Energy Module Output Control for Multi-Modality Surgical Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating rooms are cluttered with multiple devices requiring unique techniques and interfaces, leading to inefficiencies and increased equipment footprint, as existing surgical systems lack consolidation and streamlined capital solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy system with a method for controlling energy module outputs, featuring amplifiers, ports, and a relay assembly, allowing for selective coupling and control of drive signals to surgical instruments, thereby simplifying device interactions and reducing equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate surgical devices are used to provide different energy modalities, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the equipment footprint and device complexity in the operating room increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single surgical energy system capable of delivering multiple energy modalities including monopolar RF, bipolar RF, and ultrasonic energy through a unified generator platform. The system uses a single broadband amplifier that can operate across different frequency ranges (e.g., 20-100 kHz for ultrasonic, higher frequencies for RF), allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining optimized performance for each energy type through software-controlled parameter adjustment
2Reliability
If each surgical device has its own unique interface and control method, then each device can be optimized for its specific operation, but the ease of operation decreases due to staff needing to learn multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a unified user interface that presents consistent interaction methods regardless of which energy modality or surgical instrument is connected. The generator automatically detects the connected instrument type and configures appropriate parameters while maintaining the same operational workflow for the user. This allows surgical staff to operate all energy modalities through a single learned interface while each modality retains its optimized performance characteristics
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplifiers are used to cover different frequency ranges for different energy modalities, then the energy delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity and equipment footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a single broadband amplifier capable of operating across a wide frequency spectrum by dynamically adjusting its operating parameters. The amplifier can be electronically reconfigured to deliver ultrasonic frequencies (20-100 kHz), monopolar RF frequencies, and bipolar RF frequencies without requiring physical hardware changes. This parameter-based adaptability allows one amplifier to replace what would traditionally require multiple frequency-specific amplifiers, significantly reducing the equipment footprint while maintaining full frequency range coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an output of an energy module of a modular energy system. The energy module can comprise a plurality of amplifiers configured to generate a drive signal at a frequency range and a plurality of ports coupled to the plurality of amplifiers. The method includes determining to which port of the plurality of ports the surgical instrument is connected, selectively coupling an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers to the port of the plurality of ports to which the surgical instrument is connected, and controlling the amplifier to deliver the drive signal for driving the energy modality to the surgical instrument through the port.