Modular Surgical Instrument Tissue Characterization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack the ability to fully control and customize their functions, particularly in adapting to different tissue types during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery-powered handheld surgical instrument that integrates both ultrasonic and RF energy outputs, with a controller that measures tissue characteristics to selectively apply energy based on the type of tissue being treated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical instrument provides multiple energy modalities (ultrasonic and RF), then the adaptability to different tissue types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic and RF energy modalities into a single surgical instrument platform. The end effector integrates both ultrasonic blade and RF electrode capabilities, allowing one device to perform multiple surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, sealing) that would traditionally require separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with universal functionality to handle different tissue types through selective energy application. The controller enables the instrument to adapt between ultrasonic and RF modes based on tissue characteristics, making a single device suitable for various surgical scenarios including soft tissue, connective tissue, and vascular procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the instrument applies energy selectively based on tissue characterization, then the precision of cutting and coagulation is improved, but the measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates sensors to measure tissue characteristics such as impedance and mechanical properties in real-time during the surgical procedure. The controller processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts energy delivery parameters (ultrasonic amplitude, RF power level) to optimize cutting and coagulation precision for the specific tissue type being treated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on measured tissue properties. When tissue characteristics indicate a specific tissue type (e.g., higher impedance suggesting connective tissue), the controller modifies energy delivery parameters accordingly - selecting appropriate ultrasonic frequencies, adjusting RF power levels, and modulating energy application rates to achieve precise results.
3Productivity
If the instrument uses both ultrasonic and RF energy outputs, then the productivity by providing simultaneous cutting and coagulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector merges ultrasonic blade and RF electrode functions into a single integrated component. This allows the instrument to deliver both cutting and coagulation energies simultaneously or sequentially through the same working interface, improving surgical efficiency and reducing the number of separate instruments needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument enables continuous surgical action by providing uninterrupted cutting and coagulation capabilities. The controller can coordinate ultrasonic and RF energy delivery to maintain continuous tissue processing without requiring instrument changes or interruptions, thereby improving productivity and surgical flow.
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 instrument provides precise control over cutting and coagulation, minimizing patient trauma by adapting energy application to the specific tissue characteristics, thereby enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic instruments of this nature can be configured for open surgical use, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures including robotic-assisted procedures
Implementation Method 2
The cutting action is typically realized by an-end effector, or blade tip, at the distal end of the instrument, which transmits ultrasonic energy to tissue brought into contact with the end effector
Implementation Method 3
RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 200 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, an electrosurgical instrument can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Implementation Method 4
A first generator, a second generator, and a control circuit for controlling the energy modality applied by the surgical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system is disclosed including an end effector comprising a clamp arm, a tissue contacting surface, and a circuit defining a plurality of segmented sections. The plurality of segmented sections comprises a first segmented section comprising a first impedance sensor configured to sense a parameter associated with tissue positioned in the first segmented section and deliver electrosurgical energy to the tissue. A motor is configured to move the clamp arm. A current sensor is configured to sense a current draw of the motor. A control system is configured to interrogate the first impedance sensor to determine a value of the parameter, interrogate the current sensor to determine the current draw, compare the value of the parameter to a threshold value, compare the current draw to a threshold current draw, and divert the electrosurgical energy away from the first segmented section based on the comparisons.