Device for supplying a medical instrument and method for monitoring an instrument

Abstract

The present application relates to a device for supplying a medical instrument and a method for monitoring the instrument. By means of the device according to the application and by means of the method according to the application, a test signal (31) is sent by the device (16) to the instrument (14) and the resulting and subsequently arriving echo signal (32) is examined in order to detect specific properties and property changes on the line (15), the instrument (14), the tissue (20) or also on a fluid body (for example, a plasma body) present on an electrode of the instrument (14) and to control the operation of the supply arrangement (21) accordingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for supplying signal power or operating power and / or supplying operating medium to a medical device connected to the apparatus via a line, and also to a method for monitoring the medical device supplied by the apparatus via the line. This application is a divisional application, with parent application number 201910842787.9, filed on September 6, 2019, and entitled "Apparatus for Supplying Medical Devices and Method for Monitoring Devices". Background Technology

[0002] From document EP 2 520 241 B1, an arrangement is known comprising a medical device for treating a patient and means for supplying a therapeutic current to the device. During treatment, the means measures the current flowing through the patient's tissues and the voltage applied to the device, and uses the obtained current and voltage values ​​to control the means.

[0003] Using a slightly different control algorithm, the device according to document EP 2 520 240 B1 also uses the instrument to transmit current through biological tissue and voltages applied to the tissue and the instrument respectively to control the device.

[0004] Document EP 1 064 532 B1 discloses a method for measuring the blood clotting time of a patient's blood sample, wherein blood in a test chamber is charged via an electrical contact using a test signal from a voltage generator, causing current to flow through the blood, the current changing in accordance with the blood clotting.

[0005] The arrangement and method are individually and specifically designed for specific measurements of biological tissues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a solution for electrical monitoring of medical devices and their associated components and operations.

[0007] The invention is implemented in an apparatus for supplying signals or operating power and / or operating media to a medical device connected via a line, wherein a test pulse transmitter is provided, the test pulse transmitter being adapted to transmit a test signal to the line connecting the device to the device. Furthermore, the apparatus includes an echo receiver adapted to receive an echo signal returned via the line in response to the test signal. The echo signal is fed to an analysis device configured to detect physical conditions in or on the device and / or in or on the line by means of the echo signal. The test signal preferably has no DC voltage, and depending on the application, the test signal can exhibit peak voltages from a few volts to up to several kilovolts.

[0008] The circuit can be a fluid circuit, particularly a metal capillary or fluid tube, containing one or more electrical conductors or being an electrical conductor itself. A test signal, supplied by a test signal transmitter, is output to the circuit and then travels along or within the circuit to the instrument, where it is completely or partially absorbed and / or completely or partially reflected by the instrument. Corresponding to its propagation delay, the reflected echo signal arrives at the echo signal receiver with a delay, and is then transmitted from the receiver to the analysis device. The analysis device can now use the propagation delay, along with signal distortion or any other property of the echo signal (such as, for example, phase shift, amplitude, envelope curve, etc.), to draw conclusions about the state of the circuit (e.g., its length or integrity, the physical state within or on the instrument, such as activation of an activation switch, contact with biological tissue, or its conditions), and thus can control the device accordingly. For example, the instrument can be a cryosurgery instrument in which the test signal travels upward to the cryotip and is thus reflected back to the device. When glaciation begins at the cryotip, characteristic parameters of the echo signal change (e.g., with respect to its phase shift), making it possible to identify the onset of glaciation and calculate the glaciation time from the start of glaciation. Ice formation in or on the circuit can also affect the echo signal. For example, multiple echoes can be formed, and their presence can be used as a standard for generating corresponding signals indicating the event. Other applications are also possible. For example, with these applications, in the case of cryosurgery instruments and in the case of electrical instruments, automatic initiation of detection, i.e., automatic treatment, is possible, depending on predefined conditions on the instrument. Moreover, in the case of electrical instruments, early spark detection, plasma monitoring, ionization detection, or ionization measurement can be performed.

