AutoSonix™ Ultrasonic Coagulation Device

The AutoSonix™ System is a system of electromechanical components designed to ultrasonically transect and coagulate a broad range of soft tissue. The system includes a Generator that produces a 55.5 kHz electrical signal and feeds that signal via the patient cable to a piezoelectric crystal stack mounted in the autoclavable transducer.

The crystal stack converts the electrical signal to mechanical vibration at that same frequency. This ultrasonic vibration is amplified as it traverses the length of the titanium probe within the disposable instrument to levels which will permit tissue ablation, cauterization or cutting. The AutoSonix™ System uses ultrasound, or sound waves, for fragmentation of soft tissues.

Unlike standard cutting or electrosurgical systems, the AutoSonix™ System offers precise control of tissue ablation due to the controlled ultrasonic field generated. This precise control allows the surgeon to perform atraumatic transection and coagulation with minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue structure.

The Generator unit (Power Supply) feeds a 55.5 kHz (55,500 cycles per second) electrical signal to piezoelectric crystals mounted in the transducer. The active elements of the transducer then vibrate at that same 55.5 kHz frequency. When placed in a liquid, the vibrating ball tip causes microscopic bubbles to grow and then collapse with great energy intensity, thus causing the tissue directly in front of the Probe to be liquefied or fragmented. The blade tip allows cutting and coagulation of tissue by causing shear forces to be developed in the tissue. These shearing forces separate tissue and heat the surrounding tissue to a level which permits coagulation and sealing of blood vessels, without the burning associated with electrocautery.

Covidien’s AutoSuture business now resides within Medtronic’s Surgical Operating Unit, under the Medical Surgical Portfolio. This group is focused on delivering advanced technologies for minimally invasive surgery, with a deep legacy in surgical stapling, energy devices, and laparoscopic instrumentation.

Key products from the former AutoSuture line include:

• Endo GIA™ staplers and reloads – a flagship line of linear cutting staplers used in a variety of laparoscopic and open procedures.
• Signia™ – a powered stapling platform offering real-time feedback and adaptive firing technology.
• LigaSure™ – a trusted vessel sealing system for tissue fusion and hemostasis.
• VersaOne™ trocars – for secure and versatile access during minimally invasive surgery.
• Sonicision™ – cordless ultrasonic dissection tools that combine energy and precision.

These technologies form the backbone of Medtronic’s minimally invasive surgical portfolio, originally developed under the AutoSuture brand by U.S. Surgical Corporation, then acquired by Tyco Healthcare, which later became Covidienbefore merging with Medtronic in 2015. Today, Medtronic continues to build on this heritage, delivering solutions that enhance efficiency, precision, and outcomes in the operating room.