Preventing reuse of surgical devices

摘要

A single use ultrasonic surgical device (150) in accordance with the present invention includes a transmission component (86) adapted to receive ultrasonic vibration from a transducer assembly (82) and to transmit the ultrasonic vibration from a first end to a second end. A hub (172) is coupled to the transmission component and includes a temperature sensitive material that distorts when exposed to heat. An ultrasonic surgical device (150) in accordance with the present invention includes a transducer assembly (82) adapted to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency in response to electrical energy. A transmission rod (86) is adapted to receive ultrasonic vibration from the transducer assembly and to transmit the ultrasonic vibration from a first end to a second end of the transmission rod. A sheath (170) surrounds at least a portion of the transmission rod and includes a temperature sensitive material that distorts when exposed to heat. An end effector (88) is adapted to receive the ultrasonic vibration from the transmission rod (86) and to transmit the ultrasonic vibration from a first end to a second end of the end effector. The second end of the end effector is disposed near an antinode and the first end of the end effector coupled to the second end of the transmission rod. In an alternative arrangement, the sterilization of the instrument (550) inhibits the ultrasonic transmission capabilities of the instrument to prevent reuse.