Systems and methods for tissue treatment

Abstract

A system, delivery device and method delivers ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site. In some embodiments, the delivery device includes a monolithic stainless steel needle and horn.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ultrasonic energy delivery device configured to deliver ultrasonic energy to a musculoskeletal tissue site, the device comprising:
 a horn configured to receive energy generated by a transducer; and   a hardened stainless steel needle;   wherein the horn and the needle are monolithic.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a processor configured to activate the transducer, wherein the processor includes stored instructions that when executed cause the device to deliver ultrasonic energy at a frequency selected to debride the musculoskeletal tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the needle comprises a precipitation-hardened stainless steel needle. 
     
     
         4 . A system configured to deliver ultrasonic energy to a musculoskeletal tissue site, the system comprising:
 a memory device containing instructions;   a processor in communication with the memory device;   a delivery device comprising:
 a horn; and 
 a hardened stainless steel needle; 
   
       wherein said horn and said needle are monolithic; and 
       wherein execution of the instructions by the processor causes a transducer to generate ultrasonic energy at a pre-determined frequency suitable for debriding musculoskeletal tissue. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising a fluid source, wherein the delivery device further comprises a fluid delivery conduit for delivering fluid from the fluid source to the musculoskeletal tissue site. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the delivery device further comprises an aspiration conduit configured to remove detritus from the musculoskeletal site. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the delivery device includes a housing having a clear portion. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the needle comprises a precipitation-hardened stainless steel needle.