An Ultrasonically Assisted Sagittal Saw for Large Bone Surgeries

Richards, D., Mathieson, A., Lucas, M. and Pretorius, N. (2015) An Ultrasonically Assisted Sagittal Saw for Large Bone Surgeries. In: IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS), Taipei, Taiwan, 21-24 Oct 2015, pp. 1-4. ISBN 978147998182315 (doi: 10.1109/ULTSYM.2015.0279)

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Abstract

Large bone cutting surgeries are predominantly undertaken using sagittal saws, whereas ultrasonic devices are currently limited to small shallow cuts in bone, for example in maxillofacial surgeries. Given the known benefits of ultrasonic cutting, this study considers an approach of superimposing ultrasonic vibration on a sagittal saw blade motion by designing the saw as a planar transducer. Finite element modeling was used to establish piezoceramic and blade geometries, culminating in two designs, one for a longitudinal-mode transducer and one for a lateral-mode transducer. The two resulting planar transducers were manufactured, with the piezoceramic plates bonded to the blades using a high strength epoxy. Impendence plots confirmed the tuned ultrasonic frequency for each transducer. The ultrasonic vibration amplitude of the blade was also measured, although was limited by the device tracking and drive system. Initial cutting tests carried out on a sagittal saw test rig demonstrated small reductions in cut temperature and cut time compared with control blades. These are very early, but promising results for developing this new surgical technology.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mathieson, Dr Andrew and Richards, Mr Daniel and Lucas, Professor Margaret
Authors: Richards, D., Mathieson, A., Lucas, M., and Pretorius, N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
ISBN:978147998182315
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