A novel multi-field interaction cutting model for ultrasonically activated surgical devices.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Technology
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Ultrasonically activated surgical devices (UASDs) are crucial for cutting, hemostasis, and thermal control in surgery.
• Current models inadequately represent high-frequency interactions, limiting predictive accuracy for UASD cutting.
• Accurate modeling is essential for surgical planning and optimizing UASD design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a UASD-tissue interaction cutting model that accounts for high-frequency interactions.
• To enhance prediction accuracy for multi-physical fields (force, deformation, temperature, damage) during UASD cutting.
• To provide a robust tool for understanding and improving surgical procedures involving UASDs.

Main Methods:

• A novel multi-field interaction cutting model was proposed to predict cutting force, deformation, temperature, and tissue damage.
• A LuGre-based interactive force module was developed to characterize high-frequency UASD-tissue interactions, including cellular rupture lubrication.
• A localized contact algorithm with position-based dynamics and an adaptive time solver were employed for stable contact and multi-time scale equation solving.

Main Results:

• Simulated cutting force, temperature, damage, and deformation closely matched physical experimental results.
• The model demonstrated a negative correlation between cutting speed and lubrication effects on temperature and friction.
• Increased vibration amplitude was shown to enhance friction and heat generation while maintaining model stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed model accurately and robustly predicts multi-physical interactions during UASD cutting.
• The findings offer valuable insights into the UASD cutting process.
• This facilitates improved surgical planning and more effective instrument design for UASDs.