Adaptive Ultrasonic Energy Control in Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack efficient control over ultrasonic energy delivery during tissue transection and coagulation, as they do not adapt dynamically to tissue type and condition, leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an ultrasonic blade and clamp arm that transitions through closure stages, using a transducer to generate varying ultrasonic energy outputs based on sensor feedback, allowing for adaptive energy delivery tailored to tissue conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed ultrasonic energy output is delivered during tissue transection, then device operation is simple, but surgical precision and adaptability to different tissue types deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of ultrasonic energy output by transitioning between at least two operational modes (first mode with lower energy output and second mode with higher energy output) based on detected closure stages. The control system dynamically switches modes in response to sensor feedback about clamp arm position and tissue contact, enabling adaptability to different tissue types and surgical conditions without requiring overly complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensor feedback mechanisms to detect closure stages and tissue contact conditions, then uses this feedback information to automatically adjust ultrasonic energy delivery. The control circuit receives sensor signals indicating closure stage and automatically transitions between operational modes, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to tissue conditions while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
2Productivity
If high ultrasonic energy output is delivered throughout the entire closure process, then tissue transection efficiency is improved, but tissue damage and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering ultrasonic energy in distinct phases corresponding to different closure stages. During initial closure stages, the system operates in a first mode with lower energy output to safely engage tissue. Upon detecting transition to a second closure stage (indicating proper tissue clamping), the system switches to a second mode with higher energy output for efficient transection. This periodic modulation of energy delivery maximizes productivity during the transection phase while minimizing harmful effects during the clamping phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy output levels based on real-time detection of closure stages. The control circuit transitions between operational modes with different energy outputs, delivering high energy only when appropriate (during active transection) and low energy when clamping or transitioning. This dynamic adaptation ensures high productivity during the critical transection window while preventing tissue damage during other phases of the surgical cycle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low ultrasonic energy output is delivered during tissue clamping, then tissue safety is improved, but transection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action to deliver low energy output during initial clamping phases to ensure tissue safety, then transitions to high energy output during the transection phase when transection capability is critical. The control circuit detects closure stage transitions and automatically adjusts energy delivery accordingly, ensuring that low power is applied only when needed for safety and high power is applied only when needed for effective cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the ultrasonic energy output transitions from low levels during clamping to high levels during transection. The control system monitors closure stage progression and dynamically switches between operational modes, ensuring that transection capability is maximized only when the tissue is properly clamped and ready for cutting, while maintaining tissue safety during the clamping and positioning phases.
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 and efficient tissue transection and coagulation by dynamically adjusting ultrasonic energy output in response to tissue interaction, improving surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer configured to generate an ultrasonic energy output
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy output to the ultrasonic blade
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is movable relative to the ultrasonic blade to transition the end effector through different closure stages between an open configuration and a closed configuration to clamp tissue between the ultrasonic blade and the clamp arm. The surgical instrument further comprises a transducer configured to generate an ultrasonic energy output, a waveguide configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy output to the ultrasonic blade, and a sensor configured to transmit sensor signals indicative of the closure stages of the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises a control circuit configured to receive the sensor signals and select an operational mode from operational modes delivering different ultrasonic energy outputs from the transducer based on the received sensor signals.