JP3704407B2

JP3704407B2 - Ultrasonic treatment device

Info

Publication number: JP3704407B2
Application number: JP29006296A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 学石川; 太郎宮澤
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 1996-10-31
Filing date: 1996-10-31
Publication date: 2005-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-10-31
Also published as: JPH10127653A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、超音波振動を利用して処置を行う超音波処置装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、超音波処置装置は超音波振動子とホーンと超音波伝達部材が一体的に連結して構成され、超音波振動子で発生した超音波振動をホーンで増幅し、超音波伝達部材に伝達するようになっている。この種の超音波処置装置は、超音波メス、歯石を取るための歯科用超音波スケーラー、超音波吸引器などに広く用いられているところである。
【０００３】
ところで、超音波伝達部材を支持するために、図１６で示すように、超音波伝達部材ａの節部にＯリングなどの弾性部材ｂを取り付け、超音波伝達部材ａを挿通したカバーｃの内面との間に弾性部材ｂを介在させ、超音波伝達部材ａを支持するようにした例が多い。例えば、特開平７−５１２８１号公報に記載された超音波処置装置もその一例である。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前述したように超音波伝達部材の節部に弾性部材を取り付け、その弾性部材を介して、前記超音波伝達部材をカバーの内面に支持させるようにした従来の支持手段は、超音波振幅が最小である節部に弾性部材を取り付けることによって、超音波伝達部材とカバーとの間の接触を防止し、或いは超音波振動のエネルギーの無駄な消費を極力防ぐようにしたものである。
【０００５】
しかしながら、この支持構造では超音波伝達部材の先端部が、すなわち超音波振動の腹部近傍が、超音波伝達部材の節部から遠く離れてしまう。従って、実際に、この支持構造のもので超音波処置を行うと、超音波伝達部材の節部でＯリングによってカバーとの接触を絶縁したとしてもその超音波伝達部材の先端側部分では容易に中心軸からずれて動くため、処置中、超音波伝達部材に負荷がかかると、超音波伝達部材の先端はカバーの先端と接触してしまう。このような接触は、カバーの先端、及び超音波伝達部材の先端の破損、或いは削れを生じ、その破損片または削り滓が生体内に落ちるという不都合な状況を生じさせる。
また、その両者同志の摩擦により大きな摩擦音を発生してしまったり、或いは振動が術者に伝わり、手術の妨げとなっていた。
更に、カバーと超音波伝達部材の接触により、超音波振動エネルギーを無駄に消費してしまい、超音波伝達部材の先端処置部でのエネルギーが不足してしまうことも起こる。
また、カバーと超音波伝達部材の接触時には超音波の共振現象を妨げるため、超音波伝達部材は共振できにくくなり、共振が停止して手術ができなくなることも起こり得た。
【０００６】
一方、カバーの内周面に、セラミックやいわゆるテフロンの部材を接着、或いは何らかの方法で永久固定し、超音波伝達部材とカバー自身の直接的な接触を防止しているものもある。
しかし、この手段は超音波振幅が最小である節部で、カバーとの接触を抑えることなく、超音波振幅が最大である振動の腹部近傍を前記セラミック、テフロンなどで抑える方式の構造である。
この構造では超音波伝達部材の先端での中心軸からのズレが、節の部分でＯリングによりカバーの内面に支持するようにした上記方式のものより更に大きくなってしまい、容易にカバーの先端付近に超音波伝達部材が接触してしまう。また、接触する超音波伝達部材の先端部分が、超音波振幅の腹部の近傍に位置するものであるため、その振幅量が大きく、一度、接触すると、カバーの先端部材に与えるダメージも大きく、損傷も大きくなり易かった。
また、この構造によると、超音波伝達部材とカバー先端が接触した際に生じる損傷は、カバー先端のセラミックあるいはいわゆるテフロンのみである。
しかしながら、この場合でも、セラミックあるいはいわゆるテフロンの部材は、カバーとの接着、或いは永久的に固定されているため、それを含めてカバー自身と共に取り替えなければならなかった。従って、このような構造はコスト的にも問題があった。
【０００７】
本発明は前記課題に着目してなされたもので、その目的とするところは、カバーの先端付近と超音波伝達部材の先端付近との接触を防ぎ、カバーの損傷による削りカスの発生を防止するとともに、超音波エネルギーの損失を防止し、更には超音波伝達部材の共振を妨げない超音波処置装置を提供することにある。
更に、従来技術のカバー先端のみの損傷により、カバー自身を替えなければならないという問題点を解消し、超音波伝達部材との接触を防止する部材を取り替えることにより、継続してそのカバーは使用できるようにすることを目的としている。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、超音波振動を利用して生体を処置する超音波伝達部材と、この超音波伝達部材を覆うカバーとを備えた超音波処置装置において、
前記超音波伝達部材とこれを覆うカバーとの接触を遮断する接触防止部材を設け、この接触防止部材は前記超音波伝達部材における超音波振動の節部となる１つ以上の部位でその超音波伝達部材に支持され、少なくとも前記支持部位から前記カバーの先端付近まで先端が伸長したことを特徴とする。
超音波伝達部材とカバーとの接触を防止する接触防止部材を、他端側は振動のない節部に固定し、もう片方の他端は大きく振動している超音波伝達部材先端付近を覆うことにより、カバーの先端付近と超音波伝達部材の先端付近との接触を防止する。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１実施形態）
図１乃至図５を参照して本発明の第１実施形態を説明する。図１は超音波処置装置の概念的な構成を示しており、このシステムにはハンドピース１と、ハンドピース１にコード２を介して接続される超音波発振装置３と、超音波発振装置３の出力を制御する出力制御機器４を備えてなる。ハンドピース１は図２でも示すように、超音波振動子５を内蔵した把持本体６と、超音波振動子５にホーン７を介して連結された直線棒状の超音波伝達部材８と、把持本体６に取着され、超音波伝達部材８を覆うシース状のカバー（外套管）９から構成されている。そして、図３で示す超音波振動子５とホーン７と超音波伝達部材８は全体として超音波振動系を構成している。
【００１０】
