Feedback control in electrosurgical systems

Abstract

A surgical system for treating tissue includes a surgical device and a control system. A surgical device may include an end effector and a sensor. The end effector may include an active electrode for treating tissue. The sensor may be configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or tissue. A control system may be operably coupled to the sensor. The control system may be configured to deliver power to the active electrode, and may be configured to adjust the power during a time period during which the data signal is received by the control system.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. patent application serial number 63 / 268,724, entitled “THERMAL FEEDBACK CONTROL,” filed by Kester Batchelor on March 1, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Tissues or organs of the human body often require surgical intervention, which can include the removal of tissues, organs, or portions thereof. In some cases, an organ or tissue may be removed for sample collection, such as for a biopsy, and in other examples, an organ or tissue may be removed to address one or more problems or symptoms experienced by a patient. In either case, specialized surgical instruments may be used to safely and efficiently remove the organ or tissue.

[0004] Electrosurgery is the application of electrical energy in a manner to produce changes in biological tissue of a surgical patient. Various electrosurgical techniques can be used to cut, coagulate, dry or cauterize biological tissue. These electrosurgical techniques and other techniques can be performed during various medical procedures such as laparoscopic surgery. Examples of these medical procedures may include: appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, cystectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass, hernia repair, nephrectomy, Nissen fundoplication, prostatectomy, sleeve gastrectomy or others. Each of these medical procedures may have one or more electrotherapy phases such as an interrogation phase, a heating phase, a drying phase, a cauterization phase, etc.

[0005] Electrosurgical devices may use alternating current (AC) electrical energy at energy levels and frequencies suitable for cutting or coagulating tissue, for example. The use of alternating current requires that the circuit be closed. Electrosurgical devices may be monopolar (e.g., a device or system that uses relatively more distant electrodes (e.g., dispersive electrode pads) to close the circuit) or bipolar (e.g., a device that uses one or more closely spaced electrodes (e.g., which may be located on the end of a handpiece of the device) to close the circuit). In a monopolar device, an electrotherapy signal generator may provide current that travels from electrodes in the handpiece through the body to the dispersive pads to return the current to the generator. In a bipolar device, such as an electrosurgical forceps, the current from the generator may travel down one leg of the forceps and through the tissue to the other leg of the forceps, from where the current may return to the generator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the accompanying drawings (which are not necessarily drawn to scale), similar reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. Similar reference numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The accompanying drawings generally illustrate various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example and not limitation.

[0007] Figure 1 An isometric view of the surgical system is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0015] Fig. 9 An isometric view of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0016] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical system is shown.

[0017] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0018] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0019] Fig.13 A perspective view of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0020] Fig.14 A perspective view of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0021] Fig.15 An isometric view of the surgical system is shown.

[0022] Fig.16 An isometric view of the surgical system is shown.

[0023] Fig.17 An isometric view of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0024] Fig.18 An isometric view of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0025] Fig.19 An isometric view of a portion of a surgical system is shown.

[0026] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram of a surgical system is shown.

[0027] Fig.21 A schematic diagram showing an example of a machine upon which one or more embodiments may be implemented is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various surgical devices can receive electrical energy (or radio frequency (RF) energy or ultra-high frequency (UHF) energy). For example, an electrosurgical device can use electrodes to perform partial or complete hemostatic cutting or excision of tissue using electrical energy (RF energy or UHF energy) delivered to the tissue through the active electrodes of a bipolar or monopolar device. The use of a monopolar system may result in a large thermal margin, which in turn may subsequently result in tissue necrosis after the cut. Necrosis may be particularly problematic in cases where electrosurgical tissue treatment is intended to close the resected wound area to promote healing. In addition, the monopolar output may affect nearby nerve tissue. Once past the outer polyester film sheath of the nerve, the conductivity of the nerve tissue is significantly higher than that of the surrounding tissue. Therefore, the nerve can provide a preferred path for the electrosurgical treatment current to pass along it. Unintended electrical conduction of electrosurgical energy along the nerve may affect suture integrity, may result in denervation, and may result in other unexpected results.

[0029] The electrosurgical end effector may also experience thermal runaway, which may occur when the heat generated by the electrosurgical end effector exceeds the heat dissipated to the surrounding environment. As the temperature of the tip (and its surrounding environment) increases, thermal runaway may be associated with a decrease in volume resistivity. Some materials can help reduce thermal runaway (e.g., high temperature, low thermal conductivity materials). However, material selection alone may not prevent thermal runaway and subsequent problems. Thermal runaway may cause a continuous arc to form between the two electrode columns of a bipolar device (rather than between the tissue and the electrode). Once this arc is established, it can be maintained in a specific position, thereby creating a high-current area that can persist in the same approximate position due to its lower volume resistivity and charged ionization pathway, thereby eventually bridging (and melting) the insulator. These concerns may be particularly prevalent when novice users of monopolar electronic systems simply use convenient default power settings instead of using the optimal power settings suitable for performing the desired electrosurgical procedure.

[0030] In order to help overcome one or more problems associated with monopolar electrosurgical treatment systems, bipolar electrosurgical treatment devices can be used, for example, to perform cutting or other electrosurgical treatments. In a bipolar device, a passive electrode can receive electrical energy from tissue, thereby allowing energy to flow through the tissue to perform cutting or resection. The electrodes can be separated by one or more dielectric components to help ensure that energy flows through the tissue. An electrosurgical device with a bipolar electrosurgical end effector (e.g., a J-hook) can provide a controlled tissue cutter that does not require high voltage energy to be transmitted to a remote return electrode pad through the patient, as is the case when using a monopolar electrosurgical device. In addition, because a bipolar electrosurgical device can provide its electrosurgical energy more locally and at a lower voltage, the thermal margin can be lower. Therefore, compared with a monopolar (or diathermy) cutting method, a bipolar electrosurgical device can help promote better healing of the treated or affected tissue.

[0031] Some electrosurgical end effectors, such as the J-hook, may be part of a “plug and play” system that can provide a controlled energy output platform. Rather than providing a fixed power output, which may be more difficult for certain applications or for certain users, the bipolar electrosurgical energy delivered by the end effector may be limited and controlled, for example to establish, adjust, or otherwise provide an appropriate power. However, such bipolar electrosurgical devices may still require large heat dissipation capabilities because the electrodes may heat up significantly during cutting or resection due to the flow energy and due to contact between the electrodes and relatively hot tissue. Both the instrument temperature and the applied electrosurgical power may affect instrument function and treatment outcomes. Excessive heating of the electrode during use may result in overheating, which may lead to dielectric breakdown, dielectric melting, tissue necrosis, or other problems. Currently, bipolar electrosurgical end effectors, such as the J-hook, are not widely used. TM Devices for cutting and coagulating devices use long electrode return arms to address these problems. The return electrode arm extends through the shaft and is connected to the handpiece of the instrument. The return arm can be used as a heat sink to help cool the cutting tip, thereby helping to reduce overheating of the electrode. To help achieve better thermal control, the device working tip can include a large heat sink for transferring heat away from the return electrode, for example to account for worst-case conditions and use cases for electrosurgical activation. Such instruments can include relatively large tips, which can affect surgical precision. In addition, while return heat sinks are effective, they may be made of highly conductive materials such as copper, which may be relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0032] The present disclosure can help address these issues by including a relatively small heat sink and by managing overheating based on controlling power delivery via the active electrode, for example to limit the voltage or current delivered to and by the end effector. In an example, the temperature at the working tip of the electrosurgical instrument device can be monitored. As the temperature at the tip of the device increases, the arc discharge voltage across the air gap decreases. By reducing the maximum allowable output voltage between the electrodes as the local temperature increases, direct arcing and thermal runaway can be reduced. A small, evenly distributed, ionized pocket of arcing can be obtained along the intended blade length, thereby enabling predictable RF cutting or other treatments.

[0033] Through a sensor in the tip of the end effector, the system can include feedback control, for example to sense the temperature of a heat sink (or other component) of the surgical instrument and, in response, the controller circuit can control the electrosurgical energy generator, for example to adjust the power delivered to the electrosurgical instrument device. Such local temperature sensing (e.g., via the heat sink) and responsive voltage or power control of the electrosurgical energy delivered by the electrosurgical energy treatment device can allow the device to include a relatively small heat sink while still maintaining safety and efficiency, and reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0034] The above discussion is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the present invention. The following description is included to provide additional information about this patent application.

[0035] Figure 1 An isometric view of a surgical system 100 is shown. The surgical system 100 may include a surgical instrument 102, which may be connected to a generator 104, for example, via one or more wires or conductors 106. The generator 104 may be an electrical or electromagnetic device configured to deliver energy to a handpiece 110. The generator 104 may include one or more controllers or control circuits, such as Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The surgical instrument 102 may include an end effector 108, a handpiece 110, and an intermediate portion 112. The handpiece 110 may include a housing 114, a control 116, and a rotary actuator 118. Figure 1 Also shown are orientation indicators proximal and distal ends and longitudinal axis A1 .

[0036] Generally, the hand piece 110 can be located at the proximal end of the instrument 102, and the end effector 108 can be located at the distal end of the surgical instrument 102. An intermediate portion 112 can extend between the hand piece 110 and the end effector 108 to operably couple the hand piece 110 to the end effector 108. Various movements of the end effector 108 can be controlled by one or more actuation systems of the hand piece 110. For example, the end effector 108 can be rotated along the longitudinal axis A1 of the surgical instrument 102. The hand piece 110 can also be used to operate the end effector 108 to cut tissue, for example, via the delivery of electrical or electromagnetic energy to the tissue.

[0037] The housing 114 may be a frame that provides structural support between the components of the surgical instrument 102. The housing 114 is shown as housing at least a portion of an actuation system associated with the handpiece 110 for operating the end effector 108. However, some or all of the components need not be housed within the housing 114. The housing 114 may provide a rigid or semi-rigid structure for attachment of the components, but the housing 114 need not completely house the components, or may house a portion of one or more of the components.

[0038] The intermediate portion 112 may include a shaft 120 that may extend between the housing 114 and the end effector 108 and may be configured to support one or more components thereof. The control 116 may be coupled to the housing 114 and may include or be connected to electronic circuitry within the housing 114, for example, to connect the control 116 to the generator 104. Such circuitry may send or transmit electrical or electromagnetic energy to the end effector 108. In some examples, the electronic circuitry may be located external to the housing 114 but may be operably coupled to the housing 114 and the end effector 108.

