Ultrasonic medical treatment device for RF cauterization and related method

An ultrasonic medical treatment device comprising:

• a casing;
• an elongate probe mounted to and extending from said casing, said probe having an axis and a free end serving as an operative tip;
• a transducer assembly mounted to said casing and operatively connected to said probe for generating vibrations of at least one ultrasonic frequency in said probe;
• a sheath surrounding said probe;
• and
• at least one electrode member connectable to an RF voltage source, said electrode member being mounted at least indirectly to said casing so as to permit relative motion between said electrode member and said probe.

A method for conducting a medical surgical procedure, comprising:

• providing an ultrasonic medical treatment device having a casing and an elongate probe mounted to and extending from said casing, said probe having an axis and a free end serving as an operative tip, a transducer assembly mounted to said casing being operatively connected to said probe, at least one electrode member being mounted at least indirectly to said casing;
• inserting a distal end portion of said probe into a patient;
• thereafter energizing said transducer assembly to generate a standing wave in said probe, said standing wave having a wavelength corresponding to an ultrasonic frequency;
• during the energizing of said transducer assembly, ablating tissues of the patient at said operative tip of said probe;
• moving said electrode member relative to said probe;
• connecting said electrode member to an RF voltage source;
• and
• thereafter cauterizing tissues in the patient owing to the conduction of current between exposed portions of said electrode members.