Audio and Video Mitigation Circuits for Modular Surgical Energy UI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical operating rooms face clutter and inefficiency due to the multitude of specialized capital equipment required for procedures, each with unique user interfaces and operation techniques, leading to complexity and risk of energy mismanagement in electrosurgical and ultrasonic instruments.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy system with an audio circuit and video data converter circuit that generates and verifies digital and audio signals to ensure proper tone generation and energy activation, reducing the risk of undesired energy application through a unified user interface and customizable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized capital equipment devices are used to perform different surgical tasks, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and OR clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical energy system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple surgical functions including electrosurgery, ultrasonic cutting, and bipolar sealing through a single device. The system incorporates multiple energy modules that can be selectively activated based on the surgical instrument connected, eliminating the need for multiple separate capital equipment devices while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate surgical energy delivery systems into a single integrated platform. The system merges electrosurgery circuitry, ultrasonic generation, and bipolar energy delivery into one unified device with a common user interface and control system, reducing OR clutter while providing diverse surgical capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If each capital equipment has unique user interfaces and operation techniques, then device specialization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a single universal user interface that adapts its functionality based on the connected surgical instrument. The touchscreen display and control mechanisms remain consistent across different energy types (electrosurgery, ultrasonic, bipolar), while the software automatically configures appropriate parameters and controls for the specific instrument attached, eliminating the need for staff to learn multiple different interfaces
3Ease of operation
If audio signals are generated to indicate energy activation, then user feedback is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential audio tone failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including visual indicators on the touchscreen display, haptic feedback through the instrument handle, and audible tones. The control circuitry monitors energy delivery parameters in real-time and provides feedback to the user about active energy modes, power levels, and operational status through these multiple channels
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes redundant safety mechanisms that prepare for potential failures in advance. If audio feedback fails, visual and haptic feedback systems are ready to immediately compensate and alert the user. The control system continuously monitors for anomalies and can switch between feedback modalities to ensure reliable user notification of energy activation and operational status
4Measurement precision
If video data is displayed to show expected images, then information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a camera that captures real-time images of the surgical field and displays them on the touchscreen interface. This visual copy of the surgical site provides accurate information about tissue appearance, instrument position, and procedural progress, enhancing situational awareness without requiring additional complex display hardware beyond the existing touchscreen
Data Source
AI summary
Several mitigation circuits are disclosed. An audio mitigation circuit includes an audio mitigation control module configured to read a unique tone identification embedded in a digital audio signal to identify a digital audio tone. A video mitigation circuit confirms video to be displayed by a user interface. Another audio mitigation circuit is configured to process super-audible tones in an audio signal to confirm an audio asset. The disclosure also describes various methods associated with the mitigation circuits.