[0009] The device may also be an electrosurgical bipolar or monopolar device connected to the means of providing the supply. To complete the supply, the means may include a voltage generator, such as a high-frequency generator, providing a typical voltage close to or higher than 100V, or substantially higher. Typically, the treatment current can be pulsed, for example, configured as a pulse-width modulated signal, in which case the test signal transmitter preferably transmits at least one test signal during pauses in the pulsed treatment current. The pause between treatment current pulses is preferably longer than the propagation delay between the transmission of the test signal and the arrival of the echo signal. Preferably, the pause is longer than a multiple of the propagation delay of the test signal.

[0010] The echo signal can depend on physical conditions on the device, such as, for example, the condition and / or temperature of the electrodes, the capacitance of the electrodes relative to the patient or relative to the counter-electrode, the resistance between the electrodes and the counter-electrode, the inductance of the signal path, the impedance, the conductivity of the fluid (especially gas) present on the electrodes, the contact between the line and another subject or object, and so on.

[0011] The physical conditions may affect the properties of the echo signal. These properties may include, for example, propagation delay, the number of echo signals, the amplitude of the echo signals, distortion of the test signal (i.e., its waveform) or phase shift of the echo signal compared to the test signal, the presence or absence of the echo signal.

[0012] The device may include a control device that responds to at least one or more of these detected physical conditions by actions such as, for example, turning the generator on and off, increasing or decreasing the generator power, increasing or decreasing the peak voltage of the treatment current, increasing or decreasing the pulse duration of the treatment current, or pausing between individual treatment current pulses, etc. Actions triggering a response to characteristic changes in the echo signal may also include activation or deactivation of the instrument and / or supply device. Activation or deactivation of the supply device means clearing or blocking the operating power or operating medium.

[0013] The test signal transmitter is preferably configured to generate a test signal without DC voltage and / or DC current. Such a test signal is, for example, a modulated high-frequency signal with a bell-shaped envelope, wherein the duration of such a test signal is preferably a few nanoseconds. This signal with a bell-shaped envelope can be a radio frequency signal pulse train and is considered as a signal test signal pulse. However, high-frequency signals or pulse signals with different modulations can also be used as test signals, for example, particularly pulse signals without DC voltage of the following types: Dirac pulses, triangular pulses, sawtooth pulses, rectangular pulses, sine pulses, or pulses close to such pulses. A sine pulse is understood to refer to a pulse having a shape of (sin x) / x or a pulse derived from one or more such pulses.

[0014] By introducing a test pulse into the circuit and preferably by inductively and / or capacitively coupling the electrical measurement circuitry to the circuit (e.g., via a directional coupler), an echo signal is output, thereby isolating the current of the electronic control system and the patient's electrical circuitry.

[0015] The method according to the invention is configured to monitor a medical device supplied by the device via a line, wherein at least one test signal is transmitted to the line connecting the device to the device, an echo signal returned via the same line is received and then analyzed, wherein (based on the analysis) changes in physical conditions in or on the device and optionally in or on the line supplying the device are detected. By analyzing the properties of the echo signal arriving at a time offset relative to the transmission of the test signal, the function and condition of the line and the device can be monitored, and additionally, the function and condition of biological tissues affected by the device can be monitored. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Additional details of advantageous embodiments are the subject of this specification, claims, or drawings. They are illustrated in the following drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an arrangement for cryotherapy of a patient is shown, the arrangement including cryosurgery instruments and means for supplying the instruments.

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic illustration shows cryosurgery instruments and the resulting affected biological tissues.

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a directional coupler for outputting an echo signal from a line supplying the device is shown.

