Transdutores ultrassônicos de Langevin para aplicações médicas

Abstract

Langevin transducers represent high-efficiency devices capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, specifically converting electrical pulses into high-intensity ultrasound sound waves in the surrounding medium. Its proven effectiveness, low energy consumption and environmentally friendly operation have driven a variety of applications in diverse areas in recent years. These applications cover a wide range of activities, inclu ding fabric printing and welding, cutting and drilling processes, separation of water-in-oiln emulsions, ultrasonic cleaning and even in hospital equipment. Particularly, in surgical contexts, it is crucial to highlight that a series of equipment on the market seeks to achieve excellence in the removal of tumors and procedures related to the spine and skull. These devices are developed globally by leading companies such as Misonix, Sonopet, CUSA and ARTIS, who are dedicated to creating highly effective ultrasonic systems for commercial application. The central phenomenon underlying these devices is the generation, growth and controlled implosion of gas microbubbles immersed in liquids, commonly referred to as acoustic cavitation. Furthermore, vibrations resulting from transducers play an essential role in the successful performance of surgical procedures. Despite the technolo gical complexity involved in these systems, the transducer remains the central element responsible for the efficiency of this equipment. In this study, we conduct the design and development of transducers and their components through numerical simulations using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics®. In collaboration with the company ARTIS Tecnologia, we are currently engaged in the creation of new tools that optimize the use of the ultrasonic device in various surgical treatment modalities. In particular, we designed two tips that integrate with the transducer for application in surgeries involving the removal of tumors through bone cutting and scraping. The characterization and validation of the transducers were carried out through experimental comparison of the electrical impedance curve and the displacement and mechanical tension generated by the device. Conducting this study is extremely important for the advancement of ultrasonic technologies intended for applications in the medical field.