Electrosurgical generator and method of operating the same and electrosurgical generator system

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrosurgical generator and a method of operating the same as well as an electrosurgical generator system. An electrosurgical generator comprises a data storage device coupled to a control device for storing a warning time and a shutdown time, a time tracking device for determining an instrument-specific activation duration, wherein the activation duration is the duration of time from a first connection or first activation of an electrosurgical instrument connected to an instrument terminal to an actual time value, and the activation duration is recorded continuously independent of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument, and when the determined activation duration exceeds the instrument-specific warning time for the connected instrument, the control device triggers a warning indication by triggering a signaling device, and / or when the determined activation duration exceeds the instrument-specific shutdown time, the control device triggers by controlling a deactivation device to render or maintain the connected instrument inoperable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrosurgical generator for operating electrosurgical instruments. The invention also relates to an electrosurgical generator system and a method for operating the electrosurgical generator used to operate electrosurgical instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Electrosurgical generators used to operate electrosurgical instruments are well known. These generators serve as a power source for the electrosurgical instruments connected to them. They are also used to monitor the proper operation of the connected electrosurgical instruments.

[0003] When using electrosurgical instruments powered by an electrosurgical generator, it is essential to ensure that the instruments are sterile. For this reason, solutions are known to disable electrosurgical instruments after their effective usage time or a certain number of activations.

[0004] Such a solution is known from US Patent Grant Notice US 6,237,604 B1. US 6,237,604 B1 describes an electrosurgical generator that stores a list of used instruments (instrument catalog) in its data storage, recording the effective usage time and number of uses for each instrument connected to the generator over time. The generator's instrument catalog is updated after an electrosurgical instrument is connected to the generator and activated, or a new entry is generated if the instrument has not previously been connected to the generator. Therefore, usage data is not stored on the instrument, which simplifies the instrument's structure. It is also known from US 6,237,604 B1 that an electrosurgical instrument will be disabled if its permissible effective usage time or permissible number of activations is exceeded.

[0005] Because handheld electrosurgical instruments are sterile, for safety reasons, they should only be used for a short period, such as one day, after being opened or placed in an environment that is not completely sterile. However, a drawback of tracking usage time and activation counts is that the time since the instrument's first use does not necessarily correspond to the instrument's effective usage time. Therefore, there is a risk of instrument contamination because the actual elapsed time may be too long.

[0006] A second drawback of the known solutions (especially the solution in US 6,237,604 B1) is that the device used to disable the device immediately disables it when the effective use time or number of uses is reached. Therefore, it is possible that the effective use time limit is reached while the device is currently in use, and the operator may be surprised by the shutdown. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution that improves the safety of use of instruments connected to an electrosurgical generator. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution that reduces the risk of contamination of electrosurgical instruments connected to an electrosurgical generator and / or improves the usability of electrosurgical instruments connected to an electrosurgical generator.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical generator (100) for operating an electrosurgical instrument (200) comprises: an instrument terminal (110) for connecting to and supplying power to the electrosurgical instrument (200); an instrument detection device (120) for detecting an electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) during operation of the electrosurgical generator; and a control device (130) for controlling a signaling device (140) and a deactivation device (150), wherein the signaling device (140)... The electrosurgical generator (100) is configured to generate a warning indication, and the deactivation device (150) is configured to disable or keep the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) from operating, characterized in that the electrosurgical generator (100) further includes: a data storage device (160) coupled to the control device (130), the data storage device (160) for storing warning times (twarn) and shutdown times (toff), the warning times and the shutdown times being respectively assigned to the detected electrosurgical instrument (200) to each Each detected electrosurgical instrument (200) is assigned an instrument-specific warning time and a shutdown time; a time tracking device (170) is used to determine an instrument-specific activation duration (tE), wherein the activation duration (tE) is the duration from the time detected based on the first connection (t0) or first activation (t0) of the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) to the actual time value (tist), and the activation duration (tE) is detected for each detected electrosurgical instrument (200), and the activation duration (t... E) is recorded continuously and independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument (200), and when the determined activation duration (tE) exceeds the instrument-specific warning time (tE>twarn) of the connected electrosurgical instrument (200), the control device (130) triggers a warning indication by triggering the signaling device (140), and / or when the determined activation duration exceeds the instrument-specific shutdown time (tE>toff), the control device (130) triggers the deactivation device (150) to make the connected electrosurgical instrument (200) not operate or remain inactive.

[0009] According to a first aspect, an electrosurgical generator is provided for operating electrosurgical instruments. The electrosurgical generator provides the instruments with power, for example, from the power grid or from an energy storage device such as a battery.

[0010] Preferably, the generator is a high-frequency generator that generates a high-frequency supply current at the instrument terminals to provide high-frequency current and / or high-frequency voltage to the connected instruments.

