1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic treatment device for use in combination with endoscopes, and to an ultrasonic treatment system.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,578 discloses an ultrasonic treatment device to be inserted into the channel of an endoscope and thereby to be inserted into a patient. This apparatus is guided into the view field of used of the endoscope and used to treat the living tissues in the patient. The apparatus has a flexible wire, a tubular sheath and an operation unit. The flexible wire has a loop on its distal end. The flexible wire extends through the tubular sheath and can slide in the sheath. The operation unit is coupled to the proximal end of the tubular sheath. The operation unit has an actuator and an ultrasonic transducer. The actuator can move the flexible wire in the axial direction of the tubular sheath. The ultrasonic transducer can generate ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducer is transmitted to the flexible wire.
When driven, the actuator moves the flexible wire along the axis of the tubular sheath. If the wire is pulled toward the proximal end of the sheath, the loop will go into the sheath and will close. If the wire is pushed toward the distal end of the sheath, the loop will protrude from the sheath and will open. Assume that the loop is wrapped around a tumor such as polyp while it is opening. Also, assume that the wire is pulled toward the proximal end of the sheath. Then, the loop closes and holds the tumor. In this condition, ultrasonic vibration may be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer to the flexible wire, thereby cutting the tumor.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 11-56867 discloses an ultrasonic treatment device. This apparatus is different in structure from the apparatus disclosed in the above-identified U.S. patent. The apparatus has a support rod, an ultrasonic transducer and a blade. The transducer is secured to the distal end of the support rod. The blade is formed integral with the transducer. The apparatus is used, inserted into a body cavity through a trocar. In the body cavity, the blade may cut a target tissue.