Connection Cable With Voltage Divider For Robotic Electrosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgery generators are not compatible with robotic surgery systems, making it difficult for surgeons to control electrosurgical instruments remotely, requiring additional training and certification for medical staff.
Innovation Solution
A connection cable that interfaces an electrosurgery generator with a robotic surgery system, using a voltage divider to convert control signals from the robotic system into control voltages for the electrosurgery generator, allowing surgeons to select operating modes like cutting, blending, and coagulating from a remote console without modifying existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrosurgery generators are used without modification, then device simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with robotic surgery systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the electrosurgery system into two independent parts: the existing electrosurgery generator remains unchanged, while a separate connection cable with voltage divider circuitry handles the interface functions. This segmentation allows the generator to maintain its simplicity while the cable provides the necessary adaptability for robotic system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection cable acts as an intermediary device between the robotic surgery system and the electrosurgery generator. It contains a voltage divider that converts control signals from the robotic system into the appropriate voltage levels for the electrosurgery generator, enabling communication without modifying either end device.
2Ease of operation
If hand switches on surgical instruments are used for control, then direct control is achieved, but remote control from robotic console is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection cable serves as a mediator that translates control signals from the robotic console into commands that the electrosurgery generator can execute. This allows the surgeon to operate the electrosurgery function remotely through the robotic system's console while the generator receives and processes the control signals as if they originated from its native interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution replaces the mechanical hand switches on surgical instruments with an electrical signal transmission system. Control signals are transmitted electronically through the connection cable from the robotic console, substituting the mechanical control interface with an electrical communication pathway that enables remote operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrosurgery generator is modified to work with robotic systems, then compatibility is improved, but training and certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the integration solution into a separate connection cable rather than modifying the electrosurgery generator itself, the patent avoids the need for retraining medical staff on modified equipment. The generator remains in its original, familiar form, while the cable provides the necessary interoperability functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection cable creates a virtual copy of the hand switch control interface through electrical signal transmission. Instead of physically modifying the generator to accept robotic system controls, the cable replicates the control signal pathway electronically, allowing the generator to respond to robotic console inputs as if they were native controls.
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 seamless integration of electrosurgery generators with robotic surgery systems, allowing surgeons to control electrosurgical instruments remotely, reducing training requirements and enhancing interoperability without modifying existing electrosurgery generators.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage divider is interdisposed between the first connector and the second connector, the voltage divider being configured to divide a reference voltage provided by the electrosurgery generator into at least one control voltage for selection by the controlling device
Data Source
AI summary
A connection cable is disclosed for controlling a voltage-controlled generator such as an electrosurgery generator from a controlling device such as a robotic surgery system. The cable includes a first connector adapted to connect to a voltage-controlled generator and a second connector adapted to connect to a controlling device. Within the cable is a voltage divider interdisposed between the first connector and the second connector. The voltage divider is configured to divide a reference voltage provided by the voltage-controlled generator into at least one control voltage which is selectable by the controlling device. The cable additionally includes a plurality of electrical wires which operatively connect the first connector, the second connector and the voltage divider. During robotic electrosurgery, said operating parameters can be actuated by a surgeon operating at the robotic surgical system console, which causes a corresponding control voltage to be switched to a control voltage input on an electrosurgery generator, which, in turn, generates a corresponding electrosurgical signal in response thereto.