[0020] Figures 4 to 6 A schematic diagram of various test signals and their echoes is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an arrangement for electrosurgical treatment of biological tissue using bipolar instruments and a device for supplying said instruments is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 A directional coupler is shown for outputting an echo signal from the line supplying the device. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 A cryosurgery arrangement 10 configured to be applied to a patient is shown. Figure 1 In this case, he / she lies strictly on the table 12 in an exemplary manner, through which the patient 11 is at least capacitively connected to the ground potential 13.

[0024] A cryoprobe 14 is used for the treatment of patient 11, and the cryoprobe is connected to a supply device 16 via a line 15. Typically, line 15 is a fluid line, such as a capillary, hose, etc. Treatment fluid is delivered from device 16 to instrument 14 via line 15. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different device.) Figure 2 It is inferred that line 15 may include supply line 17 and return line 18. Preferably, at least one of the two lines 17 and 18 is configured to be conductive or provided with an electrical conductor, such that an electrical test signal emitted by device 16 can reach cryot 19, which is configured for direct contact with biological tissue 20, the electrical test signal traveling via line 15 to instrument 14, particularly cryot 19, and returning from the tip to device 16 via line 15. Preferably, the test signal is shorter than its propagation delay, such that the test signal and the echo signal appear at the beginning of the line in a time-off manner. Cryot 19 may be coupled current-grounded or capacitively only to the electrical lines included in line 15.

[0025] The device 10 includes a supply arrangement structure 21 through which the instrument 14 is supplied with operating medium and / or operating power. According to... Figure 1In an exemplary embodiment, the operating medium is a fluid, such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen (e.g., as a gas or fluid, preferably close to a boiling point profile, or as a two-phase mixture). The supply arrangement 21 includes or is connected to a suitable fluid supply device. For manual control, particularly for triggering treatment, i.e., to signal the start of treatment, a control input (not specifically shown) may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, the supply arrangement may include a control input 22, through which an on / off signal or another control signal may be received. Furthermore, the supply arrangement 21 may include an output 23, through which the supply arrangement may send an interrogation command to a downstream arrangement. The interrogation command may be configured to trigger a measurement cycle defined to determine physical conditions in or on line 15 and in or on device 14. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, a test signal transmitter 24 is connected to an output 23, which transmits a test signal to line 15 via a coupling arrangement 25. In this embodiment and all other embodiments described below, this test signal has a duration that is as long as, or preferably shorter than, the propagation delay of the test signal on line 15 to device 14 and as an echo signal returning to coupling arrangement 25.

[0026] In addition to signal output 26, coupling arrangement 25 also has signal input 27, which provides the echo signal conducted on line 15 and transmits it to echo signal receiver 28. The receiver is part of or connected to analysis device 29, which examines the echo signal and transmits a control signal consistent with the test result to control input 22.

[0027] Figure 3 The coupling arrangement structure is illustrated schematically and as an example. Coupling arrangement structure 25 is a directional coupler for coupling and decoupling electrical signals into and from line 15, which is conductive and configured as a fluid line. For this purpose, conductor segments 30 are arranged on suitable supports, said conductors being capacitively coupled to line 15 along their entire length or at least at their ends, while said conductors exhibit an inherent inductance other than zero. In each case, the waves of the forward and backward moving electrical signals (e.g., test signal 21) on line 15 can be tapped separately. Preferably, the time-sequential length of this signal is shorter than the time required for test signal 31 to travel back to instrument 14 as echo 32 via line 15. Typically, test signal 31 has a length of a few nanoseconds.

[0028] Figure 4A needle-shaped positive voltage pulse followed by a negative triangular pulse is shown as an exemplary test signal. The surface region demarcated by the positive and negative portions of the test signal preferably has the same size, such that the test signal 31 generally has no DC component.

[0029] The echo signal 32 has the characteristics of being composed of Figure 4 The altered form is symbolically shown. For example, high-frequency components may be lost when overshoot occurs. In this case, the echo signal may also be chronologically drawn out or compressed, and its amplitude may have been changed, especially reduced.

