US 10,117,666 B2 · Ultrasonic instrument and method using same

Abstract

An ultrasonic medical instrument includes a probe shaft having a threaded coupling at a proximal end and an end effector or head at a distal end. The coupling is configured for operative attachment to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibratory energy, while the head has an operative surface configured for engagement with organic tissues of a patient. The probe shaft, the coupling, and the head are made of a metal or metal alloy. At least one end-of-life indicator element is affixed to the probe shaft or head, the indicator element being made of a material that gradually disintegrates or degrades with use of the instrument so as to provide a visible indicator of degree of use and remaining useful life of the instrument.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An ultrasonic medical instrument comprising:

a probe shaft having a connector at a proximal end and a head at a distal end, the connector being configured for operative attachment to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibratory energy, the head having an operative surface configured for engagement with organic tissues of a patient, said probe shaft, said connector, and said head being made of a rigid first material;
and
at least one end-of-life indicator element affixed to one of said probe shaft and said head, said indicator element including a layer of a second material that disintegrates or degrades with repeated use of the instrument, said indicator element further including an alphanumeric or graphic symbol hidden by said layer and revealed upon a disintegration or degrading of said layer upon repeated use of the instrument.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ultrasonic instrument and method using same

Life of this patent

Ultrasonic instrument and method using same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16