Ultrasonic decoupling sleeve

Claim 2

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and having a distal working end, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereof for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said retaining means being positioned rearward of said distal working end, said retaining means comprising a collar attached to one end of said decoupling sleeve, and said retaining means including at least one detent projecting radially inward from said sleeve and positioned proximally relative to said collar.

Claim 3

The instrument of claim 1 including, said sleeve comprising a tip cap engaging the distal end of said handpiece and a sleeve member connected to the distal end of said tip-cap and extending out therefrom.

Claim 4

The instrument of claim 2 including, said tip cap and said sleeve member being constructed separately, and said sleeve including a fastening means for fastening said sleeve member to said tip cap.

Claim 5

The instrument of claim 2 including, said tip cap and sleeve member being formed together as a single piece construction.

Claim 6

The instrument of claim 1 including, said handpiece including an aspiration conduit connectable to a source of vacuum.

Claim 7

The instrument of claim 1 including, said decoupling sleeve comprising a tube having a tubular inner surface and a tubular outer surface on the opposite side thereof.

Claim 8

The instrument of claim 6 including, said decoupling sleeve being dimensioned and positioned in said irrigation fluid passage so that the irrigation fluid flows on and along both said inner and outer surfaces.

Claim 9

The instrument of claim 6 including, said decoupling sleeve being dimensioned and positioned in said irrigation fluid passage so that the irrigation fluid flows only on said inner surface and is prevented from flowing on said outer surface.

Claim 10

The instrument of claim 6 including, said decoupling sleeve being dimensioned and positioned in said irrigation fluid passage so that the irrigation fluid flows only on said outer surface and is prevented from flowing on said inner surface.

Claim 11

The instrument of claim 1 including, said decoupling sleeve being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material.

Claim 12

The instrument of claim 10 including, said rigid material being plastic.

Claim 13

The instrument of claim 1 including, said decoupling sleeve floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 14

The instrument of claim 1 including, said decoupling sleeve being fixed to permit only slight axial movement in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 15

The instrument of claim 1 including, said decoupling sleeve including at least one radial opening therethrough defining an irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 16

The instrument of claim 14 including, said opening comprising a longitudinally-disposed slot.

Claim 17

The instrument of claim 14 including, said opening being disposed at the distal end of said decoupling sleeve.

Claim 18

The instrument of claim 14 including, said at least one radial opening comprising a pair of diametrically-opposed openings.

Claim 19

The instrument of claim 1 including, said detent being positioned axially rearward of said collar.

Claim 20

A decoupling sleeve member structurally adapted for location in a surgical instrument having an ultrasonically vibrating surgical tip and a conduit means defining a fluid conduit for flowing irrigation fluid to said surgical tip wherein a portion of said surgical tip extends within said conduit, said decoupling sleeve member comprising: an axially-extending, relatively thin-walled elongated tubular portion having an outer dimension less than the outer dimension of said fluid conduit so that when said decoupling sleeve member is located in said surgical instrument said tubular portion is positioned in said fluid conduit, and an inner dimension sized to receive therein an axially-extending portion of said surgical tip, a retaining means extending out from said tubular portion generally adjacent the distal end thereof for retaining said tubular portion within said conduit means, said retaining means, when said decoupling sleeve member is located in said surgical instrument, being spaced rearwardly of the distal working end of said surgical tip, said tubular portion having at least one opening passing radially therethrough permitting fluid passage between the interior and exterior of said tubular portion, said tubular portion having a proximal end, and said proximal end, when said decoupling sleeve member is located in said surgical instrument, being sized and secured to float generally freely in said fluid conduit.

Claim 21

A decoupling sleeve member structurally adapted for location in a surgical instrument having an ultrasonically vibrating surgical tip and a conduit means defining a fluid conduit for flowing irrigation fluid to said surgical tip wherein a portion of said surgical tip extends within said conduit, said decoupling sleeve member comprising: an axially-extending, relatively thin-walled elongated tubular portion having an outer dimension less than the outer dimension of said fluid conduit so that when said decoupling sleeve member is located in said surgical instrument said tubular portion is positioned in said fluid conduit, and an inner dimension sized to receive therein an axially-extending portion of said surgical tip, a retaining means extending out from said tubular portion generally adjacent the distal end thereof for retaining said tubular portion within said conduit means, said retaining means, when said decoupling sleeve member is located in said surgical instrument, being spaced rearwardly of the distal working end of said surgical tip, said tubular portion having at least one opening passing radially therethrough permitting fluid passage between the interior and exterior of said tubular portion, said tubular portion having a proximal end, and said proximal end, when said decoupling sleeve member is located in said surgical instrument, being sized and secured to float generally freely in said fluid conduit.

