Surgical Probe Thermal Management via Heat Dissipation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical ultrasonic treatment apparatuses face challenges in effectively managing heat dissipation and maintaining precise thermal control during therapeutic procedures, which can lead to reduced efficacy and increased risk of tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a probe with a heat dissipation unit and a vibration transmission body that transmits ultrasonic vibrations and electric current, featuring a bipolar electrode configuration and a heat dissipation system to manage thermal loads, ensuring efficient energy transfer and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic vibration and electric current are transmitted through the vibration transmission body to the probe distal end body, then therapeutic treatment efficacy is improved, but heat is generated at the probe distal end body which can cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the vibration transmission body by creating a separate heat dissipation unit with a heat dissipation chamber. This chamber is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the vibration transmission body and the outer peripheral surface of the probe distal end body, effectively separating the ultrasonic transmission path from the heat management path. The heat dissipation unit includes a heat dissipation fin that extends from the probe distal end body into the heat dissipation chamber, creating a dedicated thermal management system that does not interfere with the therapeutic ultrasonic energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat dissipation medium (such as saline solution or irrigation fluid) as an intermediary substance that fills the heat dissipation chamber. This medium serves as a thermal conduit between the heat source (probe distal end body) and the surrounding environment, absorbing excess heat from the probe and carrying it away through convection. The heat dissipation medium acts as a buffer that protects tissue from direct thermal damage while allowing ultrasonic energy to pass through and perform therapeutic functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat dissipation unit is added to manage thermal loads, then tissue damage from excessive heat is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat dissipation unit with the existing vibration transmission body and probe structure. The heat dissipation chamber is formed by utilizing the space between the inner peripheral surface of the vibration transmission body and the outer peripheral surface of the probe distal end body, rather than adding a completely separate component. The heat dissipation fin is integrated into the probe distal end body structure, and the bipolar electrode is incorporated within the same assembly. This merging approach allows the patent to achieve effective thermal management while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration transmission body serves multiple functions: it transmits ultrasonic vibration to the probe distal end body for therapeutic treatment, provides structural support for the heat dissipation chamber, and acts as one boundary of the thermal management system. The probe distal end body simultaneously functions as the therapeutic element, the heat source, and the mounting structure for the heat dissipation fin. The bipolar electrode configuration provides both electrical connection and thermal conduction pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
This configuration enhances the apparatus's ability to perform precise therapeutic treatments by maintaining optimal temperature conditions, improving treatment efficacy and safety by preventing tissue damage from excessive heat.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration transmission body arranged to a proximal end of the probe distal end body, wherein the vibration transmission body is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer to the probe distal end body
Implementation Method 2
a heat dissipation unit configured to dissipate heat generated at the probe distal end body, wherein at least a portion of the heat dissipation unit is arranged in the interior space defined by the probe distal end body and the vibration transmission body
Implementation Method 3
the vibration transmission body is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer to the probe distal end body, and to transmit current to the first electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe includes a probe distal end body, a vibration transmission body and a heat dissipation unit. The probe distal end body includes a first electrode. The vibration transmission body is arranged to a proximal end of the probe distal end body. The vibration transmission body transmits ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer to the probe distal end body, and transmits current to the first electrode. An interior surface of the probe distal end body and an interior surface of the vibration transmission body define an interior space. The heat dissipation unit dissipates heat generated at the probe distal end body, wherein at least a portion of the heat dissipation unit is arranged in the interior space defined by the probe distal end body and the vibration transmission body. A treatment instrument includes the probe and an end effector including a second electrode.