Ultrasonic End Effector With RF Sealing Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments face challenges in achieving precise cutting and coagulation of tissue due to reliance on operator technique and limited control over power levels, tissue impedance, and temperature sensing, without simultaneous application of both ultrasonic and RF energy.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic surgical instrument with integrated RF energy capability, featuring a handle assembly, shaft, and end effector with a pivoting clamp arm and ultrasonic blade, allowing for simultaneous cutting and sealing of tissue by controlling power levels and tissue impedance through a generator and controller, and applying RF energy for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic energy is applied for cutting and coagulation, then tissue sealing capability is improved, but control over power levels and tissue impedance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time sensing of tissue impedance and temperature, with the controller adjusting power levels based on these measurements to maintain precise control during ultrasonic and electrosurgical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including power level, ultrasonic amplitude, and RF power based on sensed tissue conditions, allowing adaptive control to optimize both cutting and sealing performance
2Measurement precision
If RF electrosurgical energy is applied for tissue sealing, then coagulation precision is improved, but simultaneous cutting and sealing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector integrates both ultrasonic blade and RF electrosurgical electrode, allowing simultaneous application of ultrasonic energy for cutting and RF energy for coagulation in a single surgical instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector performs multiple functions including cutting, coagulation, and sealing through the combined ultrasonic and electrosurgical capabilities, making it a universal tool for various surgical tasks
3Ease of operation
If operator technique is relied upon for precision, then flexibility in handling different tissues is maintained, but consistency and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time sensing of tissue impedance, temperature, and other parameters provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts energy delivery to maintain consistent precision regardless of operator technique variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically adjusting power levels and energy delivery based on sensed tissue conditions, reducing dependence on operator skill and experience for achieving precise results
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 instrument achieves precise cutting and coagulation of tissue with improved control over power levels and tissue impedance, enabling simultaneous cutting and sealing with enhanced precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue
Implementation Method 3
applying radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue that is captured between the clamp arm and the blade element
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector of an instrument is positioned in a patient. An ultrasonic blade of the end effector is positioned against tissue in the patient. The ultrasonic blade is activated to vibrate ultrasonically while the ultrasonic blade is positioned against tissue. At least one electrode of the end effector is positioned against tissue in the patient. The at least one electrode is activated to apply RF electrosurgical energy to tissue against which the at least one electrode is positioned against tissue.