Ultrasonic Surgical Probe with Electrical Potential Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently removing unwanted tissue while minimizing damage to critical anatomical structures like nerves and blood vessels, as high vibrational amplitudes can lead to increased pain and potential destruction of viable tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument assembly that includes a handpiece, an ultrasonic probe, a source of vibratory energy, and a sensor to detect electrical potential near nerves or blood vessels, which automatically attenuates the ultrasonic energy and suction to prevent tissue damage by reducing the energy output when sensitive tissues are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high vibrational amplitudes are used to effectively remove unwanted tissue, then tissue removal efficiency is improved, but pain perception increases and viable tissue such as nerves may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor to detect electrical potential near nerves or blood vessels and automatically attenuates ultrasonic energy output when sensitive tissues are detected. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high power levels for efficient tissue removal while automatically reducing power when critical structures are encountered, thereby preventing nerve damage and pain without compromising overall surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic energy output is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of tissue type. The system transitions between high-power mode for efficient tissue removal and low-power mode for protecting sensitive structures, allowing the operational parameters to change adaptively during the surgical procedure based on the anatomical structures being encountered
2Reliability
If automated detection and attenuation systems are added to prevent tissue damage, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system performs self-protection by using its own sensor to detect the presence of sensitive tissues and automatically adjusting its energy output accordingly. The system monitors its own operational environment and makes real-time adjustments to prevent damage, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment or complex multi-component safety systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects electrical potential near nerves and blood vessels, triggers automatic attenuation when sensitive tissues are detected, and enables the system to adapt its operation to different anatomical structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels by automatically adjusting the ultrasonic energy and suction levels, enhancing surgical efficiency and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a source of ultrasonic vibratory energy operatively connected to the probe or horn
Implementation Method 2
ablate tissue by either producing cavitation bubbles which implode and disrupt cells
Implementation Method 3
generating tissue compression and relaxation stresses (sometimes called the jackhammer effect)
Implementation Method 4
a sensor of electrical potential disposable in contact with the patient at a desired distance from the surgical site
Implementation Method 5
The sensor is operatively connected to the source of ultrasonic vibratory energy to automatically attenuate an output thereof in response to a detected potential of a predetermined magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument assembly has (i) a surgical instrument including a handpiece and a probe or horn attached to the handpiece, (ii) a source of ultrasonic vibratory energy operatively connected to the probe or horn, (iii) a source of electrical current operatively connected to deliver electrical current to organic tissues of a patient at a surgical site contacted by a distal end of the probe or horn, and (iv) a sensor of electrical potential disposable in contact with the patient at a desired distance from the surgical site. The sensor is operatively connected to the source of ultrasonic vibratory energy to automatically attenuate an output thereof in response to a detected potential of a predetermined magnitude.