Articulating Ultrasonic End Effector With Selective Rigidizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic surgical instruments lack the ability to efficiently articulate the end effector for precise tissue cutting and coagulation, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The instrument incorporates a movable rigidizing member that allows the end effector to articulate, maintaining effective ultrasonic vibration transmission and enabling precise tissue cutting and coagulation at various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is made articulated to improve versatility and precision, then the ability to cut and coagulate tissue at various angles is enhanced, but the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly incorporates a flexible outer sheath that allows the end effector to articulate while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible housing enables angular movement without compromising the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations from the transducer to the blade element, resolving the contradiction between articulation capability and vibration transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument features a movable rigidizing member that can transition between positions to dynamically adjust the rigidity of the shaft assembly. This dynamic structure allows the end effector to be rigidified when needed for stable vibration transmission and then made flexible for articulation, enabling both high reliability vibration transmission and adaptability to various surgical angles.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid shaft assembly is used to maintain stable ultrasonic vibration transmission, then cutting precision is improved, but the ability to articulate the end effector at various angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with a movable rigidizing member. This allows the shaft to be rigidified when cutting precision is needed and then flexed for articulation, enabling the system to adapt between maintaining stable vibration transmission and achieving various angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible outer sheath provides a structural framework that allows articulation while protecting the internal ultrasonic transmission path. This flexible housing enables the end effector to move at various angles without compromising the rigid vibration transmission required for precise cutting.
3Productivity
If the blade element is pressed firmly against tissue to improve cutting effectiveness, then cutting performance is enhanced, but thermal spread to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic blade element utilizes high-frequency mechanical vibrations to cut tissue through mechanical shearing forces rather than relying solely on pressure. This vibrational cutting mechanism allows effective cutting with reduced contact pressure, thereby minimizing thermal spread to surrounding tissue while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer generates periodic vibrations that are transmitted to the blade element, creating oscillating cutting action. This periodic mechanical action enables effective tissue cutting through repeated stress cycles rather than continuous pressure, reducing thermal conduction to adjacent tissues while maintaining cutting effectiveness.
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 articulating end effector enhances surgical precision and versatility by allowing simultaneous cutting and coagulation with reduced thermal spread, improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue
Implementation Method 3
which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Implementation Method 4
vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section includes a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The rigidizing member is configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the articulation section to thereby selectively provide rigidity to the articulation section.