Si-µScalpel - Micromachined Ultrasonic Scalpel for CMF and Plastic Surgery

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 11309.1;6 PFLS-LS

Short description (English)

Si-µScalpel - Micromachined Ultrasonic Scalpel for CMF and Plastic Surgery

Short description (French)

Si-µScalpel - Micromachined Ultrasonic Scalpel for CMF and Plastic Surgery

Abstract (French)

Ultrasonic surgical instruments are routinely used in in more than 6.5 million laparoscopic and open surgeries including general surgery, in the areas of general surgery, vessel harvesting, gynecologic, colorectal and otolaryngologic surgery as well as laparoscopic surgery. The advantage of the technology is the precise control over coagulation and cutting which allows a minimal lateral thermal spread resulting in reduced tissue damage. New market opportunities have been identified in Cranio-Maxillofacial- and plastic surgery. In order to have access to these market opportunities, the instrument has to be miniaturized while keeping or improving its speed and performance. Silicon has been identified as optimal material for acoustic wave propagation which allows a cost-effective batch manufacturing. In this project, a micromachined Si-based ultrasonic scalpel and corresponding control system will be developed and tested with integrated piezoelectric actuator. Reduced costs, smaller size and more efficient ultrasonic actuation will be key to access new markets in face surgery, eye and nose surgery as well as skin cancer surgery.