Articulating Ultrasonic Surgical Waveguide Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments face limitations in navigating within a surgical site due to restricted rotation and manipulation capabilities, which hinder precise tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible waveguide with articulating portions that can bend up to 45 degrees, allowing for enhanced directional orientation of the end effector through independent controls, enabling more precise tissue manipulation and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid waveguide is used to transmit ultrasonic energy, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to navigate and articulate within the surgical site is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple sections with different degrees of flexibility. The proximal portion has reduced wall thickness to provide articulation capability, while the distal portion maintains full thickness for structural stability and ultrasonic energy transmission. This segmentation allows the waveguide to both navigate the surgical site and maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the waveguide have different structural properties. The proximal portion is designed with thinner walls and reduced structural rigidity to enable bending and articulation, while the distal portion maintains full wall thickness and structural rigidity for stable ultrasonic energy transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide wall thickness is reduced to enable articulation, then flexibility and articulation capability improve, but structural strength and ultrasonic energy transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into proximal and distal portions with different wall thicknesses. The proximal portion has reduced wall thickness to enable articulation, while the distal portion maintains full wall thickness for structural strength and ultrasonic energy transmission, preventing compromise of overall waveguide integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide exhibits local quality variations where the proximal portion has thinner walls for flexibility and the distal portion has thicker walls for strength. This localized differentiation allows articulation capability to be improved without compromising the structural strength needed for ultrasonic energy transmission.
3Ease of operation
If rotation features are added to enable end effector orientation, then directional control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating waveguide structure enables directional control of the end effector through its own flexible configuration rather than requiring separate rotation mechanisms. The waveguide's ability to bend and articulate inherently provides the directional control function, eliminating the need for additional complex rotation features.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible waveguide structure serves multiple functions: it transmits ultrasonic energy, enables articulation for navigation, and provides directional control of the end effector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rotation mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 improves the ability to achieve various orientations of the end effector, facilitating more effective tissue treatment and navigation within the surgical site, thereby enhancing surgical precision and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.