonic vibration, whose amplitude is amplified with the horn part  32 , toward the distal-end treatment member  36 . The distal-end treatment member  36  is provided for the purpose of executing surgical treatment (hereinafter, merely referred to as “treatment”) in contact with a living tissue through the use of energy resulting from the ultrasonic vibration. The distal-end treatment member  36  is formed in an asymmetric shape, that is, a circular-arc configuration curved in a direction deviated from a central axis aligned on an axial direction of the vibration transmitting member  30 .  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the main unit  12  is comprised of an elongated tubular insertion member  50 , a distal-end operating portion  52  formed at a distal end of the insertion member  50 , and an operating portion  54  disposed at a base end portion of the insertion member  50 .  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the operating portion  54  includes an operational main part  58 , having insulation property, which is formed in a hollow portion. The operational main part  58  has a distal end provided with a cylindrical rotation-link member  60  with electrical conductivity. The rotation-link member  60  has a small-diameter part, a medium-diameter part and a large-diameter part formed in such an order from a distal end of the rotation-link member  60  toward a base end thereof. The medium-diameter part has an intermediate diameter between the small-diameter part and the large-diameter part and has an outer periphery formed with a male threaded portion. The large-diameter part has a base end portion formed with a slit  60   a  extending in the axial direction. Steps are formed between the small-diameter part and the medium-diameter part and between the medium-diameter part and the large-diameter part, respectively.  
         [0054]     A rotary knob  62 , having electrical insulation, is screwed onto an outer peripheral surface of the medium-diameter part of the rotation-link member  60 . A fixture ring  64  is screwed onto a base end side of the rotary knob  62  at the outer periphery of the medium-diameter part. The operational main part  58  is sandwiched between a flange portion of the fixture ring  64  and the rotation-link member  60 . The fixture ring  64  is slidable along the medium-diameter part with respect to the operational main part  58  such that rotating the rotary knob  62  allows the rotation-link member  60  to be rotated.  
         [0055]     A tabular sheath connecting member  66  with electric conductivity, to which a base end portion of an inner sheath, described below, is fixedly secured, and a ring-shaped operational rod guide member  68 , disposed an inner peripheral surface of a base end portion of the sheath connecting member  66  to guide a base end portion of an operational rod (operational force transfer member)  120 , described below, are fixedly secured to an inner peripheral wall of the distal end of the rotation-link member  60  by means of a first pin  56   a.  The operational rod guide member  68  has a through-bore through which the operational rod  120 , described below, penetrates in parallel to a central axis of the operational rod guide member  68 . Thus, the operational rod  120  is placed in and guided by the through-bore to be movable forward or rearward. The operational rod guide member  68  is made of resin material such as, for instance, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or the like and prevents the vibration transmitting member  30  from being brought into contact with a metallic member such as the operational rod  120 .  
         [0056]     A tabular operational rod connecting member  70  with electrical conductivity and a protector ring  72 , disposed inside an inner peripheral surface of the operational rod connecting member  70 , are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the rotation-link member  60  at a side closer to base ends of the sheath connecting member  66  and the operational rod guide member  68 . The operational rod  120  has the base end that is fixedly secured to the operational rod connecting member  70  by means of a second pin  56   b.  The protector ring  72  is made of resin material such as, for instance, PTFE and prevents the vibration transmitting member  30  from being brought into contact with a metallic member such as the operational rod connecting member  70 .  
         [0057]     A tubular slider receiving member  74  with electrical conductivity is disposed in an inner periphery of the operational rod connecting member  70  at a side closer to a base end portion of the protector ring  72 . The operational rod connecting member  70  and the slider receiving member  74  are fixedly secured to each other through a pair of opposing third pins  56   c.    
         [0058]     The operational rod connecting member  70  has a base end formed with a radially and outwardly extending flange portion  70   a.  A fourth pin  56   d,  received in the slit  60   a  of the rotation-link member  60 , is tightened onto the flange portion  70   a  of the operational rod connecting member  70 . Thus, the fourth pin  56   d  is moveable along the slit  60   a  of the rotation-link member  60 . Further, as the rotary knob  62  is rotated, the rotation-link member  60  also rotates and the operational rod connecting member  70  also rotates. That is, as the rotary knob  62  is rotated, the rotation-link member  60 , the operational rod connecting member  70 , the slider receiving member  74  and the operational rod  120  rotate.  
         [0059]     The slider receiving member  74  has a base end formed with a radially outwardly protruding flange portion  74   a.  A substantially ring-shaped slider  76  with insulation property is carried on an outer peripheral surface of the slider receiving member  74  between the flange portion  70   a  of the operational rod connecting member  70  and the flange portion  74   a  of the slider receiving member  74 . A drive force limit spring  78  is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the slider receiving member  74  between the flange portion  70   a  of the operational rod connecting member  70  and the slider  76 . The slider  76  has an outer periphery formed with a recess-like pin receiving part  76   a  that receives acting pins  102  of a movable handle  96  that will be described below.  