[0011] The electrosurgical generator includes instrument terminals for connecting and powering electrosurgical instruments. Instrument terminals can also be understood as connectors, ports, or connection sockets. In operation, the instrument is connected to the terminals to provide an electrical connection between the instrument and the generator. The generator is configured to supply current or voltage to the instrument. For this purpose, the generator is connected to the power grid, for example, and includes a power converter for powering the instrument. A power converter can also be referred to as a switching device. Power converters are well-known. A power converter used to convert alternating current to direct current is called a rectifier. A power converter used to convert direct current to alternating current is called an inverting rectifier or inverter. A power converter used to convert AC current to another AC current is called a frequency converter. A power converter used to convert direct current to another direct current is called a DC-DC converter. The generated alternating current or the generated direct current may be higher, lower, or reversed, depending on the design of the converter in the electrosurgical instrument of this application or the requirements of the electrical load.

[0012] The electrosurgical generator also includes an instrument detection device for detecting electrosurgical instruments connected to the instrument terminals during operation of the electrosurgical generator. The instrument detection device is suitable for determining which individual instrument is connected to the instrument terminal. Preferably, the instrument detection device is suitable for identifying unique identifiers (e.g., barcodes, etc.) arranged on the electrosurgical instruments. It should be understood that, for this purpose, the generator includes identification devices, such as scanners, readers, etc. The instrument detection device may also preferably be suitable for receiving unique identifiers by means of data transmission from the electrosurgical instruments. It should also be understood that, for this purpose, the generator includes data communication devices or data exchange devices, such as data interfaces, and the instruments include data transmission lines for exchanging data with the generator. The data transmission lines can be wired lines. The data transmission lines can also be wireless transmission lines based on technologies such as RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth.

[0013] The electrosurgical generator also includes control devices for controlling signaling devices and deactivating devices, wherein the signaling devices are configured to generate warning indications.

[0014] The control device can also be referred to as a controller or control unit. A control device is, for example, the processor of an electrosurgical generator, such as a CPU or microcontroller. The control device is signal-connected to signaling and deactivation devices, meaning that the device is connected via data or signal lines for data or signal transmission. The control device can be understood as a controller that controls the signaling and deactivation devices, which can be understood as an actuator. The control device is suitable for generating control signals for controlling the signaling and / or deactivation devices.

[0015] A signaling device is a means of generating warning indications such as optical or acoustic warning indications. Warning indications can be displayed at the generator. An example of an optical warning indication is a warning message shown on the generator's display, while an example of an acoustic warning indication is a sound signal generated by a sound source, such as a speaker.

[0016] A deactivation device is a device configured to disable or prevent the operation of an electrosurgical instrument connected to an instrument terminal. A deactivation device is, for example, a controllable switch unit that disables the power supply to the instrument. In the second example, the deactivation device is a control unit that sends a shutdown signal or a disable signal to the receiver of the electrosurgical instrument. Both signals can prevent further use of the electrosurgical instrument. Preventing the electrosurgical instrument connected to the instrument terminal from operating means that if the instrument has already been turned off, it cannot be reactivated. Deactivating the electrosurgical instrument connected to the instrument terminal means that the deactivation device automatically shuts off the instrument in active use.

[0017] The electrosurgical generator also includes a data storage device coupled to a control unit for storing warning and shutdown times. These warning and shutdown times are each assigned to a detected instrument, thus assigning an instrument-specific warning and shutdown time to each detected instrument. Therefore, the electrosurgical generator includes a data storage device for storing warning and shutdown times. The data storage device is, for example, a non-volatile data storage device. The warning time describes the time or duration at which a warning indication should be generated by means of a signaling device. Therefore, the warning time can be understood as a first time threshold or a first time span. The warning time is, for example, a duration of 10 hours. The shutdown time describes the time or duration at which the instrument should be deactivated by means of a deactivation device. Therefore, the shutdown time can be understood as a second time threshold or a second time span. The shutdown time is, for example, a duration of 12 hours. It should be understood that in operation, the shutdown time (e.g., 12 hours) is greater than the warning time (e.g., 10 hours). The warning and shutdown times are implemented in the data storage device as reference values ​​for comparison with the activation duration, which is determined by means of a time tracking device described below. Furthermore, it is recommended that an instrument-specific warning and shutdown time be assigned to each connected instrument connected to the generator. This allows different warning times and different shutdown times to be assigned to different devices. However, it should be understood that the same warning time and shutdown time can also be achieved for each individual device.

[0018] In a specific implementation example, a list or catalog of devices can be stored in a data storage device. The list or catalog includes warning times and shutdown times as entries for each individual device. The data storage device used to store the warning times and / or shutdown times can be the same data storage device used to store the list of devices or a different data storage device.

