Modular Surgical Tool Wireless Communication and Ultrasonic Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive robotic surgical systems face challenges in intuitiveness, dexterity, and sensitivity due to the limitations of traditional endoscopic instruments, which hinder efficient and precise surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electromechanical surgical tool with a tool attachment that includes a tool shaft, end effector, and ultrasonic transducer, featuring wireless communication capabilities and a modular design, allowing seamless transfer between robotic arms and manual use, with a battery for power and non-volatile memory for calibration and usage data storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional endoscopic instruments are used, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled, but surgical dexterity and intuitiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical dexterityVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly, shaft, and end effector that can be independently configured and replaced. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for specific surgical tasks while maintaining overall system flexibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is designed with universal interfaces and control mechanisms that can operate with multiple types of shafts and end effectors. This multi-functionality enables a single handle to provide consistent intuitive control across various surgical instruments, improving surgical dexterity without requiring separate specialized handles for each instrument type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tool attachment is disconnected from tool driver, then manual use is enabled, but power and data connection are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage flexibilityVSAvoidcalibration data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The tool attachment includes non-volatile memory that pre-stores calibration data and operational parameters before disconnection occurs. This preliminary storage ensures that when the tool attachment is disconnected for manual use, all critical information is preserved and ready for immediate retrieval upon reconnection, eliminating data loss concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tool attachment is designed to be self-contained with integrated battery power and onboard memory storage. This self-service capability allows the tool to function independently during manual use without requiring connection to the tool driver, while automatically maintaining its calibration data and configuration information for future use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If wireless communication is implemented, then continuous data transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure timeVSAvoidcommunication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces physical wired connections with wireless communication mechanisms including RF transceivers and optical communication channels. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical connectors while enabling continuous data transfer between surgical instruments and the control system, reducing procedure time through seamless communication during instrument transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances surgical precision and efficiency by enabling continuous data transfer and configuration, reducing procedure time, and improving dexterity through intuitive tool handling and wireless communication, even when the tool is detached from the robotic arm.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The tool attachment can include a power source, such as a battery, that can power the tool attachment when disconnected from the tool driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

The surgical tool may utilize a radio frequency generator, wherein the generator is configured to deliver radio frequency energy to at least one tissue contacting electrode disposed on the end effector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency energy: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11246670B2Modular surgical robotic tool

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A robotic surgical arm can include a puck containing motors to drive an end effector. A tool assembly attached to the puck generates ultrasonic and/or radio frequency energy to apply between the jaws of the end effector. The tool assembly can include modular components such as a modular shaft that can include an ultrasonic transducer, nonvolatile memory, wireless interface, and/or a power source. The power source allows the tool assembly and modular shaft to communicate wirelessly with the robotic arm.