Inventors:
David G. Wuchinich - New York NY
Donald R. Krawitt - Rhinebeck NY
Robert Brendolan - Mamaroneck NY
Louis Katz - Flushing NY
Assignee:
Sonomed Technology, Inc. - Lake Success NY
International Classification:
A61B 1700
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for endoscopic removal of compliant biological tissues utilizing an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator comprising irrigation and aspiration means, a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, a first resonator such as a half-wave stepped velocity transformer, a probe including a second resonator such as a constant-stress velocity transformer, a blunt or modified working tip of open channel means or restricted tubular means for application of ultrasonic energy to cellular material, and a capacitive fluid sensor to detect the presence of irrigation fluid adjacent these transformers within the instrument. The surgery is advantageously performed by operating the transducer in the 10-20 kHz range to achieve maximum cavitation of the intracellular fluids in the tissues to be removed.