前記超音波振動子５は積層した複数の圧電素子１１と、これらの圧電素子１１の間にそれぞれ配置された電極１２とからなり、これらをホーン７と金属製後部材１３との間で締め付けて構成される。ホーン７は超音波振動子５で発生した超音波振動の振幅を拡大する機能を有する。このホーン７の先端には超音波伝達部材８がネジ部１４を利用して螺着することにより直線的に連結されている。
【００１１】
図４は、超音波振動子５からホーン７を介して超音波伝達部材８に超音波振動が伝えられたとき、その超音波伝達部材８においての定常振動の様子を、応力と振幅によって表したものである。
一般的には、超音波伝達部材８の先端は振動の腹となり、その先端で振幅が最大となり、その応力は最小となる。また、ホーン７と超音波伝達部材８の接合部も振動の腹となり、その応力は最小であるが、振幅は最大となる。
一方、その腹と腹の間に節がある。節部の応力は最大であるが、振幅は最小となる。この関係は超音波振動の基準モード、或いは高調波振動モードにおいても同様であり、更に周波数帯も高周波であれば同様である。
【００１２】
従って、仮に腹の部分にＯリングなどの支持部材を設けたとすると、そこでは振幅が大きいために、その支持部材の内周面と超音波伝達部材の外周面とで激しい摩擦を生じてしまう。そこで、一般的には、この節部の近傍にＯリングのような弾性部材を設け、これをカバー９との接触防止に使用するが、前述したように超音波伝達部材の先端側部分では容易に中心軸からずれて動くため、処置中、超音波伝達部材に負荷がかかると、超音波伝達部材の先端はカバーの先端付近と接触してしまう。このような接触は、カバーの先端、及び超音波伝達部材の先端の破損、或いは削れを生じ、その破損片または削り滓が生体内に落ちる等の種々の不都合な状況を生じさせる。
そこで、この第１実施形態では図５で示すように、超音波伝達部材８とそのカバー９との接触を防止させるための絶縁部材として接触防止部材２１を設け、この接触防止部材２１を超音波伝達部材８に取り付けるようにしている。すなわち、接触防止部材２１は、例えばポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）等の耐摩耗性及び耐熱性のある材料によって筒状に形成されており、カバー９の内側と超音波伝達部材８の外周との間に位置して配置されている。接触防止部材２１の基端には、その内側に突き出すフランジ状の突起部２２が一体に形成されている。突起部２２は、超音波伝達部材８の外周面部にその振動の節部に位置して形成した周回溝からなる窪み２３に嵌り込んで係止し、接触防止部材（接触絶縁部材）２１を保持する。つまり、接触防止部材２１が超音波伝達部材８に取り付けられる位置は超音波伝達部材８の振動の節部である。また、超音波伝達部材８に接触防止部材２１を支持するので、接触防止部材２１が脱落しにくくなり、安全性はより高まる。
【００１３】
超音波伝達部材８の節部では振動がほとんどないが、第１実施形態の構造では接触防止部材２１をその節部で固定する。このため、接触防止部材２１を固定してもその部分での摩擦がない。また、超音波エネルギーの損失も抑制できる。
【００１４】
接触防止部材２１は超音波伝達部材８の先端部近傍まで伸長し、かつカバー９の先端の位置まで伸長している。このように、超音波伝達部材８の先端部近傍では接触防止部材２１の先端がカバー９の先端の位置まで伸長しているため、直接、超音波伝達部材８とカバー９が接触できない。更に、その接触防止部材２１の先端側は超音波伝達部材８の腹部近傍に位置するものの、その超音波伝達部材８に固定されたり、拘束されたりしているわけではないので、超音波伝達部材８と接触防止部材２１の両者の関係は常に自由な状態である。従って、両者の接触による摩擦は極めて小さく抑えることができる。
【００１５】
（第２実施形態）
図６を参照して本発明の第２実施形態を説明する。図６はハンドピース１の先端部付近の断面図である。この実施形態では超音波伝達部材８に対する接触防止部材２１の取付け構造の変形例を示すものである。この実施形態では振動の節に位置して超音波伝達部材８の外周に周回する突起２５を設け、一方、接触防止部材２１の後端部内周に周回する溝部２６を形成し、その突起２５に接触防止部材２１の溝部２６が嵌り込んで係止し、超音波伝達部材８に接触防止部材２１を支持する構成となっている。その他は前述した第１実施形態のものと同様である。
【００１６】
（第３実施形態）
図７を参照して本発明の第３実施形態を説明する。図７はハンドピース１の先端部付近の断面図である。この実施形態では超音波伝達部材８に対する接触防止部材２１の取付け構造の他の変形例を示すものである。すなわち、この実施形態では第２実施形態でのものと同じく振動の節に位置して超音波伝達部材８の外周に周回する突起２７を設ける。この突起２７の位置は第２実施形態のものと同じである。一方、接触防止部材２１は後端側にも伸長する。この接触防止部材２１の中間部内周に周回する溝部２８を形成する。そして、前記突起２７に接触防止部材２１の溝部２８を嵌め込んで係止し、超音波伝達部材８に接触防止部材２１を支持する。従って、接触防止部材２１は前記節部より後端側に伸長しており、より広範囲領域の接触防止が可能となる。また、接触防止部材２１の中間部が超音波伝達部材８に固定され、先後両端側部分は超音波伝達部材８に固定されず、両者の関係は常に自由な状態であって、両者の接触による摩擦は極めて小さく抑えることができる。その他は前述した第１実施形態のものと同様である。
【００１７】
（第４実施形態）
図８を参照して本発明の第４実施形態を説明する。図８はハンドピース１の先端部付近の断面図である。この実施形態では超音波伝達部材８に対する接触防止部材２１の取付け構造のさらに他の変形例を示すものである。すなわち、この実施形態では振動の２つの節にそれぞれ位置して超音波伝達部材８の外周に周回する２つの突起３１，３２を設ける一方、接触防止部材２１にはその中間部と基端部の内周に前記突起３１，３２に対応位置して周回する溝部３３，３４を形成する。そして、突起３１，３２に、これに対応する接触防止部材２１の溝部３３，３４を嵌め込んで係止させることにより、超音波伝達部材８に接触防止部材２１を支持させる構成となっている。従って、接触防止部材２１はその中間部と基端部が超音波伝達部材８に固定され、接触防止部材２１に超音波伝達部材８を確実かつ安定的に固定することができる。節の数が３つ以上になっても同様の関係を保つことができる。その他は前述した第１実施形態のものと同様である。
【００１８】
（変形例）
図９乃至図１１は第１実施形態での接触防止部材の変形例をそれぞれ示すものである。
まず、図９で示す接触防止部材２１ａはシリコンゴムのような弾性部材で形成したものである。この場合、超音波伝達部材８の窪み２３に接触防止部材２１ａの突起部２２を差し込むことが簡単で容易に装着できるとともに、その取り外しも非常に簡単である。また、突起部２２と窪み２３との密着が図れる。
【００１９】