[0039] In some example operations, the user can use the rotary actuator 118 to orient or rotate the end effector 108 as needed, for example, to contact the patient's tissue. When it is desired to resect or cut tissue, the user can operate the control member 116 so that electromagnetic energy, electrical energy, RF energy or UHF energy is delivered to the end effector 108 (for example, delivered to its electrodes), and delivered to the tissue. The application of such energy can be used to cut and seal (for example, hemostatic cutting) or otherwise affect the tissue engaged with the end effector 108. When the end effector 108 is used in such an action, the rotary actuator 118 can be operated to orient the end effector 108 as needed. Such a process can be repeated as desired or needed to resect or treat the affected part. Although the end effector 108 is discussed above as an electrosurgical cutting instrument, the end effector 108 can be a variety of other tools as described below.

[0040] Figure 2 Shown is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 200. The surgical system 200 can be similar to the surgical system 100 described above. Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown of how such a system may be configured.Any of the systems discussed above or below may be modified to include the features of surgical system 200. Figure 2 Orientation indicators proximal and distal are also shown.

[0041] The surgical system 200 may include a surgical instrument 202 and a conductor or connector 206. The surgical instrument 202 may include an end effector 208. The conductor 206 may be connected to a generator (e.g., the generator 104), for example, via terminals or contacts 222. The connector 206 may also include a memory 224. The memory 224 may be various types of memory, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., an electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), a flash memory device, a disk, etc.

[0042] The surgical instrument 202 may also include a sensor 226, a converter 228, and a transceiver (or transmitter) 230. The memory 224, the sensor 226, the converter 228, and the transceiver 230 may be connected by a circuit 232 or a portion thereof. The sensor 226 may be a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, a contact sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a particle sensor, etc. The sensor 226 may be configured to generate a data signal indicating a state of the surgical instrument 202 (e.g., the end effector 208) or a state of tissue engaged with or near the end effector 208 (or the sensor 226). The end effector 208 may be a hook device, a scraper, a forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, an irrigator, etc.

[0043] The converter 228 may be connected to the sensor 226 and the transceiver 230. The converter 228 may be an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or other converter, circuit, or chip configured to convert or otherwise process a data signal from the sensor 226. The transceiver 230 may be a transmitter or transceiver configured to transmit the converted signal from the surgical instrument 202 to the memory 224. The surgical system 200 may be used to perform one or more processes as discussed in further detail below.

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 300 is shown, which may be similar to surgical system 100 or surgical system 200 discussed above. Figure 3 Schematically, it is shown how the surgical system 300 may be arranged. Any of the systems discussed above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical system 300. The operation of the surgical system 300 is also discussed below.

[0045] The surgical system 300 may include a generator 304, which may be similar to the generator 104 discussed above. The surgical system 300 may also include a surgical instrument 302, which may be similar to the surgical instrument 102 or the surgical instrument 202 discussed above. The surgical instrument 302 may also include a shaft 320 connected to an end effector 308 at a distal end of the shaft 320. The end effector 308 may include a sensor 326 (which may be similar to the sensor 226) and an active electrode 334 that may be connected to the generator 304, for example, via a circuit 332. The circuit 332 may optionally be at least a portion of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit (or a 1-wire EEPROM communication bus). The circuit 332 may be driven from a single digital input / output (I / O) terminal or contact on a controller of the generator 304, and the circuit 332 may be connected to a ground pin or terminal. The circuit 332 is discussed as a 1-wire EEPROM circuit, but may be other types of 1-wire communication bus circuits in other examples.

[0046] In some example operations, the surgical instrument 302 may be used during one or more processes of engaging or observing tissue. During such a process, the surgical instrument 302 may be manipulated so that the end effector 308 engages or interacts with the tissue (or is positioned near the tissue). A generator (e.g., the generator 104) may deliver power to the active electrode 334 of the end effector 308 to affect the tissue. The control system or generator may then reduce the power delivered to the active electrode 334 of the end effector 308, for example to help reduce interference from the power delivered to the active electrode 334. Optionally, the RF or HF energy may be modified or reduced to a level that causes less interference and does not completely stop or interrupt. Then, when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, the generator 304 may receive a data signal from the sensor 326 from 326, which may indicate at least one characteristic of the end effector 308 or the tissue.

[0047] The generator 304 may use the data signal from the sensor 326 to determine one or more characteristics of the tissue or the end effector 308. In an example where the sensor 326 is a temperature sensor, the generator 304 may use the data signal to determine the temperature of at least a portion of the end effector 308. The generator 304 may then adjust the power delivered to the active electrode 334 based on the determined temperature.

[0048] That is, the generator 304 may determine a characteristic representative of the component, such as the temperature of the return electrode, based on the data signal generated by the sensor 326 during the period of time when the power delivered to the active electrode 334 of the end effector 308 is reduced. Optionally, the power may be reduced by the generator 304 for a relatively short duration, for example to help limit the impact on the operation of the surgical instrument 302. For example, during the instance of measuring the data signal, the generator 304 may reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration or interval between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds. In another example, during the instance of measuring the data signal, the generator 304 may reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 50 milliseconds. In another example, during the instance of measuring the data signal, the generator 304 may reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration between 20 milliseconds and 80 milliseconds. In another example, during the instance of measuring the data signal, the generator 304 may reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration between 30 milliseconds and 50 milliseconds. The generator 304 may reduce power by reducing one or more of voltage, current, etc.

[0049] Because the active electrode 334 and the sensor 326 share conductors such as a 1-wire EEPROM circuit (e.g., circuit 332), the reduction in power to the active electrode 334 can allow the generator 304 to receive data signals from the sensor 326 with reduced noise or interference, thereby allowing the generator 304 to use the data signals to more accurately determine one or more characteristics of the end effector 308 or tissue. The generator 304 can then use the determined characteristics to adjust the operation of the surgical instrument 302. For example, based on the determined characteristics, the generator 304 can automatically adjust the power delivered to the active electrode 334, for example to help limit overheating of the end effector 308 or overheating of one or more components of the end effector 308.

[0050] The surgical system 300 may also include a dynamic or other feedback control loop to (e.g., automatically) adjust the power or voltage delivered to the device. The control loop may include voltage limits, power limits, current limits, etc. The limits or operating parameters of the surgical instrument 302 may be modified (e.g., by the generator 304), for example, based on the sensed temperature of the end effector 308 (or components thereof), for example to limit or otherwise control the delivery of electrosurgical energy or power such that direct arcing and localized thermal runaway are limited or prevented.

[0051] In an example, the end effector 308 temperature can be monitored by the generator 304 in a variety of ways, including performing temperature sensing directly on or within the heat sink itself. In an example, a temperature sensor or thermocouple can provide temperature feedback from the end effector 308 or an associated heat sink and can allow the modulated output electrosurgical energy parameters to be established or adjusted in a manner that, for example, inhibits or prevents undesirable arcing, undesirable thermal runaway, or both.

[0052] Optionally, the operation of the surgical system 300 or the generator 304 to determine the characteristics of the end effector 308 may include several iterations or steps. For example, the generator 304 may provide or deliver energy to the active electrode 334, and then interrupt or reduce the power or energy delivered to the active electrode 334. As the power is reduced, the generator 304 may receive data signals from the sensor 326 and determine the characteristics of the end effector 308 (e.g., the temperature of the return electrode). The generator 304 may then, for example, deliver energy to the active electrode 334 again at a modified power or energy, and may then interrupt or reduce the power again to receive or analyze data signals, optionally at a different power or energy level that is the same or different than any previously delivered power or energy level, before resuming power again.

[0053] Optionally, the repetition of sensing or determining a characteristic (e.g., performed by the generator 304) can include switching the energy output of the generator 304 to the active electrode 334 between the cutting energy, the coagulation energy, and the energy or power level for receiving the signal or analyzing the signal to determine one or more characteristics. Optionally, multiple instances of cutting and coagulating can be performed before each instance of receiving the signal or analyzing the signal. Optionally, receiving the signal or analyzing the signal can be performed between each instance of cutting or coagulating.

[0054] Optionally, the generator 304 can determine a characteristic such as a rate of change over time or between measurements. Such a rate of change can be used to control the power delivered to the end effector 308. For example, the generator 304 can use the sensor 326 to determine the rate of change of temperature over time through multiple measurements. When the rate of change of temperature increases, the generator 304 can reduce the maximum available power to help reduce overheating or other problems.

[0055] Optionally, the generator 304 may determine a difference between a rate of change of a characteristic at a first time and a rate of change of a characteristic at a second time to help determine the characteristic acceleration. For example, a rate of change of temperature at a first time and a rate of change of temperature at a second time may be determined by the generator 304 based on a signal from the sensor 326. When the generator 304 determines that the temperature is increasing rapidly (e.g., exceeding a temperature acceleration threshold), the energy or power delivered to the end effector 308 may be reduced. Such analysis may help provide an earlier prediction of a possible problem.

[0056] In some examples, multiple characteristic thresholds may be used. For example, the generator 304 may use a first characteristic threshold, when the first characteristic threshold is passed, the generator 304 may reduce power below a first limit, and the generator 304 may use a second characteristic threshold, when the second characteristic threshold is passed, the generator 304 may reduce power below a second limit, and the second limit may be different from (i.e., higher or lower than) the first limit.

[0057] In some examples, one or more characteristic threshold types, such as characteristic values ​​and rates of change of characteristics, may be considered together in determining energy output. For example, both a determined temperature and a rate of change of temperature may be considered, where each may be compared to a different threshold, or both may be combined and compared to a combined threshold to make one or more determinations of the power delivered by the generator 304 to the end effector 308.

[0058] In another example, thermal monitoring can be performed when sensor 326 is an infrared or other optical sensor. Alternatively, an imaging or other visualization system can be used that can be part of the device or system itself or a separate system. In an example, a separate thermal monitoring system can be mounted on the electrosurgical device or otherwise located at or near the electrosurgical device, as described below with respect to Fig.15 Other examples of apparatus and methods using these various techniques are discussed below.

[0059] Figure 4 Shown is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 400. The surgical system 400 can be similar to any of the surgical systems described above. Figure 4 An electrical schematic or control schematic is shown for surgical system 400. Any of the systems discussed above or below may be modified to include features of surgical system 400.

[0060] The surgical system 400 may include a surgical instrument 402, which may be similar to the surgical instrument 102 (or the surgical instrument 202 or the surgical instrument 302). The surgical system 400 may also include a cable 406, which may be similar to the conductor 106. The surgical system 400 may also include a generator 404, which may be similar to the generator 104 (or the generator 304). The generator 404 may include terminals 436a to 436e, and conductors 438a to 438 may be connected to the terminals 436a to 436e, respectively. The terminal 436 may be a contact, terminal, or other electrical connection configured to electrically connect (or otherwise connect) a component to the generator 404. The conductor 438 may be a wire, a trace, a conductor, an optical fiber, etc., and may be configured to transmit energy (e.g., electrical energy or light energy) between connected components (e.g., components of the surgical instrument 402 and the generator 404).

