3D CAD improves electrosurgery

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 12, 2008

SolidWorks saved Peak Surgical research and development time because it allowed the company to rapidly fabricate multiple prototypes and trial them in parallel with surgeons.

A new surgical device designed using SolidWorks 3D CAD software provides the precision of a scalpel and the bleeding control of traditional electrosurgery without causing heat damage to surrounding tissues.

Peak Surgical's Peak PlasmaBlade 4.0, a low-temperature surgical cutting and coagulation tool that is part of the Peak Surgery System, was recently granted clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in general surgery.

The Peak Surgery System also includes the Pulsar generator, which delivers plasma (energy) in short controlled bursts to the PlasmaBlade.

Results of preclinical trials have shown that surgical incision healing and strength were significantly improved with the PlasmaBlade compared with traditional electrosurgical devices and that the PlasmaBlade was associated with minimal scarring and inflammation.

Peak Surgical standardised on SolidWorks software to incorporate ample ergonomic and functional feedback from several surgeons into the final design of the PlasmaBlade.

"Form and function are critical for surgical devices, and innovation begins with direct input from those who will be using them", said Paul Davison, Vice President of Research and Development at California-based Peak Surgical.

"SolidWorks saved us research and development time because it allowed us to rapidly fabricate multiple prototypes and trial them in parallel with surgeons".

"The software enabled us to easily build feedback into our products to ensure we achieved performance objectives".

SolidWorks' surfacing capabilities enabled Peak Surgical engineers to make slight changes to the grip of the PlasmaBlade to ensure the device felt right to surgeons.

Advanced sheet metal tools allowed engineers to accurately model parts so they could see how they would be made and how they would look.

"SolidWorks allowed us to keep manufacturability and ergonomics in mind as we constantly refined the system throughout product development", said Scott Taylor, Senior Research and Development Engineer at Peak Surgical.

Peak Surgical used SolidWorks Workgroup PDM software to ensure version control while enabling engineers to work on different parts of the same design at the same time.

Peak Surgical engineers also used SolidWorks SimulationXpress to ensure the tip of the PlasmaBlade could stand up to a variety of different stresses.

"Developing new medical technologies makes a profound difference in people's lives", said Jeff Ray, CEO at DS SolidWorks.

"Peak Surgical is yet another example of an upstart company that has made an innovative concept a beneficial medical reality using SolidWorks software".

Peak Surgical relies on authorised SolidWorks reseller Hawk Ridge Systems for ongoing software training, implementation and support.