Ultrasonic Surgical Blade Concave Surface Mist Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in reducing the mist plume formed when the distal end of the blade comes into contact with fluids during tissue cutting or coagulation, which limits visibility at the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic blades incorporate a tapered concave surface at the distal end, a tip coating, a lumen fluidically coupled to a spraying mechanism, or a material that holds an electric charge to minimize mist formation, causing fluid particles to converge rather than diverge, thereby improving visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal end of the ultrasonic blade contacts fluid during tissue cutting or coagulation, then the cutting and coagulation functions are performed, but a mist plume is formed that limits visibility at the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The blade distal end is formed with a concave surface curvature that causes fluid particles to converge toward the center of the concave surface upon contact, rather than diverging into a mist plume. This geometric feature redirects the fluid flow to coalesce into larger droplets that fall away from the surgical site, maintaining visibility while preserving cutting and coagulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the blade distal end are modified through coating materials or electrostatic charge to change how fluid interacts with the surface. These parameter changes affect fluid adhesion, surface tension, and flow patterns, causing fluid to coalesce rather than atomize into mist, thereby reducing plume formation while maintaining surgical function.
2Device complexity
If a single-element end effector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to apply blade-to-tissue pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application function is extracted from the blade itself and implemented through a separate clamp mechanism. This allows the blade to remain simple while the clamp provides the necessary compressive force to hold tissue against the blade, enabling effective ultrasonic cutting and coagulation without increasing blade 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
The described features significantly reduce the mist plume, enhancing visibility during surgical procedures by causing fluid particles to converge and coalesce, rather than diverge, thus improving the clarity of the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic vibrations, when transmitted to organic tissue at suitable energy levels and using a suitable end effector, may be used to cut, dissect, or coagulate tissue
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the body comprises at least one layer of a first material to globulize fluid particles in contact therewith
Implementation Method 3
The transducer may be constructed of one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements in the instrument hand piece
Implementation Method 4
The transducer may be constructed of one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements in the instrument hand piece
Implementation Method 5
Activating or exciting the single or multiple element end effector (e.g., cutting blade, ball coagulator) of such instruments at ultrasonic frequencies induces longitudinal, transverse, or torsional vibratory movement that generates localized heat within adjacent tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. The transducer is configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. The ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The body includes a treatment region that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The body includes a tapered concave surface which extends inwardly into the body defining a variety of shapes including a conical shape, a frusto-conical shape, or a partial spheroid. The body includes surface coatings to prevent the formation of a thin layer of fluid on the body which may be atomized thus creating a mist.