Energy treatment system and output control method therefor

Abstract

Energy treatment system comprising: an energy treatment instrument that delivers treatment to a subject by simultaneously using ultrasonic energy and radiofrequency energy; an ultrasonic energy generating unit that supplies the ultrasonic energy to the energy treatment instrument; a high-frequency energy generation unit that supplies the high-frequency energy to the energy treatment instrument; an excess output detection unit that compares a parameter obtained depending on an excess output of the high-frequency energy with a reference parameter obtained in a state in which no discharge occurs depending on the high-frequency energy, and outputs an abnormality signal when there is a possibility of discharge occurring; a radio frequency energy control unit that reduces the output of the radio frequency energy during a preset setting period from an output in a continuous use state by the anomaly signal of the excess output detection unit; and a system control unit that changes the output of the ultrasonic energy within the setting period or executes control that does not respond to a detection result of the excess output detection unit within a return period that is set after the setting period has elapsed.

Description

REGIONThe present invention relates to an energy treatment system for outputting a combination of ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy to a treatment subject site and performing treatment, and an output control method thereof.PRIOR ARTIn general, a high-frequency treatment instrument using a high-frequency output and an ultrasonic treatment instrument using an ultrasonic output are known as devices that perform treatment such as incision and coagulation at a treatment subject site such as a biological tissue. In addition, Patent Literature 1: Japanese National PCT Publication No. 2013-504396 proposes an example of an energy treatment instrument that performs treatment by combining an ultrasonic output and a high-frequency output.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe above-described energy treatment instrument can simultaneously perform incision and coagulation by simultaneously outputting an ultrasonic output (ultrasonic energy) and a high-frequency output (high-frequency energy) to a treatment subject site via a treatment unit provided at the tip, thereby performing treatment more uniformly. On the other hand, mist spreads due to the ultrasonic output, but it is necessary to suppress discharge so that the mist does not come into contact with the discharge.When the high frequency output becomes excessive during the treatment, the state easily discharges. Therefore, the discharge can be prevented by providing an interruption period during which the supply of the high-frequency output is interrupted. On the other hand, since the treatment is performed only by the ultrasonic output during the intermittent period, the incision performance of the treatment instrument is deteriorated, and the operator does not have uniformity in incision, thereby giving a feeling of incompatibility during the treatment.Therefore, the present invention provides an energy treatment system and an output control method thereof that perform treatment by outputting a combination of ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy, detecting a deviated state in which discharge is likely to occur during the treatment, and controlling high-frequency energy and ultrasonic energy so that the deterioration of incision performance is minimized.According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an energy treatment system comprising: an energy treatment instrument that performs treatment on a subject by simultaneously using ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy; an ultrasonic energy generation unit that supplies the ultrasonic energy to the energy treatment instrument; a high-frequency energy generation unit that supplies high-frequency energy to the energy treatment instrument; an excessive output detection unit that compares a parameter obtained depending on an excessive output of the high-frequency energy with a reference parameter obtained in a state depending on the high-frequency energy in which discharge does not occur, and outputs an abnormality signal when there is a possibility of occurrence of discharge; a high-frequency power control unit that reduces the output of the high-frequency power during a preset setting period from an output in a continuous use state by the abnormality signal of the excessive output detection unit; and a system control unit that changes the output of the ultrasonic power within the setting period or performs control that does not respond to a detection result of the excessive output detection unit within a return period after the setting period has elapsed.Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an output control method of an energy treatment system, the output control method comprising: performing treatment on a subject by simultaneously outputting ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy from an energy treatment instrument; comparing a parameter obtained from an excess output of high-frequency energy with a reference parameter obtained in a state of the high-frequency energy in which no discharge occurs, and outputting an abnormality signal when there is a possibility of occurrence of discharge that decreases the output of the high-frequency energy from an output in a continuous use state during a preset setting period from the abnormality signal; changing the output of the ultrasonic energy within the setting period or executing control that does not respond to a detection result of detection of an excessive output within a return period set after the setting period has elapsed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a drawing showing a conceptual embodiment of an energy treatment system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining a first output control method. FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining a second output control method. FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a third output control method. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining a fourth output control method. FIG. 6A is a timing chart for explaining a fifth output control method. FIG. 6B is a figure showing a relationship between an impedance value and a power value obtained from high frequency power. FIG. 7A is a timing chart for explaining a sixth output control method. FIG. 7B is a drawing showing a first return load characteristic. FIG. 7C is a drawing showing a second return load characteristic. FIG. 8A is a timing chart for explaining a seventh output control method. FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a steady-state waveform of output high-frequency power. FIG. 8C is a drawing showing a return waveform of output high frequency power. FIG. 9A is a timing chart for explaining an eighth output control method. FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a return output level characteristic. FIG. 10A is a drawing showing characteristics of a setting output of the high frequency power with respect to an interruption period as a ninth output control method. FIG. 10B is a drawing showing a relationship between setting of output at the time of returning high-frequency power S 2 and an interruption period. FIG. 10C is a drawing showing a relationship between setting of output at the time of returning high-frequency power S 2 and an interruption period. FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining a tenth output control method.