Surgical Actuator Force Feedback and Variable Clamping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-powered surgical devices lack haptic feedback, impairing the user's ability to assess surgical functions such as cutting operations and clamping forces, compared to mechanically-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with a control system that variably controls clamping force and ultrasonic blade vibrations, including multiple control modes for clamping, treating, and articulating, to enhance tissue treatment and reduce tissue sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrically-powered motors are used to actuate articulating features, then device automation and precision are improved, but haptic feedback capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements force feedback through the actuator to provide the user with haptic information about tissue characteristics and cutting progress. The control system monitors surgical parameters and translates them into tactile feedback forces that the user can feel through the actuator, thereby recovering the haptic feedback capability that was lost through electrification.
2Manufacturing precision
If variable clamping force control is implemented, then tissue treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of clamping force that adapts during the surgical procedure. The control system adjusts the clamping force in real-time based on tissue response and surgical progress, transitioning from a static fixed-force approach to a dynamic variable-force approach that optimizes tissue treatment while managing device complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Productivity
If ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted at high amplitude, then cutting efficiency is improved, but tissue sticking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic modulation of ultrasonic vibration amplitude during the cutting process. By varying the amplitude in a periodic manner rather than maintaining a constant high amplitude, the system achieves efficient cutting while periodically reducing the amplitude to prevent tissue adhesion to the blade surface, thereby eliminating the harmful sticking effect.
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
The system provides improved haptic feedback and control over tissue treatment, ensuring precise cutting and coagulation while preventing tissue sticking and clamp pad damage.
Implementation Method 1
transmission of ultrasonic vibrations to the ultrasonic blade to coagulate and/or cut the tissue
Implementation Method 2
coagulate and/or cut the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical systems and methods are provided for controlling actuation and movement of various surgical devices.