Digital Surgical Generator Wave-Shaping for Multi-Transducer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic surgical generators are limited in their ability to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously and cannot effectively control power output based on the type of tissue being treated, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A generator system that digitally generates electrical signal waveforms using a digital processing circuit, memory circuit, and digital-to-analog converter, allowing for the simultaneous drive of multiple ultrasonic transducers and adaptive power control through wave-shaping of RF and ultrasonic energies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasonic surgical generators are used to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously, then the capability to perform various tissue procedures is improved, but the generator cannot effectively control power output based on tissue type, leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The generator employs dynamic waveform adjustment by storing multiple predefined waveforms in a lookup table and selectively applying different waveforms based on tissue type detection. The system dynamically transitions between waveforms to optimize power delivery for different surgical procedures and tissue characteristics, enabling both multi-transducer capability and tissue-specific efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (frequency, amplitude, waveform shape) based on detected tissue type. By monitoring tissue impedance and other electrical characteristics, the generator automatically adjusts waveform parameters to match optimal settings for different tissue types, resolving the contradiction between versatility and procedural efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional generators use fixed waveform output, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of tissue effects and control over RF and ultrasonic energies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveforms are pre-calculated and stored in a lookup table before surgical use. This preliminary preparation of waveform data allows the generator to provide precise tissue effects without requiring complex real-time waveform generation algorithms, thereby maintaining relative simplicity in the hardware while achieving high precision in tissue treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex analog waveform generation circuitry with a digital lookup table approach. Instead of using complex electronic circuits to generate and switch between waveforms, the invention uses digital storage and retrieval mechanisms, simplifying the hardware architecture while enabling precise control over RF and ultrasonic energy delivery.
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 precise tissue effects by simultaneously driving RF and ultrasonic energies, enhancing the capability to perform various tissue procedures with improved precision and control, overcoming the limitations of conventional generators.
Implementation Method 1
a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit. The method comprises storing, by the digital processing circuit, phase points of a digital electrical signal waveform in the lookup table defined by the memory circuit
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonic energy cuts and coagulates by vibrating a blade in contact with tissue. Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue
Implementation Method 3
Heat generated by the current flowing through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue and/or between tissues
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of generating electrical signal waveforms by a generator. The generator includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory defines a first and second table. The processor retrieves information from the first table defined in the memory, where the information is associated with a first wave shape of a first electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure. The processor retrieves information from the second table defined in the memory, where the information is associated with a second wave shape of a second electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure. The processor combines the first and second wave shapes to create a combined wave shape of an electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure and the combined wave shape electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure is delivered to a surgical instrument.