         [0060]     Therefore, when performing closing movement of the movable handle  96 , described below, relative to a stationary handle  94 , the slider  76  is pressed toward the distal end of the operational main part  58  due to the acting pins  102 . In contrast, when performing opening operation, the slider  76  is pressed rearward of the operational main part  58 . The slider  76  is urged toward the flange portion  74   a  of the slider receiving member  74  by the action of the drive force limit spring  78 . Under circumstances where the magnitude of a force exerted to the drive force limit spring  78  is less than the magnitude of an equipped force when the movable handle  96  is closed, the slider  76 , the drive force limit spring  78 , the slider receiving member  74  and the operational rod connecting member  70  are simultaneously moved in a distal-end direction along the inner peripheral surface of the rotation-link member  60  and the outer peripheral surface of the positioning member  80  described above. Also, this results in movement of the operational rod  120 .  
         [0061]     In the meanwhile, when an attempt is made to close the movable handle  96  to a further extent with the forward movement of the operational rod  120  being restricted such as when the living tissue is grasped, the drive force limit spring  78  is compressed at a timing when the magnitude of the force exerted to the drive force limit spring  78  exceeds the magnitude of the equipped force. This causes only the slider  76  to move in the distal-end direction along the outer peripheral surface of the slider receiving member  74 , thereby preventing the operational rod  120  from being applied with a force greater than a fixed value.  
         [0062]     A tubular positioning member  80 , to which an outer peripheral surface of the modified cross-section shape part  38  (see  FIG. 3 ) is mounted for positioning capability, is fitted to and secured to the inner peripheral surface of the base end of the slider receiving member  74 . To this end, an inner peripheral surface of the positioning member  80  is formed in a shape to allow the modified cross-section shape part  38  of the probe unit  14  to be mounted. The positioning member  80  has a base end to which a distal end of a contact pipe  82  with electrical conductivity is connected upon fitting engagement. The contact pipe  82  has a base end formed with radially and outwardly extending protrusions  82   a.    
         [0063]     A transducer unit guide  84  with electrical conductivity is disposed on an outer periphery of the contact pipe  82 . This guide  84  has a base end whose inner peripheral surface is formed with a protrusion receiving part  84   a  that receives the protrusions  82   a  of the contact pipe  82 . Therefore, the contact pipe  82  and the guide  84  are held in engagement for rotating capabilities with respect to each other due to the engagement between the protrusions  82   a  and the protrusion receiving part  84   a.  A C-ring receiving member  86  is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of a distal end of the guide  84  to receive an engagement ring (C-ring)  24  shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, the C-ring receiving member  86  and the guide  84  form a transducer connecting member  85  with which the unit coupling member  22  of the transducer unit  16  engages.  
         [0064]     A high-frequency connector pin  88 , covered with an insulative cover  88   a  and available to be electrically connected to a high-frequency power supply (power supply for an electric cautery device), is mounted to an upper area of the operational main part  58  at the base end thereof at an angle inclined rearward. The high-frequency connector pin  88  is held in abutting engagement with an outer peripheral surface of the transducer unit guide  84 . The inner peripheral surface of the guide  84  is connected to the contact pipe  82  and, so, to the positioning member  80 . The positioning member  80  has a distal end that has an inner peripheral surface on which a rubber ring (electric connecting part)  80   a  with electrical conductivity is provided. Thus, the high-frequency connector pin  88  and the rubber ring  80   a  are electrically connected to each other. The rubber ring  80   a  is held in abutting engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the probe unit  14  under a status where the probe unit  14  is set to the positioning member  80 .  
         [0065]     Therefore, as a high frequency current is conducted from the high-frequency connector pin  88 , this high frequency current is delivered to the probe unit  14 . Also, when this takes place, under a status wherein ultrasonic vibration is transferred to the probe unit  14 , the rubber ring  80   a  is located in a position near the node of vibration.  
         [0066]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the stationary handle  94  and the movable handle  96 , rotatable with respect to the stationary handle  94 , are provided on the operational main part  58  at the outer peripheral thereof in integrated relationship with the operational main part  58 . An operational end portion of the stationary handle  94  is formed with a finger hole  94   a  on which a finger other than the thumb is selectively placed. An operational end portion of the movable handle  96  is formed with a finger hole  96   a  on which the thumb of the same hand is placed.  
         [0067]     The outer peripheral surface of the operational main part  58  is formed with a pair of pivot-pin receiving parts  58   a  and a pair of acting-pin operation windows  58   b.  The acting-pin operation windows  58   b  penetrate through a wall portion of the operational main part  58 . Bifurcated connecting parts  96   b  are formed on upper end portions of the movable hand  96 . Pivot pins  98  are mounted to the upper end portions of the movable hand  96  via collars (insulation caps)  58   c  fitted to the pivot-pin receiving parts  58   a,  respectively. The collars  58   c  are made of members with low coefficient of friction to allow the movable handle  96  to smoothly rotate. These pivot pins  98  are coupled to the operational main part  58  in an area, shown in  FIG. 4 , above an axis line on which the outer sheath  150 , described below, is mounted to the main unit  12 . Thus, the movable handle  96  is movable in opening and closing capabilities with respect to the stationary handle  94 .  
         [0068]     At the upper end of the movable handle  96 , the acting pins  102  extend through the acting-pin operation windows  58   b,  respectively, to be disposed in the pin receiving part  76   a  of the slider  76 . Therefore, as the movable handle  96  is opened or closed about a pivotal point of the pivot pins  98  with respect to the stationary handle  94 , the acting pins  94  cause the slider  76  to move forward or rearward.  