[0061] The surgical instrument 402 may include an end effector 408, which may include a sensor 426, an active electrode 434, and a return electrode 440. The surgical instrument 402 may also include one or more controls 416 (which may be similar to the controls 116). The active electrode 434 may be connected to the terminal 436a by a conductor 438a. The return electrode 440 may be connected to the terminal 436c by a conductor 438c, so that the power delivered by the terminal 436a can flow from the active electrode 434 to the tissue and flow to the terminal 436c via the return electrode 440 and the conductor 438c.

[0062] The control member 416 may be connected to the terminal 436d and the terminal 436e by the conductor 438d and the conductor 438e, respectively. The sensor 426 and the return electrode 440 may be connected to the terminal 436b and the terminal 436c by the conductor 438b and the conductor 438c, respectively. The conductors 438b and the conductor 438c may include or may be part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit, which includes an EEPROM device 442, a diode 444, and an ADC 446. The ADC 446 may be or may include one or more chips or boards configured to receive an analog signal and generate or generate a digital signal based on the analog signal. For example, the ADC 446 may generate a digital signal based on a data signal generated by the sensor 426.

[0063] To help reduce the number of terminals required to incorporate the sensor 426, the return electrode 440 can share conductor 438c with the 1-wire EEPROM circuit. As described above, the sensor 426 can be used by the generator 404 to help ensure that the surgical instrument 402 is operating properly and within the desired operating conditions. For example, the sensor 426 can be a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode 440. The generator 404 can use the temperature signal to determine the temperature of the return electrode 440, and when the temperature of the sensor 426 exceeds or approaches a threshold temperature, the generator 404 can reduce the power to the active electrode 434, for example to help reduce overheating (or other problems) of the return electrode 440 or the dielectric.

[0064] However, due to the shared conductor 438c, when the active electrode 434 receives power from the generator 404 and the return electrode 440 receives power from the tissue, the data signal from the sensor 426 may be difficult to process or interpret by the generator 404 due to noise or interference from the received power. To help address this issue, the power delivered to the active electrode 434 from the generator 404 may be reduced during a period of time or interval. The interval or period of reduced power may be the amount of time that the power delivered by the generator 404 is reduced from its previous amount, such as by reducing current, voltage, etc. During the reduced or interrupted power interval, the ADC 446 may receive the data signal from the sensor 426 and may transmit a digital signal that can optionally be stored in the EEPROM device 442 and can be read by the generator 404 (e.g., by its controller).

[0065] The reduction in power through the generator 404 to the active electrode 434 for determining the characteristics of the data signal or receiving or analyzing can be a reduction in voltage, current, etc. for a period of time such that the RF energy or UHF energy (and power) is reduced. The reduction or adjustment can be reduced to a power or energy level where radio frequency interference is reduced to a level that allows sensor data from the sensor 426 to be transmitted from the sensor 426 to the generator 404 without excessive interference, which would render the sensor data unusable (or less usable) for its intended purpose, or would require additional processing by the generator 404 to read or use the data signal from the sensor 426.

[0066] Once the reading or processing or analysis of the data signal is performed, the characteristics of the sensor 426 or tissue can be determined. Once the characteristics are determined, the power can be re-enabled, and the power can be reduced when the characteristics are determined to exceed a threshold. The characteristics can be determined after the power is reduced or interrupted and before, during, or after the power is restored. Such a process can be repeated at intervals, such as once per second, once every 5 seconds, once every 10 seconds, once every minute, once per power activation, etc. Using this process, the generator 404 can use the sensor 426 that shares a conductor with the return electrode 440 to determine the characteristics of the surgical instrument 402 or tissue.

[0067] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 500 is shown. Surgical system 500 can be similar to surgical system 400 described above; surgical system 500 can include circuitry that generates analog signals. Any of the systems discussed above or below can be modified to include features of surgical system 500.

[0068] The surgical system 500 can be connected similarly to the surgical system 400 described above without the ADC. That is, the sensor 526 and the return electrode 540 can be connected to the terminal 536b and the terminal 536c respectively by the conductor 538b and the conductor 538c, and the conductor 538b and the conductor 538c can include or can be a part of the 1-wire EEPROM circuit, and the 1-wire EEPROM circuit includes the EEPROM device 542 and the diode 544. The active electrode 534 can be connected to the terminal 536a by the conductor 538a. In addition, the control element 516 can be connected to the terminal 536d and the terminal 536e by the conductor 538d and the conductor 538e, respectively.

[0069] The return electrode 540 may share conductor 538c with a 1-wire EEPROM circuit, thereby helping to reduce the number of terminals required to incorporate the sensor 526. The sensor 526 may be used by the generator 504 to help ensure that the surgical instrument 502 is operating properly and within desired operating conditions. For example, the sensor 526 may be a temperature sensor configured to generate an analog temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode 540. The generator 504 may use the analog temperature signal to determine the temperature of the return electrode 540, and when the temperature of the sensor 526 exceeds or approaches a threshold temperature, the generator 504 may reduce power to the active electrode 534, for example to help reduce overheating (or other problems) of the return electrode 540 or the dielectric.

[0070] Because conductor 538c is shared, when active electrode 534 receives power from generator 504 and return electrode 540 receives power from tissue, the data signal from sensor 526 may be difficult to read due to noise or interference from the received power. To help address this problem, the power delivered to active electrode 534 from generator 504 may be reduced during a period of time or interval. During the reduced or interrupted power interval, the data signal from sensor 526 may be stored in EEPROM device 542 or may be read by generator 504 (e.g., by its controller).

[0071] Once the reading is obtained, the generator 504 can restore the power to its previous level while determining the characteristics of the sensor 526 or tissue. Once the characteristics are determined, the power can be maintained, or it can be reduced if the characteristics are determined to exceed a threshold. Using this process, the generator 504 can use the analog signal from the sensor 526 to determine the characteristics of the surgical instrument 502 or tissue.

[0072] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 600 is shown. The surgical system 600 can be similar to the surgical systems described above. The surgical system 600 can include a switch electrode. Any of the surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include components of the surgical system 600.

[0073] The surgical system 600 can be similar to the surgical system 400 in that the surgical system 600 can include a generator 604 having contacts 636a-636f. The surgical system 600 can include a surgical instrument 602 including a control 616, a sensor 626, an active electrode 634, a return electrode 640, and a switch electrode 648. The surgical system 600 can also include a cable 606, which can include a 1-wire EEPROM circuit including an EEPROM device 642, a diode 644, and an ADC 646.

[0074] The surgical system 600 can operate similarly to the surgical systems 400 and 500 described above. The generator 604 can reduce, adjust, or inhibit power to the active electrode 634 or the switch electrode 648 for instances, periods, or durations when it is desired to obtain a reading from the sensor 626. During the period of reduced power, the data signal from the sensor 626 can be, the ADC 646 can receive the data signal from the sensor 626 and can transmit a digital signal that can be optionally stored in the EEPROM device 642 and can be read by the generator 604 (e.g., by a controller thereof). The generator 604 can determine one or more characteristics of the sensor 626, the surgical instrument 602, or the tissue, and the generator 604 can optionally adjust the power to one or more of the active electrode 634 or the switch electrode 648 based on the determined characteristics (e.g., if one or more thresholds for the characteristics are passed).

[0075] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 700 is shown. The surgical system 700 can be similar to the surgical systems discussed above. The surgical system 700 can include dedicated circuitry for the sensors. Any of the surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include components of the surgical system 700.

[0076] The surgical system 700 can be similar to the surgical system 700 in that the surgical system 700 can include a generator 704 having contacts 736a to 736g. The surgical system 700 can include a surgical instrument 702, which includes a control 716, a sensor 726, an active electrode 734, and a return electrode 740. The surgical system 700 can also include a cable 706, which can include a 1-wire EEPROM circuit having an EEPROM device 742. The sensor 726 can be connected to the terminal 736b and the terminal 736c via a conductor 738b and a conductor 738c, respectively, so that the sensor 726 is independently connected to the generator 704. In addition, the return electrode 740 can be connected to the terminal 736d and the terminal 736e via a conductor 738d and a conductor 738e, respectively, so that the return electrode 740 is independently connected to the generator 704.

[0077] The surgical system 700 can operate similarly to the surgical systems 400-600 discussed above. However, when it is desired to obtain a reading from the sensor 726, because the sensor 726 is on a dedicated circuit, the power to the active electrode 734 may not be reduced, adjusted, or inhibited because there is no interference on the sensor circuit. The data signal from the sensor 726 can be transmitted to the generator 704, for example, via the EEPROM device 742. The generator 704 can determine one or more characteristics of the sensor 726, the surgical instrument 702, or the tissue, and the generator 704 can optionally adjust the power to the active electrode 734 based on the determined characteristics (e.g., if the generator 704 determines that one or more thresholds for the characteristics are passed). In addition, because the sensor 726 is on a dedicated circuit, a relatively small sensor or thermocouple can be used, further helping to reduce the size of the tip of the surgical instrument 702.

[0078] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system is shown. The surgical system 800 can be similar to the surgical systems discussed above. The surgical system 800 can include dedicated circuitry for the sensor and switch electrodes 848. Any of the surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include components of the surgical system 800.

[0079] Fig. 9 An isometric view of the surgical system 100 including the surgical instrument 102 is shown, with orientation indicators proximal and distal being shown. Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the end effector 108 is shown. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The surgical instrument 102 may be used with respect to the surgical system 100 discussed above. Figure 1 The apparatus 102 in question is identical; Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Additional details of surgical instrument 102 are shown.

[0080] For example, Fig. 9 A distal portion of a shaft 120 is shown where the end effector 108 may be coupled to the intermediate portion 112 . Fig. 9 Also shown is that the end effector 108 can include an active electrode 124, an insulator 126, a return electrode 128, and a return electrode 130. The active electrode 124, the insulator 126, the return electrode 128, and the return electrode 130 together can form a cutting tip 132 that is operable (e.g., using the handpiece 110) to cut or resect tissue.

[0081] The active electrode 124 can be a conductor made of one or more conductive materials, such as copper, silver, aluminum, platinum, gold, steel alloys, etc. The active electrode 124 can be relatively thin to deliver high current density from the generator 104 to the tissue for efficient cutting and sealing of the tissue. The return electrode 128 and the return electrode 130 can also be made of one or more conductive materials. The active electrode 124 can be at least partially surrounded by an insulator 126, which can be a dielectric made of one or more insulating materials such as ceramics, polymers, rubbers, glass composites, etc. The active electrode 124 can be or can include a heat generating element, such as an RF seal or other RF device, an electrosurgical cutting element, a resistive cutting element, a plasma-based device, a laser device, an ultrasonic device, etc.

