Digital Surgical Generator Waveforms for Multi-Transducer Tissue 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 configured with a digital processing circuit, memory circuit, digital synthesis circuit, and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to generate customizable electrical signal waveforms stored in lookup tables, enabling simultaneous drive of multiple ultrasonic transducers and RF energy for various tissue effects.
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 ability to perform multiple surgical functions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is designed with a universal architecture that can drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously through a single output channel. The system uses waveform generation circuitry that produces a unified ultrasonic signal capable of powering multiple transducers, eliminating the need for separate output channels for each transducer and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ultrasonic transducer drive functions are merged into a single output channel. The generator combines the waveform generation and power amplification stages into an integrated circuit that can distribute ultrasonic energy to multiple transducers through one output, simplifying the generator architecture while enabling multi-transducer operation
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional generators cannot control power output based on tissue type, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of tissue effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The generator incorporates dynamic control capabilities that adjust power output based on detected tissue characteristics. The system uses feedback from tissue impedance sensing to automatically modify waveform parameters such as amplitude and frequency, enabling precise control of tissue effects while maintaining a relatively simple overall generator architecture through adaptive rather than manually-configurable control
3Productivity
If conventional generators are used for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms, then the productivity of surgical procedures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator replaces traditional analog waveform generation mechanisms with digital signal processing circuitry. A microcontroller or digital signal processor generates electrical signal waveforms through software-controlled algorithms, enabling rapid waveform modification and optimization for different surgical applications without requiring complex hardware reconfiguration, thereby improving surgical efficiency while keeping the physical device architecture relatively simple
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
The solution allows for precise control of tissue effects by generating customizable waveforms that can drive multiple ultrasonic transducers and RF energy simultaneously, enhancing the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.