図１０で示す接触防止部材２１ｂは、その部材をポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）等の摺動（従順）部材で形成するとともに、その部材の側壁に長手軸方向の全長にわたりスリット４１を設け、その接触防止部材２１ｂの円筒形状が円周方向に拡張できるような形状とし、超音波伝達部材８にその横から嵌め込む形式にしたものである。その際、超音波伝達部材８には節部に位置して窪み２３があるので、それに応じて超音波伝達部材８の基端に形成した突起部２２ｂをその窪み２３に嵌め合わせるようにして装着する。この場合にも取り付け、取り外しは非常に容易である。
【００２０】
図１１で示す接触防止部材２１ｃは、図１０で説明した接触防止部材２１ｂと同様にスリット４１を設けるが、そのスリット４１の後端部を広く開けるようにした。スリット４１の後端部を広く開けるようにしたので、超音波伝達部材８に対しての取付けや取外しが容易になる。
【００２１】
以上の各変形例は超音波伝達部材８の節部に溝が切ってある場合であるが、図６乃至図８でそれぞれ示した形式のものにも同様に適用できる。節部に超音波伝達部材８が突起状の凸部を持っていれば、図９から図１１の溝に応じた凸部を、その凸部に応じた溝に変更することで、同様に適用できる。
【００２２】
（前記各実施形態の効果）
前記各実施形態では超音波伝達部材８の節部では振動がほとんどないため、その節部に接触防止部材２１を固定しても摩擦がない。また、超音波伝達部材８の節部に接触防止部材２１を固定しているため、超音波エネルギーの損失も抑制できている。また、超音波伝達部材８の先端部近傍では、接触防止部材２１がカバー９の先端の位置まで伸長しているために、超音波伝達部材８とカバー９が直接に接触できない。さらに、その接触防止部材２１の先端側は超音波伝達部材８の腹部近傍に固定され、拘束されているわけではないので、両者の関係は常に自由な状態である。従って、両者の接触による摩擦は極めて小さく抑えることができる。さらに、絶縁部材は摺動部材である為、超音波伝達部材８と接触防止部材２１が仮に接触しても、衝撃は無く、共振を乱すことにはならない。
【００２３】
（第５実施形態）
図１２を参照して本発明の第５実施形態を説明する。図１２はハンドピース１の先端部付近の断面図である。
この実施形態５は前述した各実施形態のものと基本的構成を同じくするが、特に、超音波伝達部材８とカバー９との接触を防止させるための接触防止部材２１を取り付けた際、超音波伝達部材８の最大外径とカバー９の最小内径との間の段差が小さくなるように、接触防止部材２１の肉厚に応じた分だけ、その接触防止部材２１を被嵌する超音波伝達部材８の部分の外形を小さい外径にしたものである。つまり、超音波伝達部材８の外周には接触防止部材２１を被嵌する部分が径の小さい周回溝５１となり、この周回溝５１に接触防止部材２１を被嵌する。このため、超音波伝達部材８の最大外径とカバー９の最小内径との差を極力抑えることができる。
【００２４】
従って、超音波伝達部材８の最大外径とカバー９の最小内径との段差が小さくなるので、生体組織に穿刺したりする場合などはその穿刺抵抗が小さくなり、挿入性を向上できるとともに、生体に対するダメージを小さくできる。
【００２５】
ところで、前述した各実施形態にあってはカバー９の最小内径と超音波伝達部材８の最大外径との間に、この実施形態の場合に比べて大きな段差が生じてしまっている。従って、この段差が生体組織に穿刺したりする場合などは抵抗となり、挿入性が悪くなってしまうという問題があるが、この第５実施形態はこれを解決したものである。
【００２６】
（第６実施形態）
図１３を参照して本発明の第６実施形態を説明する。この実施形態は超音波トラカールなどの超音波処置装置に係り、図示しない超音波振動子に接続され、かつ超音波振動を拡大する超音波伝達部材６１を外套管（カバー）６２によって覆う構造になっている。超音波伝達部材６１は超音波トラカールの穿刺針となるものであり、その超音波伝達部材６１の外周部分にテーパーを持たせることによって振幅の拡大を図るものである。つまり、超音波伝達部材６１は伝達部材のある一部分に、ここでは節部から腹部までの間に勾配を設けているのは振幅を拡大しているためである。
【００２７】
このような場合にも、節部と腹部の間に接触防止部材６３を設置する周回溝６４を設ける。そして、この周回溝６４の部分に前述したような目的で、接触防止部材６３を被嵌する。接触防止部材６３の材質は前述した実施形態の場合と同様のものが利用できる。超音波伝達部材６１の節部ではそのテーパー外周の途中部分で突起形状になっており、接触防止部材６３の他端を、そこに固定している。周回溝６４に接触防止部材６３を被嵌して設置するため、超音波伝達部材６１の最大外径と外套管６２の最小内径との間の段差が小さくなる。このように超音波伝達部材６１の最大外径と外套管６２の最小内径との段差が小さくなるので、接触防止が図れるとともに、生体組織に穿刺したりする場合などにおいての穿刺抵抗が小さくなる。従って、挿入性を向上できるとともに、生体に対するダメージを小さくできる。
【００２８】
（第７実施形態）
図１４を参照して本発明の第７実施形態を説明する。この実施形態は第６実施形態のものの変形例である。すなわち、超音波伝達部材６１の節部に接触防止部材６３を固定するための手段を設けたものである。つまり、超音波伝達部材６１の節部の外周部に周回溝６５と周回突起６６を形成し、これに対応して接触防止部材６１の基端部内面に周回溝６７を形成し、超音波伝達部材６１の周回溝６５と周回突起６６に被嵌して係止するようにしている。この構成により、接触防止部材６３は常に超音波伝達部材６１の節部に固定的に係着されていることになり、先端部でも接触防止部材６３が超音波伝達部材６１に接触することはない。
【００２９】
（第８の実施形態）
図１５を参照して本発明の第８実施形態を説明する。この実施形態は超音波伝達部材７１を外套管（カバー）７２でカバーするとともに、超音波伝達部材７１と外套管７２の接触を絶縁する接触防止部材７３は外套管７２の外周に被嵌して装着するようにしたものである。外套管７２の壁部にはその長手軸方向に長い溝孔７４が円周方向において等間隔で複数、ここでは３条、形成されている。各溝孔７４は内外に貫通するように開口している。
【００３０】
また、接触防止部材７３は例えばシリコンゴムあるいはポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）等で形成された筒状の弾性部材で構成され、その一側部にはその全長にわたりスリット７６が形成されている。そして、スリット７６を広げることにより図１５（ｂ）で示すように接触防止部材７３を外套管７２の外周に密に被嵌して装着できるようになっている。
【００３１】
さらに、接触防止部材７３の内面には、前記各溝孔７４に対応した位置で、超音波伝達部材７１の長手軸方向に長い突条の突起７７が形成されている。そして、この各突起７７は、外套管７２に接触防止部材７３を被嵌して装着したとき、それぞれの溝孔７４を通じて外套管７２の内側に突き出し、超音波伝達部材７１の外周に当たり、その超音波伝達部材７１を支えるようになっている。各突起７７は超音波伝達部材７１の長手軸方向に長い突条のものであるが、少なくとも超音波伝達部材７１の節部にのみ当たる突起部と外套管７２の先端付近に位置する突起部に別れたものであってもよい。
【００３２】