[0030] Preferably, the echo signal receiver 28 is configured to repeatedly sample the echo signal 32 originating from the continuous test signal 31, but with a time-sequential offset. Figure 4 In this diagram, these sampling points are symbolically indicated by vertical lines a, b, c, d, e, f, and g. Based on the sampled values ​​obtained at each time point a to g, the echo signal receiver 28 constructs the echo signal. The number of samples is limited in accordance with the objective. Therefore, Figure 4 This is just an example.

[0031] The arrangement structure 10 described so far works as follows:

[0032] After the device 16 is substantially activated and the instrument 14 is placed on or in the tissue 20 of the patient 11 (e.g., similar to...), Figure 2 Afterwards, the supply arrangement 21 is cleared so that it transmits fluid to the cryotip 19 via line 15. Initially, the cryotip 19 is still surrounded by moistened living tissue. Previously or simultaneously, the test signal transmitter 24 was activated, and now, for example, according to... Figure 4The test signal 31 is transmitted to the coupling arrangement structure 25 and then to the line 15 via the coupling arrangement structure 25. Each test signal 31 then moves along the line 15 to the tip 19, where it strikes the tissue 20, which is at least capacitively grounded. Therefore, the conductive tissue 20 capacitively and resistively closes the circuit comprising the line 15 and the freezing tip 19. Consequently, the test signal 31 attenuates and, depending on the resistance present on the freezing tip, is reflected in the same or reverse phase. Simultaneously, the signal is distorted due to capacitance and inductance, as well as the influence of the tissue 20, which is why the echo signal 32 has a different waveform than the test signal 31. After several consecutive measurement cycles occurring, for example, within a few microseconds (the cycle including the transmission of the test signal 21 by the test signal transmitter 24 and the reception of the echo signal by the echo signal receiver 28), the shape of the echo signal 32 has been determined and can be analyzed by analyzing the arrangement structure 29. As the freezing tip 19 continues to cool, a frozen region 33 can form in the tissue 20, which characteristically alters the physical properties immediately adjacent to the probe tip 19. For example, current conductivity decreases. Consequently, the shape of the echo signal 32 also changes significantly. For example, the initial ice formation on the freezing tip 19 can result in the end of the freezing tip 19, which is considered a wave conductor, acting as an electrical “open circuit,” whereas it must have been considered a “short circuit” before the ice formation. Therefore, the echo signal 32 changes its phase at the onset of ice formation. This phase change can be detected by analyzing the arrangement structure 29, and an appropriate signal can be transmitted to the control input 22. This signal can be used to control the operation of the supply arrangement structure 21. The specified freezing time can now be determined from the arrival of the signal at the control input 22, with respect to the fact that the supply arrangement structure 21 now provides a specifically defined time for ice formation on the freezing tip 19.

[0033] The exemplary embodiments described above are intended to provide an illustration of the principles. However, the analysis arrangement 29 can also be configured to perform substantially more sensitive analyses. For example, one or more additional or other physical conditions, such as, for example, the temperature of the cryoprobe 19 and / or tissue 20, the size of the frozen tissue 33, the type of cryot 19 attached to the instrument 14, the length of the line 15, and so on, can be detected by means of the shape of the echo signal 32.

[0034] Further applications of the solution according to the invention are possible. For example, the freezing tip 19 can be electrically insulated from the fluid supply line 17, and therefore also from the line 15. The same applies to the fluid return line 18. In this case, changes already manually induced on the device 14 can be detected using the principles according to the invention. For example, a conductive control element 34 can be provided for this purpose, which can be engaged or disengaged from the fluid supply line 17 or the fluid return line 18 (or both), such that the element locally affects the capacitance of the line 15 or the freezing tip. Furthermore, the control element 34 can be conductive and is electrically connected to the operator whenever the operator touches the element. It can be connected to or disconnected from the line 15, depending on how the operator actuates the control element 34. If the control element 34 is electrically disconnected from the line 15, the echo signal 32 has a different shape than when it is connected to the line 15. The corresponding signal change can be analyzed by the analysis arrangement 29 to switch the supply arrangement 21 on and off.

