Articulation Features in Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments for Angled Maneuvers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments lack the ability to articulate the end effector for enhanced surgical precision and versatility, limiting their effectiveness in complex surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic surgical instrument with an articulating shaft section and various articulation drive mechanisms, allowing the end effector to be positioned at various lateral deflection angles, enabling precise control and maneuverability during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is made non-articulating for structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but surgical precision and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly is divided into multiple segments (first shaft segment, second shaft segment, third shaft segment) that can articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the end effector to achieve lateral deflection and rotational movements without requiring a single complex articulation mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining surgical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities where segments can move relative to one another to provide lateral deflection and rotational movements. This dynamic design enables the end effector to adapt to various surgical angles and positions, enhancing versatility without requiring a completely rigid or overly complex structure.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft assembly is made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but maneuverability and articulation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shaft assembly into multiple sections with specific articulation capabilities, each segment can be manufactured with high precision to maintain structural stability, while the overall assembly achieves enhanced maneuverability through the relative movement of segments. This segmentation allows precision manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex motion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the shaft assembly have different mechanical properties - some segments are designed for rigidity and structural stability, while others are designed for articulation and maneuverability. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the shaft assembly to simultaneously achieve both manufacturing precision and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector cannot articulate, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to complex surgical maneuvers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation drive mechanism is segmented into multiple independent drive systems (first drive system, second drive system, third drive system), each responsible for specific articulation movements. This segmentation allows complex surgical versatility to be achieved through multiple simpler, independent mechanisms rather than a single complex system, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly segments serve multiple functions - they provide both structural support and articulation capabilities. The same segmented structure enables lateral deflection, rotational movements, and maintenance of relative positions, reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms and thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing surgical versatility.
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 articulating end effector enhances the precision and versatility of the surgical instrument, facilitating more complex surgical maneuvers and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section includes a collar that is located distal to a nodal portion of the waveguide and is operable to deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section. The articulation drive assembly comprises at least one translating articulation driver coupled with the collar. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue even when the articulation section is in an articulated state.