[0082] The insulator 126 may be sized and shaped to space the active electrode 124 from the return electrode 128 and the return electrode 130, for example, to optimize cutting and sealing efficiency and effectiveness, while helping to limit overheating of the cutting tip 132 and helping to limit arcing directly from the active electrode 124 to the return electrode 128 or the return electrode 130, thereby helping to ensure that power flows from the active electrode 124 to the tissue before returning to the return electrode 128 or the return electrode 130. The active electrode 124, the insulator 126, the return electrode 128, and the return electrode 130 may be sized and shaped to form a cutting tip 132, which may be a hook or J-hook cutting tip (or have a hook or J-hook shape), which may be a useful or effective shape for electrosurgical cutting or resection or sealing of tissue.

[0083] The return electrodes 128 and 130 can be on laterally opposite sides of the active electrode 134 and the insulator 126. The return electrodes 128 and 130 can be relatively large to help dissipate or remove heat and to help ensure that there is adequate contact between the return electrodes 128 and 130 and the tissue being cut or resected. Heat from the return electrode 128 can be transferred back to the handpiece 110 through the intermediate portion 112 (or shaft 120), for example, through one or more heat sinks. Optionally, the volume of the return electrode (128 or 130) can be at least 3 times larger than the volume of the active electrode 134.

[0084] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the surgical instrument 102 may include a sensor 926 connected to the return electrode 128 (or the return electrode 130) or in communicative contact with the return electrode 128 (or the return electrode 130). For example, the sensor 926 may be a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple) connected to the return electrode 128 or thermally coupled to the return electrode 128 (or the return electrode 130). The sensor 926 may be embedded in the return electrode 128 or may extend at least partially through the return electrode 128.

[0085] In operation, the sensor 926 may generate or produce a data signal based on one or more characteristics of the return electrode 128, the insulator 126, tissue near the end effector 108, or other components of the end effector 108. Optionally, the data signal may be transmitted from the sensor 926 to a generator (e.g., the generator 104) when power to the active electrode 124 is reduced, for example, over a period of time or time increment. During such a power reduction period, the generator may use the data signal to determine one or more characteristics of the return electrode 128, the return electrode 130, the insulator 126, the active electrode 124, adjacent or nearby tissue, or other components of the end effector 108. Based on this determination, the generator 104 may adjust the power delivered to the active electrode 124.

[0086] For example, when the sensor 926 is a temperature sensor, the generator 104 may determine the temperature of the return electrode 128 or the insulator 126, for example, based on the temperature signal from the sensor 926, optionally during the period or interval when the power to the active electrode 124 is reduced. When the generator 104 determines that the temperature of the return electrode 128 (or other component) exceeds a first threshold temperature, the generator 104 may reduce (or otherwise change) the power delivered to the active electrode 124, which may help reduce damage to tissue, ineffective tissue cutting or coagulation, or damage to the end effector 108. Optionally, when the generator 104 determines, for example, during a subsequent temperature determination period that the temperature has dropped below a second threshold (which may be the same as, lower than, or higher than the first threshold), the generator 104 may allow the power to be restored to a previous level before the power was reduced. The surgical instrument 102 is an example of an instrument that may be incorporated into any of the surgical systems discussed above or below.

[0087] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 1100 is shown. The surgical system 1100 can be similar to the surgical systems described above; the surgical system 1100 can include optical conductors or optical fibers, which can be less susceptible to noise or interference. Any of the surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include the features of the surgical system 1100.

[0088] More specifically, the surgical system 1100 may include a surgical device 1102 and a generator 1104. The surgical device 1102 may include a hand piece 1110, a shaft 1120 connected to the hand piece 1110, and an end effector 1108 connected to a distal portion of the shaft 1120. The hand piece 1110 may include a controller 1150, which may be one or more circuits, a control board, a processor, etc. configured to receive, process, and transmit signals. The end effector 1108 may include a sensor 1126 connected to the controller 1150 through one or more of a conductor 1152a and a conductor 1152b. The sensor 1126 may be a sensor connected to the conductor 1152a and the conductor 1152b to connect the sensor 1126 to the controller 1150. The controller 1150 may include a transceiver 1154 connected to an optical fiber 1156. The optical fiber 1156 may be connected to an optical controller 1158 of the generator 1104, which may include a transceiver 1160. Optionally, the controller 1150 may be fiber-powered (powered via fiber), for example to help reduce the number of terminals used in the generator 1104 and the number of conductors used between the controller 1150 and the generator 1104.

[0089] In operation, the sensor 1126 can be configured to generate an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the controller 1150 via the conductor 1152a and the conductor 1152b. The controller 1150 can convert the electrical signal into an optical signal, which can be transmitted by the transceiver 1154 to the transceiver 1160 via the optical fiber 1156, wherein the optical controller 1158 can process the signal or transmit the signal to one or more other controllers of the generator 1104. In such an arrangement, noise generated by power within the handpiece 1110 and the connecting cables (e.g., the conductors 106) can have a reduced effect on the signals (e.g., the signals within the optical fiber 1156) that travel through the optical portion of the surgical system 1100. This can allow the generator 1104 to more accurately determine the characteristics of the end effector 1108 or tissue even when power is delivered to the end effector 1108 (e.g., its active electrode).

[0090] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a portion of surgical system 1200 is shown. Surgical system 1200 can be similar to the surgical systems discussed above; surgical system 1100 can include an optical sensor that is not susceptible to noise or interference. Any of the surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include the features of surgical system 1200.

[0091] More specifically, the surgical system 1200 may include a surgical device 1202 and a generator 1204. The surgical device 1202 may include a hand piece 1210, a shaft 1220 connected to the hand piece 1210, and an end effector 1208 connected to a distal portion of the shaft 1220. The end effector 1208 may include a sensor 1226 connected to the generator 1204 via an optical fiber 1256. The optical fiber 1156 may be connected to an optical controller 1258 of the generator 1204, which may include a transceiver 1260.

[0092] Alternatively, sensor 1226 may be an optical ring resonator that may change its resonant frequency based on temperature (depending on the waveguide or substrate material). Alternatively, sensor 1226 may be a fiber Bragg gating sensor that may generate a temperature signal based on strain in the optical material. Alternatively, sensor 1226 may be a material such as gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, silicon, etc., whose optical parameters (e.g., absorption, transmission, and reflection qualities) may change with temperature.

[0093] In operation, the sensor 1226 can be configured to generate an optical signal and transmit it to the controller 1258 via the optical fiber 1256. The controller 1258 can convert the optical signal and can process the signal or transmit the converted signal to one or more other controllers of the generator 1204. In such an arrangement, noise generated by power within the end effector 1208, the shaft 1220, the handpiece 1210, and the connecting cables (e.g., the conductors 106) can have a reduced effect (or no effect) on the signals (e.g., the signals within the optical fiber 1256) traveling through the optical portion of the surgical system 1200. This can allow the generator 1204 to determine one or more characteristics of the end effector 1208 (or components thereof, such as the return electrode) or nearby tissue without reducing or interrupting the power supplied to the end effector 1208 (e.g., provided to its active electrode).

[0094] Fig.13 A perspective view of a surgical instrument 1302 is shown, which can be part of any of the systems discussed above. The surgical instrument 1302 can be configured similarly to the surgical instruments discussed above. The surgical instrument 1302 can include an optical sensor and an optical fiber. Any of the surgical instruments or surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include the features of the surgical instrument 1302.

[0095] Surgical instrument 1302 may be similar to that specifically referenced above. Fig. 9 The surgical instrument 102 discussed is similar. Fig.13The surgical instrument 1302 is shown to include an optical fiber 1356 extending at least partially through the shaft 1320 and connected to a sensor 1326. The sensor 1326 may be an optical sensor (as discussed above) or may be an exposed portion of the optical fiber 1356. The sensor 1326 may be connected to a top portion of the end effector 1308, for example, to expose the sensor 1326 to tissue adjacent to the end effector 1308, which may allow the sensor 1326 to generate a signal indicative of a property (such as temperature) of the end effector 1308 or tissue adjacent to the end effector 1308 (e.g., near an active electrode of the end effector 1308).

[0096] Fig.14 A perspective view of a surgical instrument 1402 is shown, which can be part of any of the systems discussed above. The surgical instrument 1402 can be configured similarly to the surgical instruments discussed above. The surgical instrument 1402 can include an optical sensor and optical fibers. Any of the surgical instruments or surgical systems discussed above or below can be modified to include the features of the surgical instrument 1402.

[0097] The surgical instrument 1402 may be similar to the surgical instrument 1302 discussed above. Fig.14 The surgical instrument 1402 is shown to include an optical fiber 1456 extending at least partially through the shaft 1420 and connected to a sensor 1426. The sensor 1426 can be an optical sensor (as discussed above) or can be an exposed portion of the optical fiber 1456. The sensor 1426 can be located within the end effector 1408 of the surgical instrument 1402, for example, to expose the sensor 1426 to the end effector 1408, which can allow the sensor 1426 to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic (such as temperature) of the end effector 1408 (e.g., an active electrode or a return electrode). In this way, the exposure of the sensor 1426 to the environment can be limited while still allowing the sensor 1426 to generate a signal corresponding to one or more characteristics of the end effector 1408.

[0098] Fig.15 An isometric view of surgical system 1500 is shown. Surgical system 1500 can be similar to the surgical instruments discussed above. Surgical system 1500 can include an independent optical sensor. Any surgical instrument or surgical system discussed above or below can be modified to include the features of surgical system 1500.

[0099] The surgical system 1500 can include a surgical instrument 1502, which can be connected to a generator 1504, for example, via one or more wires or conductors 1506. The generator 1504 can be similar to the generator 104 (or other generators) discussed above. The surgical instrument 1502 can be similar to the surgical instrument 102 (or other surgical devices) discussed above and can include an end effector 1508, a handpiece 1510, and an intermediate portion 1512. The handpiece 1510 can include a housing 1514, a control 1516, and a rotary actuator 1518. Figure 1 Also shown are orientation indicators proximal and distal ends and longitudinal axis A1 .

[0100] The surgical instrument 1502 may also include an optical instrument 1562, such as a viewing scope (e.g., an endoscope). The optical instrument 1562 may be connected to the generator 1504. The optical instrument 1562 may be independent of the surgical instrument 1502, but may be configured for use with the surgical instrument 1502. The surgical instrument 1502 may include a sensor 1526, which may be an optical sensor, an electrical sensor, etc. The sensor 1526 may be configured to generate a data signal based on one or more characteristics of the surgical instrument 1502 (e.g., the end effector 1508) or tissue near the end effector 1508. In some examples, the sensor 1526 may be an infrared sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to the temperature of an object in the field of view of the sensor 1526.

[0101] Because the sensor 1526 is separated from the end effector 1508, the power delivered by the generator 1504 to the end effector 1508 (such as for a cutting operation) can have a minimal or reduced effect on the data signal generated by the sensor 1526 and transmitted to the generator 1504, thereby allowing the generator 1504 to more accurately determine one or more characteristics of the end effector 1508 or nearby tissue, even when the generator 1504 is delivering power to the end effector 1508.

