Multi-Planar Articulating Acoustic Waveguide for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in achieving precise multi-planar articulation and tissue cutting/sealing due to limitations in flexible acoustic waveguide design, which can lead to strain and potential failure during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-flex acoustic waveguides with flexible portions configured to flex in multiple planes, including pitch, yaw, and radial directions, and ultrasonic blades with circumferential sealing profiles and backcutting edges, allowing for enhanced articulation and tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible acoustic waveguide is used to enable articulation of the ultrasonic blade, then the blade can be deflected to access difficult surgical sites, but the waveguide is subjected to strain that may lead to failure and loss of ultrasonic vibration transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple discrete articulation joints along its length, each joint capable of independent deflection in multiple planes. This segmentation allows the waveguide to achieve complex articulation while each individual joint experiences reduced strain, preventing failure and maintaining ultrasonic vibration transmission reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single-planar articulation mechanism is used, then the structure is simpler, but the blade cannot achieve multi-planar deflection needed for complex surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is extended from single-planar to multi-planar capability by adding rotational degrees of freedom at each joint. Each joint can deflect in multiple planes (pitch, yaw, roll), enabling the blade to access complex surgical sites while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure that doesn't excessively increase overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is made more flexible to improve articulation, then multi-planar deflection is enhanced, but the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide utilizes flexible shell structures and thin film elements that can bend and articulate while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to transmit ultrasonic vibrations. These flexible components are designed with specific thickness and material properties that allow them to flex in multiple planes without dampening the ultrasonic energy, thus maintaining power transmission while improving articulation capability.
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 multi-planar deflection of ultrasonic blades, reducing strain on waveguides and improving tissue cutting and sealing capabilities, while maintaining the integrity of ultrasonic vibrations for effective surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of deflecting an end effector include an acoustic waveguide with a proximal waveguide body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a distal waveguide body portion having an ultrasonic blade distally projecting therefrom, and an articulation body portion extending between the proximal and distal waveguide body portions. The articulation body portion of the acoustic waveguide is configured to flex a first direction to thereby deflect the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis and through a first plane. In addition, the articulation body portion of the acoustic waveguide is further configured to flex a second direction to thereby deflect the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis and through a second plane. The second direction is different than the first direction such that the second plane is different than the first plane for multiplanar deflection of the ultrasonic blade relative to the longitudinal axis.