Surgical Assembly DC Compensation and Signal Switching for Particle Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures face challenges with particulate matter obscuring the visual field and posing health risks due to inefficient vacuum-based systems and the need for additional incisions for electrode placement, which are dependent on surgeon skill and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A surgical assembly and system that generates a DC signal for ionizing and removing particles using a switching assembly with a controller to separate DC and second signals, allowing for safe and efficient particulate clearance without overlapping intervals and residual charge dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If vacuum-based systems are used to extract aerosol particulate matter, then particulate removal is achieved, but the system is inefficient, loud, cumbersome, and causes tissue desiccation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum-based extraction system with an electrical field-based ionization system. The surgical instrument generates ions that attach to particulate matter, and electrical fields guide the ionized particles away from the surgical site, eliminating the need for complex vacuum mechanisms while improving efficiency and reducing tissue desiccation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using controlled electrical fields and ionization processes instead of mechanical vacuum suction. By adjusting electrical field strength, ion generation rate, and timing sequences, the system achieves effective particulate removal without the adverse effects of vacuum systems
2Productivity
If DC signal and second signal are applied simultaneously to the tool-piece, then surgical functions are performed, but signal interference occurs causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a controller to alternately apply the DC signal and the second signal in non-overlapping time intervals. The DC signal is applied during a first time interval for ionization, then a third interval allows residual charge dissipation, followed by the second signal application during a second time interval for surgical functions, preventing signal interference while maintaining surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by timing the DC signal application to occur before the second signal, allowing the electrical field to be established and residual charge to dissipate during the third interval. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the second signal is applied, there is no interference from residual DC charge, maintaining both safety and effectiveness
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 effectively clears particulates while performing surgical procedures, improving visibility and reducing health risks by ensuring safe and efficient ionization and tissue cutting without interference between signals.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal which is a DC voltage waveform that is used for creating an electric field proximate a site of a surgical procedure for ionizing and removing particles suspended proximate the surgical site
Implementation Method 2
the DC and second signals being separated by a third interval during which the DC and second signals are removed from the tool-piece and the application of the second signal to the tool-piece for a second time interval, wherein the controller comprises a timing arrangement configured to time the application of the DC signal to the tool-piece following the second interval, such that the first and second intervals are non-overlapping intervals characterised in that the timing arrangement is arranged to time the application of the DC signal in dependence of a cessation of the second signal, and wherein any residual capacitive charge accumulated during the preceding first interval is allowed to discharge or dissipate during the third interval
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1(b)~1(f)
Figure 2
AI summary
A surgical assembly and system are disclosed. The system comprises a first generator for generating a first signal for use in generating an electrical field proximate a site of a surgical procedure for removing particles suspended proximate the surgical site. The assembly further comprises a surgical tool comprising a tool-piece communicatively couplable with the first generator and a second generator, the second generator being arranged to generate a second signal for use in cutting or cauterizing biological tissue of the patient during the surgical procedure, the assembly further comprising a switching assembly for switching the application of the first signal and second signal to the tool-piece and a controller for controlling the application of the first signal and second signal to the tool-piece. A DC voltage compensation circuit is also disclosed for varying a voltage output by an DC generator to a tool-piece, for maintaining a substantially constant voltage difference between a distal end of the tool-piece and patient tissue.