Ultrasonic Horn with Ampulla Tip for Bone Fragmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasonic surgical devices have limitations in fragmenting certain types of tissue, such as bone, due to their fixed frequency and mechanical design, which restricts their effectiveness in various surgical procedures and requires multiple devices or additional instruments for cutting and hemostasis, while also compromising visibility during surgery.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic horn with an Ampulla (Gaussian) to inverse exponential chisel/awl distal end profile that provides enhanced mechanical gain, reduced errant reflections, and increased control for cutting and abrading bone, allowing for superior tissue fragmentation and minimal tissue damage, with a design that can be operated at different frequencies and with adjustable power for precise bone removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If continuous vibration at fixed frequency is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but effectiveness in fragmenting certain tissues like bone is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in fragmenting different tissue typesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horn allows dynamic adjustment of vibration frequency and amplitude during surgical procedures, enabling the same device to effectively fragment different tissue types including bone, cartilage, and soft tissue by optimizing ultrasonic parameters for each specific application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic horn is designed with a universal geometry that can perform multiple functions: fragmentation of hard tissue like bone, removal of soft tissue, and control of bleeding through cavitation effects, replacing the need for multiple specialized instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple handheld devices are used to address different tissue types, then tissue fragmentation effectiveness is improved, but surgical field visibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue fragmentation capabilityVSAvoidsurgical field visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A single ultrasonic horn design can effectively fragment and remove various tissue types including bone, cartilage, and soft tissue through adjustable ultrasonic parameters, eliminating the need for multiple handheld devices and maintaining clear surgical field visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines fragmentation and removal capabilities in one instrument, integrating functions that previously required separate devices, thereby reducing instrument clutter and improving visibility during surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed amplitude vibration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but precision in bone removal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in bone removalVSAvoidpower control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of ultrasonic amplitude and power delivery during procedures, allowing precise control over bone removal rates and enabling fine-tuned adaptation to real-time surgical conditions for enhanced precision and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 ultrasonic horn enables efficient fragmentation and removal of bone with reduced trauma to surrounding tissue, improved control, and minimal bleeding risk, while maintaining a clear surgical field, addressing the limitations of existing devices in handling tenacious tissues and calcified or fibrous tissues.

Implementation Method 1

ultrasonic horn for fragmenting tissue during a surgical procedure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The mechanical gain is the result of the strain induced in the materials of which the resonator, the connecting body and the ultrasonic horn are composed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical gain: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

The magnetostrictive transducer coupled with the connecting body functions as the first stage of the booster horn

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentUS8092475B2Ultrasonic horn for removal of hard tissue

Publication Date: 2012.01.10 INTEGRA LIFESCI IRELAND

AI summary

Ultrasonic horns configured for use with a surgical ultrasonic handpiece including a resonator are described. The ultrasonic horns include an elongated member having a longitudinal internal channel extending partially therethrough. Disposed on the distal end of the elongated member is a chisel and awl shaped tip configured for cutting and/or abrading hard tissue, for example bone.