[0102] Fig.16 An isometric view of a surgical system 1600 is shown. The systems, devices, and methods discussed above (or below), such as with respect to end effectors and sensors, can be provided in a handheld, manually operated device, as described above. In addition, the systems, devices, and methods discussed herein can also be employed in a surgical robot.

[0103] For example, surgical system 1600 may include robot 1601. Robot 1601 may generally be a multi-link structure operable to move an end effector. For example, robot 1601 may include control system 1603, which may optionally include generator 1604 (e.g., similar to generator 104). Robot 1601 may also include arm 1605 composed of multiple links 1664, which may be connected to each other by joints or joint units 1666.

[0104] The robot 1601 may also include an end effector 1608 connected to the distal portion of the arm 1605, wherein the sensor 1626 may be connected to the end effector 1608 or other parts of the arm 1605. The end effector 1608 may include, but is not limited to, any end effector described herein. In addition, the sensor 1626 may include any suitable sensor or data transmission aspect described herein, such as any of the sensors 226 or the sensors 326. The robot 1601 may also include one or more actuators located in the joint unit 1666 or in the control system 1603. The joint unit 1666 may be controlled, for example, by the control system 1603 or the surgeon 50 to move the link 1664 and the end effector 1608 to perform surgery, a portion of surgery, or at least a portion of assisting surgery on the patient 52 on the work table 54.

[0105] Reducing the heat sink size or volume can provide a less bulky and more delicate end effector tip (e.g., a thinner tip or a tip with a reduced cross-section). For robotic surgery, a thinner or smaller tip can help allow smoother or easier manipulation of the arm and electrosurgical device where there may be limited space between the end of the device and an articulated element of the robot (e.g., end effector 1608). By using the methods discussed above (or below) for controlling or adjusting power to help prevent thermal runaway or overheating of the end effector 1608, a smaller return electrode or other component can be used in the end effector 1608, thereby allowing the end effector 1608 to be smaller and more precise or maneuverable, thereby helping to improve the performance of the robot 1601.

[0106] Fig.17An isometric view of a surgical instrument 1702 that may include a surgical scraper is shown. More specifically, the surgical instrument 1702 may include an end effector 1708 connected to a shaft 1720. The end effector 1708 may include an active electrode 1734 and return electrodes 1728 and 1730 that may be separated by one or more insulators. The end effector 1708 may also include a sensor 1726 that may be configured to generate a data signal based on the state of the return electrode 1728, the return electrode 1730, the active electrode 1734, other portions of the end effector 1708, or nearby tissue. The sensor 1726 may be connected to a generator (e.g., the generator 104), for example, to send the data signal thereto, thereby allowing the generator to control the operation of the surgical instrument 1702 based at least in part on the data signal, as described above.

[0107] Fig.18 An isometric view of a surgical instrument 1802, which may include a surgical pencil, is shown. More specifically, the surgical instrument 1802 may include an end effector 1808 connected to a shaft 1820. The end effector 1808 may include an active electrode 1834 and a return electrode 1828 that may be separated by one or more insulators. The end effector 1808 may also include a sensor 1826 that may be configured to generate a data signal based on the state of the return electrode 1828, the active electrode 1834, other portions of the end effector 1808, or nearby tissue. The sensor 1826 may be connected to a generator (e.g., the generator 104), thereby allowing the generator to control the operation of the surgical instrument 1802 based at least in part on the data signal, as described above.

[0108] Fig.19 An isometric view of a surgical instrument 1902 that may include forceps is shown. More specifically, the surgical instrument 1902 may include an end effector 1908 connected to an axis 1920. The end effector 1908 may include jaws 1968 and 1970, wherein one or more of the jaws 1968 and 1970 may be movable relative to each other or relative to the axis 1920, for example to grasp tissue. The surgical instrument 1902 can optionally include a movable cutting blade. The jaw 1968 may include one or more return electrodes 1928 and a sensor 1926. The jaw 1970 may include an active electrode 1934. Optionally, each of the jaws 1968 and 1970 may include an active electrode and a return electrode. The sensor 1926 can be connected to a generator (e.g., the generator 104) and configured to generate a data signal based on the state of the return electrode 1928, the active electrode 1934, other portions of the end effector 1908, or nearby tissue, thereby allowing the generator to control the operation of the surgical instrument 1902 based at least in part on the data signal, as described above.

[0109] The methods and systems discussed above with respect to the sensor and data transmission aspects described herein may be employed in any type of electrosurgical device. These aspects may be employed in any suitable electrosurgical device to improve, for example, electrosurgical scrapers ( Fig.17 ),pencil( Fig.18 ),pliers( Fig.19 ) or another monopolar or bipolar electrosurgical device that includes a sensor configured to generate a signal based on a device or tissue characteristic. Similarly, the sensor types described herein, as well as other sensor types not described herein, can be used with the data transmission features described herein to overcome challenges of sensor data transmission in electrosurgical devices being subject to radio frequency interference. Any sensor (e.g., temperature sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors and angle sensors, proximity sensors, contact sensors, tissue volume sensors, etc.) can be used in any suitable device for the sensor type, and the data transmission aspects described herein can be used to overcome interference caused by specific radio frequency treatment modalities that cause interference.

[0110] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram of an exemplary computer-based power management system (CPMS) 2072 is shown, which can be configured to adjust power input to the active electrode 2034 of the electrosurgical device 2002 (including the end effector 2008) based on temperature sensor data 2074 or power input data 2076 collected during the electrosurgical cutting process.

[0111] For example, in an embodiment, the temperature sensor data 2074 may include temperature measurements taken at a predetermined sampling rate (e.g., every 100 milliseconds, in a range between every 100 milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds, or perhaps between every 100 milliseconds and 500 milliseconds). The sampling time may depend on the device and sensor type, and the sampling time may be configured to retrieve a reliable temperature sensor data signal without unduly affecting the delivery of power to the active electrode of the electrosurgical device 2002.

[0112] The power input data 2076 may be received from or within the power generator 2004, which may be similar to the generator 104 or other generators discussed above. The power input data 2076 may correspond to a waveform signal supplied to the active electrode 2034 of the end effector 2008 of the electrosurgical device 2002.

[0113] In various embodiments, the computer-based power management system 2072 may include an input interface 2078 through which temperature sensor data 2074 and power input data 2076 may be provided as input features to an artificial intelligence (AI) model 2080, which may perform one or more inference operations, wherein the temperature sensor data 2074 and power input data 2076 may be applied to the AI ​​model 2080 to modulate the power input to the active electrode of the electrosurgical device 2002.

[0114] In some embodiments, the input interface 2078 can be a direct data link between the computer-based power management system 2072 and the electrosurgical system 2000 that generates at least some of the input features. For example, the input interface 2078 can transmit temperature sensor data 2074 or power input data directly to the computer-based power management system during a therapeutic or diagnostic medical procedure.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first input feature can be a sliding total power input window generated based on historical power input data 2076 received from the power generator 2004. For example, the historical power input data 2076 can be used to continuously generate an indication of the total power input to the active electrode within a predetermined back-looking time window. As a specific but non-limiting example, the indication in the sliding total power input window can indicate the amount of power delivered to the active electrode during the last 3 seconds of time.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second input feature may include one or more discrete temperature measurements obtained via a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the return electrode. In this example, the second input feature may be raw temperature sensor data 2074. Additionally or alternatively, the second input feature may include an indication of a rate of change of the temperature measurement or a rate of change over a period of time (e.g., an acceleration of the rate of change of temperature).

[0117] Based on one or more of the above input features, the computer-based power management system 2072 can use the AI ​​model 2080 to perform an inference operation to generate power input modulation data 2084, which can be used to modulate (e.g., adjust, reduce) the power input to the active electrode. For example, the input interface 2078 can deliver the temperature sensor data 2074 and the historical power input data 2076 to the input layer of the AI ​​model 2080, which can propagate these input features to the output interface 2082 (or output layer) through the AI ​​model 2080. The AI ​​model 2080 can provide the computer system with the ability to perform tasks without explicit programming by inferring based on patterns found in data analysis. The AI ​​model 2080 explores the research and construction of algorithms (e.g., machine learning algorithms) that can learn from existing data and predict new data. Such an algorithm operates by constructing an AI model 2080 based on example training data to make data-driven predictions or decisions represented as outputs or evaluations.

[0118] Two common modes of machine learning (ML) are supervised ML and unsupervised ML. Supervised ML can learn the relationship between inputs and outputs using prior knowledge (e.g., examples that relate inputs to outputs or outcomes). One goal of supervised ML is to learn a function that, given some training data, best approximates the relationship between the training inputs and outputs, so that the ML model can implement the same relationship given the inputs to generate the corresponding outputs. Unsupervised ML can involve training an ML algorithm using information that is neither classified nor labeled, and allowing the algorithm to operate on that information without guidance. Unsupervised ML can be used for exploratory analysis because it can automatically identify structure in the data.

[0119] Common tasks for supervised ML can include classification problems and regression problems. Classification problems - also known as categorization problems - aim to classify an item into one of several category values ​​(e.g., is this object an apple or an orange?). Regression algorithms aim to quantify some items (e.g., by providing a score for some input value). Some examples of commonly used supervised ML algorithms are logistic regression (LR), naive Bayes, random forest (RF), neural network (NN), deep neural network (DNN), matrix factorization, and support vector machine (SVM).

[0120] Some common tasks used for unsupervised ML include clustering, representation learning, and density estimation. Some examples of commonly used unsupervised ML algorithms are K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and autoencoders.

[0121] Another type of ML is federated learning (also known as collaborative learning), which trains algorithms on multiple distributed devices that hold local data without exchanging data. This approach is in contrast to traditional centralized machine learning techniques, where all local datasets are uploaded to a single server, and to more classic decentralized approaches, which often assume that local data samples are identically distributed. Federated learning enables multiple participants to build common, robust machine learning models without sharing data, thus allowing key issues such as data privacy, data security, data access rights, and access to heterogeneous data to be addressed.

[0122] In some examples, the AI ​​model 2080 may be continuously or periodically trained prior to inference operations being performed by the computer-based power management system 2072. Then, during inference operations, patient-specific input features provided to the AI ​​model 2080 may be propagated from the input layer through one or more hidden layers and ultimately to the output interface 2082 corresponding to the power input modulation data 2084.

[0123] During the inference operation, the power input modulation data 2084 can be transmitted to a user via a user interface (UI) or automatically cause a generator including a computer-based power management system 2072 or connectable to a computer-based power management system 2072 to perform a desired action. In some examples, if the temperature sensor data determines that a characteristic of the temperature sensor data exceeds a defined parameter, such as exceeding a specified temperature for exceeding a specified time period defining an event. The generator can record at least a portion of the temperature sensor data, the historical power input data 2076, the power input modulation data 2084, or the occurrence of the event to a memory. The event data can be saved as a personal record, which can include device identification information or patient identification information. The personal record or aggregated personal record can be transferred to a memory for analysis.

