ULTRASONIC MEDICAL DEVICE OPERATING IN A TRANSVERSE MODE

摘要

An ultrasonic medical device comprises an ultrasonic vibration generator (14 ) that generates vibration along its longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic vibrati on is transmitted through an ultrasonic coupler and a series of transformer sections (18, 20) that amplify the ultrasonic vibration. A flexible member (22) is coupled to the distal end of the transformer sections, and is thus supplied with a longitudinal vibration at its base by the transformer sections. The flexible member is designed so that it converts the longitudin al vibration into a standing wave that runs along the length of the flexible member. The standing wave produces a series of nodes and anti-nodes along th e length of the flexible member. Each of the anti-nodes produces cavitation in fluids in contact with the probe. The cavitation of the fluids causes destruction of adjacent tissue. In this manner, the entire length of the flexible member becomes a working surface that may be utilized for destroyin g tissue.