General Information; System Overview - Tyco Healthcare AutoSonix Manual Del Operador

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General Information

System Overview

Description of the System (refer to Figure 1)
The AutoSonix™ System is a system of electromechanical components designed to ultrasonically transect and coagulate a broad range of soft
tissue. The system includes a Generator that produces a 55.5 kHz electrical signal and feeds that signal via the patient cable to a piezoelectric
crystal stack mounted in the autoclavable transducer. The crystal stack converts the electrical signal to mechanical vibration at that same
frequency. This ultrasonic vibration is amplified as it traverses the length of the titanium probe within the disposable instrument to levels
which will permit tissue ablation, cauterization or cutting.
Concept and Principles of Operation (refer to Figure 2)
The AutoSonix™ System uses ultrasound, or sound waves, for fragmentation of soft tissues. Unlike standard cutting or electrosurgical
systems, the AutoSonix™ System offers precise control of tissue ablation due to the controlled ultrasonic field generated. This precise control
allows the surgeon to perform traumatic transection and coagulation with minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue structure.
The Generator unit (Power Supply) feeds a 55.5 kHz (55,500 cycles per second) electrical signal to piezoelectric crystals mounted in the
transducer. The active elements of the transducer then vibrate at that same 55.5 kHz frequency. When placed in a liquid, the vibrating ball tip
causes microscopic bubbles to grow and then collapse with great energy intensity, thus causing the tissue directly in front of the Probe to
be liquefied or fragmented. The blade tip allows cutting and coagulation of tissue by causing shearing forces to be developed in the tissue.
These shearing forces separate tissue and heat the surrounding tissue to a level which permits coagulation and sealing of blood vessels,
without the burning associated with electrocautery.
Functional Components of the System (refer to Figures 1 and 2)
Generator (refer to Figure 1)
The Generator supplies a 55.5 kHz electrical signal to the transducer. A feedback circuit tracks frequency changes in the Probe caused by load
and temperature changes, and maintains maximum electrical efficiency at all times.
In addition, the Generator incorporates an automatic gain control which maintains the amplitude selected by the user. As the Probe contacts
an obstruction, the Generator will automatically supply greater power (wattage) to the transducer, thereby keeping the amplitude constant.
Amplitude, which is the distance the Probe moves out from rest and back in each cycle, determines the extent of tissue disruption. The
Generator has a self-limiting feature which prevents damaging overload.
Main power is controlled by the Main Power switch at the back panel of the Generator. Amplitude is controlled by the Amplitude Control
Knob on the front panel of the Generator (with a setting range from 0-5). A Digital Display is provided to allow the clinician to see the
amplitude set from a distance.
A Mechanical Limit Detector detects breakage along the Probe, Transducer failure, or system overload. These faults will activate an indicator
light and an audible alarm.
An Electrical Fault Detector detects a disconnected transducer cable and a short or break in an output circuit. These faults will activate an
indicator light as well as an audible alarm. Both fault alarms will deactivate the ultrasonic output of the generator.
Foot Switch (refer to Figure 1)
Ultrasonic power is controlled by the Ready/Standby switch on the front panel and by a dual Footswitch connected to the rear panel of
the generator. The left Footswitch pedal control turns on the Ultrasonic output to the level set by the front panel control described above.
The right Footswitch pedal turns on the Ultrasonic Output to maximum. This feature allows the clinician to choose rapidly from a cutting or
sealing mode to coagulation mode.
Transducer (refer to Figure 3)
The handle section of the Transducer houses the piezoelectric crystals which transform the electrical energy from the Generator into
mechanical vibration. The Front Driver transmits and amplifies the vibration out of the transducer casing. A Probe is attached to the Front
Driver by an integral mounting stud. This Probe amplifies the motion and provides the debriding surface of the device. As applications
require, various Probe configurations will be used to extend the working length, to provide increased amplification of vibration, or to provide
a cutting surface for fast removal of tissue. The Transducer is attached to the Generator by a 12 foot (3.66 meters) autoclavable patient cable.
Transducer Cable (refer to Figure 1)
The transducer is attached to the generator by a 12 ft (3.66 meters) autoclavable cable. The cable is supplied with the transducer, and utilizes
keyed connectors at both ends. Either end will fit into the transducer or generator. The transducer cable should be replaced at the same
intervals as the transducer.
Cart
An optional rolling cart is available for storage and transport of the AutoSonix™ generator. The cart is supplied fully assembled.
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