接触防止部材７３の突起７７は超音波伝達部材７１と接触し、外套管７２に比べて摩耗し易いが、摩耗した場合には外套管７２から接触防止部材７３を容易に取り外すことができるため、新しい接触防止部材７３との交換が簡単にでき、外套管７２は継続的に使うことができる。
また、超音波伝達部材７１の外周に接触防止部材７３の突起７７の形状に応じた溝（図示せず）を設けることにより超音波伝達部材７１の最大外径と接触防止部材７３の最大外径との段差を極力抑えることができ、前述したような理由によって生体に穿刺した際にも、その影響を少なくすることができる。
【００３３】
［付記］
１．超音波振動を利用して生体を処置する超音波伝達部材と、この超音波伝達部材を覆うカバーとを備えた超音波処置装置において、
前記超音波伝達部材とこれを覆うカバーとの接触を遮断する接触防止部材（接触絶縁部材）を設け、この接触防止部材は前記超音波伝達部材における超音波振動の節部となる１つ以上の部位でその超音波伝達部材に支持され、少なくとも前記支持部位から前記カバーの先端付近まで先端が伸長したことを特徴とする超音波処置装置。
１-a．前記接触防止部材は、振動を吸収する弾性部材のような従順部材で構成されている。
１-b．前記超音波振動の節部は、基準モード或いは高調波モードの超音波振動の節部である。
１-c．前記超音波伝達部材は、前記接触防止部材を取り付けるための凸部或いは凹部を超音波振動の節部に有している。
１-d．前記接触防止部材の一端は、前記超音波伝達部材の超音波振動の節部に取り付けられ、前記接触防止部材の他端は、前記カバーの先端に相当する前記超音波伝達部材の先端部位の位置まで接触を絶縁する。
１-e．前記接触防止部材の最小内径は、前記超音波伝達部材の最大外径より小さい。
【００３４】
２．超音波振動を利用して生体を処置する超音波伝達部材と、この超音波伝達部材を覆うカバーとを備えた超音波処置装置において、
前記超音波伝達部材とこれを覆うカバーとの接触を遮断する接触防止部材（接触絶縁部材）を前記カバーに取り付け、この接触防止部材は前記超音波伝達部材における超音波振動の節部となる１つ以上の部位から前記カバーの先端付近まで前記超音波伝達部材と前記カバーとの接触を遮断するようにしたことを特徴とする超音波処置装置。
２-a．前記接触防止部材は、振動を吸収する弾性部材のような従順部材で構成されている。
２-b．前記カバーは、前記接触防止部材を付設するための孔を有している。
２-c．前記カバーは、前記接触防止部材に形成した突起部を内側に受け入れる孔部を有し、前記超音波伝達部材の外周に対向させる。
２-d．前記超音波伝達部材は、前記接触防止部材に形成した突起部を受け入れる凹部を有している。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明の超音波処置装置では接触防止部材により、超音波伝達部材の超音波振動の節部からカバーの先端付近に相当する位置まで、超音波伝達部材とカバーとの接触を絶縁できるので、超音波伝達部材の先端付近とカバーの先端付近の接触を防止し、摩擦による摩擦粉、摩擦熱の発生を防止することができる。更に、超音波エネルギーの損失を防ぎ、共振を継続できる構造であるので、効果的でより安全性の高い手術等の処置を行うことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のシステムの概念的な構成説明図。
【図２】第１実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの概念的な構成を示す斜視図。
【図３】第１実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの側面図。
【図４】第１実施形態に係る超音波処置装置の超音波伝達部材においての定常振動の様子を応力と振幅によって表した図。
【図５】第１実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図６】第２実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図７】第３実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図８】第４実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図９】第１実施形態での接触防止部材の変形例を示し、（ａ）はその縦断面図、（ｂ）はその背面図。
【図１０】第１実施形態での接触防止部材の他の変形例を示し、（ａ）はその縦断面図、（ｂ）はその背面図。
【図１１】第１実施形態での接触防止部材の他の変形例を示し、（ａ）はその縦断面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）はその背面図。
【図１２】第５実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図１３】第６実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図１４】第７実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【図１５】第７実施形態に係る超音波処置装置のハンドピースを示し、（ａ）は接触防止部材を取り外した状態での外套管の先端部分を切除して示す斜視図、（ｂ）は同じく接触防止部材を外套管に装着した状態の斜視図。
【図１６】従来の超音波処置装置のハンドピースの先端付近の縦断面図。
【符号の説明】
１…ハンドピース、３…超音波発振装置、５…超音波振動子、６…把持本体、７…ホーン、８…超音波伝達部材、９…カバー（外套管）、２１…接触防止部材（接触絶縁部材）、２２…突起部、２３…窪み。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment apparatus that performs treatment using ultrasonic vibration.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an ultrasonic treatment apparatus is configured by integrally connecting an ultrasonic transducer, a horn, and an ultrasonic transmission member. The ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer is amplified by the horn and transmitted to the ultrasonic transmission member. It is supposed to be. This type of ultrasonic treatment device is widely used in ultrasonic scalpels, dental ultrasonic scalers for removing tartar, ultrasonic aspirators, and the like.
