Surgical Instrument Acoustic Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices, lack a comprehensive method to provide real-time feedback on tissue state during energy application, which can lead to inefficient cutting and coagulation processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a microphone and acoustic feedback system into surgical instruments to monitor and adjust energy delivery based on audible signals from the tissue, such as hissing or sizzling sounds, indicating tissue sealing or cutting states, allowing for automated adjustments in energy profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical instruments apply energy to tissue for cutting and coagulation, then cutting and coagulation effectiveness is improved, but real-time monitoring of tissue state is insufficient leading to potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an acoustic feedback system where a microphone detects sounds emitted by tissue during energy application. The processor analyzes these acoustic signals to determine tissue state (cutting vs. coagulation) and provides real-time feedback to control energy delivery. This allows the system to monitor tissue response and adjust energy parameters dynamically, improving reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity through intelligent sensor utilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical instruments provide precise control over energy delivery, then tissue damage is minimized, but the system lacks automated adjustment capability based on tissue state
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service automation where the tissue itself provides the control signal through acoustic emissions. The microphone captures sounds generated by the tissue during energy application, and the processor automatically interprets these signals to adjust energy delivery parameters without requiring external intervention. This enables the system to autonomously minimize tissue damage by adapting energy parameters based on real-time tissue response, achieving both precision and automation.
3Reliability
If surgical instruments use ultrasonic or electrosurgical energy for tissue sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the process lacks real-time verification of sealing completion
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic feedback system provides real-time verification of sealing completion by continuously monitoring tissue sounds during energy application. The processor analyzes acoustic signals to detect characteristic sounds indicating successful sealing, eliminating the need for manual verification or prolonged energy application. This reduces the time required to confirm sealing effectiveness while maintaining high reliability through continuous acoustic monitoring throughout the sealing process.
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 control over energy delivery, ensuring effective sealing and cutting while minimizing tissue damage, by providing real-time feedback and adjusting energy profiles accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor (e.g., a microphone) may be used to detect sounds emitted by the tissue as energy is applied to the tissue via the end effector
Implementation Method 2
Vibrating at frequencies of approximately 55.5 kilohertz (kHz), for example, the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 3
Heat generated by the current flowing through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue and/or between tissues
Implementation Method 4
The electrical energy may be in the form of radio frequency ("RF") energy, which is a form of electrical energy generally in the frequency range of approximately 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In use, an electrosurgical device can transmit such energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a first acoustic sensor, and a processor. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector is operable to apply energy to tissue and thereby change a state of the tissue. The first acoustic sensor is configured to pick up sound emitted by tissue. The processor is in communication with the first acoustic sensor. The processor is configured to provide an automated response in response to a signal from the first acoustic sensor indicating a change in the state of the tissue.