University College Dublin
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
The Development of Next-Generation Ultrasonic and
Vibration Assisted Surgical Tools for Bone Cutting
(VIBONE)
Cathal Heavey, Prof. Gerry Byrne, Dr. Eamonn Ahearne
Advanced Manufacturing Science (AMS) Research Centre,
Mechanical Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Collaborating Company: Stryker Instruments
Abstract
Bone cutting is one of the oldest procedures in surgical medicine. However the design of saws and drills has not
advanced significantly in recent decades. Non-conventional processes are being developed to overcome the
shortcomings of today's tools. One such process is ultrasonic/vibration assisted bone cutting. Reported benefits include
reduced reaction forces, and less collateral damage and fiber tearing.
Conventional Bone Cutting Tools
Bone Structure
Hard Cortical Bone
Osteon
Spongy Cancellous
Bone
Figure 1. Examples of conventional bone cutting tools
Shortcomings include;
• Reduced Control
• Elevated Temperatures
• High Cutting Force
• Soft Tissue Damage due to
snagging
Figure 2. Bone is a composite material. It’s properties
are highly variable.
Components of an Ultrasonic Bone Cutting System & Challenges
Figure 4. Thermal
Necrosis of Bone[3]
Amplifier and
Control System
Ultrasonic Transducer
Horn and Vibrating
Cutting Tip
Figure 3. A Current Ultrasonic Cutting Device [1,2]
Figure 6. Low Material
Removal Rate means
Increased Surgical Times
Figure 5. Undesirable
Vibrations[4]
Project Objectives
Variables
Effects
Frequency
Chip Formation
Amplitude
Soft Tissue
Force
Micro Fractures
Cutting tip Design
Thermal
Bone Cells
Outcomes
Understand the fundamental
mechanism of material removal
for ultrasonic tools
Design a tool that utilises the
optimum parameters for the
cutting of bone
References:
[1] Gleizal, A., J. C. Bera, et al. (2007). "Piezoelectric osteotomy: a new technique for bone surgery-advantages in craniofacial surgery." Childs Nervous System 23(5):
509-513
[2] Eggers, G., J. Klein, et al. (2004). "Piezosurgery((R)): an ultrasound device for cutting bone and its use and limitations in maxillofacial surgery." British Journal of Oral
& Maxillofacial Surgery 42(5): 451-453
[3] Lucas, M., A. Cardoni, et al. (2005). "Temperature effects in ultrasonic cutting of natural materials." Cirp Annals-Manufacturing Technology 54(1): 195-198
[4] Cardoni, A., A. MacBeath, et al. (2006). "Methods for reducing cutting temperature in ultrasonic cutting of bone." Ultrasonics 44: E37-E42