[0035] The embodiment described last, which includes control element 34, can also be combined with the previously described embodiments, wherein the freezing tip 19 is electrically connected to line 15. For example, multiple echoes occurring during actuation of the control element can be used as indicators to confirm control element 34.

[0036] Another component, such as, for example, an inductor 35, or such as..., can be inserted between control element 34 and line 15. Figure 2 As indicated, parallel oscillating circuits, series oscillating circuits, etc. These components or oscillating circuits can individually influence the test signal in a characteristic manner, and thus cause characteristic echo signals.

[0037] If several such oscillating circuits or other electrical components and several control elements are arranged on the apparatus 14, various commands can be transmitted to the supply arrangement structure via various variations of the echo signal 32 that can be implemented therewith.

[0038] For all the embodiments described above and below, they can be obtained by means of... Figure 4 The test signal 31, and alternatively, also by means of, strictly shown as Figure 5 and Figure 6 Other test signals in the examples are used for operation. A favorable test signal is understood to mean a high-frequency signal that has been amplitude modulated using a Gaussian curve, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it contains no DC voltage component.

[0039] Instead of amplitude-modulated high-frequency signals, sinusoidal signals can be provided as a single pulse or as a sequence of two or more sinusoidal pulses with different polarities.

[0040] according to Figure 4 The echo signal 32 typically has a varying envelope profile that characterizes various physical conditions on the device 14. In doing so, these physical conditions can be the affected biological tissue 20, as well as other conditions such as, for example, contact or actuation of a control element 34 (or additional control elements). In addition to the envelope profile, the phase of the high-frequency oscillation modulated by the envelope profile can also be analyzed. All these variations represent possible embodiments of the echo signal receiver 28 and the analysis arrangement 29.

[0041] Figure 6 Another possible test signal is shown, which, for example, has the shape of a positive rectangular signal followed by a negative rectangular pulse (with a pause or directly). The associated echo signal 23 may exhibit reduced side slope, overshoot, phase shift, and other such variations relative to the test signal 31. Each variation in the echo signal 32 compared to the test signal 31 can be interpreted as a characteristic of changes in the physical conditions occurring on line 15 and / or device 14 and appropriately evaluated by the analysis arrangement structure 29.

[0042] Alternative basis Figure 6 Rectangular pulses can be used, but triangular or trapezoidal pulses can also be used as test signals 31. Additional signal shapes are possible.

[0043] The principles of the invention are substantially applicable to all arrangements 10, wherein the device 16 supplies a medium or also operating power, such as current or voltage, to a unipolar or bipolar instrument 14. For illustration purposes, Figure 7 A bipolar device 14 is shown, in which the supply arrangement 21 is a high-frequency generator. Device 14 is symbolically shown as a cauterization clamp, in which every design of the bipolar electrical device 14 can be used. Line 15 includes an electrical supply line 17' and an electrical return line 18', which together form a waveguide. For example, lines 17' and 18' are connected to two branches of the cauterization clamp. Alternatively, a control element 34 (e.g., in the form of an electrical switch) can be provided, by which lines 17' and 18' can be connected to each other via an element capable of changing the waveguide properties of line 15. For example, the element can have an inductor 35 or, as shown, an oscillating circuit. The oscillating circuit can be a parallel circuit, a series circuit, or a combination of capacitor and inductor properties. Alternatively, a resistive element can be provided, such as a resistor corresponding to the wave resistance of line 15. In this case, closing switch 34 causes absorption of test signal 31, making echo signal 32 unnecessary.

