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Development and evaluation of a titanium-based planar ultrasonic scalpel for precision surgery
Martin Hofmann1, Andreas Haeberlin2, Simone de Brot3
1School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
Ultrasonics
|January 22, 2023
Summary
This study developed a novel titanium ultrasonic scalpel, offering a smaller, lighter, and cost-effective surgical tool. It demonstrated effective in vivo cutting, showing promise as a clinical alternative to existing devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Silicon-based ultrasonic transducers face material failure, limiting clinical application.
- Existing surgical instruments require alternatives or supplements for improved performance.
- Need for smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective ultrasonic scalpels.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a titanium-based planar ultrasonic microscalpel.
- Create a viable alternative or supplementary surgical device.
- Optimize performance for clinical surgical applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabricated and characterized multiple titanium-based ultrasonic scalpel prototypes.
- Varied bonding methods (epoxy adhesives, solder pastes) and tip designs.
- Conducted electro-mechanical characterization, in vitro cutting trials, and in vivo animal experiments.
Main Results:
- Achieved operating frequencies around 40-48 kHz.
- Unmatched operation yielded displacement amplitudes of 25.3 μm and velocities up to 7.9 m/s.
- Demonstrated successful in vivo cutting, even under anticoagulation, with tip geometry influencing performance.
Conclusions:
- The titanium-based ultrasonic microscalpel shows significant potential for surgical use.
- Tip geometry is critical for optimizing resonance and tissue penetration.
- This device offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to current surgical tools.