[0003]
By the way, in order to support the ultrasonic transmission member, as shown in FIG. 16, an elastic member b such as an O-ring is attached to the node of the ultrasonic transmission member a, and the inner surface of the cover c inserted through the ultrasonic transmission member a. There are many examples in which the elastic member b is interposed between and the ultrasonic transmission member a is supported. For example, an ultrasonic treatment apparatus described in JP-A-7-51281 is an example.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the conventional support means in which the elastic member is attached to the node portion of the ultrasonic transmission member and the ultrasonic transmission member is supported on the inner surface of the cover via the elastic member has the minimum ultrasonic amplitude. By attaching an elastic member to the knot portion, contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover is prevented, or wasteful consumption of ultrasonic vibration energy is prevented as much as possible.
[0005]
However, in this support structure, the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member, that is, the vicinity of the abdomen of ultrasonic vibration is far away from the node of the ultrasonic transmission member. Therefore, when ultrasonic treatment is actually performed with this support structure, even if the contact with the cover is insulated by the O-ring at the node of the ultrasonic transmission member, the tip side portion of the ultrasonic transmission member can be easily obtained. Since the movement is shifted from the central axis, when a load is applied to the ultrasonic transmission member during treatment, the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member comes into contact with the tip of the cover. Such contact causes breakage or shaving of the tip of the cover and the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member, and causes an inconvenient situation that the broken piece or shavings fall into the living body.
In addition, a large frictional sound is generated due to friction between the two, or vibrations are transmitted to the surgeon, which hinders the operation.
Furthermore, contact between the cover and the ultrasonic transmission member consumes ultrasonic vibration energy in vain, resulting in a shortage of energy at the distal treatment section of the ultrasonic transmission member.
Further, since the resonance phenomenon of the ultrasonic wave is prevented when the cover and the ultrasonic transmission member are in contact with each other, the ultrasonic transmission member is difficult to resonate, and the resonance is stopped and the operation cannot be performed.
[0006]
On the other hand, a ceramic or so-called Teflon member is bonded or permanently fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cover to prevent direct contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover itself.
However, this means is a structure of a system that suppresses the vicinity of the abdominal portion of the vibration having the maximum ultrasonic amplitude with the ceramic, Teflon, etc. without suppressing the contact with the cover at the node having the minimum ultrasonic amplitude.
In this structure, the deviation from the central axis at the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member becomes even larger than that of the above-mentioned system in which the node is supported on the inner surface of the cover by the O-ring. The ultrasonic transmission member comes into contact with the vicinity. In addition, since the tip portion of the ultrasonic transmission member that comes into contact is located in the vicinity of the abdomen of the ultrasonic amplitude, the amplitude amount is large, and once contacted, the damage to the tip member of the cover is also large, It was easy to grow.
Further, according to this structure, the damage caused when the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover tip contact each other is only the ceramic at the cover tip or so-called Teflon.
However, even in this case, since the ceramic or so-called Teflon member is bonded to the cover or permanently fixed, it must be replaced together with the cover itself. Therefore, such a structure has a problem in cost.
[0007]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to prevent contact between the vicinity of the front end of the cover and the vicinity of the front end of the ultrasonic transmission member, and to prevent generation of shavings due to damage to the cover. Another object is to provide an ultrasonic treatment apparatus that prevents loss of ultrasonic energy and that does not hinder resonance of an ultrasonic transmission member.
Furthermore, the problem that the cover itself has to be replaced due to damage only to the cover tip of the prior art is solved, and the cover can be used continuously by replacing the member that prevents contact with the ultrasonic transmission member. The purpose is to do so.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including an ultrasonic transmission member that treats a living body using ultrasonic vibration and a cover that covers the ultrasonic transmission member.
A contact prevention member for blocking contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and a cover covering the ultrasonic transmission member is provided, and the contact prevention member is an ultrasonic wave at one or more parts serving as a node of ultrasonic vibration in the ultrasonic transmission member. It is supported by the transmission member, and the tip extends at least from the support part to the vicinity of the tip of the cover.
A contact prevention member that prevents contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover is fixed to a no-vibration node on the other end, and the other end of the other side covers the vicinity of the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member that is greatly vibrating. This prevents contact between the vicinity of the front end of the cover and the vicinity of the front end of the ultrasonic transmission member.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a conceptual configuration of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus. This system includes a handpiece 1, an ultrasonic oscillator 3 connected to the handpiece 1 via a cord 2, and an ultrasonic oscillator 3. Is provided with an output control device 4 for controlling the output. As shown in FIG. 2, the handpiece 1 includes a gripping main body 6 including an ultrasonic transducer 5, a straight bar-shaped ultrasonic transmission member 8 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 5 via a horn 7, and a gripping main body. 6 and a sheath-like cover (outer tube) 9 that covers the ultrasonic transmission member 8. And the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 5, the horn 7, and the ultrasonic transmission member 8 which are shown in FIG. 3 comprise the ultrasonic vibration system as a whole.