[0044] according to Figure 8The coupling arrangement 25 can be a directional coupler, which may be configured as a coaxial arrangement or as a conductor strip on a circuit board. For example, the line 15 conducting the therapeutic current may be arranged on one side of the circuit board, while the conductor section 30 is arranged on its opposite side. Thus, high electrical insulation resistance can be achieved in a simple manner, and therefore a safe separation can be achieved between the electrical circuit from the generator of the supply arrangement 21 to the device 14 and the test signal circuit from the test signal transmitter 24 to the test signal receiver 28.

[0045] Similarly, various variations can be achieved using the arrangement structure 10. For example, the analysis arrangement structure 29 can detect the start and end of cauterization or the successful severing of tissue and the actuation of the potentially available control element 34 by properly evaluating the echo signal 32.

[0046] The same principle can also be applied to monopolar devices, wherein only the supply line 17' extends from the device 16 to the device 14, while the return line 18' extends from the neutral electrode secured to the patient to the device 16. Furthermore, in this case, the test signal 31 moves from the device 16 to the device 14 via the supply line 17', and the echo signal 32 moves from the device 14 back to the generator 16 along the same supply line 17'. Similarly, the change in the echo signal 32 compared to the test signal 31 serves as an indicator of the physical conditions on the supply line 17' and on the device 14, allowing corresponding changes in the echo signal to trigger actions such as, for example, turning the supply arrangement structure on and off, increasing or decreasing the voltage, power, or current of the supply arrangement structure, and / or changing the signal shape of the voltage output by the supply arrangement structure 21.

[0047] In all arrangements 10, where preferably during brief pauses, the supply arrangement 21 is configured for transmitting electrotherapy current, transmitting test signals 31, and receiving echo signals 32, during which the supply arrangement 21 does not output power signals to line 15. To accomplish this, the operator of the generator in the supply arrangement 21 is preferably repeatedly interrupted briefly. For example, the generator is a high-frequency generator that oscillates at a fundamental frequency of several hundred hertz (e.g., 350 or 400 hertz), wherein it performs pulse width modulation at a frequency of several kilohertz (e.g., 46 kilohertz). In doing so, the high-frequency signal output by the generator is rectangularly modulated, for example, i.e., a series of continuous high-frequency oscillation packages. Each high-frequency oscillation package includes at least one, optionally several or more, high-frequency oscillations. The transmission of test signals 21 and the reception of echo signals 32 preferably occur during pauses between two continuous high-frequency oscillation packages.

[0048] The introduced scheme allows for the determination of not only the properties of device 14 and tissue 20, but also the properties of the electrodes in the fluid (particularly gas or plasma) surrounding the device. For example, in the case of devices operating via spark discharge, the ionization state of the gas present on the electrodes is determined by means of a test pulse during the pause between two high-frequency oscillation packets, and this is used to supply the operation of the arrangement structure 21. The test pulse can have a voltage amplitude higher than 1000V. For example, in unipolar or bipolar coagulation devices, if excessive plasma recombination is detected during the pause between two consecutive high-frequency oscillation packets, the pause between the two consecutive high-frequency oscillation packets can be reduced. Furthermore, electrode temperature may affect the shape of the echo signal 32, and therefore the electrode temperature can be determined by evaluating the echo signal.

[0049] On the other hand, if each HF-oscillation burst is expected to generate a new ignition, the distance between individual bursts can be increased until sufficient plasma recombination has been detected.

[0050] Furthermore, subtle dynamic changes in the conditions on the electrodes during treatment can be detected using pulse echo measurement, and these dynamic changes can be used to control the supply arrangement 21. For example, in the case of contact coagulation, the electrodes of the instrument can initially be brought into contact with moist tissue. In this state, the echo signal 32 has a characteristic shape. Once the drying of the electrodes and the formation of vapor on the tissue due to the continuous energy application to the electrodes involved are noticed, the echo signal 32 changes its shape in a characteristic manner. The supply arrangement 21 can then change its energy output (e.g., reduce the voltage) to prevent, for example, the formation of sparks, which is currently dangerous. Peak voltage and / or duty cycle or other influencing factors can be changed (e.g., reduced). Because the shape of the echo signal responds to the conditions on the electrodes in a highly sensitive manner, each desired operating mode (e.g., contact coagulation) can be implemented by means of continuously controlled engagement, and thus maximize energy input without the risk of spark formation. On the other hand, considering the treatment mode in which the desired spark formation is desired, the desired operating mode can be achieved by continuously monitoring the echo signal, such as spark formation and plasma generation using a high-frequency signal with pulse width modulation under different conditions (e.g., minimum power or maximum cutting effect).