         [0069]      FIG. 6  shows the insertion member  50  that plays a role as a component element of the distal end of the main unit  12 . The insertion member  12  is comprised of an inner sheath  110  (first sheath), a tubular connecting member  112  provided on a distal end of the inner sheath  110 , and a jaw holding member  114  provided on a distal end of the connecting member  112 . The inner sheath  110 , the connecting member  112  and the jaw holding member  114  are formed in a substantially D-shape in cross-section with all of these component parts being formed with flat surface portions  116 , respectively.  
         [0070]     Thus, the connecting member  112  and the jaw holding member  114  have base end portions are fitted to and fixedly secured to a distal end of the inner sheath  110  under conditions where the connecting member  112  and the jaw holding member  114  are positioned in a predetermined orientation. The base end portion of the jaw holding member  114  is fitted to a distal end portion of the connecting member  112 . The operational rod  120  is placed on the flat surface portion  116 , formed on the inner sheath  110  at the outer peripheral surface, to be movable forward or rearward along the axial direction of the insertion member  50 .  
         [0071]     A limit pin  122  is mounted to the flat surface portion  116  at a substantially intermediate position between the distal end and the base end of the inner sheath  110 . The inner pin  122  includes discs  122   a,    122   b  that have discoid shapes, respectively, and are mutually parallel to each other, and a short rod portion  122   c  by which the discs  122   a,    122   b  are connected. The first disc  122   a  has a large diameter than that of the second disc  122   b.  The first disc  122   a  is secured to the flat surface portion  116  of the inner sheath  110  by suitable means such as welding. It is preferable that a plurality of such limit pins  122  are provided on the flat surface portion  116  of the inner sheath  110 .  
         [0072]     The operational rod  120  takes the form of a rod main part  120   a  made of a thin plate-like member that is substantially flat in shape and flexible. The operational rod  120  has a distal end portion formed with a jaw coupling part  120   b  that is twisted at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the laterally oriented rod main part  120   a  and bent in a vertical direction. The jaw connecting part  120   b  and upper edge sides of respective leg portions  132   c,    132   d  of a jaw main part  132 , described below, are rotatably coupled to each other by means of the connecting pin  140 .  
         [0073]     The operational rod  120  is formed with a slit  124  in a given length along an axial direction of the rod main part  120   a  at a substantially intermediate position between the distal end and the base end of the operational rod  120 . The slit  124  includes a circular aperture  124   a,  larger in diameter than the second disc  122   b  of the limit pin  122 , which is formed in a position closer to the base end of the rod main part  120   a,  and an oblong aperture  124   b  formed to be integral with the circular aperture  124   a  in a substantially elongated shape at a position closer to the distal end of the rod main part  120   a.    
         [0074]     Penetrating the second disc  122   b  through the circular aperture  124   a  allows the rod portion  122   c  of the limit pin  122  to move relative to the oblong aperture  124   b  of the operational rod  120  as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  and  FIGS. 8A  to  8 C. Such slits  124  may be preferably formed in the rod main part  120   a  at a plurality of areas thereof. Thus, even if the operational rod  120  is moved forward or rearward within a given range, the presence of the slit  124  precludes the operational rod  120  from escaping from the flat surface portion  116  or the operational rod  120  from flexing. In such a way, the slit  124  of the operational rod  120  and the limit pin  122  of the flat surface portion  116  constitute a forward and rearward movement limiting mechanism that precludes a forward and rearward movement direction of the operational rod  120  to be deviated from the axial direction of the inner sheath  110 .  
         [0075]     Further, the distal-end operating portion  52  of the main unit  12  is described with reference to  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the distal-end operating portion  52  is comprised of the jaw holding member  114 , and a single swinging type jaw unit  130  rotatably mounted on a distal end of the jaw holding member  114  for grasping the living tissue.  
         [0076]     The jaw unit  130  includes a jaw main part  132  with its base end formed in a substantially arch-shaped configuration, and a grasping member  134  for grasping an object (living tissue).  
         [0077]     The jaw main part  132  has a pair of arms  132   a,    132   b  with distal ends thereof being connected to each other while their base ends are diverged into bifurcated configurations. Thus, the base end of the jaw main part  132  is formed with a given space.  
         [0078]     The grasping member  134  is formed of material with low-frictional resistance such as, for instance, PTFE or the like that has heat resistance while providing lowered frictional resistance to an associated component member in contact with the grasping member  134 . The grasping member  134  has a contact surface, to be held in contact with the living tissue of an object to be incised and coagulated, which is formed with a plurality of nonslip teeth in juxtaposed positions, resulting in the formation of nonslip teeth  134   a  in a saw-tooth appearance. The nonslip teeth  134   a  makes it possible to grasp the living tissue of the object to be incised and coagulated. A protruding portion  134   b,  available to be disposed in fitting engagement between the pair of arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132 , is formed on the grasping member  134  at a side opposite to the other surface thereof to be brought into contact with the living tissue. Therefore, the grasping member  134  is fitted to and mounted in a gap of the jaw main part  132  as shown in  FIGS. 9B and 9C .  
