Ultrasonic Surgical Clamp Actuation With Adjustable Load Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently adjusting load and actuation mechanisms, particularly in endoscopic and open surgical procedures, which affect their performance and precision during tissue cutting and coagulation.
Innovation Solution
The development of actuation mechanisms and load adjustment assemblies for surgical instruments, including ergonomic handle designs, reciprocating actuation members, and feedback loops for precise control of ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy delivery, allowing for simultaneous or independent operation of ultrasonic and electrosurgical modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing ultrasonic surgical instruments are used for tissue cutting and coagulation, then surgical procedures can be performed, but load adjustment and actuation mechanisms are inefficient and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a load adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the spring load during operation. The load adjustment member can be repositioned along the actuating member to change the compression of the spring element, enabling real-time adaptation to different tissue conditions and surgical requirements, thereby improving both precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback loop that monitors the position and force characteristics of the actuation mechanism. This feedback system provides real-time information about the loading conditions and actuation status, allowing for precise control and adjustment during surgical procedures to optimize performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic and electrosurgical modes are operated simultaneously or independently, then versatility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified actuation mechanism that can control both ultrasonic and electrosurgical modes through a single handle assembly. The actuating member and spring element configuration allows the same mechanical input to regulate both energy types, achieving multi-functionality while managing control complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control functions by providing independent adjustment mechanisms for ultrasonic and electrosurgical parameters while maintaining a unified handle structure. This allows separate optimization of each mode's performance while keeping the overall control system manageable through modular organization of control elements.
3Ease of operation
If reciprocating actuation members are used for clamp member actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reciprocating actuation member that converts the user's continuous squeezing motion into periodic back-and-forth movement of the clamp member. This periodic action mechanism simplifies the user interface by allowing continuous operation while managing the mechanical complexity through well-defined reciprocating linkages and spring-based return mechanisms.
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of tissue cutting and coagulation by providing ergonomic control and adaptive energy delivery, improving surgical outcomes in endoscopic and open procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element positioned between the stop and the reciprocating actuation member
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonic surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic scalpels, are used in many applications in surgical procedures by virtue of their unique performance characteristics
Implementation Method 3
feedback loops for precise control of ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy delivery
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an inner tube, an outer tube, an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp member pivotably moveable relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. The clamp member pivotably movable relative to the ultrasonic blade between an open configuration and an approximated configuration with respect to the ultrasonic blade, wherein the clamp member is pivotably coupled to the inner tube, wherein the clamp member is pivotably coupled to the outer tube, and wherein movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube between the first position and the second position transitions the clamp member between the open configuration and the approximate configuration.