Articulating Ultrasonic Instruments: Distal Transducers and Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments with articulation capability face challenges in routing mechanical actuation signals, power signals, control signals, and mechanical vibration energy to the end effector assembly, limiting the manipulation of the end effector within a surgical site.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a jaw member with a rigid structural frame and compliant jaw liner, featuring jaw open and close cables routed through distinct paths about the jaw flags, enabling pivoting between spaced-apart and approximated positions, and an ultrasonic transducer sealed within a proximal casing, with cables guided through channels and apertures for efficient actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulation capability is added to enable rotation of the end effector assembly, then the positions and orientations achievable within a surgical site are increased, but the complexity of routing mechanical actuation signals, power signals, control signals, and mechanical vibration energy becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by routing cables through hollow structural elements. Specifically, the jaw close cable is routed through the interior cavity of the jaw open cable, and both are contained within the structural framework of the articulation section. This nested arrangement reduces the overall volume occupied by cable routing components and simplifies the articulation mechanism while maintaining the ability to transmit multiple signals and energy types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by routing cables along the outer edge of jaw flags and through articulation joints in multiple directions. The jaw open cable extends along one path while the jaw close cable follows a different spatial route, allowing both cables to coexist without interference. This dimensional approach to cable routing enables articulation capability while managing routing complexity through strategic spatial organization.
2Ease of operation
If cables are routed along the outer edge of jaw flags to enable articulation, then the jaw member can pivot between spaced-apart and approximated positions, but the routing paths become more complex to accommodate the pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by routing cables along the outer edge of jaw flags, which follow a curved path during pivoting motion. The cables are configured to bend and flex along the arcuate trajectory of the jaw flags as they rotate, allowing smooth transmission of actuation forces without binding or excessive wear. This curved routing approach simplifies the cable paths compared to rigid straight-line connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible cable constructions that can bend and flex as the jaw flags pivot. The cables are designed with sufficient flexibility to accommodate the full range of motion of the jaw member while maintaining structural integrity and signal transmission capability. This flexibility allows the cables to adapt to the changing geometry during articulation without requiring complex rigid routing mechanisms.
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
This configuration allows for enhanced articulation and manipulation of the end effector, facilitating precise surgical procedures by ensuring reliable transmission of signals and energy to the end effector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer configured to produce mechanical vibration energy at ultrasonic frequencies that is transmitted along a waveguide to an ultrasonic end effector configured to treat, e.g., seal and transect, tissue
Implementation Method 2
The jaw open cable is coupled to the first jaw flag at a first location and routed along a first path extending about a portion of an outer edge of the first jaw flag. The jaw close cable is coupled to the second jaw flag at a second location and routed along a second path extending about a portion of an outer edge of the second jaw flag
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic blade extending from the body, a jaw member, and jaw open and close cables. The jaw member includes a frame including a bifurcated proximal portion and an elongated distal portion having a jaw liner secured thereto. The bifurcated proximal portion includes first and second jaw flags pivotably coupled to the body for pivoting the jaw member between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The jaw open and close cables are coupled to the first and second jaw flags and routed along first and second paths extending about portions of outer edges of the first and second jaw flags. The first and second paths are respectively configured such that proximal pulling of the jaw open cable opens the jaw member while proximal pulling of the jaw close cable closes the jaw member.