         [0079]     The respective arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132  have base ends formed with leg portions  132   c,    132   d  that are coupled to arms  114   a,    114   b  formed at the distal end of the jaw holding member  114  via pivot pins  138   a,    138   b,  respectively. Thus, the arms  114   a,    114   b  at the distal end of the jaw holding member  114  and the leg portions  132   c,    132   d  at the base end of the arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132  are coupled to each other via the pivot pins  138   a,    138   b,  respectively. That is, the jaw unit  130  is rotatable with respect to the distal end of the jaw grasping member  114 .  
         [0080]     A pin-bored insertion part is formed in the jaw main part  132  on a position above upper edges of the leg portions  132   c,    132   d  at the base ends of the respective arms  132   a,    132   b  to allow the jaw coupling part  120   b  of the distal end of the operational rod  120  and the coupling pin  140  to be coupled to each other. Thus, the jaw coupling part  120   b,  formed at the distal end of the operational rod  120 , and the respective arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132  are coupled to each other by means of the coupling pin  140 . That is, as the operational rod  120  is moved forward or rearward along the flat surface portion  116 , the jaw unit  130  is rotated relative to the distal end of the jaw holding member  114 .  
         [0081]     Now, as the operational rod  120  is moved forward toward a distal end side thereof, the jaw unit  130  is closed. During closing operation of the jaw unit  130 , pressing the grasping member  134  of the jaw unit  130  against the treatment member  36  of the vibration transmitting member  30  allows the object (living tissue) to be grasped between the treatment member  36  and the grasping member  134  of the jaw unit  130 . Also, the jaw unit  130  is also used for peeling off the living tissue.  
         [0082]     By the way, as shown in  FIG. 9A , the base ends of the arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132  have the base end surfaces formed in the arch-shapes, respectively, as set forth above. For this reason, when comparing the strengths of the base ends of the arms  132   a,    132   b  and the strengths of the leg portions  132   c,    132   d  to the strengths of these component parts formed in increased wall thickness, the base ends of the arms  132   a,    132   b  and the strengths of the leg portions  132   c,    132   d  have strengths greater than those of structures wherein they are formed in substantially rectangular shapes or U-shapes. That way, the base ends of the arms  132   a,    132   b  and the leg portions  132   c,    132   d  are formed in walls with less thickness than those of the case taking the substantially rectangular shapes or U-shapes while maintaining similar strengths. Accordingly, the base end of the jaw main part  132  is made smaller in size than that of the structures formed in the substantially rectangular shapes or U-shapes.  
         [0083]     Projecting portions  132   e  are formed on outer peripheries of the arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132  at positions forward of the leg portions  132   c,    132   d,  respectively. The projecting portions  132   e  are formed to be greater in wall thickness than those of the leg portions  132   c,    132   d.    
         [0084]     As shown in  FIGS. 9B and 9C , protrusions  114   c  are formed on the arms  114   a,    114   b  at the distal end of the jaw holding member  114  for abutting engagement with the projecting portions  132   e  of the jaw main part  132 , respectively. If attempt is made to minimize a diameter of the jaw holding member  114  to be as small as possible, thin-wall portions  114   c,    114   d  are formed as shown in  FIG. 8D . Therefore, as a strong external force acts in a direction to close the distal-end operating portion  52  under a condition where no probe unit  14  is mounted, stresses are caused to concentrate on the thin-wall portions  114   c,    114   d  resulting in a probability with the occurrence in damage to the jaw holding member  114 . However, by taking the structure described in conjunction with the embodiment, since the projecting portions  132   e,  each with increased wall thickness, and the protrusions  114   c  of the jaw holding member  114  are initially brought into abutment with each other as shown in  FIG. 9C , no further forces are exerted to the thin-wall portions  114   c,    114   d.  Further, upon arbitrarily altering such an abutment angle such that the distal-end operating member  52  is further hard to be closed, even with the probe unit  14  mounted to the distal-end operating member  52 , the projecting portions  132   e  of the jaw main part  132  are caused to abut against the protrusions  114   c  of the jaw holding member  114  after the probe unit  14  is flexed to some extent when the distal-end operating member  52  is closed with a force exceeding a certain magnitude of force. Thus, no further force is exerted to the distal-end operating member  52  in a closing direction and, hence, it becomes possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the probe unit  14 .  
         [0085]     Further, the outer sheath (second sheath), forming a part of the main unit  12 , is described with attention focused on  FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  11 . This outer sheath forms a principal part of features of the present invention.  
         [0086]     As shown in  FIG. 10A , the outer sheath  150  is detachably mounted to outer peripheral walls of the inner sheath  110  of the insertion member  50 , the coupling member  112  and the jaw holding member  114 .  
         [0087]     As shown in  FIG. 10B , the outer sheath  150  is comprised of a sheath case main part  152 , a connecting member  154  disposed on a base end of the sheath case main part  152 , and a connector  156  disposed on an outer periphery of the connecting member  154 .  
         [0088]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the connector  156  has a threaded inner peripheral surface that can be screwed onto an outer peripheral surface of a small diameter portion of a distal end of the rotation-link member  60 . Also, although not shown, the connector  156  may be preferably configured in structure with a click mechanism through which the connector  156  can be engageable with the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion at the distal end of the rotation-link member  60 .  
