Ultrasonic Surgical Blade Cleaning via Waveguide Gap Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in effectively cleaning debris and coagulated blood from the blade and waveguide surfaces during and after surgical procedures, which can impair instrument performance due to caked-on debris interfering with mechanical oscillations.
Innovation Solution
The development of detachable and integrated cleaning devices, such as those with helical brushes and fluid ports, that can be used to remove debris from the ultrasonic blade and waveguide surfaces, including designs with flexible handles, removable caps, and abrasive bristles, allowing for easy insertion and rotation to dislodge and flush out surgical debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic surgical instruments are used to cut and seal tissue, then cutting and coagulation precision is improved, but debris and coagulated blood accumulate on blade and waveguide surfaces impairing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to be used between surgical procedures to remove debris and coagulated blood from the blade and waveguide surfaces before the next use, preventing accumulation that would impair performance. This preliminary cleaning action maintains the instrument's cutting and coagulation precision for the next procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning device with brushes and fluid delivery acts as an intermediary tool between the ultrasonic surgical instrument and the cleaning solution. The device delivers cleaning solution to the blade and waveguide surfaces and mechanically removes debris through rotation, restoring instrument performance without requiring disassembly of the ultrasonic components.
2Reliability
If cleaning devices with brushes and fluid ports are used to remove debris, then instrument performance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device combines multiple functions into a single tool: it delivers cleaning solution through fluid ports, mechanically removes debris through rotating brushes, and can be used on both the blade and waveguide surfaces. This multi-functionality maintains instrument performance while avoiding the need for multiple separate cleaning tools or complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by the operator without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The brush assembly can be removed and replaced, and the fluid port connected, allowing the operator to perform maintenance cleaning themselves between procedures, reducing reliance on complex service procedures.
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
These cleaning devices effectively remove surgical debris and coagulated blood from the ultrasonic blade and waveguide surfaces, maintaining instrument performance and extending the lifespan of the surgical instruments by preventing debris buildup.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Implementation Method 2
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a cleaning device. The shaft assembly includes a first tube and an acoustic waveguide. The first tube has a first inner diameter and a distal end. The waveguide has a first outer diameter. The waveguide extends within the first tube. The first outer diameter of the acoustic waveguide and the first inner diameter of the first tube together define a gap. The ultrasonic blade extends distally from the distal end of the first tube. The acoustic waveguide is configured to communicate ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic blade. The cleaning device is configured to actuate within the gap to thereby clean at least a portion of the shaft assembly and/or at least a portion of the ultrasonic blade.