Devices and techniques for cutting and coagulating tissue

Abstract

Various forms are directed to systems and methods for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. A generator may generate at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal may be monitored against a first set of logic conditions. When an ultrasonic impedance of the surgical instrument exceeds a threshold impedance, a resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal may be stored as a baseline frequency. A first response of the generator may be triggered upon the occurrence of either the first set of logic conditions being met or the resonant frequency of the at least one electrical signal differing from the baseline frequency by a baseline deviation threshold.

Description

[0001] priority statement [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 621,876, filed April 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to ultrasonic surgical systems, and more particularly, to ultrasonic surgical systems and electrosurgical systems that allow a surgeon to perform cutting and coagulation. Background technique [0004] Ultrasonic surgical instruments are increasingly used in surgical operations due to their unique performance characteristics. Depending on the particular instrument configuration and operating parameters, ultrasonic surgical instruments are capable of substantially simultaneous incision of tissue and hemostasis by coagulation, thereby advantageously minimizing patient trauma. The cutting action is typically accomplished by an end effector or knife tip located at the distal end of the instrument, which transmits ultras...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, without some form of feedback indicator to indicate that the cut is complete, the user may continue to activate the harmonic instrument even though the cut is complete, such that when there is little or no material between the jaws The heat generated when the harmonic device is activated under certain conditions can cause possible damage to the harmonic device and surrounding tissue

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