         [0089]     Now, operations of the ultrasonic treatment device  10  of the presently filed embodiment are described.  
         [0090]     The ultrasonic treatment device  10  is described in conjunction with a structure wherein the main unit  12 , the probe unit  14  and the transducer unit  16  are separate from each other as shown in  FIG. 2 . Additionally, the outer sheath  150  is separated from the main unit  12 .  
         [0091]     In assembling the ultrasonic treatment device  10 , the outer case  150  is covered on the insertion member  50  in a way to allow the distal-end operating member  52  of the insertion member  50  of the main unit  12  to be put into the outer sheath  150  (that is, the connector  156 , the connecting member  154  and the heath main part  152 ). This covering step may be simply completed by merely screwing the connector  156  onto the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion at the distal end of the rotation-link member  60  at the distal end of the operational main part  58 .  
         [0092]     Further, the probe unit  14  and the transducer unit  16  are coupled to each other as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this case, a mounting thread  34   a  formed at the distal end of the probe unit  14  is screwed into a threaded bore portion formed in a probe mount part at the distal end of the horn of the transducer unit  16 .  
         [0093]     The probe unit  14 , under such a status, is inserted from the base end of the main unit  12  toward the distal end of the insertion member  50 . The unit coupling member  22  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the transducer unit  16  is mounted to the base end of the main unit  12 . Then, the unit coupling member  22  of the transducer unit  16  is brought into engagement with the transducer connecting member  85  having the transducer unit guide  84  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the main unit  12  and the C-ring receiving member  86 .  
         [0094]     The modified cross-section shape part  38  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the probe unit  14  is positioned in a location determined by the positioning member  80  of the main unit  12 . Therefore, the treatment member  36  of the probe unit  14  stands face to face with the distal-end operating member  52  of the main unit  12  in a direction determined by an operator.  
         [0095]     Accordingly, the transducer connecting member  85  at the distal end of the main unit  12  is brought into engagement with the unit coupling member  22  at the distal end of the transducer unit  16  into an assembly of the ultrasonic treatment device  10  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0096]     As electric current is caused to flow through the ultrasonic transducer of the transducer unit  16  via the power supply connecting chord  26 , the ultrasonic transducer begins to vibrate. This ultrasonic vibration is transmitted from the base end of the probe unit  14  toward the treatment member  36  at the distal end of the probe unit  14 . Under such a status, as the movable handle  96  is operated to come close (to be closed) to the stationary handle  94  about the axis of the pivot pin  98 , the slider  76  is moved toward the distal end of the insertion member  50  via the acting pins  102 . When this takes place, due to the urging force of the drive force limit spring  78 , the operational rod connecting member  70  is moved toward the distal end of the insertion member  50 . Therefore, the operational rod  120  is moved toward the distal end of the insertion member  50 . In this moment, the operational rod  120  is sustained under a sliding condition along the flat surface portion  116 .  
         [0097]     The jaw main part  132  is pushed outward in the forward area by means of the coupling pin  140  at the distal end of the operational rod  120 . For this reason, the jaw main part  132  is rotated about the pivot axes of the pivot pins  138   a,    138   b.  That is, the grasping member  134 , fitted to the jaw main part  132 , is caused to come close to the treatment member  36  of the probe unit  14 . Therefore, the living tissue is gripped between the treatment member  36  of the probe unit  14  and the grasping member  134  of the jaw unit  130 , thereby performing ultrasonic treatment.  
         [0098]     A high frequency cable is connected to the high-frequency connector pin  88  mounted on the operational main part  58 . Under such a status, high frequency current is supplied from the high frequency power supply to the high frequency cable. Then, the high frequency current is applied to the horn part  32  of the probe unit  14  from the conductive rubber ring  80   a  via the high-frequency connector pin  88 , the transducer unit guide  84 , the contact pipe  82  and the positioning member  80 . Thus, the high frequency current is delivered to the treatment member  36  of the probe unit  14  to cause the discharge ends of the treatment member  36  to discharge electricity for performing high frequency treatment.  
         [0099]     After the ultrasonic treatment device  10  has been used in such a way, cleaning is undertaken to remove extraneous matter from the various units. In this case, the unit, in which the probe unit  14  and the transducer unit  16  are combined, and the outer sheath  150  are separated from the main unit  12  in such an order, for instance, an order opposite to that described above. Particularly, turning the connector  156  allows the connector  156  and the rotation-link member  160  to be unscrewed from each other, thereby permitting the sheath case main part  152  to be pulled together with the connecting member  154  from the insertion member  50 . This enables the outer sheath  150  to be easily removed from the insertion member  50 .  
         [0100]     When cleaning an outer surface of the insertion member  50 , the extraneous material, adhered to the operational rod  120 , is removed by, for instance, a brush. When this takes place, even if the operational rod  120  is moved forward or rearward or caused to freely move forward or rearward by a force of the brush, the operational rod  120  is sustained under a limited condition available for the limit pin  122  to move forward or rearward only within a predetermined range. This results in the prevention of the operational rod  120  from flexing or bending. Additionally, since the operational rod  120  is exposed to the outside, the extraneous material, adhered to an exterior of the insertion member  50 , can be reliably removed by some suitable means such as the brush.  
