Modular Surgical Energy Stack With Shared Power Backplane
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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 are not modular or interconnected, hindering staff efficiency during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical system comprising a footer module with a power supply and stacked surgical modules that share a segmented power backplane, allowing for detachable and efficient power distribution among modules, reducing the number of devices needed and streamlining interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate surgical devices are used to provide different therapeutic energies, then each device can perform its specialized function reliably, but the equipment footprint and clutter in the operating room increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent surgical devices that deliver different therapeutic energies (RF, ultrasonic, microwave, etc.) into a single integrated surgical system. This consolidation merges previously separate power supplies, control interfaces, and delivery mechanisms into one unified platform, reducing the equipment footprint in the operating room while maintaining the functional reliability of each energy modality through dedicated modules within the integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical system is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single platform can deliver multiple types of therapeutic energy through interchangeable or selectable modules. The system includes a common power supply and control interface that can support various surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, sealing, ablation) using different energy types, allowing one device to perform the roles of multiple specialized devices
2Reliability
If each surgical device has its own independent power supply, then each device can operate autonomously and reliably, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent power supplies into a single shared power source that serves all surgical modules. This consolidated power supply includes intelligent distribution circuits that can allocate power to different modules as needed, reducing the total component count and system complexity while maintaining operational reliability through centralized power management and monitoring
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices with unique interfaces are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the ease of operation decreases due to staff needing to learn and interact with multiple different interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system implements a universal user interface that provides consistent control and monitoring for all therapeutic energy modalities. This single interface allows surgical staff to select and control different energy types (RF, ultrasonic, microwave) and functions (cutting, coagulation, sealing) through a unified display and control panel, eliminating the need to learn multiple different interfaces while maintaining the specialized functional capabilities of each module
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent surgical devices are deployed, then comprehensive surgical capabilities are available, but staff efficiency decreases due to the need to interact with numerous separate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent surgical devices into one integrated system that provides comprehensive surgical capabilities through modular components. This consolidation allows surgical staff to interact with a single unified system rather than switching between multiple separate devices during procedures, improving workflow efficiency and productivity while maintaining access to diverse therapeutic energy options and surgical functions
Data Source
AI summary
A modular surgical system for use in a surgical procedure to treat tissue is disclosed. The modular surgical system includes a footer module including a power supply, a first surgical module configured to be stacked on top of the footer module, and a second surgical module configured to be stacked on top of the first surgical module. The first surgical module is detachably couplable to the footer module to receive power from the power supply of the footer module to generate a first therapeutic energy for delivery to the tissue. The second surgical module is detachably couplable to the first surgical module to receive power from the power supply of the footer module to generate a second therapeutic energy for delivery to the tissue.