Surgical Hub Modular Enclosure for Line Entanglement Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical systems face challenges in efficiently managing and coordinating the various devices and systems used in surgical procedures, particularly in maintaining a sterile field and managing energy application to tissue.

Innovation Solution

The development of a surgical hub that integrates a modular enclosure for managing power, data, and fluid lines, along with a combo generator module that includes ultrasonic, bipolar, and monopolar energy components, and a smoke evacuation component, to facilitate efficient energy application and reduce entanglement issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power, data, and fluid lines are used to connect surgical devices, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but entanglement between lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoidentanglement between lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate lines (power, data, and fluid lines) into a single integrated cable assembly. This merging eliminates the entanglement problem caused by multiple separate lines while maintaining all necessary connectivity functions for surgical instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides power transmission, data communication, and fluid delivery through a single unified structure. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate dedicated lines for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modules are integrated into the surgical hub, then functionality is improved, but module removal and replacement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmodule removal and replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical hub is designed with modular components that can be independently removed and replaced. The generator module, for example, can be detached from the hub without affecting other components, enabling quick swaps during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design includes pre-configured connection interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that prepare the system for rapid module exchange. Connection ports are pre-positioned and aligned to minimize the time required for module removal and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If energy components are integrated into a combo generator module, then energy application efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy application efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The combo generator module integrates multiple energy delivery systems (ultrasonic, bipolar, and monopolar generators) into a single unified module. This consolidation improves energy application efficiency by providing all necessary energy types from one integrated source rather than requiring separate external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combo generator module provides multiple energy delivery functions through a single device, enabling the surgical system to perform various tissue sealing and cutting operations with one integrated module rather than requiring separate specialized generators for each energy type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 surgical hub enhances surgical efficiency by reducing the frequency of entanglement between power, data, and fluid lines, allowing for quick removal and replacement of modules, and enabling effective energy application for sealing and cutting tissues.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic component (248) configured to apply ultrasonic energy to the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a bipolar component (246) configured to apply bipolar energy to the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBipolar electrical energy: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

a monopolar component (247) configured to apply monopolar energy to the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMonopolar electrical energy: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3506291B1Surgical hub control arrangements
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 ETHICON INC
  • EP3506291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3506291B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3506291B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various surgical hubs are disclosed. A surgical hub is for use with a surgical system in a surgical procedure performed in an operating room. The surgical hub comprises: non-contact sensors and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to: determine bounds of the operating room based on measurements performed by the non-contact sensors; and establish a control arrangement with a detected surgical hub located within the bounds of the operating room.