Rotating End Effector Assembly for Surgical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical devices with ultrasonic blades lack the ability to achieve full range of motion, particularly in robotic surgery, as the articulation of the end effector assembly is limited to one plane, restricting the movement of the clamping arm relative to the ultrasonic blade.

Innovation Solution

The surgical device incorporates a rotation assembly with a multi-segment spiral slot and pin mechanism that allows the clamping element to rotate independently of the ultrasonic blade, enabling six degrees of motion by translating within intersecting channel segments, and an articulation assembly to deflect the end effector assembly out of its articulation plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the end effector assembly is articulated in one plane, then the device structure is simplified, but the range of motion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector assembly is divided into separable components: the clamping arm (first component) and the ultrasonic blade (second component), which can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function while enabling independent rotation to achieve six degrees of motion without requiring complex articulation of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds rotational freedom in a new dimension by allowing the clamping arm to rotate independently of the ultrasonic blade around the longitudinal axis. This independent rotation capability transforms the motion from planar articulation to three-dimensional orientation, achieving six degrees of motion while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clamping arm rotates independently of the ultrasonic blade, then six degrees of motion are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegrees of motionVSAvoidrotation assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical articulation mechanisms with a simpler rotation assembly consisting of a pin, multi-segment spiral slot, and spring. This substitution achieves the desired rotational freedom and six degrees of motion while minimizing structural complexity through elegant mechanical design rather than multiple articulated joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded pin in the multi-segment spiral slot provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the clamping arm to rotate independently while maintaining proper alignment and engagement. This dynamic mechanism enables six degrees of motion through controlled rotational freedom rather than fixed mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pin translates within intersecting channel segments, then the clamping arm rotates 1 to 360 degrees, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation rangeVSAvoidslot and pin alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spiral slot is divided into multiple segments that intersect, with each segment allowing controlled translation of the pin. This segmentation of the slot path enables the pin to translate in a controlled manner through intersecting channels, achieving full rotation while distributing manufacturing tolerances across discrete segments rather than requiring precision along a continuous complex path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for enhanced movement of the end effector assembly, facilitating precise cutting and sealing by enabling the clamping element to rotate 1 to 360 degrees independently of the ultrasonic blade, thereby improving surgical precision and reducing the risk of user error in robotic and minimally invasive surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A variety of surgical devices include an end effector assembly having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12161357B2Surgical devices and systems with rotating end effector assemblies having an ultrasonic blade

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Surgical devices and systems having rotating end effector assemblies for treating tissue are provided. Methods for using the same are also provided.