Ultrasonic probe

Abstract

An ultrasonic, surgical and dental probe comprises a piezoelectric crystal transducer assembly positioned in compression between a pair of body members in a housing. Each body member along with the transducer assembly is mounted on a hollow connecting rod. An interchangeable operative tip, disposed within the hollow connecting rod, is releasably secured to the housing. In a first embodiment, one end of the tip contains a keyhole slot that snap fits to a transverse pin in the housing. In another embodiment, the body of the tip contains a set of threads which engages a corresponding set of threads formed on the inner wall of the connecting rod. Also disclosed is a unique dental descaling tip used in conjunction with the ultrasonic probe. The working end of the tip which contacts the surface of the teeth contains a first orifice. The orifice discharges fluid for irrigation as the working end of the tip cuts into accretions formed on the teeth during ultrasonic vibration. A second orifice, spaced apart from the end of the tip, also discharges fluid for more gently bathing the teeth. Another tip disclosed for removing cataract tissue from the eye contains a single orifice at the working end for irrigating the eye while ultrasonically pulverizing the cataract. During surgery, a small piece of medical grade tubing is inserted into an incision made on the eye. After performing an anterior capsulectomy, the tip is lowered through the tube into contact with the cataract. The tube helps control the position of the tip against the cataract during ultrasonic pulverization, and serves as a drain for cataract particles.