User-Adaptable Surgical Instrument Power Control for Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments lack the ability to control and customize power output based on the type of surgical procedures being performed, leading to inefficiencies in tissue cutting and coagulation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with a generator that includes an ultrasonic generator module and an electrosurgery/RF generator module, capable of producing customizable drive signals with high resolution and accuracy, and utilizing real-time feedback to adjust power delivery based on tissue impedance and other measurable characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed power output is used in surgical instruments, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different surgical procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument implements dynamic power output control by allowing real-time adjustment of power levels based on tissue type, procedure requirements, and measured tissue characteristics. The system transitions from fixed power delivery to adaptive power delivery where the generator continuously adjusts output parameters during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that measure tissue impedance and other tissue characteristics in real-time, then use this information to automatically adjust power output. This closed-loop control enables the instrument to adapt to different tissue types and surgical conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If high power output is used for all procedures, then cutting efficiency is improved, but tissue damage and loss of precision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different power levels and energy delivery characteristics to different tissue types and surgical locations. The generator can deliver high power when cutting dense tissue requires it, while automatically reducing power when working with delicate structures, ensuring optimal performance without unnecessary tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power delivery parameters including amplitude, frequency, and pulse duration based on real-time measurements of tissue characteristics. This allows the instrument to optimize cutting efficiency for each specific tissue type while minimizing thermal damage and preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control and customization of power output for various surgical procedures, enhancing the precision and efficiency of tissue cutting and coagulation.
Implementation Method 1
Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 2
RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, an electrosurgical device can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
Various forms are directed to systems and methods for dissection and coagulation of tissue. A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to dissect and seal tissue at a distal end thereof, and a selector switch having a plurality of surgical modes. A generator is electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and is configured to deliver energy to the end effector. Each surgical mode of the selector switch corresponds to an algorithm for controlling the power delivered from the generator to the end effector, and each algorithm corresponding to the plurality of surgical modes is configured to allow a user to control the power output level of the generator.