[0051] With the aid of the device and method according to the invention, the test signal 31 is transmitted from the device 16 to the instrument 14, and the obtained and subsequently arriving echo signal 32 is examined in order to detect specific properties and property changes on the line 15, the instrument 14, the tissue 20, or also to detect specific properties and property changes on the fluid body (e.g., plasma body) present on the electrodes of the instrument 14, and accordingly control the operation of the control supply arrangement structure 21.

[0052] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0053] 10. Layout Structure

[0054] 11 patients

[0055] 12 tables

[0056] 13 Grounding potential

[0057] 14 Instruments / Cryoprobes

[0058] Line 15

[0059] 16 devices

[0060] 17. Fluid supply lines

[0061] 18. Fluid return line

[0062] 19 Frozen Tip

[0063] 20 organizations

[0064] 21 Supply Layout Structure

[0065] 22 Control Input

[0066] 23 Output

[0067] 24 Test signal transmitter

[0068] 25 Coupled Arrangement Structure

[0069] 26 Signal Input

[0070] 27 Signal Output

[0071] 28 Echo Signal Receiver

[0072] 29 Analytical equipment

[0073] 30 Conductor Section

[0074] 31 Test Signal

[0075] 32 Echo Signal

[0076] 33. Frozen Organizations

[0077] 34 Control elements

[0078] 35 Inductor.

Claims

1. A device (16) for supplying operating power and / or operating medium to a medical device (14), the medical device (14) being connected to the device (16) via a line (15), the device comprising: A test signal transmitter (24) adapted to transmit a test signal (31) to the line (15). An echo signal receiver (28) adapted to receive an echo signal (32) caused by a test signal (31), and The analysis layout (29) is adapted to determine the length of the line (15) based on the echo signal (32). in, The instrument (14) is a cryosurgery instrument, and the test signal is an electrical test signal.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit (15) is a fluid circuit, and the operating medium is a fluid.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The line (15) is an electrical line connected to the source of the therapeutic current.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The source is a supply arrangement (21) adapted to provide the therapeutic current in a pulsed manner, and the test signal transmitter (24) is active during the pause of the therapeutic current.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The analysis arrangement (29) is adapted to determine the length of the line (15) based on the propagation delay of the echo signal (32) or the phase shift between the test signal and the echo signal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The analysis arrangement structure (29) is adapted to trigger an action in response to characteristic changes in the echo signal (32).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The action includes activating or deactivating the device (14).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The action includes generating a signal indicating that the connected device (14) is connected.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The test signal transmitter (24) is adapted to generate a test signal without any DC voltage and / or DC current.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The test signal is a modulated high-frequency signal.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The test signal transmitter (24) is adapted to transmit a pulse signal without any DC voltage.

12. A method for monitoring a medical device (14) supplied by a device (16) via a line (15), wherein, The test signal (31) is transmitted to the line (15), and through the line (15), operating power and / or operating medium are supplied to the device (14). Receive at least one echo signal (32) caused by one or more test signals (31), The echo signal (32) is analyzed, and the length of the line (15) is determined based on the analysis. The instrument (14) is a cryosurgery instrument, and the test signal is an electrical test signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The modulated high-frequency signal is used as the test signal (31).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The characteristic changes of the echo signal (32) are used to control the device (16) and / or the instrument (14).

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The length of the line (15) is determined based on the propagation delay of the echo signal (32) or the phase shift between the test signal and the echo signal.

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