Angled Ultrasonic Surgical Probe Coupling for Cooler Sheath Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments face issues such as user discomfort due to burning sensations when holding the sheath, inefficient energy transfer, and cumbersome probe attachment and removal during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a sheath with a diaphragm seal and camming mechanism for pain reduction, efficient ultrasonic energy transmission, and a quick attachment system using annular sealing and closure elements for easy probe exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a rigid sheath defines an annular liquid flow path between the sheath and probe, then liquid cooling is provided, but the user experiences burning or stinging sensation when holding the sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal insulating layer between the probe (heat source) and the sheath (user contact surface). This layer acts as a thermal barrier that blocks heat transfer from the ultrasonic probe to the sheath, preventing the burning sensation while maintaining the liquid cooling function in the annular space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid circulating in the annular space to actively cool the probe and prevent heat buildup. The liquid absorbs excess thermal energy from the ultrasonic vibrations and carries it away, enabling the sheath to remain cool to the touch without requiring additional cooling mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the probe is rigidly attached to the handpiece, then structural stability is maintained, but probe attachment and removal becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows the probe to be quickly attached and detached from the handpiece. The mechanism includes engagement features that provide stable connection during use but can be easily released when needed, enabling rapid probe changes without compromising structural integrity during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the probe is attached at an angle to the handpiece, then access to troublesome locations is facilitated, but ultrasonic energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an asymmetric angled connection between the probe and handpiece, positioning the probe at a specific angle (e.g., 20 degrees) relative to the handpiece axis. This asymmetric arrangement allows the ultrasonic energy to be effectively transmitted while enabling the probe to access difficult-to-reach surgical locations that would be inaccessible with a straight alignment.
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
The solution provides a comfortable user experience, efficient energy transfer, and facilitates easy probe changes, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of ultrasonic surgical instruments in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm seal disposed inside the proximal end of the sheath to prevent transmission of ultrasonic vibrations to the sheath
Implementation Method 2
The first closure elements and the second closure elements are configured to frictionally lock the sheath to the handpiece casing by compression of the annular sealing member
Implementation Method 3
The first closure elements and the second closure elements are configured to frictionally lock the sheath to the handpiece casing by compression of the annular sealing member
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a handpiece casing and an electromechanical transducer assembly disposed inside the handpiece casing, where the transducer assembly includes a front driver and the transducer assembly has a longitudinal axis. A probe is operatively connected to the front driver at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the transducer assembly. A sheath surrounds the probe and is connected at a proximal end to the handpiece casing. The sheath is attached to the casing by a twist quick release coupling. A diaphragm seal inside the proximal end of the sheath blocks liquid irrigant in a cylindrical space between the sheath and the probe from penetrating proximally of a port feeding irrigant to the space. The front driver is geometrically configured to enable an angled connection of probe to handpiece proximate a nodal plane.