Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument Rigidizing Articulation Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments lack a robust articulation mechanism that allows for precise control and rigidity adjustments, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic surgical instrument with an articulation section that includes a pair of articulation bands and ribbed body portions, allowing for lateral flexing and adjustable tension to achieve various articulation angles, coupled with an articulation control assembly that enables selective locking and tensioning of the articulation section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the articulation section is made flexible to allow articulation, then articulation capability is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation section employs dynamic rigidity control through tensioning members that can be selectively activated. The shaft transitions between a rigid state (when tensioning members are engaged) and a flexible state (when tensioning members are relaxed), allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making rigidity adjustable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of rigidity by introducing tensioning members that apply variable forces to the articulation section. By adjusting the tension in these members, the effective stiffness of the articulation section can be modified, enabling the shaft to provide structural support when needed while maintaining articulation flexibility when the tensioning members are disengaged.
2Measurement precision
If the articulation mechanism is made more complex to provide precise control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation control mechanism is segmented into discrete, modular components including individual tensioning members, ribbed body portions, and locking features. Each component performs a specific function, and the modular architecture allows for precise control through simple, independent adjustments rather than requiring a complex integrated system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the articulation section is made rigid to maintain stability, then positional stability is improved, but articulation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly implements dynamic stability through the selective engagement of tensioning members. When stability is required, the tensioning members are activated to rigidize the articulation section, preventing unwanted movement. When articulation flexibility is needed, the tensioning members are relaxed, allowing the ribbed body portions to flex. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
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 control over the articulation of the end effector, providing enhanced versatility and rigidity adjustments, thereby improving the instrument's performance in cutting and coagulating tissues with minimal thermal spread.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element.
Implementation Method 2
The development of an ultrasonic surgical instrument with an articulation section that includes a pair of articulation bands and ribbed body portions, allowing for lateral flexing and adjustable tension
Implementation Method 3
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue
Implementation Method 4
by denaturing proteins in tissue cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation lock assembly. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer and includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft and encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The articulation lock comprises a tensioning feature, which is configured to selectively apply tension to at least one of the first member and the second member of the articulation section to thereby increase rigidity in the articulation section.