Ultrasonic Bone Cutting Instrument with Precision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments face limitations in precision and efficiency when cutting through bone, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, as they often require significant force and may not provide precise control or effective tissue coagulation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic surgical system that includes a handpiece with an ultrasonic transducer and waveguide, capable of converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are transmitted to a blade to cut and coagulate tissue simultaneously, with features such as irrigation for cooling and precise control options to enhance bone penetration and tissue handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional ultrasonic surgical instruments are used to cut bone, then cutting function is achieved, but precision and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting mechanisms with ultrasonic vibration technology. The ultrasonic blade vibrates at high frequency to cut bone, substituting mechanical force with acoustic energy, thereby achieving higher precision and reduced operator fatigue while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ultrasonic frequency vibrations (typically 20-100 kHz) to change the cutting mechanism from mechanical to acoustic. By adjusting vibration amplitude and frequency parameters, the system achieves precise bone cutting with better control and reduced thermal damage compared to traditional mechanical instruments
2Force
If higher force is applied to cut through bone, then bone penetration is achieved, but precision and tissue control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-force mechanical cutting with low-force ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic blade cuts bone through high-frequency oscillations rather than applied force, achieving effective bone penetration while maintaining precision and preventing tissue damage that would result from high mechanical forces
3Productivity
If ultrasonic vibrations are used to cut tissue, then cutting function is achieved, but thermal spread and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful thermal effect of ultrasonic vibrations into a beneficial coagulation function. The controlled thermal energy generated during ultrasonic cutting simultaneously seals blood vessels and prevents excessive bleeding, transforming what could be harmful heat spread into a useful hemostatic effect that improves surgical outcomes
4Productivity
If conventional cutting methods are used, then bone can be cut, but operating time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical bone cutting with rapid ultrasonic vibration cutting. The high-frequency ultrasonic blade efficiently removes bone material, significantly reducing operating time and improving productivity compared to traditional mechanical instruments while maintaining precision and control
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 system enables precise cutting and coagulation of bone with reduced thermal spread, improved precision, and reduced operating time, while minimizing radiation exposure and operator fatigue, by utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to facilitate bone penetration and tissue coagulation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Implementation Method 3
blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Implementation Method 4
features such as irrigation for cooling
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system includes an ultrasonic instrument and a bone insertion element. The instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer such that the ultrasonic transducer drives the ultrasonic blade to vibrate ultrasonically to form an opening within bone. The bone insertion element is configured to be inserted within the opening formed by the ultrasonic blade.