Numerous medical devices utilize circular and/or linear motions to treat tissue. Some of these devices are powered manually using hand actuation, while others are powered partially or completely using an external energy source.

Prior art external energy sources include electric motors (AC or battery operated) and compressed fluid (using a compressor or pressurized cartridge). While long established, each of these power sources suffers from various limitations and shortcomings.

THEREFORE, an alternative mechanical energy source that is safe, effective, economically viable and readily available could be most beneficial.

SonicDrive™ converts the high frequency, low amplitude mechanical vibrations produced by an ultrasonic transducer into macroscopic rotary or linear output motions having sufficient stroke, force, speed and precision to accomplish a wide variety of medical tasks.

SonicDrive™ utilizes the readily available ultrasonic power generators that are now widely used for cutting and coagulation in surgical suites throughout the world, such as the Harmonic™ system by Ethicon Endo-Surgery and the Autosonix™ system by United States Surgical.

A SonicDrive™ powered medical device system includes the ultrasonic generator, removable handpiece and a plurality of device attachments.


Devices can be configured for a variety of output characteristics, making it possible to drive many end-effectors, such as:

▪ staplers
▪ drills
▪ cutters
▪ biopsy devices
▪ debriders
▪ suturing devices
▪ debulking devices
▪ clamps
▪ grippers
▪ retractors
▪ clip appliers
▪ other?

Operation of the SonicDrive™ is based on simple, well established linear ultrasonic motor technology.

• An energized transducer produces high frequency (e.g. 55.5 kHz), low amplitude (e.g. 20-150 µm) mechanical vibrations.
• Frictional contact between the vibrating transducer tip and a driven wheel causes the tip to move in elliptical fashion.
• The driven wheel provides macroscopic output rotary motion which can be converted to other output motions as desired.

View the animation by clicking here or on the image below...

Two different fully functional SonicDrive™ models have been created to demonstrate a range of performance characteristics

1) The first SonicDrive™ model produces high force, linear motion, such as might be used to power a surgical stapler:

• capable of generating forces exceeding 125 lbs. using 100:1 gear ratio
• generates near constant force at both slow and high speeds, offering the surgeon maximum control during actuation
• 
  

Please click here or on the image below to view a brief Quicktime video...

2) The second SonicDrive™ model produces high speed, rotary motion, such as might be used to power a surgical drill or debrider:

• achieves 1500 - 3000 rpm and 4.5 in.-oz of torque at 1:1 gear ratio
• variable speed

Please click here or on the image below to view a brief Quicktime video...

The example SonicDrive™ powered medical device system shown here is based on the Autosonix™ ultrasonic generator and handpiece sold by United States Surgical. SonicDrive™ is compatible and works equally well with other commercially available ultrasonic power generators.

SonicDrive™ is superior to other powered device technologies:

• small, light weight
• simple, easy to use
• reliable
• scalable to other sizes
• unlimited shelf life
• no disposal issues
• easy to sterilize
• MRI compatible
• design flexibility (e.g. can pivot to allow articulation)
• instantaneous start and stop
• active braking when de-energized
• can be variable speed and reversible
• constant force at low or high speeds
  

Advantages of licensing SonicDrive™:

• platform technology with groundbreaking IP
• broad claim coverage possible, will provide barriers to entry
• exclusivity for full patent life
• plug-n-play with existing ultrasonic power generators leverages installed base of costly capital equipment
• sales of new powered devices offering surgeons more “bang for the buck”
• increased sales of existing ultrasonic products
• increased market share due to conversion of customers from competitor’s ultrasonic systems
• low cost to manufacture
• partly or completely disposable devices
• limited life design to prevent reprocessing