Surgical Instrument Control Circuit for Adaptive Energy Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments lack precise control and adaptive capabilities to effectively manage energy delivery and tissue interaction during surgical procedures, particularly in terms of ultrasonic and electrosurgical applications, leading to inefficiencies and potential tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument with a pivoting arm and integrated piezoelectric transducer assembly, coupled with sensors and a control circuit that activates the transducer based on detected arm positions and forces, allowing for adaptive energy modulation and precise tissue interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional surgical instruments are used for tissue transection and coagulation, then basic surgical functions can be performed, but precise control of energy delivery is lacking leading to potential tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors arm position through the sensor and adjusts transducer activation accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that precisely controls energy delivery to tissue based on real-time instrument state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts ultrasonic energy delivery based on the dynamic position of the arm, transitioning between different energy states (off, partial activation, full activation) as the arm moves between open and closed positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual control of energy devices is used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but adaptive capabilities to manage energy delivery are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptive energy modulationVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit automatically adjusts transducer activation based on sensor-detected arm position without requiring manual intervention from the surgeon, allowing the system to self-regulate energy delivery according to instrument configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated sensor-based control system that detects arm position and electronically activates the transducer, substituting mechanical operator control with an automated sensing and control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If ultrasonic energy is delivered without precise control, then tissue transection can be achieved, but coagulation efficiency and tissue preservation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue transection efficiencyVSAvoidtissue coagulation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic blade delivers energy in controlled periodic oscillations at ultrasonic frequencies, with the control circuit modulating activation based on arm position to optimize both cutting and coagulation phases of tissue interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by activating or deactivating the transducer based on arm position, adjusting the physical state and energy delivery characteristics of the ultrasonic blade to match surgical requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 of ultrasonic blade oscillation, enhancing tissue transection and coagulation efficiency while minimizing tissue damage, and facilitating seamless energy transitions between different modalities.

Implementation Method 1

The transducer assembly comprises at least two piezoelectric elements configured to ultrasonically oscillate the ultrasonic blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first sensor configured to sense a first force as the arm transitions to the closed position, a second sensor configured to sense a second force as the arm transitions to the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11304720B2Activation of energy devices

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Various systems and methods for controlling the activation of energy surgical instruments are disclosed. An advance energy surgical instrument, such an electrosurgical instrument or an ultrasonic surgical instrument, can include one or more sensor assemblies for detecting the state or position of the end effector, arm, or other components of the surgical instrument. A control circuit can be configured to control the activation of the surgical instrument according to the state or position of the components of the surgical instrument.