Digital Ultrasonic Generator for Multi-Transducer Waveform Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic surgical generators are limited in their ability to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously and fail to achieve various tissue effects due to their inability to control and customize power output based on the type of tissue being treated.
Innovation Solution
A generator configured with a digital processing circuit, memory circuit, digital synthesis circuit, and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that stores phase points of electrical signal waveforms in lookup tables, allowing for the generation of combined phase points and conversion into analog signals to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers and achieve various tissue effects by shaping the output waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasonic surgical generators are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into multiple independent signal generation channels, each capable of driving a separate ultrasonic transducer. The digital signal processor generates multiple independent drive signals simultaneously, allowing each transducer to be controlled individually while maintaining overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed with multi-functional capabilities to drive multiple ultrasonic transducers simultaneously, supporting various surgical modes including cutting, coagulation, and sealing. The system can adapt to different tissue types and surgical requirements through programmable control algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional generators with fixed power output are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to achieve various tissue effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The generator implements dynamic power control with multiple adjustable parameters including amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle. The system can dynamically adjust power output in real-time based on tissue feedback and surgical requirements, enabling transition between different tissue effects such as cutting, coagulation, and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple operating parameters simultaneously to achieve different tissue effects. By adjusting amplitude, frequency, and pulse width parameters, the generator can optimize power delivery for specific tissue types and surgical applications, transitioning between mechanical cutting and thermal coagulation modes.
3Productivity
If multiple ultrasonic transducers are driven simultaneously, then various tissue effects can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional analog signal generation and control mechanisms with digital signal processing. The digital signal processor generates and coordinates multiple drive signals electronically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control systems and enabling precise digital control of multiple transducers simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customized algorithms for different tissue types are implemented, then the adaptability to tissue type improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-programmed control algorithms and lookup tables for different tissue types (vascular tissue, nerve tissue, muscle tissue, etc.). These algorithms are prepared in advance and can be selected based on the surgical application, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations while providing optimized control for each tissue type.
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 simultaneous driving of multiple ultrasonic transducers and multiple vibration modes, providing enhanced tissue effects such as precise cutting and coagulation, while allowing for customization based on tissue type through digital waveform generation and delivery.
Implementation Method 1
converting, by the DAC circuit, the combined phase point into an analog signal
Implementation Method 2
Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 3
Heat generated by the current flowing through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue and/or between tissues
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of generating electrical signal waveforms by a generator. The method includes storing phase points of first and second digital electrical signal waveforms in first and second lookup tables. The first and second digital electrical signal waveforms are represented by a predetermined number of phase points that define wave shapes. At each clock cycle, a digital synthesis circuit retrieves phase points from the first and second lookup tables and the digital processing circuit combines phase points from the first and second lookup tables. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit converts the combined phase point into an analog signal. The analog signal is configured to drive a first and second ultrasonic transducer.