Claim 22

The decoupling sleeve member of claim 19 including, said retaining means comprising at least one tab extending radially out from and fixed to said tubular portion.

Claim 23

The decoupling sleeve member of claim 19 including, said tab comprising a collar encircling said tubular portion.

Claim 24

The decoupling sleeve member of claim 19 including, said at least one opening comprising at least two spaced axially disposed openings.

Claim 25

The decoupling sleeve member of claim 19 including, said opening having opposed axially-extending portions terminating at their proximal ends with a rounded portion.

Claim 26

The decoupling sleeve member of claim 19 including, said tubular portion being made of a plastic material.

Claim 27

The decoupling sleeve member of claim 19 including, said tubular portion being cylindrical along generally its entire exterior length.

Claim 28

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said decoupling sleeve having a forward end, and said retainng means including a collar attached to said forward end of said decoupling sleeve, and at least one detent projecting radially inward from said sleeve and positioned proximally relative to said collar.

Claim 29

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said decoupling sleeve having a forward end, and said retainng means including a collar attached to said forward end of said decoupling sleeve, and at least one detent projecting radially inward from said sleeve and positioned proximally relative to said collar.

Claim 30

The instrument of claim 26 including, said detent being engageable with a rearwardmost surface of said collar.

Claim 31

The instrument of claim 26 including, said decoupling sleeve being fixed to permit only slight axial movement in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 32

The instrument of claim 26 including, said decoupling sleeve floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 33

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, and said retaining means comprising a collar attached to one end of said decoupling sleeve, and at least one detent projecting radially inward from said sleeve and positioned proximally relative to said collar.

Claim 34

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, and said retaining means comprising a collar attached to one end of said decoupling sleeve, and at least one detent projecting radially inward from said sleeve and positioned proximally relative to said collar.

Claim 35

The instrument of claim 30 including, said retaining means being attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereon.

Claim 36

The instrument of claim 30 including, said tool having a working distal tool end, and said working distal tool end being positioned spaced forward of said retaining means.

Claim 37

The instrument of claim 30 including, said sleeve comprising a tip cap engaging the distal end of said handpiece and a sleeve member connected to the distal end of said tip cap and extending out therefrom, and said tip cap and sleeve member being formed together as a single piece construction.

Claim 38

The instrument of claim 30 including, said decoupling sleeve comprising a tube having a tubular inner surface and a tubular outer surface on the opposite side thereof, and said decoupling sleeve being dimensioned and positioned in said irrigation fluid passage so that the irrigation fluid flows on and along both said inner and outer surfaces.

Claim 39

The instrument of claim 30 including, said decoupling sleeve being fixed to permit only slight axial movement in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 40

The instrument of claim 30 including, said decoupling sleeve floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 41

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and having a distal working end, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereof for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said retaining means being positioned rearward of said distal working end, said decoupling sleeve comprising a tube having a tubular inner surface and a tubular outer surface on the opposite side thereof, and said decoupling sleeve being dimensioned and positioned in said irrigation fluid passage so that the irrigation fluid flows only on said inner surface and is prevented from flowing on said outer surface.

Claim 42

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and having a distal working end, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereof for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said retaining means being positioned rearward of said distal working end, said decoupling sleeve comprising a tube having a tubular inner surface and a tubular outer surface on the opposite side thereof, and said decoupling sleeve being dimensioned and positioned in said irrigation fluid passage so that the irrigation fluid flows only on said inner surface and is prevented from flowing on said outer surface.