         [0101]     In the meanwhile, when cleaning an inner surface of the insertion member  50  of the main unit  12 , that is, an inner peripheral surface of the inner sheath  110 , since there is no component part inside the inner sheath  110 , cleaning is conducted using the brush or cleaning liquid.  
         [0102]     If the main unit of the ultrasonic treatment device is substantially unitarily configured, it takes time in cleaning the operational main member, the inner sheath, the outer sheath and the operational force transfer member. For instance, when removing filths intruded into a space between the inner and outer sheaths, it is hard to allow the brush or the like to enter a narrow space to be brought into direct contact with the filths and not only it takes time but also another need arises for a special cleaning tool.  
         [0103]     Further, probabilities may occur wherein only the outer sheath is damaged due to frequent use of the ultrasonic treatment device. In such a case, there is a need for the main unit to be replaced with a new one in its entirety. This is because of the reason that the operational main member, the inner sheath, the outer sheath and the operational force transfer member are substantially unitarily formed with a difficulty caused in disassembling these component parts. Therefore, even if only the outer sheath of the main unit is required for replacement, issues have arisen with an increase in cost for replacement.  
         [0104]     On the contrary, the presently filed embodiment has advantageous effects described below.  
         [0105]     For instance, even when the outer sheath  150  is damaged, only the outer sheath  150  needs to be removed for replacement and, hence, the outer sheath  150  can be readily replaced with new one, while enabling the suppression of replacement cost to a low value.  
         [0106]     For instance, when replacing the main unit  12  upon the occurrence of damage to the main unit  12 , replacement cost can be minimized by a value equal to at least that of the outer sheath  150 . That is, cost accompanied by replacement of the main unit  12  can be suppressed to the low value.  
         [0107]     Since the outer sheath  150  can be removed from the insertion member  50  of the main unit  12 , it becomes possible to reliably clean the operational rod  120  in a narrow channel between the outer sheath  150  and the inner sheath  110 . For this reason, no special cleaning tool is needed, enabling reduction in cost for cleaning the main unit  12 .  
         [0108]     As set forth above, the presently filed embodiment is able to provide an ultrasonic treatment device and an ultrasonic treatment apparatus, using such an ultrasonic treatment device, which need no special cleaning tool with the ease of cleaning interiors while an outer sheath can be easily replaced when the occurrence of damage to the outer sheath, covering an ultrasonic probe, is confirmed.  
         [0109]     Further, since the base ends of the arms  132   a,    132   b  of the jaw main part  132  are formed in the arch-like configurations, the arms  132   a,    132   b  have appropriate strengths even in the formation of thin-wall structures. For this reason, the jaw main part  132  can be formed in a small size.  
         [0110]     Since the jaw main part  132  are provided with the projecting portions  132   e  while the jaw holding member  114  is provided with the protrusions, it becomes possible to prevent stress concentrations, such as increased stresses, from being exerted to, for instance, the coupling pin  140  and the pivot pins  138   a,    138   b.    
         [0111]     In addition, with the presently filed embodiment, as the forward and rearward movement limit mechanism for moving the operational rod  120  along the flat surface portion  116 , while description has been made of a structure in which the limit pin  122  and the slit  124  are held in engagement, even in the presence of one or more arch-like limit bands  126  provided on the flat surface portion  116  as shown in  FIG. 7C , similar results are obtained. That is, the operational rod  120  extends along the flat surface portion  116  and can be moved under a condition in which the flexing of the operational rod  120  is prevented by the limit band  126 .  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0112]     Next, a second embodiment is described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . This embodiment is a modified form of the first embodiment and the same component parts as those of the first embodiment bear like reference numerals to omit detail description.  
         [0113]     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the high-frequency connector pin  88  is removed from the operational main part  58  of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus  10  of the presently filed embodiment. Instead, a high-frequency connector pin  188  is provided in a connector (electric connector portion)  156  of the outer sheath  150  and covered with an insulative cover  188   a.  A connector member (electric connector member)  154  of the outer sheath  150  has electrical conductivity.  
         [0114]     Therefore, under a situation where the outer sheath  150  is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion at the distal end of the rotation-link member  60  of the main unit  12 , the high-frequency connector pin  188  is electrically connected to the rubber ring  80   a  via the connecting member  154 , the rotation-link member  60 , the operational rod connecting member  70 , the slider receiving member  74  and the positioning member  80 .  
         [0115]     Now, operations of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus  10  with such a structure are described.  
         [0116]     The treatment member  36  of the probe unit  14 , which protrudes from the distal end of the inner sheath  12  of the main unit  12 , is inserted to the base end of the outer sheath shown in  FIG. 13 . Then, the outer sheath  150  is mounted to the main unit  12  as shown in  FIG. 14 . When this takes place, the outer sheath  150  is rotated relative to the main unit  12  to cause the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion of the rotation-link member of the main unit  12  and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member  154  of the outer sheath  150  to be screwed to each other via respective threads.  
         [0117]     Under such a status, if electric current is supplied to the transducer unit  16 , ultrasonic treatment can be performed with the treatment device  36 .  