[0019] The electrosurgical generator also includes a time-tracking device for determining a specific activation duration for the instrument, wherein the activation duration is the duration from the time detected based on the first connection or first activation of the electrosurgical instrument connected to the instrument terminal to an actual time value. The actual time value can also be understood as the current time or present time at the time the electrosurgical generator is in operation. The time-tracking device can also be understood as a timer or counter that records the elapsed time from the first activation or first connection of the instrument connected to the generator. Therefore, the activation duration can be understood as a continuously determined duration from the first activation or first connection of the instrument until the actual time. If, for example, the instrument was first activated or connected to the generator two hours ago, then the activation duration is two hours regardless of whether the electrosurgical instrument is used or disconnected from the generator during that time. The activation duration thus describes the actual elapsed time value measured from the first connection or first activation of the electrosurgical instrument until the actual time value.

[0020] The activation duration is detected for each device. Therefore, it is recommended to track or record the time elapsed from the first activation or first connection for each device. Thus, if different devices are activated or connected to the generator at different times, the activation times of those devices will be different.

[0021] Activation duration is recorded continuously and independently of the operational status of the electrosurgical instrument. Therefore, it is recommended to not determine the effective usage time of the instrument. Instead, it is recommended to record the time elapsed since the instrument's first activation or initial connection to the generator. For example, the tracking or recording of activation duration is not interrupted when the instrument connected to the generator is disconnected. Thus, activation duration is a continuous time measurement that is tracked or recorded independently of the status of the connected instrument. Even when the instrument is disconnected from the generator or is not in use, the activation duration will still be recorded or tracked using a time tracking device.

[0022] Preferably, the device detection device is used to trigger the start of the time tracking device's tracking of the activation duration. Therefore, it is recommended that the device detection device determine or trigger the start point of the activation duration for each connected device.

[0023] When the determined activation duration exceeds the device-specific warning time of the connected device, the control unit of the electrosurgical generator triggers a warning indication via a signaling device. Therefore, it is recommended that the control unit generate a control signal to control the signaling device when the device-specific warning time is reached or exceeded. When the activation duration is equal to or greater than the warning time, a warning indication is automatically generated by means of the signaling device.

[0024] When the determined activation duration exceeds the device-specific shutdown time, the control unit of the electrosurgical generator is additionally or alternatively triggered by controlling a deactivation device to disable or remain inactive with the connected device. Therefore, it is recommended that the control unit generate a control signal for controlling the deactivation device when a device-specific warning time is reached or exceeded. If the activation duration is equal to or greater than the shutdown time, the connected device automatically shuts down by means of the deactivation device. In the example, an error indication to disable the device or the generator may be generated to disable or remain inactive with the connected device.

[0025] Because the activation duration is continuously recorded independently of the operating status of the electrosurgical instruments, it ensures that the electrosurgical instruments will not be used for excessively long periods. This provides a solution that improves the safety of using instruments connected to the generator. Specifically, the proposed solution reduces the risk of contamination of electrosurgical instruments connected to the electrosurgical generator.

[0026] The implemented warning time further ensures that operators of electrosurgical instruments will not be surprised by the automatic shutdown of the instruments, as a warning indication is generated if the warning time is reached. This provides a solution that improves the safety of using instruments connected to the generator. Specifically, the proposed solution improves the usability of electrosurgical instruments connected to the electrosurgical generator.

[0027] Therefore, it is generally recommended to implement a one-time activation counter in the electrosurgical generator, which can continuously and independently track the activation duration of each instrument, regardless of the instrument's operating status.

[0028] Furthermore, it is generally understood that, for example, the activation duration can be reset when a used electrosurgical instrument is sterilized again.

[0029] Preferably, the signaling device includes an acoustic signaling device for outputting an acoustic signal as a warning indication, and / or, the signaling device includes an optical signaling device for outputting an optical signal or optical message as a warning indication. Examples of optical warning indications include a warning message displayed on a generator's display or an optical signal generated by means of a colored light or LED at the generator, such as a yellow or red LED being activated, when a warning time is reached. Examples of acoustic warning indications include sound signals generated by means of a sound generator (such as a loudspeaker).

[0030] Preferably, the data storage device is configured to store a device list, in which device-specific information of electrosurgical instruments connected to the device terminals is readily stored. The device list can also be understood as a device catalog. For each connected device, the device list preferably includes at least one of the following entries or information: a unique device identifier, warning time, shutdown time, first activation time, first connection time, time compensation, determined activation duration, a first flag indicating the warning time has been reached, and a second flag indicating the shutdown time has been reached. The device list or device catalog is readily stored in the data storage device, meaning that an authorized operator of the generator can access and / or view the entries in the device list. The list can be accessed manually, for example, by means of an operating device such as a control button or touch display that is part of the electrosurgical generator. Furthermore, it is suggested that the entries in the device list are customizable and therefore editable by an authorized operator. A unique device identifier is, for example, a unique code or ID assigned to the device, such as a unique hexadecimal code. For example, the first flag is a bit indicating a state of "true" or "false". For example, the second flag is a bit indicating a state of "true" or "false".

