Modular Surgical Instrument Control Program for Multi-Modal Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently delivering multiple energy modalities for tissue cutting, coagulation, and sealing, particularly in constrained environments like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, due to size limitations and the need for precise articulation and control of end effectors.
Innovation Solution
A generator system capable of delivering multiple energy modalities, including RF, ultrasonic, and bipolar/monopolar energy, with integrated control and articulation mechanisms, and a display system for optimized parameter management, ensuring efficient and precise surgical operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy modalities are integrated into a single surgical instrument, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy modalities (RF, ultrasonic, bipolar, monopolar) and functional capabilities (cutting, coagulation, sealing, articulation) into a single integrated surgical instrument. The generator system integrates multiple power sources and control circuits to deliver different energy types through a unified platform, reducing the need for multiple separate instruments while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple surgical functions through different end effectors and energy modalities. The system can switch between RF electrosurgery, ultrasonic cutting, bipolar sealing, and monopolar cutting modes, allowing a single instrument to replace multiple specialized tools while maintaining ease of operation through standardized controls.
2Manufacturing precision
If the surgical instrument is designed for precise articulation and control, then operational precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates articulation mechanisms that allow dynamic positioning and orientation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The articulation joint enables the end effector to articulate at angles while maintaining stable energy delivery, providing operational precision in constrained surgical fields without requiring overly complex mechanical structures through optimized degrees of freedom.
3Productivity
If the generator system delivers multiple energy modalities simultaneously, then surgical efficiency is improved, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor tissue impedance, power delivery, and operational parameters in real-time. The control circuit adjusts energy delivery parameters based on feedback from tissue response, enabling efficient simultaneous or sequential delivery of multiple energy modalities while automatically managing power distribution and preventing adverse interactions between different energy types.
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 efficient and precise tissue cutting, coagulation, and sealing in various surgical procedures by providing flexible energy delivery and articulation, while minimizing distractions through customizable display interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first generator configured to deliver a first energy modality to the surgical instrument, wherein the first energy modality enables an electrosurgical function of the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 2
a second generator configured to deliver a second energy modality to the surgical instrument, wherein the second energy modality enables a non-electrosurgical function of the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 3
The electrodes are configured to deliver energy in a monopolar mode, bipolar mode, and/or a combination mode
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft assembly, a processor, and a memory is disclosed. The shaft assembly is replaceably connected to the housing. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector. The memory is configured to store program instructions which, when executed from the memory cause the processor to send an electrical interrogation signal to the attached shaft assembly, receive a response signal from the attached shaft assembly, cause a default function to be performed when a response signal is not received by the attached shaft assembly, determine an identifying characteristic of the attached shaft assembly as a result of the performance of the default function, and modify a control program based on the identifying characteristic of the attached shaft assembly.