Ultrasonic Shaft Assembly with Elongated Waveguide Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments, particularly those used in robotically assisted surgeries, face challenges in precision and flexibility of tissue cutting and coagulation, especially when operated remotely, due to limitations in controlling ultrasonic blades and RF electrosurgical energy application.
Innovation Solution
The development of a robotic surgical system with enhanced ultrasonic surgical instruments featuring an elongated shaft assembly and articulating waveguide support, allowing for precise control of end effectors and simultaneous cutting and coagulation of tissue, utilizing piezoelectric elements and acoustic waveguides to transmit ultrasonic vibrations, and integrating non-radiation-based navigation for improved surgical precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an ultrasonic blade is used for tissue cutting and coagulation, then cutting precision and coagulation effectiveness are improved, but thermal spread to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade design incorporates varying geometry along its length with different section widths and thicknesses to localize thermal effects. The tapered configuration concentrates energy where needed while reducing thermal spread to surrounding tissue, achieving precise cutting and coagulation with minimized harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic blade operates at resonant frequencies with dynamic vibration that enhances cutting precision while controlling thermal spread. The oscillating motion allows for precise tissue separation with reduced continuous thermal exposure compared to static cutting methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If a robotically assisted surgical system is used, then surgical precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic surgical system is divided into modular components including the ultrasonic generator, articulating shaft assembly, end effector, and control system. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each module while maintaining overall system precision, reducing the complexity burden through standardized interfaces and distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating shaft assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the robotic controller and the ultrasonic end effector. It provides flexible positioning and orientation capabilities while isolating the complexity of robotic control from the simple ultrasonic cutting function, enabling precise tissue manipulation through mechanical advantage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft assembly is made more flexible for better tissue access, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly is segmented into multiple articulated sections that can flex independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. Each segment is designed with controlled flexibility to allow bending for tissue access while preserving stability for precise ultrasonic delivery, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft incorporates flexible yet structurally sound materials and design elements that allow controlled bending without compromising the rigidity needed for stable ultrasonic blade operation. The flexible construction enables navigation around anatomical structures while maintaining positional accuracy at the tissue interface.
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 system provides enhanced precision and flexibility in tissue manipulation, enabling simultaneous cutting and coagulation with reduced thermal spread, and reduces radiation exposure in the operating room through non-radiation-based navigation.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Implementation Method 2
the end effector of the surgical instrument includes a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an end effector having an ultrasonic blade, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a tube, and an waveguide. The waveguide is received within the tube and is acoustically connected between the ultrasonic blade and ultrasonic transducer assembly to communicate ultrasonic vibrations from the ultrasonic transducer assembly to the ultrasonic blade. The waveguide includes an acoustic body, a first isolation structure, a second isolation structure and a sheath. The acoustic body extends along a longitudinal axis. The first isolation structure radially extends about the acoustic body. The second isolation structure radially extends about the acoustic body and is longitudinally spaced from the first isolation structure. The sheath is radially positioned between the first isolation structure and the tube and is further radially positioned between the second isolation structure.