Ultrasonic Waveguide Fluid Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical instruments face challenges in managing high temperatures, which can lead to tissue damage and instrument degradation, due to the inefficiency of existing cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic surgical system that incorporates an ultrasonic waveguide with first and second longitudinal lumens, transverse bores, and a coupler that forms a fluid-tight seal with inflow and outflow conduits, enabling efficient fluid cooling of the instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ultrasonic energy is transmitted at high frequencies to treat tissue, then surgical effectiveness is improved, but temperature increases to dangerous levels causing tissue damage and instrument degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the ultrasonic waveguide and the surrounding environment. The fluid circulates through internal channels in the waveguide, absorbing excess heat generated during ultrasonic operation and carrying it away, thus mediating the thermal management without interfering with the ultrasonic energy transmission function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a hydraulic cooling system where cooling fluid is pumped through the waveguide via fluid conduits. The pressurized fluid flow efficiently removes heat from the ultrasonic components, demonstrating the application of hydraulic principles to solve thermal management problems in high-power ultrasonic surgical instruments
2Temperature
If cooling fluid conduits are integrated into the waveguide, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler component merges multiple functions into a single integrated part: it mechanically connects the ultrasonic transducer to the waveguide, provides fluid-tight sealing between the cooling fluid conduits and the waveguide, and structurally supports the overall assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the device while maintaining effective temperature control
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 solution effectively cools the ultrasonic surgical instrument, reducing temperatures from over 300°C to around 70°C within 2 seconds, thereby enhancing tissue safety and instrument longevity.
Implementation Method 1
cooling fluid circulation... effectively cools the ultrasonic surgical instrument, reducing temperatures from over 300°C to around 70°C
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical system includes a waveguide defining first and second longitudinal lumens extending through at least a portion of a length of the waveguide. Inflow and outflow conduits are fluidly coupled with the first and second longitudinal lumens to enable the inflow of fluid into the first longitudinal lumen and the outflow of fluid from the second longitudinal lumen. A coupler forms a fluid-tight seal between the inflow conduit and the first longitudinal lumen and between the outflow conduit and the second longitudinal lumen.