[0124] Fig.21A block diagram of an example machine 2100 on which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methods) discussed herein may be performed is shown. As described herein, the example may include logic or multiple components or mechanisms in the machine 2100, or may be operated by logic or multiple components or mechanisms in the machine 2100. A circuit system (e.g., a processing circuit system) is a collection of circuits implemented in a tangible entity of the machine 2100 including hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Circuit system component relationships may be flexible over time. The circuit system includes components that can perform specified operations individually or in combination when operating. In an example, the hardware of the circuit system may be invariably designed to perform a specific operation (e.g., hard-wired). In an example, the hardware of the circuit system may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) to encode instructions for a specific operation, and the variably connected physical components include a machine-readable medium that is physically modified (e.g., magnetically, electrically, removably placed invariant aggregate particles, etc.). When physical components are connected, the underlying electrical properties of the hardware components are changed, for example, from an insulator to a conductor or from a conductor to an insulator. Instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or a loading mechanism) to create components of a circuit system in hardware via variable connections to perform parts of a specific operation when in operation. Therefore, in an example, a machine-readable medium element is part of a circuit system, or is communicatively coupled to other components of the circuit system when the device is in operation. In an example, any physical component may be used in more than one component of more than one circuit system. For example, under operation, an execution unit may be used in a first circuit of a first circuit system at one point in time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuit system, or reused by a third circuit in the second circuit system at a different time. The following are additional examples of these components of machine 2100.

[0125] In alternative embodiments, machine 2100 can be operated as a stand-alone device, or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, machine 2100 can operate with the capabilities of a server machine, a client machine, or both in a server-client network environment. In an example, machine 2100 can act as a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. Machine 2100 can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a web device, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any machine capable of (sequentially or otherwise) executing instructions specifying the action to be taken by the machine. In addition, although only a single machine is shown, the term "machine" should also be considered to include executing a set (or multiple sets) of instructions individually or jointly to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), and other computer cluster configurations.

[0126] The machine (e.g., computer system) 2100 may include a hardware processor 2102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 2104, a static memory (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, basic input output (BIOS), unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.) 2106, and a mass storage device 2108 (e.g., a hard drive, a tape drive, a flash memory, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnect (e.g., a bus) 2130. The machine 2100 may also include a display unit 2110, an alphanumeric input device 2112 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 2114 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit 2110, the input device 2112, and the UI navigation device 2114 may be a touch screen display. The machine 2100 may further include a storage device (e.g., a drive unit) 2108, a signal generating device 2118 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 2120, and one or more sensors 2116, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors. The machine 2100 may include an output controller 2128, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB)), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., printers, card readers, etc.).

[0127] The registers of the processor 2102, main memory 2104, static memory 2106, or mass storage 2108 may be or include a machine-readable medium 2122 on which one or more sets of data structures or instructions 2124 (e.g., software) are stored, which embody or are utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 2124 may also reside, in whole or in part, in any register of the processor 2102, main memory 2104, static memory 2106, or mass storage 2108 during execution of the instructions 2124 by the machine 2100. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 2102, main memory 2104, static memory 2106, or mass storage 2108 may constitute the machine-readable medium 2122. Although the machine-readable medium 2122 is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” may include a single medium or multiple media (eg, a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 2124 .

[0128] The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 2100 and causing the machine 2100 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure or capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by such instructions or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting machine-readable medium examples may include solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, and signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, other photon-based signals, sound signals, etc.). In an example, a non-transitory machine-readable medium includes a machine-readable medium with multiple particles having a constant (e.g., stationary) mass, and is therefore a composition of matter. Therefore, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is a machine-readable medium that does not include a transient propagation signal. Specific examples of non-transitory machine-readable media may include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0129] The instructions 2124 may also be transmitted or received over a communication network 2126 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 2120 using any of a number of transmission protocols (e.g., frame relay, Internet Protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile telephone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, and a wireless data network (e.g., a wireless network known as a cellular network). The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards, known as IEEE 802.16 family of standards), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, etc. In an example, the network interface device 2120 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet jacks, coaxial jacks, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas for connecting to the communication network 2126. In an example, the network interface device 2120 may include multiple antennas to communicate wirelessly using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO) technology, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, or multiple-input single-output (MISO) technology. The term "transmission medium" should be taken to include any intangible medium that can store, encode, or carry instructions for execution by the machine 2100, and the term "transmission medium" should be taken to include digital communication signals or analog communication signals or other intangible media to facilitate the communication of such software.

[0130] Description and Examples

[0131] The following non-limiting examples detail certain aspects of the inventive subject matter to address the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.

[0132] Example 1 is a method of controlling an electrosurgical system for treating tissue, the method comprising: delivering power from a control system to an end effector to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; and when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicating at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector, wherein the power and the data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

[0133] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include the shared conductor being part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0134] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 2 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to determine the sensing parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced.

[0135] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 3 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end actuator for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

[0136] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 4 may optionally include generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0137] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 optionally includes: wherein the converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0138] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 6 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing the RF energy delivered to the end effector.

[0139] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 7 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end actuator includes reducing a voltage delivered to the end actuator.

[0140] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 8 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end actuator includes reducing the current delivered to the end actuator.

[0141] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 to 9 optionally includes: wherein the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor, and wherein the at least one characteristic is representative of the temperature of the end effector.

[0142] Example 11 is a surgical system comprising: a surgical device, the surgical device comprising: a handpiece, the handpiece being operable to control the surgical device; and an end effector, the end effector being connected to the handpiece, the end effector comprising: an active electrode, the active electrode being configured to deliver power to tissue; a return electrode, the return electrode being configured to receive power from the tissue; and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor generating a temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode; and a control system, the control system being connected to the active electrode, the return electrode and the temperature sensor, the control system being configured to adjust the power delivered to the active electrode based on the temperature signal of the return electrode.

[0143] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode while receiving the temperature signal.

[0144] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 12 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

[0145] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 13 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the temperature.

[0146] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 14 optionally includes: wherein the return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end actuator and the handpiece, and the heat sink is configured to transfer heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives the power from the tissue.

[0147] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 15 optionally includes: wherein the volume of the return electrode is greater than the volume of the active electrode.

[0148] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes: being several times larger than the volume of the active electrode.

[0149] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 17 optionally includes wherein the temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the return electrode.

[0150] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 18 optionally includes: a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode and the active electrode and the electrode extending along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode being located on laterally opposite sides of the active electrode, and an electrically insulating layer, the electrically insulating layer being at least partially located between the active electrode and the return electrode, and at least partially located between the active electrode and the second return electrode.

[0151] In Example 20, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 11 to 19 optionally includes: wherein the active electrode is connected to a first terminal of the control system, the temperature sensor is connected to a second terminal of the control system and a third terminal of the control system, and the return electrode is connected to the third terminal.

[0152] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 optionally includes: a converter, which is at least partially located within the surgical device and connected to the second terminal and the third terminal, and the converter is configured to generate a converted temperature signal based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0153] In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 21 optionally includes: wherein the temperature sensor comprises an optical sensor.

[0154] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 optionally includes wherein the optical sensor comprises a connection to the control system via an optical fiber.

[0155] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 optionally includes: wherein the optical sensor is embedded in the return electrode.

[0156] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 23 to 24 can optionally include wherein the optical sensor is adjacent to the return electrode.

[0157] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 25 can optionally include wherein the temperature sensor and the return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

[0158] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally includes: wherein the shared electrical conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0159] In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 27 optionally includes wherein the temperature sensor is connected to a distal tip portion of the return electrode.

[0160] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 28 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

[0161] In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 29 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to interrupt the power delivered to the active electrode to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

[0162] In Example 31, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 30 may optionally include wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is configured to treat tissue.

[0163] In Example 32, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 31 optionally includes: wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is configured to cut tissue.

[0164] In Example 33, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 32 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

[0165] In Example 34, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11 to 33 optionally includes: wherein the temperature sensor is an electrical temperature sensor.

[0166] Example 35 is a surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: a surgical device, the surgical device comprising: an end actuator, the end actuator comprising an active electrode for treating tissue; and a sensor, the sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end actuator or the tissue; and a control system, the control system being operably coupled to the sensor, the control system being configured to: deliver power to the active electrode; and adjust the power during a time period in which the data signal is received by the control system.

[0167] In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35 optionally includes: wherein the power delivered to the electrode is radiofrequency energy.

[0168] In Example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35 to 36 optionally includes: wherein the delivered power is returned along a common transmission line with the data signal received from the sensor.

[0169] In Example 38, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35 to 37 optionally includes: wherein the sensor includes one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0170] In Example 39, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35 to 38 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is a handheld device.

[0171] In Example 40, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35 to 39 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is a robotic device.

[0172] In Example 41, the subject matter according to any one or more of Examples 35 to 40 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is any of the following devices: a hook device, a scraper, a forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator or an irrigator.

[0173] In Example 42, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35 to 41 optionally includes: wherein the power delivered to the electrode is radiofrequency energy.

[0174] In Example 43, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35 to 42 optionally includes: an end actuator, the end actuator comprising: a return electrode, the return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue, the sensor, and the return electrode using a shared electrical conductor.

[0175] In Example 44, the subject matter of Example 43 optionally includes wherein the shared electrical conductor is at least part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0176] In Example 45, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 43 to 44 optionally includes: an end actuator, the end actuator comprising: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the ADC connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC configured to deliver a digital signal to the control system based on the data signal.

[0177] Example 46 is a non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, which instructions, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to: deliver power to an active electrode of an end actuator; reduce the power delivered to the active electrode; receive a temperature signal from a temperature sensor when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced; determine the temperature of the end actuator; and adjust the delivered power based on the determined temperature.

[0178] In Example 47, the subject matter of Example 46 optionally includes wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the temperature.

[0179] In Example 48, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 46 to 47 optionally includes the instructions further causing the machine to: receive power from a return electrode of the end effector.

[0180] In Example 49, the subject matter of Example 48 optionally includes: wherein the active electrode is connected to a first terminal of a control system, the temperature sensor is connected to a second terminal and a third terminal of the control system, and the return electrode is connected to the third terminal.

[0181] In Example 50, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 46 to 49 optionally includes the instructions further causing the machine to: generate a converted temperature signal based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0182] In Example 51, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 46 to 50 optionally includes the instructions further causing the machine to: interrupt the power delivered to the active electrode to determine the temperature of the end actuator based on the temperature signal.