         [0118]     A high frequency power supply is connected to the high-frequency connector pin  188  located on the outer sheath  150 . Under such a condition, a high frequency current is supplied from the high frequency power supply to the high-frequency connector pin  188 . Then, the high frequency current is inputted through the rubber ring  80   a  to the horn part  32  of the probe unit  14  via the high-frequency connector pin  188 , the connecting member  154 , the rotation-link member  60 , the operational rod connecting member  70 , the slider receiving member  74  and the positioning member  80 . For this reason, if the treatment device  36  of the probe unit  14  is brought into abutment with the living tissue, high frequency treatment can be performed.  
         [0119]     Also, no need arises for the high frequency current, flowing through the treatment deice  36  of the probe unit  14  from the high-frequency connector pin  188 , to flow through the probe unit  14  as set forth above and the high frequency current may be inputted to the vibration transmitting member  30  and the distal end of the horn part  32  closer to the vibration transmitting member  30 . Even in such a case, the high frequency current may be preferably inputted from the node of vibration.  
         [0120]     Thus, as the high frequency power supply is connected to the high-frequency connecting pin  188 , not only the ultrasonic treatment, which transmits ultrasonic vibration to the probe unit  14 , can be performed but also the high frequency treatment, which transmits high frequency current to the probe unit  14 , can be implemented on the living tissue.  
         [0121]     As set forth above, the presently filed embodiment has advantageous effects described below.  
         [0122]     Since the outer sheath  150 , which is provided with the high-frequency connecting pin  188 , is made detachable, the outer sheath  150  with no high-frequency connecting pin  188  may be used such as when there is no schedule for executing high frequency treatment. Therefore, it becomes easy to achieve switchover between a condition in which the high frequency treatment can be performed and a condition in which no high frequency treatment can be performed upon replacing only the outer sheath  150 .  
         [0123]     In addition, since only the outer sheath  150  is sufficed for replacement, under circumstances where the high-frequency connecting pin  188 , shown in  FIG. 4 , is provided in the operational main part  58 , the main unit  12  can be manufactured in a lower cost than that resulting when the main unit  12  is damaged, making it possible to reduce cost.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0124]     Next, a third embodiment is described with reference to FIGS.  15  to  18 . This embodiment is a modified form of the first embodiment and the same component parts as those described in the first embodiment bear like reference numerals to omit detailed description.  
         [0125]     As shown in  FIG. 15 , an ultrasonic treatment apparatus  210  of the presently filed embodiment is comprised of a main unit  212 , a probe unit  14  and a transducer unit  16  (see  FIG. 16 ). The main unit  212  further includes a high-frequency sheath unit (outer sheath)  250  that is detachably mounted to the insertion member  50  of the main unit  12 .  
         [0126]     The main unit  212  is comprised of an operational main member  258 , a sheath connecting member  266 , a positioning member  280  and a transducer unit guide  284 . The operational main member  258  is formed in a tubular shape with insulation property. The operational main member  258  has a distal end with its inner peripheral surface to which the sheath connecting member  266 , to which the base end of the inner sheath is connected, is connected. The sheath connecting member  266  has a distal end that protrudes beyond the distal end of the operational main member  258 . An outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the sheath connecting member  266  is formed with a male threaded portion.  
         [0127]     The sheath connecting member  266  has a base end to which a distal end of the positioning member  280  is fitted in abutting engagement with an inner peripheral surface of the operational main member  258 . The positioning member  280  has the distal end that has an inner peripheral surface on which a rubber ring (electric connecting part) with electric conductivity is located. The positioning member has the base end that has an outer peripheral surface provided with the transducer unit guide  284 . The positioning member  280  and the guide  284  form a transducer connecting member. Also, the distal-end operating member  52  is removed from the distal end of the inner sheath  110 .  
         [0128]     The high-frequency sheath unit  250  is comprised of a sheath main part  252 , a connecting member  254  and a connector  256 . The sheath main part  252  and the connector  256  have insulation properties and the connecting member  254  has electric conductivity. The connector  256  has an inner peripheral surface formed with a female threaded portion that can be screwed onto a male threaded portion on an outer peripheral surface of the sheath connecting member  266 . The connector  256  has an outer peripheral surface on which a push-switch  259  is mounted. The switch  259  has a periphery covered with an insulative cover  261 . One end of a chord  263 , connected to the switch  259 , is fixedly mounted between the connector  256  and the insulative cover  261 . The chord  263  has the other end on which a connector-pin-use connector  265  is mounted. With such a structure, as the push-switch  259  is depressed, electrical connection is established between a connector pin  265   a  of the connector-pin connector  265  and the connecting member  254  via the chord  263 . If the push-switch  259  is released, the connector pin  265   a  of the connector-pin connector  265  and the connecting member  254  are electrically disconnected from each other.  
         [0129]     The probe unit  14  includes a treatment device (curved member)  236  formed in a hook-shape.  
         [0130]     Now, operations of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus  210  with such a structure are described.  
         [0131]     The treatment device  236  of the probe unit  14 , protruding from the distal end of the inner sheath  110  of the main unit  12 , is inserted to the base end of the high-frequency sheath unit  250  as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Then, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the high-frequency sheath unit  250  is mounted to the main unit  212  as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . When this takes place, rotating the main unit  212  with respect to the high-frequency sheath unit  250  allows the sheath connecting member  266  of the main unit  212  and the connecting member  254  of the high-frequency sheath unit  250  to be screwed to each other via the respective threads.  
