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Piezoelectric surgery

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Piezoelectric surgery, or piezosurgery in short – is a process that utilizes piezoelectric vibrations in the application of cutting bone tissue. The process was developed by Tomaso Vercellotti [1] and has been patented.[1] It is indicated for use in oral, maxillofacial, cranial and spinal procedures.

By adjusting the ultrasonic frequency of the device, it is possible to cut hard tissue while leaving soft tissue untouched by the process. The ultrasonic frequency is modulated from 10, 30, and 60 cycles/s (Hz) to 29 kHz. The low frequency enables cutting of mineralized structures, not soft tissue. Power can be adjusted from 2.8 to 16 W, with preset power settings for various types of bone density. The tip vibrates within a range of 60–200 µm, which allows clean cutting with precise incisions. A recent article on the topic of piezoelectricity has named piezoelectric surgery as one of the most important applications of this concept, in addition to medical ultrasound imaging. [2]


References

  1. ^ a b "US Patent and Trademark Office: Patent no. 6695847".
  2. ^ Manbachi, A. and Cobbold R.S.C. (November 2011). "Development and Application of Piezoelectric Materials for Ultrasound Generation and Detection". Ultrasound. 19 (4): 187–196. doi:10.1258/ult.2011.011027.

See also