[0010]
The ultrasonic transducer 5 includes a plurality of stacked piezoelectric elements 11 and electrodes 12 arranged between the piezoelectric elements 11, and these are clamped between a horn 7 and a metal rear member 13. Composed. The horn 7 has a function of expanding the amplitude of ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 5. The ultrasonic transmission member 8 is linearly connected to the tip of the horn 7 by screwing using the screw portion 14.
[0011]
FIG. 4 shows the state of steady vibration in the ultrasonic transmission member 8 by stress and amplitude when the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 5 to the ultrasonic transmission member 8 via the horn 7. Is.
In general, the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 becomes a vibration antinode, the amplitude is maximum at the tip, and the stress is minimum. Also, the joint between the horn 7 and the ultrasonic transmission member 8 becomes an antinode of vibration, and the stress is minimum, but the amplitude is maximum.
On the other hand, there is a node between the belly. The nodal stress is maximum, but the amplitude is minimum. This relationship is the same in the reference mode of the ultrasonic vibration or the harmonic vibration mode, and is the same if the frequency band is also a high frequency.
[0012]
Accordingly, if a support member such as an O-ring is provided in the abdomen, the amplitude is large there, and intense friction occurs between the inner peripheral surface of the support member and the outer peripheral surface of the ultrasonic transmission member. Therefore, in general, an elastic member such as an O-ring is provided in the vicinity of the node, and this is used for preventing contact with the cover 9. However, as described above, it is easy at the tip side portion of the ultrasonic transmission member. Since the movement is shifted from the central axis, if a load is applied to the ultrasonic transmission member during the treatment, the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member comes into contact with the vicinity of the tip of the cover. Such contact causes breakage or shaving of the tip of the cover and the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member, and causes various disadvantageous situations such as the broken piece or shavings falling into the living body.
Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a contact preventing member 21 is provided as an insulating member for preventing contact between the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and its cover 9. It attaches to the transmission member 8. That is, the contact prevention member 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a wear-resistant and heat-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), for example, and is formed between the inner side of the cover 9 and the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 8. It is located in between. At the base end of the contact prevention member 21, a flange-like protrusion 22 protruding inward is integrally formed. The protrusion 22 is fitted into and locked in a recess 23 formed of a circumferential groove formed at the vibration node on the outer peripheral surface portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, and holds the contact prevention member (contact insulating member) 21. To do. That is, the position where the contact preventing member 21 is attached to the ultrasonic transmission member 8 is a vibration node of the ultrasonic transmission member 8. Moreover, since the contact prevention member 21 is supported by the ultrasonic transmission member 8, the contact prevention member 21 becomes difficult to drop off, and safety is further improved.
[0013]
Although there is almost no vibration at the node of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, the contact preventing member 21 is fixed at the node in the structure of the first embodiment. For this reason, even if the contact preventing member 21 is fixed, there is no friction at that portion. In addition, loss of ultrasonic energy can be suppressed.
[0014]
The contact preventing member 21 extends to the vicinity of the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and extends to the position of the tip of the cover 9. Thus, since the tip of the contact prevention member 21 extends to the position of the tip of the cover 9 in the vicinity of the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the cover 9 cannot directly contact each other. Furthermore, although the front end side of the contact prevention member 21 is located in the vicinity of the abdomen of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, it is not fixed or restrained to the ultrasonic transmission member 8, so the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the contact prevention member 21 are always in a free state. Therefore, the friction caused by the contact between the two can be kept extremely small.
[0015]
(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the handpiece 1. In this embodiment, a modification of the attachment structure of the contact preventing member 21 to the ultrasonic transmission member 8 is shown. In this embodiment, a protrusion 25 is provided at the vibration node and circulates around the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 8. On the other hand, a groove 26 is formed around the inner periphery of the rear end of the contact prevention member 21. The groove portion 26 of the contact prevention member 21 is fitted and locked, and the contact prevention member 21 is supported by the ultrasonic transmission member 8. Others are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0016]
(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the handpiece 1. In this embodiment, another modification of the attachment structure of the contact preventing member 21 to the ultrasonic transmission member 8 is shown. That is, in this embodiment, a projection 27 is provided which is located at the node of vibration and circulates around the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 as in the second embodiment. The positions of the protrusions 27 are the same as those in the second embodiment. On the other hand, the contact preventing member 21 extends to the rear end side. A groove portion 28 is formed around the inner periphery of the intermediate portion of the contact prevention member 21. Then, the groove portion 28 of the contact prevention member 21 is fitted and locked to the protrusion 27, and the contact prevention member 21 is supported by the ultrasonic transmission member 8. Therefore, the contact preventing member 21 extends to the rear end side from the node portion, and contact in a wider area can be prevented. Further, the intermediate portion of the contact preventing member 21 is fixed to the ultrasonic transmission member 8, and the front and rear end portions are not fixed to the ultrasonic transmission member 8, and the relationship between them is always free, and the contact between both is Friction can be kept very small. Others are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0017]
(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the handpiece 1. In this embodiment, still another modification of the attachment structure of the contact preventing member 21 to the ultrasonic transmission member 8 is shown. That is, in this embodiment, two protrusions 31 and 32 are provided respectively at two nodes of vibration and circulate around the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, while the contact prevention member 21 has an intermediate portion and a proximal end portion thereof. Grooves 33 and 34 are formed around the inner periphery corresponding to the protrusions 31 and 32. The projections 31 and 32 are configured to allow the ultrasonic transmission member 8 to support the contact prevention member 21 by fitting and locking the corresponding groove portions 33 and 34 of the contact prevention member 21. Therefore, the middle part and the base end part of the contact prevention member 21 are fixed to the ultrasonic transmission member 8, and the ultrasonic transmission member 8 can be reliably and stably fixed to the contact prevention member 21. The same relationship can be maintained even if the number of nodes becomes three or more. Others are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0018]
(Modification)
9 to 11 show modifications of the contact preventing member in the first embodiment.