         [0132]     Under such a condition, upon supply of electric current to the transducer unit  16 , ultrasonic treatment can be performed with the treatment device  236 .  
         [0133]     A high frequency power supply is connected to the connector pin  265   a  mounted on the high-frequency sheath unit  250 . Under such a status, high frequency current is supplied from the high frequency power supply and the push-switch  259  is depressed. Then, the high frequency current is applied to the horn part of the probe unit  14 . Therefore, when the living tissue is brought into contact with the treatment member  236  of the probe unit  14 , high frequency treatment is performed.  
         [0134]     As set forth above, the presently filed embodiment has advantageous effects described below.  
         [0135]     Since the high-frequency sheath unit  250  is made detachable relative to the main unit  212 , the ultrasonic treatment apparatus  210  may be used only as an ultrasonic treatment apparatus without mounting the high-frequency sheath unit  250  under situations where no schedule exists for high frequency treatment. Therefore, it becomes easy to achieve switchover between a condition in which the high frequency treatment can be performed and a condition in which no high frequency treatment is performed upon detachably mounting the high-frequency sheath unit  250 .  
         [0136]     The various embodiments, set forth above, are configured in a manner described above. Therefore, to sum up advantageous effects in contrast to those of the present invention, the advantageous effects are listed as follows.  
         [0137]     First, it becomes possible to provide an ultrasonic treatment device and an ultrasonic treatment apparatus using such as an ultrasonic treatment that provides the ease of cleaning interiors of associated component parts with no need for preparing a special cleaning device while making it easy to replace an outer sheath when the occurrence of damage to the outer sheath, by which an ultrasonic probe is covered, is confirmed.  
         [0138]     More particularly, since the outer sheath can be removed from the apparatus main part and the main unit, component parts, incorporated inside the outer sheath, can be easily cleaned and, even in the occurrence of damage to the outer sheath, replacing only the outer sheath enables the ultrasonic treatment apparatus to be reused. Further, even when the occurrence of damage to the apparatus main part and the main unit is confirmed, it becomes possible to achieve reduction in cost for replacements of the apparatus main part and the main unit by a value equivalent to the cost of the outer sheath.  
         [0139]     Further, the inner sheath is possible to include the forward and rearward movement limit mechanism that precludes the forward and rearward direction of the operational force transfer member from being deviated from a direction along the axial direction of the inner sheath. Thus, the movement of the operational force transfer member is restricted during a period when the operational force transfer member is moved forward or rearward, under a condition where the outer sheath is removed, and cleaning is performed using a brush. This result in the prevention of the operational force transfer member from being largely flexed and the operational force transfer member is prevented from damage.  
         [0140]     Furthermore, the operational force transfer member has the plate-like configuration formed with the slit portion along the axial direction of the operational force transfer member. The forward and rearward movement limit mechanism is able to incorporate the limit pin associated with the slit portion to prevent the forward and rearward movements of the operational force transfer member from being deviated from the direction along the axial direction of the inner sheath. This enables the limit pin to prevent the operational force transfer member from being deviated from the direction along the axial direction of the inner sheath.  
         [0141]     Moreover, the forward and rearward movement limit mechanism is possible to include the limit band disposed around the outer periphery of the inner sheath to limit the movement of the operational force transfer member in a direction intersecting the axial direction thereof. Therefore, the operational force transfer member can be prevented from deviated from the direction along the axial direction of the inner sheath.  
         [0142]     In addition, the operational force transfer member may include a plate-like member that is movable forward or rearward along the axial direction of the inner sheath. This results in a capability of locating the operational force transfer member in a further narrow space and the forward and rearward movement limit mechanism enables the operational force transfer member to be prevented from being deviated from the direction along the axial direction of the inner sheath.  
         [0143]     Besides, the outer sheath is comprised of the insulation sheath with insulation property by which the outer periphery of the ultrasonic probe is covered in the fitted status, the electric connector member, disposed in the base end of the insulation sheath to enable switchover between the mount position and an escape position relative to the apparatus main part, which is electrically connected to the power supply for the electric cautery, and the electrical connecting member, electrically connected to the electric connector member, which is electrically conduct the ultrasonic probe when the electric connector member is placed in the fitted status.  
         [0144]     Thus, for instance, when a need arises for the high frequency treatment to be performed, mounting the outer sheath, with such a structure, onto the ultrasonic treatment apparatus enables high frequency current to flow through the ultrasonic probe. That is, when there is no need for performing the high frequency treatment, mere the outer sheath may be detachably mounted to the ultrasonic treatment apparatus and the operator is possible to select the outer sheath to provide a capability of selectively perform the high frequency treatment.  
         [0145]     Further, the electric connecting member is brought into abutment with the position at which there is provided the node of the vibration on the ultrasonic probe under a status where the electrical connecting member is placed on the operational main member in the fitted status. Therefore, even in cases where the ultrasonic probe is applied with not only the high frequency current but also the ultrasonic vibration, mutually related adverse affects can be minimized.  
         [0146]     In the foregoing, while the several embodiments have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments set forth above and all embodiments may be implemented within a range without departing from the scope of the present invention.