Universal Interface for Surgical Energy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical energy systems require multiple connectors and interfaces to couple various surgical instruments with generators, leading to complexity and inefficiency in energy-based tissue treatment, particularly in controlling energy output to prevent tissue charring and collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical energy system featuring a universal interface with generator couplers that accommodate different instrument coupler configurations, allowing for simplified and versatile coupling of surgical instruments with output modules providing various energy modalities, such as ultrasonic, microwave, and radiofrequency energy, to enable efficient and controlled tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and interfaces are used to couple various surgical instruments with generators, then compatibility with different instrument types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design that can accommodate multiple instrument types through a single interface. The connector includes multiple contact elements arranged in specific configurations that can interface with different instrument coupler arrangements, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each instrument type while maintaining full compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connector is divided into multiple independent contact elements that can be selectively engaged. Each contact element can establish electrical or mechanical connection with corresponding elements on different instrument types, allowing the single connector to serve multiple functions through its segmented structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and interfaces are used to support various energy modalities, then versatility of energy-based treatment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal interface integrates support for multiple energy modalities (electrosurgery, ultrasonic, microwave, etc.) into a single connector design. The connector's contact elements are arranged to accommodate the specific coupling requirements of different energy-based instruments, allowing surgeons to operate all instrument types through a unified interface without needing to learn multiple connection procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are used for different instrument types, then adaptability to various instruments is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal connector is pre-configured with multiple contact elements in specific arrangements that anticipate the coupling requirements of different instrument types. This preliminary arrangement of contact elements allows for rapid connection to various instruments without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration or selection of different connectors, as the universal design already incorporates all necessary connection points
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 system simplifies instrument-to-generator connections, reduces the need for multiple interfaces, and allows for precise control of energy output, minimizing tissue damage and improving surgical efficiency by accommodating various instruments with a single universal interface.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter configured to output energy at an ultrasonic frequency, a microwave frequency, a radio frequency, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 2
an inverter configured to output energy at an ultrasonic frequency, a microwave frequency, a radio frequency, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
an inverter configured to output energy at an ultrasonic frequency, a microwave frequency, a radio frequency, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 4
one or more mechanical components configured to transfer mechanical forces to the respective one of the first and second surgical instruments to enable the respective one of the first and second surgical instruments to perform one or more functions
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical energy system includes a first and second surgical instruments and a generator including a universal interface. The first surgical instrument includes a first instrument connector having one or more instrument couplers disposed in a first instrument coupler configuration. The second surgical instrument includes a second instrument connector having one or more instrument couplers disposed in a second instrument coupler configuration. The first and second instrument coupler configurations are different. The generator includes a universal interface including generator couplers arranged to provide generator coupler configurations at the universal interface. Each generator coupler configuration accommodates one of the first and second instrument coupler configurations in order to electronically couple the generator to a respective one of the first and second surgical instruments.