Digital Surgical Generator Waveform Synthesis for Multi-Transducer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic surgical generators are unable to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously and lack the capability to achieve various tissue effects by controlling power output based on the type of tissue being treated.
Innovation Solution
A generator configured with a digital processing circuit, memory circuit, digital synthesis circuit, and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to generate and shape electrical signal waveforms, allowing for simultaneous drive of RF and ultrasonic energies to multiple surgical instruments, with waveforms stored in lookup tables for customizable tissue effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasonic surgical generators are used, then the generator structure is simple, but the generator cannot drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously and lacks capability to achieve various tissue effects
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into separate functional modules: a digital processing circuit for controlling RF power, an ultrasonic power supply for driving ultrasonic transducers, and a control circuit for coordinating operation. This modular segmentation enables the system to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through independent module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both RF electrosurgical operations and ultrasonic surgical operations, and can achieve various tissue effects (cutting, coagulation, sealing) by adjusting power parameters. The digital processing circuit and lookup tables enable the same hardware platform to adapt to different surgical requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If digital waveform generation with lookup tables is implemented, then precise control of tissue effects is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power output characteristics and waveform parameters are pre-calculated and stored in lookup tables within the digital processing circuit. During operation, the controller simply retrieves pre-computed values based on desired tissue effects, avoiding real-time complex calculations. This preliminary preparation enables precise control of tissue effects while keeping the runtime processing simple and efficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ultrasonic transducers are driven simultaneously, then varied tissue treatments are enabled, but power output control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The generator incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control circuit monitors the operational state of multiple ultrasonic transducers and adjusts power distribution accordingly. The digital processing circuit receives feedback signals and modifies output parameters to maintain optimal power levels for each transducer, enabling simultaneous operation with varied tissue treatments while simplifying power control through automated adjustment.
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 control and customization of tissue effects by generating and shaping electrical signal waveforms, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional generators in driving multiple ultrasonic transducers and achieving longer active lengths for varied tissue treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit... converting, by the DAC circuit, the retrieved phase point to an analog signal
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.