Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument Multi-Grip Activation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments lack a user-friendly mechanism for selectively adjusting ultrasonic power levels during surgical procedures, which can affect the precision of cutting and coagulation, and often require complex hand movements to operate multiple controls.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a selector collar and activation buttons on the handle assembly that allow for easy selection between predetermined ultrasonic power levels and activation modes, enabling operators to choose between maximum, minimum, and off positions, with intuitive positioning and tactile feedback for ergonomic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power level controls are provided on the instrument, then the adaptability for different surgical tasks is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring complex hand movements
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a selector collar for power level selection and separate activation buttons for mode selection. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simple function, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability through the combination of these simple controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is arranged in multiple dimensions around the instrument body: the selector collar rotates azimuthally to select power levels, while activation buttons are positioned at different axial positions. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows operators to access different controls from various grip positions, simplifying operation without reducing versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If power level selection controls are added to the instrument, then the precision of cutting and coagulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into independent functional elements: a selector collar for power level selection and separate activation buttons for mode selection. Each element has a simple, dedicated function, allowing precise control of cutting and coagulation parameters without introducing complex integrated controls that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector collar provides dynamic power level selection during the procedure, allowing real-time adjustment of ultrasonic amplitude to optimize cutting and coagulation precision. The mechanical detent mechanism provides stable, discrete power levels while maintaining operational simplicity, avoiding the complexity of continuous electronic controls.
3Ease of operation
If multiple activation buttons are positioned around the instrument, then the ease of operation is improved for different grip positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple activation buttons positioned at different axial locations serve the universal function of mode selection (cut, coagulate, or both). This multi-functional arrangement allows operators to activate the appropriate mode from any grip position without requiring complex switch mechanisms, improving ease of operation while keeping the actuation assembly relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation function is segmented into separate buttons for different modes (cut, coagulate, both), each with a simple push-action mechanism. This segmentation allows each button to be independently positioned for optimal accessibility from different grip positions while maintaining simple, easy-to-manage control mechanics for each function.
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
This configuration enhances the precision and ease of use during surgical procedures by allowing operators to adjust power levels and activate the instrument with minimal hand movement, improving ergonomic comfort and reducing the complexity of controlling ultrasonic surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue
Implementation Method 3
ultrasonic vibrations, which are communicated along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and an actuation assembly. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer for selectively generating an oscillation at a first or a second predetermined power level. The shaft assembly projects from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide connected to the ultrasonic blade. The actuation assembly includes a selector collar generally surrounding the body and a plurality of activation buttons disposed radially about the body proximate to the selector collar. The selector collar is selectively movable along the body between a first position and a second position for selecting between the first and second predetermined power levels. The plurality of activation buttons are configured to direct the ultrasonic blade to oscillate with the selected first or second predetermined power levels.