[0183] Example 52 is a method of controlling an electrosurgical system, the method comprising: delivering power from a control system to an end actuator to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end actuator; receiving a data signal from a sensor indicating at least one characteristic of the end actuator or the tissue when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced; determining a temperature of the end actuator; and adjusting the delivered power based on the determined temperature.

[0184] In Example 53, the subject matter of Example 52 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced.

[0185] In Example 54, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 52 to 53 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end actuator for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

[0186] In Example 55, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 52 to 54 optionally includes generating a converted temperature signal based on the data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0187] In Example 56, the subject matter of Example 55 optionally includes: wherein the converted temperature signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0188] In Example 57, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 53 to 56 optionally includes: wherein the sensor and the return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

[0189] In Example 58, the subject matter of Example 57 optionally includes: wherein the shared electrical conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0190] In Example 59, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 53 to 58 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end actuator to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the data signal.

[0191] Example 60 is a surgical system comprising: an end effector for a surgical device, the end effector comprising: an active electrode, the active electrode configured to deliver power to tissue; a return electrode, the return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue; and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode; and a control system, the control system connected to the active electrode, the return electrode and the temperature sensor, the control system configured to adjust the power delivered to the active electrode based on the temperature signal of the return electrode.

[0192] In Example 61, the subject matter of Example 60 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode while receiving the temperature signal.

[0193] In Example 62, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 60 to 61 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

[0194] In Example 63, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 61 to 62 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the temperature.

[0195] In Example 64, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 61 to 63 optionally includes: wherein the return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end actuator and the handpiece, and the heat sink is configured to transfer heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives the power from the tissue.

[0196] In Example 65, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 61 to 64 optionally includes: wherein the volume of the return electrode is greater than the volume of the active electrode.

[0197] In Example 66, the subject matter of Example 65 optionally includes: wherein the volume of the return electrode is at least 5 times larger than the volume of the active electrode.

[0198] In Example 67, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 60 to 66 optionally includes wherein the temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the return electrode.

[0199] In Example 68, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 60 to 67 optionally includes: a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode and the active electrode, and the electrodes extending along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode being located on laterally opposite sides of the active electrode, and an electrically insulating layer, the electrically insulating layer being at least partially located between the active electrode and the return electrode, and at least partially located between the active electrode and the second return electrode.

[0200] Example 69 is a non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, the instructions, when executed by the machine, causing the machine to: deliver power to an electrode of an end effector to affect tissue; reduce the power delivered to the end effector; when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, receive a data signal from an electrical sensor indicating at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector, wherein the instructions cause the delivered power and the received data signal to be transmitted along a shared conductor; determine at least one characteristic based on the digital signal; and adjust the delivered power based on the at least one characteristic.

[0201] In Example 70, the subject matter of Example 69 optionally includes wherein the conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0202] In Example 71, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 70 optionally includes the instructions further causing the machine to: determine a sensing parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced.

[0203] In Example 72, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 71 optionally includes the instructions further causing the machine to: reduce the power delivered to the end actuator for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

[0204] In Example 73, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 72 optionally includes the instructions further causing the machine to: generate a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0205] In Example 74, the subject matter of Example 73 optionally includes: the instructions further causing the machine to: generate the converted data signal using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0206] In Example 75, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 74 optionally includes: wherein the reduced power delivered to the end effector includes reduced RF energy.

[0207] In Example 76, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 75 optionally includes: wherein the reduced power delivered to the end actuator includes a reduced voltage.

[0208] In Example 77, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 76 optionally includes: wherein the reduced power delivered to the end actuator includes a reduced current.

[0209] In Example 78, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69 to 77 optionally includes: wherein the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor, and wherein the at least one characteristic represents the temperature of the end actuator.

[0210] Example 79 is a method of controlling an electrosurgical system for treating tissue, the method comprising: delivering power from a control system to an end effector to affect the tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; and when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicating at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector, wherein the power and the data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

[0211] In Example 80, the subject matter of Example 79 optionally includes wherein the shared conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0212] In Example 81, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 80 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to determine the sensing parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced.

[0213] In Example 82, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 81 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end actuator for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

[0214] In Example 83, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 82 optionally includes generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0215] In Example 84, the subject matter of Example 83 optionally includes: wherein the converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0216] In Example 85, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 84 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end actuator includes reducing the RF energy delivered to the end actuator.

[0217] In Example 86, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 85 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end actuator includes reducing the voltage delivered to the end actuator.

[0218] In Example 87, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 86 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end actuator includes reducing the current delivered to the end actuator.

[0219] In Example 88, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79 to 87 optionally includes: wherein the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor, and wherein the at least one characteristic represents the temperature of the end actuator.

[0220] Example 89 is a surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: a surgical device, the surgical device comprising: an end actuator, the end actuator comprising an active electrode for treating tissue; and a sensor, the sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end actuator or the tissue; and a control system, the control system being operably coupled to the sensor, the control system being configured to: deliver power to the active electrode; and adjust the power during a time period in which the data signal is received by the control system.

[0221] In Example 90, the subject matter of Example 89 optionally includes: wherein the power delivered to the electrode includes radiofrequency energy.

[0222] In Example 91, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 90 optionally includes: wherein the power is returned along a common transmission line with the data signal received from the sensor.

[0223] In Example 92, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 91 optionally includes: wherein the sensor includes one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0224] In Example 93, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 92 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is a handheld device.

[0225] In Example 94, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 93 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is a robotic device.

[0226] In Example 95, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 94 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is any of the following: a hook device, a scraper, a forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, or an irrigator.

[0227] In Example 96, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 95 optionally includes: wherein the power delivered to the electrode includes ultra-high frequency energy.

[0228] In Example 97, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89 to 96 optionally includes the end actuator comprising: a return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue, the sensor, and the return electrode using a shared electrical conductor.

[0229] In Example 98, the subject matter of Example 97 optionally includes wherein the shared electrical conductor is at least part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0230] In Example 99, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 97 to 98 optionally includes the end actuator, wherein the end actuator comprises: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the ADC connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC configured to deliver a digital signal to the control system based on the data signal.

[0231] Example 100 is a surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: a surgical device, the surgical device comprising: an end actuator, the end actuator comprising an active electrode for treating tissue; and a sensor, the sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end actuator or the tissue; and a control system, the control system being operably coupled to the sensor, the control system being configured to: deliver power to the active electrode; and adjust the power during a time period in which the data signal is received by the control system.

[0232] In Example 101, the subject matter of Example 100 optionally includes: wherein the power delivered to the electrode includes radio frequency energy or ultra high frequency energy.

[0233] In Example 102, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100 to 101 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end actuator for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

[0234] In Example 103, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100 to 102 may optionally include: wherein the power is returned along a common transmission line with the data signal received from the sensor.

[0235] In Example 104, the subject matter according to any one or more of Examples 100 to 103 optionally includes: wherein the sensor includes one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0236] In Example 105, the subject matter according to any one or more of Examples 100 to 104 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is a handheld device, in particular a hook device, a scraper, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator or an irrigator.

[0237] In Example 106, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100 to 105 optionally includes: wherein the surgical device is a robotic device.

[0238] In Example 107, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100 to 106 optionally includes the end actuator comprising: a return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue, the sensor, and the return electrode using a shared electrical conductor.

[0239] In Example 108, the subject matter of Example 107 can optionally include wherein the shared electrical conductor is at least a portion of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0240] In Example 109, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 107 to 108 optionally includes the end actuator, wherein the end actuator comprises: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the ADC connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC configured to deliver a digital signal to the control system based on the data signal.

[0241] Example 110 is a method of controlling a surgical system according to any one of Examples 100 to 109, the method comprising: delivering power from a control system to an end actuator to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end actuator; and when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced, receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicating at least one characteristic of the end actuator or the tissue treated by the end actuator, wherein the power and the data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

[0242] In Example 111, the subject matter of Example 110 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to determine the sensing parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end actuator is reduced.

[0243] In Example 112, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 110 to 111 optionally includes: wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end actuator for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

[0244] In Example 113, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 110 to 112 may optionally include generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0245] In Example 114, the subject matter of Example 113 optionally includes wherein the converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0246] In Example 115, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 110 to 114 optionally includes: wherein reducing the power delivered to the end actuator includes reducing the RF energy, voltage, or current delivered to the end actuator.

[0247] Example 116 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations to implement any one of Examples 1 to 115.

[0248] Example 117 is an apparatus comprising means for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 115.

[0249] Example 118 is a system for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 115.

[0250] Example 119 is a method for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 115.

[0251] In Example 120, the apparatus or method of any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 119 can optionally be configured so that all elements or options recited are available for use or selection therefrom.

[0252] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. As an explanation, the accompanying drawings show specific embodiments in which the present invention can be put into practice. These embodiments are also referred to as "examples" in this article. Such examples may include elements other than the elements shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of these elements (or one or more aspects of these elements) shown or described with respect to a specific example (or one or more aspects of a specific example) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects of other examples) shown or described in this article.

[0253] In the event of an inconsistency in usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain language equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Additionally, in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, systems, devices, articles, combinations, formulations, or processes that include elements other than those listed after such terms in a claim are still considered to fall within the scope of the claim.

[0254] Herein, as is common in patent documents, the terms "one" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, regardless of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more". Herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to represent a non-exclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B". Herein, the terms "including" and "in..." are used as the plain language equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, systems, devices, articles, combinations, formulations, or processes that include elements other than those listed after such terms in the claim are still considered to fall within the scope of the claim. In addition, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc., are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0255] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects of the examples) can be used in combination with each other. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art can use other embodiments after consulting the above description. An abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the following understanding: the abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above specific embodiments, various features can be combined together to organize the present disclosure. This should not be interpreted to mean that: for any claim, the disclosed features that are not claimed for protection are necessary. Instead, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the attached claims are thus incorporated into the specific embodiments as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim is independently a separate embodiment, and it is expected that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the full scope of the attached claims and the equivalents of such claims.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an electrosurgical system for treating tissue, the method comprising: delivering power from the control system to the end effector to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; as well as When the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, a data signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector is received from an electrical sensor, wherein the power and the data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The shared conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: When the delivered power is reduced, a converted data signal is generated.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing radio frequency energy delivered to the end effector.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing a voltage delivered to the end effector.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing the current delivered to the end effector.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The electrical sensor is a temperature sensor, and wherein the at least one characteristic is representative of the temperature of the end effector.

11. A surgical system comprising: A surgical device, comprising: a handpiece operable to control the surgical device; and an end effector connected to the handpiece, the end effector comprising: an active electrode configured to deliver power to the tissue; a return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue; and a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode; and A control system is connected to the active electrode, the return electrode, and the temperature sensor, the control system being configured to adjust power delivered to the active electrode based on the temperature signal of the return electrode.

12. The surgical system of claim 11, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode while receiving the temperature signal.

