Ultrasonic Waveguide Acoustic Interferometry for Endoscopic Condition Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing endoscopic ultrasonic instruments for use with small cannulas poses challenges, particularly in measuring conditions such as temperature, mechanical load, and positioning during surgical procedures, which are crucial for effective tissue treatment and avoiding damage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an ultrasonic instrument with a waveguide and end effector that generates pulses, registers interferential patterns from reflected waves, and uses sensors to identify conditions like temperature and mechanical load, allowing for real-time adjustments and calibration within a defined temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ultrasonic instruments are designed for use with small cannulas, then the invasiveness of the procedure is reduced and patient recovery is improved, but the ability to accurately measure conditions such as temperature, mechanical load, and positioning is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical sensors with an acoustic measurement system. By transmitting acoustic signals through the waveguide and analyzing the reflected signals, the system can infer temperature, mechanical load, and positioning conditions without requiring physical sensors at the distal end of the small cannula. This substitution enables accurate condition monitoring while maintaining the minimally invasive design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure conditions inside the small cannula. The acoustic signals travel through the waveguide and interact with the end effector and surrounding tissue, carrying information about temperature, mechanical load, and positioning back to the proximal end for analysis. This intermediary approach allows indirect measurement without compromising the small cannula design.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to measure conditions in real-time, then the precision of condition monitoring is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing waveguide structure multi-functional by using it both for ultrasonic energy transmission and for acoustic signal transmission. The same waveguide that delivers ultrasonic vibrations to the end effector also serves as the transmission medium for measuring acoustic signals. This eliminates the need for separate sensor systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves itself by performing dual functions: delivering therapeutic ultrasonic energy and enabling diagnostic measurements. The acoustic measurement system utilizes the existing waveguide geometry and material properties, allowing the structure to provide both treatment and monitoring capabilities without requiring additional dedicated components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is made curved to accommodate anatomical structures, then the adaptability of the instrument is improved, but the accuracy of acoustic signal transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent treats the waveguide as a dynamic structure whose acoustic properties are characterized and compensated for during operation. By measuring the acoustic signal characteristics through the curved waveguide and comparing them against calibrated reference patterns, the system dynamically compensates for the effects of curvature on signal transmission, maintaining measurement accuracy despite the anatomical adaptations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the acoustic signal transmission characteristics through the specific curved waveguide configuration before actual measurements are taken. By establishing baseline acoustic profiles for the curved waveguide geometry, the system can later distinguish between signal variations caused by curvature and those caused by actual changes in temperature, mechanical load, or positioning conditions.
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 measurement and adjustment of ultrasonic instrument conditions, ensuring effective tissue interaction and minimizing thermal damage during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic instruments utilize mechanical vibration energy transmitted at ultrasonic frequencies
Implementation Method 2
generating one or more waves that scatter in an interferential pattern in response to the transmission of the one or more pulses
Implementation Method 3
transmitting the one or more pulses to one or both of the waveguide and the end effector, generating one or more waves that scatter in an interferential pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring conditions of an ultrasonic instrument includes providing an ultrasonic instrument that includes an end effector and a waveguide operably coupled to a generator and the end effector. The method involves generating one or more pulses with the generator, transmitting the one or more pulses to one or both of the waveguide and the end effector, generating one or more waves that scatter in an interferential pattern in response to the transmission of the one or more pulses, registering a signal indicative of the interferential pattern, generating an actual interferential pattern based upon the signal, and identifying one or more conditions of the end effector based upon the actual interferential pattern.