Claim 43

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and having a distal working end, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereof for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said retaining means being positioned rearward of said distal working end, and said decoupling sleeve floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 44

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and having a distal working end, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereof for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said retaining means being positioned rearward of said distal working end, and said decoupling sleeve floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 45

A surgical instrument comprising: an ultrasonically vibratable surgical tip having a distal working end and an axially-extending portion; a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tip; and a conduit means defining a fluid conduit for flowing irrigation fluid to said surgical tip wherein a portion of said surgical tip extends within said conduit, wherein the improvement comprises a decoupling sleeve member, said decoupling sleeve member comprising: an axially-extending, relatively thin-walled elongated tubular portion having an outer dimension less than the outer dimension of said fluid conduit so that said tubular portion is positioned in said fluid conduit, and an inner dimension sized to receive therein said axially-extending portion of said surgical tip, said tubular portion having a distal end, a retaining means extending out from said tubular portion generally adjacent said distal end thereof for retaining said tubular portion within said conduit means, said retaining means being spaced rearwardly of said distal working end of said surgical tip in a direction generally towards said vibrating means, and said tubular portion having at least one opening passing radially therethrough permitting fluid passage between the interior and exterior of said tubular portion.

Claim 46

A surgical instrument comprising: an ultrasonically vibratable surgical tip having a distal working end and an axially-extending portion; a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tip; and a conduit means defining a fluid conduit for flowing irrigation fluid to said surgical tip wherein a portion of said surgical tip extends within said conduit, wherein the improvement comprises a decoupling sleeve member, said decoupling sleeve member comprising: an axially-extending, relatively thin-walled elongated tubular portion having an outer dimension less than the outer dimension of said fluid conduit so that said tubular portion is positioned in said fluid conduit, and an inner dimension sized to receive therein said axially-extending portion of said surgical tip, said tubular portion having a distal end, a retaining means extending out from said tubular portion generally adjacent said distal end thereof for retaining said tubular portion within said conduit means, said retaining means being spaced rearwardly of said distal working end of said surgical tip in a direction generally towards said vibrating means, and said tubular portion having at least one opening passing radially therethrough permitting fluid passage between the interior and exterior of said tubular portion.

Claim 47

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said retaining means comprising at least one tab extending radially out from and fixed to said tubular portion.

Claim 48

The surgical instrument of claim 40 including, said tab comprising a collar encircling said tubular portion.

Claim 49

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said at least one opening comprising at least two spaced axially disposed openings.

Claim 50

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said opening having opposed axially-extending portions terminating at their proximal ends with a rounded portion.

Claim 51

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said tubular portion being made of a plastic material.

Claim 52

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said conduit means comprising a cap member, and said retaining means being retained by said cap member.

Claim 53

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said tubular portion being cylindrical along generally its entire exterior length.

Claim 54

The surgical instrument of claim 39 including, said tubular portion having a proximal end, and said proximal end being sized and secured so as to be able to float generally freely in said fluid conduit.

Claim 55

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid passage, and said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, and said retaining means being attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereon generally away from said vibrating means.

Claim 56

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in the irrigation fluid passage, and said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, and said retaining means being attached to said decoupling sleeve at a forward location thereon generally away from said vibrating means.

Claim 57

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said tool having a working distal tool end, and said working distal tool end being positioned spaced forward of said retaining means and generally away from said vibrating means.

Claim 58

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said tool having a working distal tool end, and said working distal tool end being positioned spaced forward of said retaining means and generally away from said vibrating means.

Claim 59

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece having a distal end, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said sleeve which defines the coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage comprising a tip cap having a distal end engaging said distal end of said handpiece and a sleeve member connected to the distal end of said tip cap and extending out therefrom, and said tip cap and said sleeve member being formed together as a single piece construction.

Claim 60

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece having a distal end, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, said sleeve which defines the coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage comprising a tip cap having a distal end engaging said distal end of said handpiece and a sleeve member connected to the distal end of said tip cap and extending out therefrom, and said tip cap and said sleeve member being formed together as a single piece construction.

Claim 61

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, and said decoupling sleeve being fixed to permit only slight axial movement in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 62

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve, and said decoupling sleeve being fixed to permit only slight axial movement in said irrigation fluid passage.

Claim 63

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, and said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in and floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve.

Claim 64

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprising: a handpiece, a surgical tool supported by said handpiece, and including a longitudinal aspirator conduit extending at least partially therethrough and operatively connectable to a source of vacuum, a vibrating means for ultrasonically vibrating said surgical tool, a sleeve connected to said handpiece, positioned about a portion of said surgical tool, and defining a coaxial annular irrigation fluid passage through which irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation fluid supply to a surgical site at said tool, a reducing means for reducing cavitation of and bubble formation in said irrigation fluid passage, and said reducing means comprising an elongated tubular ultrasonic decoupling sleeve positioned in and floating generally freely in said irrigation fluid passage and a retaining means for retaining said decoupling sleeve within said sleeve.