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 radio frequency (RF) energies, limiting their precision and versatility in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A mixed energy surgical instrument that utilizes 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 charging energy storage devices, allowing for multiple functionalities such as motor drive, LED illumination, and sensor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic and RF energies are used simultaneously in surgical instruments, then surgical precision and versatility are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic and RF energy delivery systems into a single surgical instrument, integrating two different energy modalities to perform multiple surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, sealing) with one device rather than requiring separate instruments for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with universal capability to deliver both ultrasonic energy for cutting and RF energy for coagulation and sealing through a single end effector assembly, allowing the same instrument to perform multiple surgical tasks across different tissue types and procedural needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If isolated DC voltage is provided to surgical instruments for multiple functionalities, then functional versatility is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolated DC voltage generation circuit as an intermediary system that converts RF energy into isolated DC voltage, which then serves as a common power source for multiple instrument functions (motor drive, LED illumination, sensor operation) rather than requiring separate power supplies for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated DC voltage circuit provides universal power support for multiple instrument components including the drive motor, LED lights, and various sensors, allowing a single power generation system to enable diverse functionalities across different operational modes
3Reliability
If RF energy is applied to tissue for heating, then tissue sealing effectiveness is improved, but risk of excessive heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tissue impedance sensing that provides real-time feedback on tissue heating conditions, allowing the system to monitor and adjust RF energy delivery to achieve effective sealing while preventing excessive temperature rise that could damage surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts RF energy parameters (power level, pulse duration, frequency) based on tissue response and heating rate, modifying energy delivery characteristics during the sealing process to maintain optimal temperature for coagulation without causing thermal injury to adjacent structures
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 tissue dissecting, cutting, and coagulation during surgical procedures by effectively managing both ultrasonic and RF energies, enhancing surgical precision and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
rectify RF and/or ultrasonic outputs supplied 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
RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 200 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, 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
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.