engleski

Design of a new microsurgical ultrasonic probe

During last decade a closer cooperation was established between experts from several institutions (Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, The Center for Clinical Research in Neuroscience and Brodarski Institute), on the research of high power ultrasound and its application in the microsurgical procedures. During previous investigations, we noticed that application of high power ultrasonic point sources (functional prototype NECUP-1) can be used for treatment of hydrocephalus (endoscopic third ventriculostomy). This prototype NECUP-1 can be successfully applied not only in neurosurgery but also in other microsurgical procedures (removal of tumors and others cystical formation in hepatic surgery, cardio-surgery, stomatology, vascular surgery, traumatology, ophthalmology, gynecology and etc.). After we have developed the first model of device NECUP -1 in year 2001 we started development of new device (NECUP-2) which was then successfully applied in clinical practice in year 2004. That device is composed of ultrasound generator, ultrasound probe and additional special instruments made of titanium. During conception and development of device, the computer aided system was used, so special emphasis was placed to manufacturing of instruments which were adjusted for different types of surgical procedures (specific shape of scalpels, cuters and cleaner, etc). Ultrasound generator is composed of power supply, control unit, and self-oscillating power generator which always work on resonant frequency with ultrasound probe. Our concept predicted that same generator can be used for all procedures but after modification of frequencies and modes of control. Ultrasound for all devices was based on complex piezoelectric “ sandwich” transduction system. We used sonotordes of different shape (constant cylindrical section of various radius, exponential horn, conical horn, etc.) for element which transform and shape spatial mechanical ultrasound energy on tissue. Type of sonotrode shape depends on demanded frequency response amplitude of displacement, required mechanical output power, demanded Q-factor and mechanical power dissipation. At the present time we are running project sponsored by Ministry of Science and Technology TP-E 46/2006 of the Republic Croatia which will help us to optimize all mentioned technical characteristics.

Design; microsurgical; ultrasonic probe

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