Development of a ‘smart surgical instrument’: Assessing the feasibility of ultrasound integration into an ultrasonic scalpel

Energy-based surgical instruments are increasingly used in laparoscopic surgical procedures. For example, the ultrasonic scalpel enables tissue coagulation and -cutting by transferring a mechanical vibration to the tissue. Additionally, real-time sensing is implemented to improve the surgical procedures. Intraoperative ultrasonography is one of...