Ultrasonic medical treatment apparatus

摘要

A method and apparatus for treating tissue using ultrasonic energy. The method and apparatus has particular application in debulking/removing prostatic tissue in a non-thermal manner in a patient suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The apparatus is designed to have as small a cross-sectional profile as possible, therefore allowing the apparatus to be used in a minimally-invasive manner. As a result, the apparatus can be used in both surgical and out-patient treatment of BPH with minimal post-operative complications and minimal damage to areas other than the area of treatment. An ultrasonic probe may include aspiration channels on its outer surface. An aspiration sheath may surround the ultrasonic probe, such that the location of an aspiration port may be varied axially relative to the ultrasonic tip. The method of treatment of the present invention may be performed perineally, transurethrally, or urethrally. The ultrasonic probe of the present invention may be inserted into the prostatic capsule in a minimally-invasive manner, such that the bulked prostatic tissue is directly debulked in a non-thermal manner. As a result, the temperature at the treatment site may remain within +/- 7 DEG C of normal body temperature, so as to reduce necrosis and residual tissue damage. The ultrasonic probe is designed to vibrate in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the probe. The transverse mode of operation is more efficient than the longitudinal mode of operation. <IMAGE>