[0031] Preferably, the device detection device is adapted to send a unique device identifier of the connected device to a data storage device for generating a device list. Therefore, it is recommended that the device detection device detect which device is connected to the device terminal or activated. To create the device list, the device detection device sends the information of the detected device as an identifier to the data storage device. The identifier can be read directly from the connected device by the device detection device, or the identifier can be generated by the device detection device based on information read from or at the connected device.

[0032] Preferably, the activation duration is an elapsed real-time duration independent of the usage duration or effective operation duration of the connected device, where the usage duration or effective operation duration describes the duration indicating how long the device has been effectively used or operated. Therefore, it is recommended that the activation duration be a real-time, uninterrupted time measurement, independent of the state of the connected device. The activation duration will still be recorded even if the device is disconnected from the generator or is not in use.

[0033] Preferably, the electrosurgical generator further includes a date and time device for detecting and / or displaying the current time, and a time tracking device for determining the device-specific activation duration includes a time reference independent of the date and time device, so that the time tracking device can operate independently of the date and time device. The date and time device can be understood as a clock that determines the current date and time (i.e., the current time). The current time can be displayed on the generator's display. Furthermore, it is recommended that the time tracking device have a time reference independent of the detected current time. Due to the independent time reference of the time tracking device, manually adjusting the current time at the generator has no effect on the tracked activation duration. Therefore, the operator cannot manually adjust the current time at the generator to affect the activation time. This increases safety.

[0034] Preferably, the time tracking device is configured to determine time compensation when the current time of the electrosurgical generator is manually adjusted, and the time tracking device is configured to use the determined time compensation to determine the device-specific activation duration. In the case where the current time is manually adjusted by the operator, the generator is thus adapted to track the manual adjustment of time with the aid of time compensation. If, for example, the operator intentionally adjusts the time two hours in the past, two hours of compensation will be stored in the generator so that the time adjustment is taken into account when determining the activation duration.

[0035] Preferably, the initial activation of the electrosurgical instrument connected to the instrument terminal can be performed by means of an activation device coupled to the electrosurgical generator, wherein the activation device is preferably a pedal device and / or a manual switch. Therefore, it is recommended that the activation device for activating the instrument be connected to the generator, wherein the activation device is preferably an external device that is not part of the electrosurgical instrument. Preferably, the activation device is a pedal device, such as a foot pedal. Preferably, the activation device is a manual switch, such as a button or toggle switch. An external activation device that is not part of the instrument has the advantage of reducing the complexity and weight of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0036] Preferably, the control device triggers a warning indication by triggering a signaling device when the determined activation duration exceeds the device-specific warning time of the connected device and when device connection and / or device activation is detected. Therefore, it is recommended that the warning indication not be triggered directly upon reaching or exceeding the warning time, but rather triggered when one of the additional actions or events occurs (i.e., device connection and / or device activation is detected). It should be understood that the generator includes means for detecting device connection and / or device activation. For example, a warning indication may be generated directly when the warning time is reached and when the used device is reconnected to the generator, or a warning indication may be generated when the warning time is reached and after device activation.

[0037] Preferably, when the determined activation duration exceeds the device's specific shutdown time and when device connection and / or device activation are detected, the control device triggers a deactivation device to disable or prevent the connected device from operating. Therefore, it is recommended that the device not be directly disabled or prevented from operating upon reaching or exceeding the shutdown time, but rather that the device be disabled or prevented from operating upon the occurrence of one of the additional actions or events (i.e., detection of device connection and / or detection of device activation). It should be understood that the generator includes means for detecting device connection and / or for detecting device activation. For example, the device may be disabled or cannot be activated when the shutdown time is reached and when the used device is reconnected to the generator, or when the shutdown time is reached and device activation is detected.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical generator system is provided, comprising an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator, wherein the electrosurgical generator is implemented according to any of the embodiments described above or below. Therefore, the electrosurgical generator system is a system that at least includes an electrosurgical generator as described above or below and an electrosurgical instrument connected to the generator.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for operating an electrosurgical generator for operating electrosurgical instruments, wherein the electrosurgical generator includes an instrument terminal for connecting and supplying power to the electrosurgical instruments, an instrument detection device for detecting the electrosurgical instruments connected to the instrument terminal during operation of the electrosurgical generator, and a control device for controlling a signaling device and a deactivation device, wherein the signaling device is configured to generate a warning indication, and wherein the deactivation device is configured to disable or keep the electrosurgical instruments connected to the instrument terminal from operating, and a data storage device coupled to the control device for storing warning times and shutdown times, the warning times and shutdown times being respectively assigned to the detected instruments to assign instrument-specific warning times and shutdown times to each detected instrument.

