Removable Clamp Arm for Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments lack a versatile and easily interchangeable clamp arm mechanism, limiting their ability to seamlessly transition between cutting and coagulation modes during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultrasonic surgical instruments featuring removable clamp arms with various coupling mechanisms, such as snap-fit, slide-on, magnetic guidance, and keyed coupling, allowing for easy attachment and detachment to enable efficient tissue compression and coagulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed clamp arm mechanism is used in ultrasonic surgical instruments, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the ability to transition between cutting and coagulation modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm is divided into separate, interchangeable components that can be attached and detached from the ultrasonic blade assembly. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different clamp arm configurations for cutting versus coagulation modes while maintaining structural integrity through precise coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arm mechanism transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The coupling mechanism enables the clamp arm to be selectively attached or detached based on surgical needs, allowing the instrument to adapt between cutting and coagulation functions without compromising structural stability when engaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable clamp arm mechanism is implemented, then the versatility and ease of mode transition are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to extract only the essential functions needed for clamp arm attachment and detachment, removing unnecessary complexity. The mechanism uses simple geometric interlocking features and elastic engagement elements that provide reliable connection without requiring complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically engage the clamp arm with the ultrasonic blade assembly without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening steps. The elastic elements provide automatic engagement confirmation, reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed clamp arms are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the surgical precision and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic blade assembly is designed with a universal coupling interface that can accommodate multiple types of clamp arms for different surgical applications. This universal interface maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized features while enabling precise engagement for both cutting and coagulation modes through carefully designed tolerances and geometric constraints.
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 seamless transition between cutting and coagulation modes, enhancing surgical precision and versatility by allowing operators to choose the appropriate mode based on the surgical need within the same procedure.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
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)
Implementation Method 3
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 instrument comprises a handle assembly or other kind of body configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft assembly having an acoustic waveguide and an ultrasonic blade, and a removable clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide such that the ultrasonic transducer is operable to drive the ultrasonic blade to vibrate ultrasonically via the acoustic waveguide. The clamp arm is configured to selectively couple with and decouple from the shaft assembly and/or handle assembly of the ultrasonic instrument. The clamp arm may include a coupler or other coupling feature configured to selectively couple the clamp arm with the shaft assembly and/or the handle assembly. The ultrasonic instrument may further comprise a guidance system configured to position and/or orient the clamp arm relative to the ultrasonic instrument.