Vibrating surgical instrument for liposuction and other body contouring applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liposuction devices are limited in tissue harvesting range due to small incision size and often cause contour defects, while high-frequency vibrations can lead to tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating hand-held surgical instrument with an eccentric rotating mass and vibration actuator delivers low-frequency, true harmonic vibrations to loosen tissue beyond the cannula diameter, using a dampening mechanism to protect the operator and reduce trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency vibrations are used to loosen tissue, then tissue loosening efficiency is improved, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vibration frequency parameter from high-frequency to low-frequency range. The vibration actuator delivers vibrations at frequencies below 50 Hz, specifically in the range of 10-40 Hz, which is lower than traditional PAL devices (40-90 Hz). This parameter change allows effective tissue loosening while reducing tissue trauma and contour defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration actuator that generates oscillatory motion in the cannula. The eccentric rotating mass creates true harmonic vibrations that transmit mechanical energy to the tissue, loosening fibrous structures and facilitating fat extraction without requiring high frequencies that cause trauma.
2Shape
If small incision size is used to limit scar visibility, then cosmetic outcome is improved, but tissue harvesting range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of motion by combining reciprocating motion (along the cannula axis) with transverse oscillating motion (perpendicular to the axis). This two-dimensional motion pattern allows the cannula to affect tissue in a wider area beyond its diameter, expanding the effective harvesting range through a small incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cannula motion dynamic by adding oscillatory movement to the traditional reciprocating motion. The vibration actuator creates dynamic transverse vibrations that expand the tissue interaction zone, allowing the cannula to loosen and harvest tissue from a broader area while maintaining a small incision size.
3Ease of operation
If reciprocating motion is used to harvest tissue, then surgeon effort is reduced, but harvesting range is limited to cannula diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds transverse oscillating motion perpendicular to the cannula axis, creating two-dimensional tissue interaction. This additional dimensional movement expands the effective harvesting area beyond the cannula diameter while maintaining the power-assisted reciprocating motion that reduces surgeon effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges reciprocating motion (for depth penetration and reduced surgeon effort) with transverse oscillating motion (for expanded harvesting range). The vibration actuator combines these two motion types into a single integrated system, achieving both ease of operation and extended harvesting capability.
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 device achieves efficient tissue loosening with reduced trauma, allowing wider tissue harvesting and improved graft integration, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing contour defects.
Implementation Method 1
A vibrating hand-held surgical instrument with an eccentric rotating mass and vibration actuator delivers low-frequency, true harmonic vibrations to loosen tissue beyond the cannula diameter
Implementation Method 2
using a dampening mechanism to protect the operator and reduce trauma
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrating hand held surgical instrument for loosening tissue of a patient for liposuction or body contouring procedures. The instrument includes a motor connected to a vibration actuator having an eccentric rotating mass and an end effector for engaging tissue operatively connected to the vibration actuator, wherein the motor rotates the eccentric mass to cause the end effector to vibrate to loosen tissue. A flexible shaft having first end and second ends dampen the vibration to the motor and to the operator handle.