[0040] The method includes the following steps:

[0041] The activation duration of an instrument is determined using a time tracking device, wherein the activation duration is the duration from the time detected based on the first connection or first activation of the electrosurgical instrument connected to the instrument terminal to the actual time value, and wherein the activation duration is detected for each detected instrument, and the activation duration is recorded continuously and independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0042] When the determined activation duration exceeds the device-specific warning time of the connected device, a warning indication is triggered by controlling the signaling device with the control device.

[0043] When the determined activation duration exceeds the device’s specific shutdown time, the connected device is deactivated or kept inactive by controlling the deactivation device with the control device.

[0044] Therefore, the method includes the following main steps: For each electrosurgical instrument connected to the generator, the activation duration is tracked or recorded using a time tracking device. As described above, the activation duration is recorded continuously and independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument. Therefore, the activation duration is independent of the instrument's operating state. If the recorded activation duration reaches or exceeds a stored warning time, the control unit triggers a warning indication via a control signaling device. Thus, when the activation duration reaches or exceeds the shutdown time, a warning is indicated at the generator before the instrument shuts down. Therefore, the automatic shutdown of the instrument is indicated in advance using the warning. Therefore, the safety of using the instruments connected to the generator is increased because the operator will not be surprised by the shutdown. Furthermore, since the activation duration is recorded continuously and independently, it is ensured that the instrument will not be used for an extended period of time and the risk of contamination is reduced.

[0045] Preferably, the electrosurgical generator is implemented according to any of the embodiments described above or below, and / or the electrosurgical generator is part of an electrosurgical generator system according to the embodiments described above or below.

[0046] The advantages, preferred embodiments, and details of these further aspects and their preferred implementations will be described with reference to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments, and details described above. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 An electrosurgical generator system having an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic construction of an electrosurgical generator according to the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 3 The time tracking principle based on existing technology is illustrated.

[0050] Figure 4 The time tracking principle according to the present invention is illustrated.

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart is shown for a method of operating an electrosurgical generator used to operate electrosurgical instruments.

[0052] List of reference numerals

[0053] 10 Electrosurgical generator system

[0054] 100 Electrosurgical Generator

[0055] 102 Operating device

[0056] 110 Instrument Terminal

[0057] 120 Instrument Testing Device

[0058] 130 Control Device

[0059] 140 Signaling Device

[0060] 142 Acoustic signaling device

[0061] 144 Optical signaling device

[0062] 150 Deactivation Device

[0063] 160 Data storage device

[0064] 170 Time Tracking Device

[0065] 175 Activation Device

[0066] 180 power grid

[0067] 182 power terminals

[0068] 190 Power Converter

[0069] 191 Rectifier Unit

[0070] 192 Switch

[0071] Capacitors 193 and 194

[0072] 195 Converter device

[0073] 196 Transformer

[0074] 197, 198 driver circuits

[0075] 200 Electrosurgical Instruments

[0076] 202 Connecting cable Detailed Implementation

[0077] In the accompanying drawings, elements with the same or similar functions are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0078] Figure 1 An electrosurgical generator system 10 is shown, comprising an electrosurgical generator 100 and an electrosurgical instrument 200 connected to the electrosurgical generator 100. The electrosurgical instrument 200 is connected to the electrosurgical generator 100 at instrument terminals 110 via a connecting cable 202. The connecting cable 202 may include a power cable and a data transmission cable. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). A power cord is used to power the instrument 200, while a data transmission line is used to exchange data between the instrument and the generator. The generator may also include several instrument terminals, such as neutral instrument terminals, unipolar instrument terminals, and bipolar instrument terminals. The electrosurgical instrument 200 includes a shaft with active electrodes at its ends. The shaft is attached to the handle of the electrosurgical instrument. The generator 100 includes a display 144 for displaying text and / or symbols and / or graphics, suitable for displaying optical warning indications. The generator 100 also includes an operating device 102, illustrated as three buttons. The operating device 102 may also be a touch display, etc. The electrosurgical generator 100 is used to operate the electrosurgical instrument 200.

[0079] Figure 2 A schematic structure of the electrosurgical generator 100 is shown in more detail.

