Isolated DC Supply Circuit for Dual-Energy Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack full control and customization over the simultaneous use of ultrasonic and RF energy modalities, limiting their precision and versatility in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A mixed energy surgical instrument that incorporates both ultrasonic and RF energy modalities, with a circuit topology enabling simultaneous or switched operation, and a circuit configuration to provide isolated DC voltage for powering various components such as motors, LEDs, and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical instrument uses both ultrasonic and RF energy modalities, then the versatility and precision of surgical procedures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic and RF energy modalities into a single surgical instrument platform, allowing both energy types to be delivered through integrated circuitry and transducers. This merging enables the instrument to perform multiple surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, sealing) with a single device rather than requiring separate instruments for each energy modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with universal capabilities to deliver both ultrasonic and RF energy through a single handpiece and generator system. The circuit topology allows the same basic instrument structure to support multiple energy modalities and surgical applications, making the device adaptable to various surgical needs without requiring completely different instrument designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If isolated DC voltage is provided to power additional components (motors, LEDs, sensors), then the functionality and control precision of the instrument is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolated DC voltage generation circuit as an intermediary power supply system that converts the main AC or DC input power into separate isolated DC voltage rails. This intermediary power conversion stage enables multiple low-voltage components (motors, LEDs, sensors) to be powered independently with appropriate voltage levels while maintaining electrical isolation for safety, without requiring complex direct connection schemes from the main power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple isolated DC voltage rails, each providing appropriate voltage levels for different instrument components. This segmentation allows motors, LEDs, and sensors to be powered from dedicated voltage sources rather than sharing a common power bus, enabling independent control and improving overall system functionality while maintaining manageable circuit architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If simultaneous or switched operation of ultrasonic and RF energy is enabled, then the precision of tissue cutting and coagulation is improved, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit topology is designed to dynamically switch between ultrasonic and RF energy delivery modes, and potentially deliver both energies simultaneously when clinically indicated. The system can transition between different operational states (ultrasonic only, RF only, or combined) based on surgical needs, with the circuitry adapting its configuration to optimize performance for each mode while maintaining precise control through a unified generator 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
Enables precise control over tissue cutting, coagulation, and hemostasis, enhancing surgical precision and versatility by allowing simultaneous or sequential use of ultrasonic and RF energies, while also powering additional instrument functions with isolated DC voltage.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit configuration is designed to rectify RF and/or ultrasonic outputs suppled from a generator to a surgical instrument to charge an energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 3
an electrosurgical device can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator. The circuit may be configured to isolate a direct current (DC) voltage from the combined RF and ultrasonic signal. The DC voltage may then be used to power various electrical components of the surgical instrument while still providing RF energy and ultrasonic energy for surgical application.