Ultrasonic-RF Surgical Instrument With Impedance-Based Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments lack efficient integration and control mechanisms for combining ultrasonic and RF energy to achieve precise cutting and coagulation, leading to potential tissue damage and inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument that integrates ultrasonic and RF energy capabilities with a controller system to monitor tissue impedance and adjust energy delivery based on predetermined drive functions, allowing for precise control of ultrasonic blade and RF electrode activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ultrasonic and RF energy are combined in a single instrument, then cutting and coagulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic and RF energy delivery systems into a single surgical instrument. The end effector integrates both ultrasonic blade and RF electrode components, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of both energy types through a unified device structure, thereby achieving precise cutting and coagulation without requiring separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple surgical tasks. The end effector can deliver ultrasonic energy for cutting, RF energy for coagulation, or both simultaneously, making the device universally applicable for various tissue manipulation procedures including cutting, sealing, and coagulation functions
2Measurement precision
If tissue impedance monitoring is implemented, then energy delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tissue impedance monitoring that provides real-time feedback about tissue state to the control system. The controller uses this impedance information to dynamically adjust energy delivery parameters, ensuring optimal power levels are applied based on actual tissue conditions, thereby improving safety and effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts energy delivery based on tissue impedance without requiring constant manual intervention. The controller self-regulates power output by interpreting impedance signals from the tissue, enabling autonomous adaptation to varying tissue conditions and simplifying the surgical workflow
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy delivery is adjusted based on tissue state, then tissue damage is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tissue impedance measurement and energy parameter optimization before actual energy delivery begins. By pre-assessing tissue state and calculating appropriate power levels in advance, the system ensures safe and effective energy application without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous energy delivery with real-time impedance monitoring and dynamic adjustment. The system continuously adapts power levels during tissue interaction, ensuring optimal performance throughout the procedure without interrupting workflow for separate measurement and adjustment phases, thereby minimizing time loss
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 precise cutting and coagulation by ensuring optimal energy delivery based on tissue state, reducing tissue damage and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic energy cuts and coagulates by vibrating a blade in contact with tissue. Vibrating at frequencies of approximately 55.5 kilohertz (kHz), for example, the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue
Implementation Method 2
Heat generated by the current flowing through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue and/or between tissues
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method for identifying tissue state and energizing the surgical instrument includes an end effector having an ultrasonic blade and an RF electrode, a shaft assembly, a body, and a power controller. A first ultrasonic energy input is configured to be actuated from a first unactuated energy input state to a first actuated energy input state. A trigger input is configured to be actuated from an unactuated trigger input state to an actuated trigger input state. The power controller is operatively connected to the ultrasonic blade, the RF electrode, the first ultrasonic energy input, and the trigger input and configured to direct at least one of the ultrasonic blade or the RF electrode to be selectively driven according to a predetermined drive function based on the tissue impedance, the state of the first energy input, and the state of the trigger input.