[0080] Generator 100 includes instrument terminals 110 for connecting to and powering electrosurgical instruments 200. For this purpose, generator 100 includes power terminals 182 for connecting generator 100 to a power grid 180. Generator 100 includes a power converter 190 for converting input current and voltage from the power grid into an operating current and / or operating voltage suitable for use at instrument terminals 110. Power converter 190 can also be understood as a switching power supply. A power converter for converting alternating current to direct current is called a rectifier. A power converter for converting direct current to alternating current is called an inverting rectifier or inverter. A power converter for converting one AC current to another AC current is called a frequency converter. A power converter for converting direct current to another direct current is called a DC-DC converter. The generated alternating current or the generated direct current may be higher, lower, or inverse, depending on the design of the converter of the electrosurgical instrument or the requirements of the electrical load. The power converter shown is a frequency converter suitable for converting AC current from the power grid into an AC operating current at terminal 110 to power instrument 200 with alternating current. However, it is understood that when the device operates using direct current, the power converter will be implemented as a DC-DC converter. Power converter 190 includes a rectifier device 191 to rectify the AC voltage drawn from the mains grid into an intermediate circuit DC voltage. Capacitor 193 is an intermediate capacitor that serves as a temporary energy buffer. Power converter 190 also includes a converter device 195 for generating operating current and / or operating voltage at device terminals 110. Converter device 195 includes, for example, semiconductor switches such as IGBTs, MOSFETs, etc., arranged in a half-bridge topology. Converter device 195 may also include a transformer 196, such as a step-up transformer, to step up the voltage at the device terminals to a voltage with a desired amplitude and / or frequency. Typically, power converter 190 is suitable for generating a high-frequency current for supplying power to device 200. Power converter 190 also includes driver circuits 197, 198 for controlling electrical switches (e.g., electrical switch 192). The driver circuits 197, 198, and switches illustrate that the power converter 190 may include a boost converter, a buck converter, etc., depending on the type of power converter 190. In the case that the power converter 190 is an AC-AC converter, the driver circuits 197, 198, and switch 192 illustrate that the power converter 190 includes a controllable switch to generate output current and output voltage at instrument terminal 110. The rectifier device 191 is, for example, a passive rectifier or an active rectifier.

[0081] The generator 100 also includes an instrument detection device 120 for detecting electrosurgical instruments 200 connected to the instrument terminal 110 during operation of the electrosurgical generator. The detection device 120 includes, for example, a data interface and is adapted to receive information from the connected instruments connected to the instrument terminal 110.

[0082] The generator 100 includes a control device 130 for controlling the signaling device 140 and the deactivation device 150.

[0083] Signaling device 140 is configured to generate warning indications. Therefore, signaling device 140 may include acoustic signaling device 142 (i.e., a speaker) and / or optical signaling device 144 (i.e., a display).

[0084] The deactivation device 150 is configured to disable or keep the electrosurgical instrument 200 connected to the instrument terminal 110 inactive. In the illustrated embodiment, the deactivation device 150 includes a controllable switch that interrupts power supply to the instrument 200 connected to the generator terminal 110. The deactivation device 150 may also be a data interface that sends a shutdown signal to the instrument via a data transmission line.

[0085] The electrosurgical generator 100 also includes a data storage device 160 connected to the control device 130 for storing warning time twarn and shutdown time tooff, each of which is assigned to a detected instrument to assign an instrument-specific warning time and shutdown time to each detected instrument.

[0086] The electrosurgical generator 100 also includes a time tracking device 170 for determining an instrument-specific activation duration tE, wherein the activation duration tE is the duration from the time detected based on the first connection t0 or first activation t0 of the electrosurgical instrument 200 connected to the instrument terminal 110 to the actual time value tist, and wherein the activation duration tE is detected for each detected instrument.

[0087] The activation duration tE is continuously recorded independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument 200, as exemplified. Figure 4 As shown. The activation duration tE is the elapsed real-time duration, independent of the usage duration or effective operation duration of the connected device, where the usage duration or effective operation duration describes the duration indicating how long the device has been used or effectively operated.

[0088] When the determined activation duration tE exceeds the device-specific warning time (tE > twarn) of the connected device, the control device 130 triggers a warning indication through the trigger signaling device 140.

[0089] When the determined activation duration exceeds the device's specific shutdown time (tE>toff), the control device 130 also triggers the connected device to stop operating or remain inactive by controlling the deactivation device 150.

[0090] also, Figure 2 The signaling device 140 is shown to include an acoustic signaling device 142, i.e., a speaker, for outputting acoustic signals as warning indications, and an optical signaling device 144, i.e., a display, for outputting optical signals or optical messages as warning indications.

[0091] Data storage device 160 is configured to store a list of instruments in which electrosurgical instruments connected to instrument terminal 110 are readily available. The instrument list includes unique identifiers ID1, ID2, and a determined activation duration tE, where the activation duration tE is the duration from the time detected based on the first connection t0 or first activation t0 of the electrosurgical instrument 200 connected to instrument terminal 110 to the actual time value tist. The instrument list also includes instrument-specific warning times 10h and 5h, and instrument-specific shutdown times 12h and 8h, where h represents hours.

[0092] The instrument detection device 120 is adapted to send the unique instrument identifier (IID) of the connected electrosurgical instrument 200 to the data storage device 160 and / or control device 130 for generating an instrument list.

[0093] The electrosurgical generator 100 also includes a date and time device for detecting and / or displaying the current time. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). The time tracking device 170 for determining the device-specific activation duration tE includes a time reference independent of the date and time device so that the time tracking device 170 can operate independently of the date and time device.

