ultrasonic harmonic scalpel lies in its ability to
convert electrical energy into mechanical vibrations.
This unique process enables surgeons to achieve
precise tissue dissection while minimizing trauma to
surrounding structures. As a result, patients
experience faster healing times and reduced
postoperative complications, leading to shorter
hospital stays and quicker return to normal activities.
Furthermore, the precise haemostasis achieved by the
scalpel enhances surgical visibility, providing
surgeons with a clear field of view to perform intricate
procedures with unparalleled accuracy. This
improved visibility is especially crucial in delicate
surgeries where precision is paramount, such as
neurosurgery and laparoscopic procedures. The
widespread adoption of the ultrasonic harmonic
scalpel across various surgical specialties underscores
its versatility and effectiveness in optimizing patient
care and outcomes. From general surgery to plastic
surgery, this advanced tool has become indispensable
in the hands of skilled surgeons, revolutionizing the
way surgeries are performed and ultimately
improving the quality of life for countless patients
worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, the
ultrasonic harmonic scalpel stands as a shining
example of innovation in healthcare, paving the way
for even greater advancements in surgical practice. (,
(Jones, et al., 2017), Garcia, et al., 2018), (Lee, et al.,
2019)
2.2 Functionality of the Ultrasonic
Harmonic Scalpel
The ultrasonic harmonic scalpel is a remarkable
advancement in surgical technology, designed to
enhance precision and minimize tissue damage during
surgical procedures. It operates by converting
electrical energy into mechanical vibrations, utilizing
ultrasonic frequencies to cut and coagulate tissues
with remarkable precision. The scalpel consists of
several key components, including the power supply
section, scalpel unit, and vibrational heat production
mechanism. The power supply section converts
standard mains power supply into the required voltage
for the device, ensuring consistent performance. The
scalpel unit, comprising a handpiece and blade tip, is
responsible for transmitting mechanical vibrations to
the tissue, enabling precise dissection and
coagulation. Vibrational heat production plays a
crucial role in tissue cutting by generating frictional
heat at the blade tip, facilitating haemostasis and
minimizing bleeding. Through meticulous design and
engineering efforts, the ultrasonic harmonic scalpel
offers surgeons a powerful tool to improve surgical
outcomes and patient safety. Its integration of
advanced technology and ergonomic design
exemplifies the intersection of science and medicine
in advancing surgical techniques.
The block diagram of the ultrasonic harmonic
scalpel shown in Figure 1. encompasses several
crucial components that work seamlessly together to
achieve precise tissue dissection and coagulation.
Below is a detailed description of each section:
2.2.1 Power Supply Section
The power supply section is responsible for providing
the necessary electrical energy to the ultrasonic
harmonic scalpel. It begins with a transformer that
converts the standard mains power supply from 220
volts at 50 Hz to the required voltage of 110 volts at
60 Hz. This step is essential to ensure compatibility
with the electrical specifications of the device. After
the voltage conversion, the power supply section may
include additional circuitry to regulate and stabilize
the output voltage, ensuring consistent performance
of the ultrasonic generator circuitry.
This regulation is critical for maintaining the
optimal operation of the scalpel unit and ensuring
safety during surgical procedures.
2.2.2 Generator Circuit
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) was designed for the
ultrasonic generator circuit. For making up the PCB,
Proteus software was utilized. The PCB consists of
dedicated input and output slots for connecting input
supply and output respectively. First, the schematic of
an ultrasonic generator circuit was designed to make
a PCB. Using a schematic capture tap in the Proteus a
PCB design was developed. The components were
placed randomly upon the PCB, later all the scattered
components were placed according to the input and
output configurations. The diodes, choke inductors,
and resistors were placed near the input slot.
2.2.3 Scalpel Unit
The scalpel unit is the physical component of the
ultrasonic harmonic scalpel that comes into direct
contact with the tissue during surgery. It consists of a
handpiece that houses the blade tip and connects to
the generator circuitry through a specialized cable.
The blade tip of the scalpel unit is designed to focus
the mechanical vibrations generated by the generator
circuit, enabling precise tissue dissection and
coagulation. This component was contributed by
author 3.