Apparatus and methods for attaching and detaching an ultrasonic actuated blade/coupler and an acoustical mount therefor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates generally to an ultrasonic surgical device delivery system and particularly relates to apparatus and methods for facilitating attachment and detachment of an ultrasonically-actuated blade/coupler assembly and an acoustical mount therefor.
Ultrasonic surgical devices for performing a variety of surgical procedures are well known.
Generally, these surgical devices are hand-held instruments connected to a source of ultrasonic energy.
The ultrasonic energy is transmitted through a connection or mount between the ultrasonic energy source and a hand-held coupler which mounts the surgical tool, for example, a surgical blade mounted at the tip of the hand-held coupler.
Ultrasonic energy is therefore transmitted through the coupler to the surgical blade to facilitate a precise surgical incision.
Ultrasonic surgical devices, however, are not without problems when used.
For example, an acoustically-actuated surgical device should be used in a sterile field.
Ready attachment and detachment of the surgical device relative to the ultrasonic energy source is highly desirable.
Traditionally, a screw-type mechanism has been employed to secure the ultrasonic surgical device to its acoustical mount so that the ultrasonic energy may be transmitted through the mount to the surgical device Because of the need for a sterile environment, the surgical device must be readily attached to the acoustical mount for use in a manner which maintains the sterile field.
Quick detachment of the surgical device from its acoustical mount after use for sterilization or disposal is also highly desirable.
It will be appreciated that the connection between the surgical device and the ultrasonic energy source requires a tight union so that ultrasonic energy may be efficiently transmitted to the device at the desired power levels When a screwthread is used, the surgical device is often over-tightened to the acoustical mount by the surgeon, nurse or technician in order to ensure that ultrasonic energy is properly transmitted to the surgical device