Ultrasonic End Effector Temperature Estimation During Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laparoscopic surgical systems fail to provide real-time temperature estimation of an ultrasonic instrument's blade during its cooling cycle, leading to potential thermal injuries due to residual heat on the blade when it comes into contact with sensitive tissue.

Innovation Solution

A surgical system that estimates the temperature of an ultrasonic instrument while it is in a low-power state by determining the resonance frequency of the end effector and using this to calculate the temperature, providing real-time temperature information through a display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the ultrasonic instrument is deactivated during the cooling cycle, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature monitoring capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtemperature information

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the instrument's own resonance frequency characteristics to self-monitor temperature without requiring external power or additional sensors. The blade itself serves as both the ultrasonic cutting element and the temperature sensing element, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors or continuous power supply during cooling cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct thermal measurement systems with an acoustic resonance-based measurement system. Instead of using thermal sensors that require power, the system measures temperature through changes in the blade's resonance frequency, which can be detected electrically without direct thermal contact or continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the ultrasonic instrument remains active during cooling, then temperature monitoring is maintained, but risk of thermal injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature informationVSAvoidthermal injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback to the operator about the blade temperature through the displayed resonance frequency information. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to understand the thermal state of the blade without the blade remaining active, enabling safe operation decisions based on accurate temperature information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs temperature assessment during the cooling cycle before the operator intends to reuse the blade. By measuring resonance frequency at this preliminary stage, the system predicts whether the blade has cooled sufficiently for safe tissue manipulation, preventing thermal injury before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If conventional temperature estimation methods are used during heating cycle, then temperature can be determined, but temperature cannot be determined during cooling cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidtemperature monitoring duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The resonance frequency measurement system serves multiple functions: it monitors temperature during both heating and cooling cycles, and can be used to characterize blade properties. This universal measurement approach eliminates the need for different monitoring methods for different operational states, extending temperature monitoring throughout the entire operational lifecycle of the blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables safe handling of the ultrasonic instrument by ensuring it is within a safe temperature range for contact with tissue, preventing thermal injuries by providing real-time temperature feedback.

Implementation Method 1

the blade oscillates against a piece of tissue, thereby producing heat due to friction between the blade and the tissue during the oscillation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the system determines a resonance frequency of the end effector and determines a temperature of the end effector based on the resonance frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20250366878A1Method and system for estimating temperature of an ultrasonic instrument

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 AURIS HEALTH INC

AI summary

A method performed by a surgical system. The method determines that an ultrasonic instrument is in a low-power state. The method determines a resonance frequency of an end effector of the ultrasonic instrument and determines a temperature of the end effector based on the resonance frequency. A notification is displayed on a display of the surgical system based on the temperature.