Ultrasonic Blade Tapered Concave Surface Mist Plume Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in reducing the mist plume formed when the distal end of the blade contacts fluids during procedures, which limits visibility at the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic blade features a tapered concave surface at the distal end, which causes fluid particles to converge along the longitudinal axis, reducing the mist plume and enhancing visibility. This design can include various shapes such as conical, frusto-conical, or partial spheroid, and may also incorporate a tip coating or lumen for further mist reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal end of the ultrasonic blade contacts fluid during surgical procedures, then cutting and coagulating functions are performed, but a fine mist plume is generated that limits visibility at the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful mist plume generated by ultrasonic blade-fluid interaction into a beneficial concentrated jet. By designing the distal end of the blade with a specific geometry (such as a tapered or rounded tip), the scattered mist is transformed into a focused, narrow jet that is less disruptive to surgical visibility. This principle transforms the harmful dispersion of fluid into a controlled, concentrated flow that maintains better visibility at the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the ultrasonic blade's distal end to control fluid interaction. By changing the shape (e.g., tapered, rounded, or flattened tip) and dimensions of the blade end, the patent alters how fluid is atomized and dispersed. These parameter changes reduce the angular spread of the mist plume, converting it into a more concentrated jet that falls back toward the surgical site rather than dispersing widely, thereby improving visibility.
2Device complexity
If a single-element end effector is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to apply blade-to-tissue pressure is limited for soft and loosely supported tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ultrasonic blade with a clamp or grasping mechanism to create a combined end effector. This integration allows the device to simultaneously perform cutting/coagulation and apply compressive force to tissue. The clamp provides the necessary pressure to hold soft, loosely supported tissue against the ultrasonic blade, ensuring effective energy transfer and improved hemostasis without requiring a completely separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional end effector that combines cutting, coagulation, and tissue grasping capabilities in a single device. The end effector can apply compressive force to tissue while simultaneously delivering ultrasonic energy for cutting and coagulation. This universal design eliminates the need for separate instruments, reducing procedural complexity while enhancing the ability to handle soft, unsupported tissue effectively.
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 tapered concave surface effectively converges fluid droplets, reducing the mist plume and improving visibility during surgical procedures by ensuring even energy distribution and minimizing fluid dispersion.
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
The transducer may be constructed of one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements in the instrument hand piece
Implementation Method 3
The transducer may be constructed of one or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive elements in the instrument hand piece
Implementation Method 4
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
Implementation Method 5
The tapered inner concave surface may reduce a mist plume produced by fluids contacting a surface of the energized ultrasonic blade during ultrasonic surgical procedures by causing fluid particles to converge along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
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.