First, the contact preventing member 21a shown in FIG. 9 is formed of an elastic member such as silicon rubber. In this case, it is easy and easy to insert the protrusion 22 of the contact preventing member 21a into the recess 23 of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, and the removal thereof is also very simple. Further, the protrusion 22 and the recess 23 can be closely adhered.
[0019]
The contact preventing member 21b shown in FIG. 10 is formed of a sliding (submissive) member such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and a slit 41 is provided on the side wall of the member over the entire length in the longitudinal axis direction. The contact prevention member 21b has a cylindrical shape that can be expanded in the circumferential direction, and is fitted into the ultrasonic transmission member 8 from the side. At that time, since the ultrasonic transmission member 8 has a recess 23 located at the node, the projection 22b formed at the base end of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 is fitted to the recess 23 accordingly. To do. Also in this case, attachment and removal are very easy.
[0020]
The contact prevention member 21c shown in FIG. 11 is provided with a slit 41 as in the contact prevention member 21b described in FIG. 10, but the rear end of the slit 41 is opened wide. Since the rear end portion of the slit 41 is wide open, it is easy to attach to and remove from the ultrasonic transmission member 8.
[0021]
Each of the above modifications is a case where a groove is cut in the node portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, but it can be similarly applied to the types shown in FIGS. If the ultrasonic transmission member 8 has a protruding convex portion at the node portion, the convex portion corresponding to the groove in FIGS. 9 to 11 is changed to the groove corresponding to the convex portion, and the same applies. it can.
[0022]
(Effects of the above embodiments)
In each of the above-described embodiments, there is almost no vibration at the node of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, so there is no friction even if the contact preventing member 21 is fixed to the node. Further, since the contact preventing member 21 is fixed to the node portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, the loss of ultrasonic energy can be suppressed. Further, in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 8, since the contact preventing member 21 extends to the position of the distal end of the cover 9, the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the cover 9 cannot directly contact each other. Furthermore, since the front end side of the contact preventing member 21 is fixed near the abdomen of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and is not restrained, the relationship between them is always free. Therefore, the friction caused by the contact between the two can be kept extremely small. Further, since the insulating member is a sliding member, even if the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the contact preventing member 21 come into contact with each other, there is no impact and the resonance is not disturbed.
[0023]
(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the handpiece 1.
Although the basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of each of the above-described embodiments, in particular, when the contact preventing member 21 for preventing contact between the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the cover 9 is attached, the ultrasonic wave is used. The ultrasonic transmission member that covers the contact prevention member 21 by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the contact prevention member 21 so that the step between the maximum outer diameter of the transmission member 8 and the minimum inner diameter of the cover 9 is reduced. The outer shape of the portion 8 is a small outer diameter. In other words, the portion where the contact preventing member 21 is fitted on the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 becomes a circumferential groove 51 having a small diameter, and the contact preventing member 21 is fitted into the circumferential groove 51. For this reason, the difference between the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the minimum inner diameter of the cover 9 can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0024]
Accordingly, since the step between the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 and the minimum inner diameter of the cover 9 is reduced, the puncture resistance is reduced when the body tissue is punctured, and the insertion property can be improved. The damage to can be reduced.
[0025]
By the way, in each embodiment mentioned above, the big level difference has arisen between the minimum inner diameter of the cover 9 and the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member 8 compared with the case of this embodiment. Therefore, there is a problem that when this step is punctured into a living tissue, it becomes a resistance and the insertability is deteriorated. The fifth embodiment solves this problem.
[0026]
(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment relates to an ultrasonic treatment apparatus such as an ultrasonic trocar, and has a structure in which an ultrasonic transmission member 61 that is connected to an ultrasonic transducer (not shown) and expands ultrasonic vibration is covered with an outer tube (cover) 62. ing. The ultrasonic transmission member 61 serves as a puncture needle for ultrasonic trocars, and the amplitude of the ultrasonic transmission member 61 is increased by providing a taper to the outer peripheral portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 61. That is, the reason why the ultrasonic transmission member 61 is provided with a gradient in a certain part of the transmission member, here, from the node portion to the abdomen is that the amplitude is enlarged.
[0027]
Even in such a case, the circumferential groove 64 for installing the contact preventing member 63 is provided between the node portion and the abdominal portion. Then, the contact preventing member 63 is fitted into the circumferential groove 64 for the purpose as described above. The material of the contact preventing member 63 can be the same as that in the above-described embodiment. At the node of the ultrasonic transmission member 61, a protrusion is formed in the middle of the outer periphery of the taper, and the other end of the contact preventing member 63 is fixed thereto. Since the contact preventing member 63 is fitted and installed in the circumferential groove 64, the step between the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member 61 and the minimum inner diameter of the outer tube 62 is reduced. In this way, the step between the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member 61 and the minimum inner diameter of the outer tube 62 is reduced, so that contact can be prevented and puncture resistance is reduced when puncturing a living tissue. Therefore, insertability can be improved and damage to the living body can be reduced.
[0028]
(Seventh embodiment)
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment. That is, a means for fixing the contact preventing member 63 to the node portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 61 is provided. That is, the circumferential groove 65 and the circumferential projection 66 are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the node portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 61, and the circumferential groove 67 is formed on the inner surface of the base end portion of the contact prevention member 61 correspondingly, thereby transmitting the ultrasonic wave. The member 61 is fitted and locked to the circumferential groove 65 and the circumferential projection 66. With this configuration, the contact prevention member 63 is always fixedly engaged with the node portion of the ultrasonic transmission member 61, and the contact prevention member 63 does not contact the ultrasonic transmission member 61 even at the tip portion. .
[0029]
(Eighth embodiment)
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transmission member 71 is covered with an outer tube (cover) 72, and a contact preventing member 73 that insulates the contact between the ultrasonic transmission member 71 and the outer tube 72 is fitted on the outer periphery of the outer tube 72. It is intended to be worn. In the wall portion of the outer tube 72, a plurality of slots 74 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each slot 74 is opened so as to penetrate inside and outside.
