Ultrasonic technology has been a fundamental of medical practice since the 1950s – with applications in therapeutic procedures well established over decades. However, the integration of ultrasonic technology in robot-assisted surgeries represents an emerging frontier with significant potential for innovation.
Nami’s miniaturised ultrasonic scalpels are set to transform the field of robotic surgery by addressing the major challenges associated with the size and dimensions of conventional ultrasonic devices. The current limitations of standard ultrasonic equipment hinder its integration with wristed robotic instruments, restricting the surgeon’s ability to manoeuvre these devices inside the human body. This constraint not only limits the application of ultrasonic instruments but also diminishes the potential benefits for patients.
Nami’s innovative technology overcomes these obstacles, allowing for enhanced precision and flexibility in robotic surgical procedures, thereby expanding their applications and significantly improving patient outcomes, marking a significant advancement in the future of robotic surgery.
The status quo
Robotic surgery has become widely recognised for its ability to improve patient outcomes by minimising trauma, accelerating recovery, and reducing post-operative pain. Surgeons can now perform complex procedures with multiple instruments in a less invasive manner, achieving high precision and control. This advanced technology enhances surgical accuracy, resulting in better clinical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Robotic surgery within the NHS has significantly enhanced patient outcomes by reducing hospital stays, minimising post-operative pain, and decreasing the risk of complications. National studies have shown that patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries experience faster recovery times when compared to traditional open surgeries. Additionally, robotic surgery has led to a substantial decrease in readmission rates and postoperative complications such as blood clots, enhancing patient safety and promoting early mobilisation. These advancements not only improve patient recovery and satisfaction but also alleviate the burden on NHS resources by reducing bed occupancy and facilitating quicker patient turnover.
As time moves on robotic surgery is becoming the standard for many procedures with the market set to quadruple to a value of $36 billion by 2032. But as it stands, there remain several obstacles that technological advancement needs to overcome, before it can become the standard for a wider variety of procedures.
Ultrasonic scalpels in robotic surgery
Ultrasonic scalpels are extensively used in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery due to their dual capability to cut and cauterize tissues simultaneously, which significantly reduces blood loss and the need for multiple instruments. However, their application in robotic surgery has been limited by their large size and lack of flexibility.
The size of ultrasonic instruments presents a significant physical constraint. Ultrasonic scalpels function by vibrating their blades tens of thousands of times per second. This high operational frequency is crucial for their ability to cut and cauterise tissue simultaneously, and it is determined by the dimensions of the transducer, which converts electrical energy into mechanical vibrations. For clarity, a transducer works similarly to a bell: a larger bell produces a lower pitch, whereas a smaller bell produces a higher pitch. In ultrasonic terms, a larger transducer generates lower frequencies, while a smaller transducer produces higher frequencies.
The operational frequency range for ultrasonic scalpels (30 – 55 kHz) has traditionally required large transducers, which could not be miniaturised sufficiently to be introduced into the human body. Consequently, conventional ultrasonic transducers are typically positioned outside the body, transmitting ultrasonic energy internally through a rigid, non-flexible, and interruptible waveguide. Until now.
Nami’s latest technological breakthrough has unlocked the future by enabling – for the first time – miniaturisation of ultrasonic devices by maintaining the operational vibrational frequency of larger devices. This innovation overcomes numerous obstacles that previously hindered the use of ultrasonic scalpels in robotic surgery.
With existing technology too large for use in robotic surgery, but Nami has developed a miniaturised ultrasonic scalpel with a diameter of less than 10 mm and a length of less than 40 mm. This innovation enables integration with wristed robotic joints, allowing surgeons to manoeuvre the scalpel precisely within the human body. The device can seal blood vessels up to 7 mm in diameter and dissect various tissues without causing blood loss. While Nami focuses on soft-tissue surgery and robotic integration, the company believes that this transducer miniaturisation will benefit multiple surgical fields, including bone and plastic surgery.
The benefits of the breakthrough
What does the future of robotic surgery look like, with Nami Surgical’s breakthrough? With results pending the closure of various healthcare and medical device groups worldwide, the breakthrough will vastly improve patient outcomes, by allowing surgeons to perform faster and safer procedures, with an increased level of precision.
Here in the UK, we are facing a time of high clinical demand, extensive surgical waiting lists, and overcrowded hospitals. By unlocking the future of ultrasonic surgery with our innovative technology, we can help make robotic surgery more widespread. This advancement will shorten recovery times, reduce the duration of various surgeries, and ease the burden on healthcare providers globally.
One technological breakthrough – huge implications for patients, surgeons, and the wider healthcare system.