CAVITATING ULTRASONIC SURGICAL ASPIRATOR WITH RF ELECTRODES
An CUSA having a cannula with an ultrasonic frequency vibrating tip with a flue disposed around the cannula. A first electrode is disposed on an outside of the flue and an RF generator provides current to the first electrode. A current flow is formed between the electrode and the tip and the tip acts as a ground. The first electrode can take the shape of a complete circumferential ring or a partially circumferential ring. The first electrode can be removably disposed on and/or movable along a length of the flue to allow the surgeon to “clip-on” or adjust the electrode at the position of their choice. A second electrode can be disposed on the outside of the flue and proximal to the first. A second current flow can be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
1 . An ultrasonic and ablative medical treatment device, comprising:
a cannula comprising an ultrasonic frequency vibrating tip;
a flue disposed around the cannula;
a first electrode disposed on an outside of the flue; and
an RF generator providing a current to the first electrode;
wherein a current flow is formed between the electrode and the tip, and wherein the tip acts as a ground to the electrode.
2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is at least one of a complete circumferential ring or a partially circumferential ring.
3 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is removably disposed on the flue.
4 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is movable along a length of the flue.
5 . The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising a second electrode disposed on the outside of the flue and proximal to the first electrode,
wherein the RF generator provides a current to the second electrode, and
wherein a second current flow is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
6 . The medical device of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes are movable along a length of the flue.
7 . An ultrasonic and ablative medical treatment device, comprising:
a cannula comprising an ultrasonic frequency vibrating tip;
a flue disposed around the cannula;
a first electrode disposed on an outside of the flue;
a second electrode disposed on the outside of the flue and proximal to the first electrode; and
an RF generator providing a current to the first and second electrodes; and
wherein a current flow is formed between the first and second electrodes.
8 . The medical device of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes are at least one of a complete circumferential ring, a partially circumferential ring, or a stave.
9 . The medical device of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes are removably disposed on the flue.
10 . The medical device of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes are movable along a length of the flue.
11 . The medical device of claim 7 , wherein a second current flow is formed between the first electrode and the tip.
12 . The medical device of claim 7 , wherein the first and second electrodes are coaxial to each other.
13 . The medical device of claim 7 , wherein the first and second electrodes can also power at least one of a sensor, a light and an indicator.
14 . A method for conducting a medical surgical procedure using an ultrasonic and ablative medical treatment device, comprising the steps of:
providing the ultrasonic medical treatment device having a cannula with a tip and a surrounding flue;
disposing a first electrode on the flue proximate to the tip;
inserting at least the tip and the first electrode into a patient;
vibrating the tip with an ultrasonic frequency to treat the patient; and
creating a current flow between the first electrode and the tip, comprising:
grounding the first electrode to the tip.
15 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of cauterizing tissues in the patient using the current flow.
16 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising the steps of:
moving the first electrode relative to the tip, along the flue; and
altering the current flow.
17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the disposing step further comprises the steps of:
disposing a second electrode on the flue proximal to the first electrode; and
wherein the creating the current flow step further comprises:
creating a first current flow between the first and second electrodes; and
creating a second current flow between the first electrode and the tip.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising the step of:
moving at least one of the first or second electrode relative to the other electrode; and
altering the current flow between the first and second electrodes,
wherein altering the current flow can comprise at least one of the steps of:
altering the current flow based on a distance between the first and second electrodes; and
maintaining a constant current flow regardless of the distance between the first and second electrodes.
19 . A method for conducting a medical surgical procedure using an ultrasonic and ablative medical treatment device, comprising the steps of:
providing the ultrasonic medical treatment device having a cannula with a tip and a surrounding flue;
disposing a plurality of stave electrodes along an outside and a length of the flue;
inserting at least the tip and a portion of the stave electrodes into a patient;
vibrating the tip with an ultrasonic frequency to treat the patient; and
creating a current flow between at least two of the plurality of stave electrodes.
20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising the step of cauterizing tissues in the patient using the current flow.