13. The surgical system according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

14. The surgical system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the temperature.

15. The surgical system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end effector and the handpiece, the heat sink being configured to transfer heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives the power from the tissue.

16. The surgical system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The volume of the return electrode is greater than the volume of the active electrode.

17. The surgical system of claim 16, wherein: The volume of the return electrode is at least 3 times larger than the volume of the active electrode.

18. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein: The temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the return electrode.

19. The surgical system according to any one of claims 11 to 18, comprising: a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode and the active electrode and the electrode extending along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode being located on laterally opposite sides of the active electrode, and An electrically insulating layer is at least partially located between the active electrode and the return electrode and at least partially located between the active electrode and the second return electrode.

20. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein: The active electrode is connected to a first terminal of the control system, the temperature sensor is connected to a second terminal of the control system and to a third terminal of the control system, and the return electrode is connected to the third terminal.

21. The surgical system of claim 20, comprising: A converter is located at least partially within the surgical device and is connected to the second terminal and the third terminal, the converter being configured to generate a converted temperature signal based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

22. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein: The temperature sensor includes an optical sensor.

23. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein: The optical sensor is connected to the control system via an optical fiber.

24. The surgical system of claim 23, wherein: The optical sensor is embedded in the return electrode.

25. The surgical system of claim 23, wherein: The optical sensor is adjacent to the return electrode.

26. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 25, wherein: The temperature sensor and the return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

27. The surgical system of claim 26, wherein: The shared electrical conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

28. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 27, wherein: The temperature sensor is connected to a distal tip portion of the return electrode.

29. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 28, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

30. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 29, wherein: The control system is configured to interrupt the power delivered to the active electrode to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

31. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 30, wherein: The power delivered to the active electrode is configured to treat tissue.

32. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 31, wherein: The power delivered to the active electrode is configured to cut tissue.

33. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 32, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

34. The surgical system of any one of claims 11 to 33, wherein: The temperature sensor is an electrical temperature sensor.

35. A surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: A surgical device, comprising: an end effector comprising an active electrode for treating tissue; and a sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or the tissue; and a control system operably coupled to the sensor, the control system being configured to: delivering power to the active electrode; and The power is adjusted during a time period when the data signal is received by the control system.

36. The surgical system of claim 35, wherein: The power delivered to the electrodes is radiofrequency energy.

37. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 36, wherein: The power delivered returns along a common transmission line with the data signal received from the sensor.

38. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein: The sensor includes one or more of: a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

39. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein: The surgical device is a handheld device.

40. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein: The surgical device is a robotic device.

41. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein: The surgical device is any of the following: a hook device, a scraper, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, or an irrigator.

42. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein: The power delivered to the electrodes is radiofrequency energy.

43. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the end effector comprises: A return electrode is configured to receive power from the tissue, the sensor, and the return electrode using a shared electrical conductor.

44. The surgical system of claim 43, wherein: The shared electrical conductor is at least a portion of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

45. The surgical system of claim 43, wherein the end effector comprises: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC being configured to deliver a digital signal to the control system based on the data signal.

46. ​​A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, the instructions, when executed by a machine, causing the machine to: delivering power to an active electrode of the end effector; reducing the power delivered to the active electrode; receiving a temperature signal from a temperature sensor when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced; determining a temperature of the end effector; as well as The delivered power is adjusted based on the determined temperature.

47. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 46, wherein: The power delivered to the active electrode is reduced between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the instance of measuring the temperature.

48. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 46, the instructions further causing the machine to: Power is received from a return electrode of the end effector.

49. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 48, wherein: The active electrode is connected to a first terminal of a control system, the temperature sensor is connected to a second terminal and a third terminal of the control system, and the return electrode is connected to the third terminal.

50. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 46 to 49, the instructions further causing the machine to: A converted temperature signal is generated based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

51. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 46 to 50, the instructions further causing the machine to: The power delivered to the active electrode is interrupted to determine the temperature of the end effector based on the temperature signal.

52. A method of controlling an electrosurgical system, the method comprising: delivering power from the control system to the end effector to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; receiving a data signal from a sensor indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced; determining a temperature of the end effector; as well as The delivered power is adjusted based on the determined temperature.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a temperature of a return electrode based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

54. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 53, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

55. A method according to any one of claims 52 to 54, comprising: When the delivered power is reduced, a converted temperature signal is generated based on the data signal.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein: The converted temperature signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

57. A method according to any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein: The sensor and the return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein: The shared electrical conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

59. The method according to any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the data signal.

60. A surgical system comprising: An end effector for a surgical device, the end effector comprising: an active electrode configured to deliver power to the tissue; a return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue; and a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal based on a temperature of the return electrode; and A control system is connected to the active electrode, the return electrode, and the temperature sensor, the control system being configured to adjust power delivered to the active electrode based on the temperature signal of the return electrode.

61. The surgical system of claim 60, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode while receiving the temperature signal.

62. The surgical system of any one of claims 60 to 61, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

63. The surgical system of any one of claims 61 to 62, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the temperature.

64. The surgical system of any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein: The return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end effector and the handpiece, the heat sink being configured to transfer heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives the power from the tissue.

65. The surgical system of any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein: The volume of the return electrode is greater than the volume of the active electrode.

66. The surgical system of claim 65, wherein: The volume of the return electrode is at least 5 times greater than the volume of the active electrode.

67. The surgical system of any one of claims 60 to 66, wherein: The temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the return electrode.

68. The surgical system of any one of claims 60 to 67, comprising: a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode and the active electrode and the electrode extending along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode being located on laterally opposite sides of the active electrode, and An electrically insulating layer is at least partially located between the active electrode and the return electrode and at least partially located between the active electrode and the second return electrode.

69. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, the instructions, when executed by a machine, causing the machine to: delivering power to an electrode of the end effector to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, wherein the instructions cause the delivered power and the received data signal to be transmitted along a shared conductor; determining at least one characteristic based on the digital signal; and The delivered power is adjusted based on the at least one characteristic.

70. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 69, wherein: The conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

71. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 70, the instructions further causing the machine to: A sensed parameter is determined based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

72. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 71, the instructions further causing the machine to: The power delivered to the end effector is reduced for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

73. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 72, the instructions further causing the machine to: When the delivered power is reduced, a converted data signal is generated.

74. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 73, the instructions further causing the machine to: The converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

75. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 74, wherein: The reduced power delivered to the end effector includes reduced radio frequency energy.

76. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 75, wherein: The reduced power delivered to the end effector comprises a reduced voltage.

77. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 76, wherein: The reduced power delivered to the end effector comprises a reduced current.

78. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 69 to 77, wherein: The electrical sensor is a temperature sensor, and wherein the at least one characteristic is representative of the temperature of the end effector.

79. A method of controlling an electrosurgical system for treating tissue, the method comprising: delivering power from the control system to the end effector to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; as well as When the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, a data signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector is received from an electrical sensor, wherein the power and the data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein: The shared conductor is part of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

81. The method of any one of claims 79 to 80, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

82. The method of any one of claims 79 to 81, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

83. The method of any one of claims 79 to 82, comprising: When the delivered power is reduced, a converted data signal is generated.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein: The converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

85. The method of any one of claims 79 to 84, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing radio frequency energy delivered to the end effector.

86. The method of any one of claims 79 to 85, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing a voltage delivered to the end effector.

87. The method of any one of claims 79 to 86, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing the current delivered to the end effector.

88. The method of any one of claims 79 to 87, wherein: The electrical sensor is a temperature sensor, and wherein the at least one characteristic is representative of the temperature of the end effector.

89. A surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: A surgical device, comprising: an end effector comprising an active electrode for treating tissue; and a sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or the tissue; and a control system operably coupled to the sensor, the control system being configured to: delivering power to the active electrode; and The power is adjusted during a time period when the data signal is received by the control system.

90. The surgical system of claim 89, wherein: The power delivered to the electrodes includes radiofrequency energy.

91. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 90, wherein: The power is returned along a common transmission line with the data signal received from the sensor.

92. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 91, wherein: The sensor includes one or more of: a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

93. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 92, wherein: The surgical device is a handheld device.

94. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 93, wherein: The surgical device is a robotic device.

95. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 94, wherein: The surgical device is any of the following: a hook device, a scraper, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, or an irrigator.

96. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 95, wherein: The power delivered to the electrodes comprises ultra high frequency energy.

97. The surgical system of any one of claims 89 to 96, wherein the end effector comprises: A return electrode is configured to receive power from the tissue, the sensor, and the return electrode using a shared electrical conductor.

98. The surgical system of claim 97, wherein: The shared electrical conductor is at least a portion of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

99. The surgical system of any one of claims 97-98, wherein the end effector comprises: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC being configured to deliver a digital signal to the control system based on the data signal.

100. A surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: A surgical device, comprising: an end effector comprising an active electrode for treating tissue; and a sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or the tissue; and a control system operably coupled to the sensor, the control system being configured to: delivering power to the active electrode; and The power is adjusted during a time period when the data signal is received by the control system.

101. The surgical system of claim 100, wherein: The power delivered to the electrodes includes radio frequency energy or ultra high frequency energy.

102. The surgical system of any one of claims 100 to 101, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

103. The surgical system of any one of claims 100 to 102, wherein: The power is returned along a common transmission line with the data signal received from the sensor.

104. The surgical system of any one of claims 100 to 103, wherein: The sensor includes one or more of: a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

105. The surgical system of any one of claims 100 to 104, wherein: The surgical device is a handheld device, in particular a hook device, a scraper, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator or an irrigator.

106. The surgical system of any one of claims 100 to 105, wherein: The surgical device is a robotic device.

107. The surgical system of any one of claims 100 to 106, wherein the end effector comprises: A return electrode is configured to receive power from the tissue, the sensor, and the return electrode using a shared electrical conductor.

108. The surgical system of claim 107, wherein: The shared electrical conductor is at least a portion of a 1-wire EEPROM circuit.

109. The surgical system of any one of claims 107-108, wherein the end effector comprises: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC being configured to deliver a digital signal to the control system based on the data signal.

110. A method of controlling a surgical system according to any one of claims 100 to 109, the method comprising: delivering power from the control system to the end effector to affect tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; as well as When the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, a data signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue treated by the end effector is received from an electrical sensor, wherein the power and the data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

111. The method according to claim 110, wherein: The control system is configured to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signal generated during a time period when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

112. The method according to any one of claims 110 to 111, wherein: The control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during an instance of measuring the data signal.

113. The method according to any one of claims 110 to 112, comprising: When the delivered power is reduced, a converted data signal is generated.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein: The converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

115. The method according to any one of claims 110 to 114, wherein: Reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing the RF energy, voltage, or current delivered to the end effector.

Images