Multi-Planar Articulating Shaft Assembly for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments with ultrasonic blades lack sufficient flexibility and articulation capabilities, particularly in robotically assisted surgeries, leading to strain and potential failure of acoustic waveguides due to excessive flexing, which limits the precision and range of motion during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-planar articulating shaft assembly with flexible acoustic waveguides that allow for six degrees of freedom, incorporating multiple articulation sections and multi-flex acoustic waveguides to reduce strain by enabling flexible portions to bend in multiple planes, maintaining alignment and reducing stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the acoustic waveguide is made flexible to enable articulation, then the range of motion and precision are improved, but the waveguide is subjected to excessive flexing strain leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly is divided into multiple articulation sections (first articulation section, second articulation section) that can independently articulate in different planes. This segmentation allows the waveguide to bend in multiple planes (pitch and yaw) rather than concentrating flexing strain in a single location, thereby improving both articulation capability and waveguide durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables articulation in multiple planes by adding a second articulation section that provides articulation in a different plane (yaw plane) in addition to the first articulation section (pitch plane). This multi-planar articulation distributes the mechanical stress across different dimensions, reducing strain concentration on the acoustic waveguide while enhancing the instrument's versatility
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shaft is made rigid to maintain alignment, then the structural stability is improved, but the range of motion and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic structure with multiple articulation sections that can change configuration. The first and second articulation sections can independently articulate in pitch and yaw planes, allowing the shaft to adapt its shape during surgical procedures while maintaining alignment through controlled articulation, thus achieving both stability and versatility
3Measurement precision
If the articulation capability is increased to six degrees of freedom, then the surgical precision and range of motion are improved, but the complexity of the shaft assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex six-degree-of-freedom articulation capability is achieved through segmentation into multiple independent articulation sections. The first articulation section provides articulation in the pitch plane, while the second articulation section provides articulation in the yaw plane. This segmentation breaks down the complex motion requirements into manageable sections, achieving high surgical precision while controlling assembly complexity through modular design
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
Enhances the precision and range of motion of ultrasonic surgical instruments, reducing the risk of waveguide failure and improving surgical outcomes by allowing for more complex surgical maneuvers with reduced strain on flexible components.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Implementation Method 2
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
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.