[0094] The initial activation t0 of the electrosurgical instrument 200 connected to the instrument terminal 110 can be performed by means of an activation device 175 connected to the electrosurgical generator 100, wherein the activation device is an external device that is not part of the electrosurgical instrument, i.e., a pedal device for foot activation.

[0095] Figure 3This illustrates the principle of time tracking according to the prior art. In the prior art, the usage duration or effective operating duration tuse of a connected device is tracked. The usage duration or effective operating duration describes the duration indicating how long the device has been effectively used or operated. If, for example, the device is effectively used for 1 hour from time point t0 to t1, then the tracking of the usage duration tuse will stop, even though the actual time t will increase further. Subsequently, the device is effectively used again at time point t2 until t3, reaching 2 hours and 15 minutes. Later still, at time point t4, the device is effectively used until t5, reaching 2 hours and 15 minutes. Therefore, the total usage duration tuse will be the sum of all usage times, thus 5 hours 30 minutes 0 seconds (5h:30min:00s) in this example. Therefore, the actual time t is much larger than the total usage duration tuse because usage time is not tracked during pauses between uses.

[0096] Figure 4 Comparison Figure 3 The time tracking principle according to the present invention is illustrated. Compared to Figure 3 , Figure 4 The activation duration tE is continuously recorded independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument 200. Time detection begins at time t0 when the instrument 200 is first connected to the generator 100 or first activated. The activation duration tE is continuously recorded independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument 200. Therefore, the activation duration tE is independent of... Figure 3 The shown is the elapsed real-time duration of the use duration tuse or the effective operation duration tuse.

[0097] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart is shown for a method of operating an electrosurgical generator used to operate electrosurgical instruments.

[0098] In step S1, the time tracking device 170 determines the device-specific activation duration tE, wherein the activation duration tE is the duration from the time detected based on the first connection t0 or first activation t0 of the electrosurgical instrument 200 connected to the device terminal 110 to the actual time value tist, and wherein the activation duration tE is detected for each detected instrument, and wherein the activation duration tE is recorded continuously and independently of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument 200.

[0099] In step S2, when the determined activation duration tE exceeds the device-specific warning time twarn of the connected device (tE>twarn), the warning indication is triggered by controlling the signaling device 140 with the control device 130.

[0100] In step S3, when the determined activation duration exceeds the device's specific shutdown time (tE>toff), the connected device is deactivated or kept inactive by controlling the deactivation device 150 using the control device 130.

[0101] The generators, generator systems, and methods described above offer many other advantages, summarized below:

[0102] The complexity and weight of handheld electrosurgical instruments can be reduced because all components used to monitor and disable the electrosurgical instruments are located in the generator, not in the electrosurgical instrument itself.

[0103] This provides safer operation of handheld electrosurgical instruments because warning indicators are provided when the instruments are turned off. Therefore, users of the electrosurgical instruments will not be surprised if they are accidentally turned off.

[0104] This reduces the risk of the device being used without being sterilized due to prolonged use.

Claims

1. An electrosurgical generator (100) for operating electrosurgical instruments (200), wherein, The electrosurgical generator (100) includes: Instrument terminal (110) for connecting the electrosurgical instrument (200) and supplying power to the electrosurgical instrument (200); Instrument detection device (120) for detecting electrosurgical instruments (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) during operation of the electrosurgical generator (100). A control device (130) for controlling a signaling device (140) and a deactivation device (150), wherein the signaling device (140) is configured to generate a warning indication, and the deactivation device (150) is configured to disable or keep the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) from operating, wherein the electrosurgical generator (100) further includes: Data storage device (160), connected to the control device (130), for storing warning times (t) warn ) and closing time (t) off The warning time (t) warn ) and the closing time (t) off Each of the detected electrosurgical instruments (200) is assigned a device-specific warning time (t) to each detected electrosurgical instrument (200). warn ) and closing time (t) off ) Time tracking device (170) for determining device-specific activation duration (t) E ), wherein the activation duration (t) E The time to actual time value (t) is the time detected based on the first connection (t0) or first activation (t0) of the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110). ist The duration of ) and the activation duration (t) E The detection is performed for each of the detected electrosurgical instruments (200), and A date and time device for detecting and / or displaying the current time, and for determining the device-specific activation duration (t). E The time tracking device (170) of the date and time device includes a time reference independent of the date and time device so that the time tracking device (170) can operate independently of the date and time device. Wherein, the activation duration (t) E The recording is independent of the operating state of the electrosurgical instrument (200) and is continuous. When the activation duration (t) is determined E The device-specific warning time (t) of the connected electrosurgical instrument (200) exceeds the time limit specified by the instrument. E >t warn When the control device (130) triggers the warning indication by triggering the signaling device (140), and / or When the activation duration (t) is determined E ) Exceeding the device's specific closing time (t E >t off When the control device (130) is activated, it triggers the deactivation device (150) to disable or keep the connected electrosurgical instrument (200) from operating.

2. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The signaling device (140) includes an acoustic signaling device (142) for outputting acoustic signals as warning indications, and / or The signaling device (140) includes an optical signaling device (144) for outputting optical signals or optical messages as warning indications.

3. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The data storage device (160) is configured to store a device list in which device-specific information of the electrosurgical instruments (200) connected to the device terminal (110) is availablely stored. For each of the connected electrosurgical instruments (200), the device list includes at least one of the following entries or information: unique device identifier, warning time, shutdown time, first activation time, first connection time, time compensation, determined activation duration, a first flag indicating that the warning time has been reached, and a second flag indicating that the shutdown time has been reached.

4. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The instrument detection device (120) is adapted to identify the unique instrument identifier (I) of the connected electrosurgical instrument (200). ID The data is sent to the data storage device (160) to generate the instrument list.

5. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The activation duration (t) E The duration of use (200) is the actual duration that has elapsed, independent of the duration of use or effective operation of the connected electrosurgical instrument (200), which describes the duration indicating how long the electrosurgical instrument (200) has been used or effectively operated.

6. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The time tracking device (170) is configured to determine time compensation when the current time of the electrosurgical generator (100) is manually adjusted, and the time tracking device (170) is configured to use the determined time compensation to determine the device-specific activation duration (t). E ).

7. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The initial activation (t0) of the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) can be performed by means of an activation device (175) connected to the electrosurgical generator (100), wherein the activation device is an external device and is not part of the electrosurgical instrument (200).

8. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The activation device (175) is a pedal device and / or a manual switch.

9. The electrosurgical generator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the activation duration (t) is determined E The device-specific warning time (t) of the connected electrosurgical instrument (200) exceeds the specified time limit. E >t warn When the connection of the electrosurgical instrument (200) is detected and / or the activation of the electrosurgical instrument (200) is detected, the control device (130) triggers the warning indication by triggering the signaling device (140); and / or When the determined activation duration exceeds the device-specific shutdown time (t) E >t off When the connection of the electrosurgical instrument (200) is detected and / or the activation of the electrosurgical instrument (200) is detected, the control device (130) triggers the deactivation device (150) to disable or keep the connected electrosurgical instrument (200) from operating.

10. An electrosurgical generator system (10) comprising an electrosurgical generator (100) and an electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to said electrosurgical generator (100), wherein, The electrosurgical generator (100) is the electrosurgical generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for operating an electrosurgical generator (100), the electrosurgical generator (100) being used to operate an electrosurgical instrument (200), the electrosurgical generator (100) comprising: Instrument terminal (110) for connecting the electrosurgical instrument (200) and supplying power to the electrosurgical instrument (200); Instrument detection device (120) for detecting electrosurgical instruments (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) during operation of the electrosurgical generator (100). A control device (130) for controlling a signaling device (140) and a deactivation device (150), wherein the signaling device (140) is configured to generate a warning indication, and the deactivation device (150) is configured to disable or keep the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110) from operating; and Data storage device (160), connected to the control device (130), for storing warning times (t) warn ) and closing time (t) off The warning time (t) warn ) and the closing time (t) off Each of the detected electrosurgical instruments (200) is assigned a specific warning time (t) to each detected electrosurgical instrument (200). warn ) and closing time (t) off ), The method includes the following steps: The time tracking device (170) is used to determine the device-specific activation duration (t) of (S1). E ), wherein the activation duration (t) E The time to actual time value (t) is the time detected based on the first connection (t0) or first activation (t0) of the electrosurgical instrument (200) connected to the instrument terminal (110). ist The duration of ) and the activation duration (t) E The activation duration (t) is detected for each of the detected electrosurgical instruments (200). E The data is recorded continuously and independently of the operating status of the electrosurgical instrument (200). Control the date and time device to detect and / or display the current time, and to determine the device-specific activation duration (t). E The time tracking device (170) of the date and time device includes a time base independent of the date and time device, so as to operate the time tracking device (170) independently of the date and time device, and When the activation duration (t) is determined E The device-specific warning time (t) exceeds the connected electrosurgical instrument (200). E >t warn When the warning indication is triggered (S2) by controlling the signaling device (140) with the control device (130), and / or When the determined activation duration exceeds the device-specific shutdown time (t) E >t off When the connected electrosurgical instrument (200) is deactivated or remains deactivated, the deactivation device (150) is triggered (S3) by controlling the deactivation device (130) with the control device (130).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The electrosurgical generator (100) is the electrosurgical generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or the electrosurgical generator (100) is part of the electrosurgical generator system (10) according to claim 10.

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