[0030]
Further, the contact preventing member 73 is constituted by a cylindrical elastic member formed of, for example, silicon rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and a slit 76 is formed on one side thereof over the entire length thereof. Then, by expanding the slit 76, the contact preventing member 73 can be fitted tightly on the outer periphery of the outer tube 72 as shown in FIG.
[0031]
Further, on the inner surface of the contact preventing member 73, projections 77 having long ridges in the longitudinal axis direction of the ultrasonic transmission member 71 are formed at positions corresponding to the respective groove holes 74. When the contact prevention member 73 is fitted and attached to the outer tube 72, each projection 77 protrudes to the inner side of the outer tube 72 through the respective slot 74 and hits the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 71. The sound wave transmission member 71 is supported. Each protrusion 77 is a protrusion that is long in the longitudinal axis direction of the ultrasonic transmission member 71, but at least a protrusion that hits only the node of the ultrasonic transmission member 71 and a protrusion located near the tip of the outer tube 72. It may be separated.
[0032]
The protrusion 77 of the contact prevention member 73 is in contact with the ultrasonic transmission member 71 and is easily worn compared to the outer tube 72. However, when worn, the contact prevention member 73 can be easily removed from the outer tube 72. The replacement with the new contact prevention member 73 can be easily performed, and the outer tube 72 can be continuously used.
Further, by providing a groove (not shown) corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 77 of the contact prevention member 73 on the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member 71, the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member 71 and the maximum outer diameter of the contact prevention member 73. Can be suppressed as much as possible, and even when the living body is punctured for the reason described above, the influence can be reduced.
[0033]
[Appendix]
1. In an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including an ultrasonic transmission member that treats a living body using ultrasonic vibration and a cover that covers the ultrasonic transmission member,
A contact prevention member (contact insulating member) that blocks contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and a cover that covers the ultrasonic transmission member is provided, and the contact prevention member is one or more nodes that serve as a node of ultrasonic vibration in the ultrasonic transmission member. An ultrasonic treatment apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic treatment device is supported by the ultrasonic transmission member at a site, and the tip extends at least from the support site to the vicinity of the tip of the cover.
1-a. The contact preventing member is formed of a compliant member such as an elastic member that absorbs vibration.
1-b. The node of the ultrasonic vibration is a node of ultrasonic vibration in a reference mode or a harmonic mode.
1-c. The ultrasonic transmission member has a convex portion or a concave portion for attaching the contact prevention member at a node portion of ultrasonic vibration.
1-d. One end of the contact prevention member is attached to a node of ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic transmission member, and the other end of the contact prevention member is a position of a tip portion of the ultrasonic transmission member corresponding to a tip of the cover. Insulate the contact until.
1-e. The minimum inner diameter of the contact preventing member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the ultrasonic transmission member.
[0034]
2. In an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including an ultrasonic transmission member that treats a living body using ultrasonic vibration and a cover that covers the ultrasonic transmission member,
A contact prevention member (contact insulating member) for blocking contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover covering the ultrasonic transmission member is attached to the cover, and the contact prevention member serves as a node of ultrasonic vibration in the ultrasonic transmission member 1 An ultrasonic treatment apparatus characterized in that contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover is blocked from two or more sites to the vicinity of the tip of the cover.
2-a. The contact preventing member is formed of a compliant member such as an elastic member that absorbs vibration.
2-b. The cover has a hole for attaching the contact preventing member.
2-c. The cover has a hole for receiving a protrusion formed on the contact prevention member on the inside, and is opposed to the outer periphery of the ultrasonic transmission member.
2-d. The ultrasonic transmission member has a recess for receiving a protrusion formed on the contact prevention member.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the present invention, the contact preventing member contacts the ultrasonic transmission member and the cover from the ultrasonic vibration node of the ultrasonic transmission member to a position corresponding to the vicinity of the tip of the cover. Therefore, contact between the vicinity of the tip of the ultrasonic transmission member and the vicinity of the tip of the cover can be prevented, and generation of friction powder and friction heat due to friction can be prevented. Further, since the structure can prevent the loss of ultrasonic energy and continue the resonance, it is possible to perform an effective and safer procedure such as surgery.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a conceptual configuration of a system of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conceptual configuration of a hand piece of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a hand piece of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of steady vibration in an ultrasonic transmission member of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment by stress and amplitude.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the distal end of the handpiece of the ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.
9A and 9B show a modification of the contact preventing member in the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 9A is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, and FIG. 9B is a rear view thereof.
10A and 10B show another modification of the contact preventing member according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 10A is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, and FIG. 10B is a rear view thereof.
11A and 11B show another modification of the contact preventing member in the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 11A is a longitudinal sectional view, FIG. 11B is a front view, and FIG. 11C is a rear view thereof.
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.
FIGS. 15A and 15B show a hand piece of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus according to a seventh embodiment, wherein FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing a distal end portion of a mantle tube with a contact prevention member removed, and FIG. The perspective view of the state which similarly attached the contact prevention member to the mantle tube.
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of a hand piece of a conventional ultrasonic treatment apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Handpiece, 3 ... Ultrasonic oscillator, 5 ... Ultrasonic transducer, 6 ... Grasping body, 7 ... Horn, 8 ... Ultrasonic transmission member, 9 ... Cover (outer tube), 21 ... Contact prevention member (contact) Insulating members), 22 ... projections, 23 ... depressions.

Claims

In an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including an ultrasonic transmission member that treats a living body using ultrasonic vibration and a cover that covers the ultrasonic transmission member,
A contact prevention member (contact insulating member) that blocks contact between the ultrasonic transmission member and a cover that covers the ultrasonic transmission member is provided, and the contact prevention member is one or more nodes that serve as a node of ultrasonic vibration in the ultrasonic transmission member. An ultrasonic treatment apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic treatment device is supported by the ultrasonic transmission member at a site, and the tip extends at least from the support site to the vicinity of the tip of the cover.