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONEmbodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a conceptual configuration example of a power treatment system according to the present embodiment.The power treatment system 1 includes an ultrasonic high-frequency power generation device 2, an operation switch 9, and a power treatment instrument 10, such as a combined ultrasonic high-frequency handpiece equipped with an ultrasonic vibrator (not shown).The ultrasonic high-frequency power generation apparatus 2 includes a power supply unit 3 that generates drive power including high-frequency power, a power control unit 4, an excessive output detection unit 5, a system control unit 8 including a central processing unit (CPU). This configuration shows only the components capable of implementing the technical features of the present invention, and other generally provided components such as a display unit are normally provided. In the following description, power includes electric power including high-frequency electric power or other driving electric power, and vibration wave power generated by vibration.Of these, the power supply unit 3 includes an ultrasonic power generation unit 3 athat generates ultrasonic power for driving an ultrasonic vibrator to generate ultrasonic power, and a high-frequency power generation unit 3 bthat generates high-frequency power (high-frequency output).The power control unit 4 includes an ultrasonic power control unit 4 aand a high-frequency power control unit 4 b. The power control unit 4 receives a high-frequency power control signal and an ultrasonic power control signal, which will be described later, from the system control unit 8. the high-frequency power control unit 4 bexecutes supplying or stopping of high-frequency power and executes increasing or decreasing of the output value, and the ultrasonic power control unit 4 aexecutes supplying or stopping of ultrasonic power, executes increasing or decreasing of the output value and executes frequency modulation. The power control unit 4 may be not only a circuit configuration of a circuit or the like but also a software controller, and has general versatility, so that it is possible to appropriately select and execute the rising state of the high-frequency power control signal and the ultrasonic power in a return period of each output control method described later according to the instruction of the system control unit 8.The excessive output detection unit 5 includes an electric parameter detection unit 6 and an excessive high frequency output detection unit 7. The electric parameter detection unit 6 detects a voltage value and a current value from the high-frequency power output from the power control unit 4, and calculates a power value, an impedance value, a resistance value, and the like. Determination of an abnormal state in the excessive output detection unit 5 detects that the possibility of occurrence of discharge increases by comparing a high-frequency impedance value as a parameter with a high-frequency impedance value detected in an environment in which discharge hardly occurs as a reference (reference parameter). Here, although the high-frequency impedance value is described as the parameter, it is not particularly limited as long as the abnormal state can be numerically detected. It can be, for example, the detected voltage value, current value and power value.The excessive high-frequency output detection unit 7 detects whether the high-frequency power is in an abnormal state, that is, whether the output is excessive. When it is detected that the output is excessive, an abnormality signal S 4 notifying that the possibility of occurrence of discharge has increased due to the high-frequency power is output to the system control unit 8.However, in the present embodiment, the excessive high-frequency output detection unit 7 acquires and determines the impedance and outputs the abnormality signal. However, it may be configured to determine an abnormal state by comparing a calculated electric numerical value as a parameter with a previously set parameter.The system control unit 8 receives the abnormality signal S 4 from the excessive output detection unit 5, and outputs a high-frequency power control signal and an ultrasonic power control signal to the power control unit 4. The system control unit 8 has a function of performing drive control of the other components of the ultrasonic high-frequency power generation device 2. As described later, the power control unit 4 performs output control such as increasing high-frequency power and refeeding with increased high-frequency power after interrupting the high-frequency power for a certain period of time.The operation switch 9 is provided on the ultrasonic high-frequency power generation device 2 side or the power treatment instrument 10 side, and instructs the operation of the ultrasonic high-frequency power generation device 2.The power treatment instrument 10 shows a configuration example of a monopolar type in which a probe 11 extends on a tip side from a main body portion in combination with an external electrode (not shown). An ultrasonic vibrator (not shown) is provided in the main body portion. The ultrasonic vibrator generates ultrasonic vibration by supplying ultrasonic power from the ultrasonic energy control unit 4 aand outputs the ultrasonic vibration as ultrasonic energy. The energy treatment instrument 10 may be a bipolar type in which a sandwich structure is provided on the tip side of the probe. In the bipolar type, an opening / closing movable jaw is fixed to a fixing portion of a probe tip.[First Output Control Method]Next, a first output control method when high frequency power is excessive in the power treatment system 1 will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 2.When a signal S 1 that is an ON signal is input to the system control unit 8 by the ON operation of the operation switch 9, the power supply unit 3 is driven to generate ultrasonic power and high frequency power, respectively, and outputs the ultrasonic power and the high frequency power to the ultrasonic power control unit 4 aand the high frequency power control unit 4 bof the power control unit 4. The ultrasonic energy control unit 4 supplies ultrasonic power to the energy treatment instrument 10 and generates ultrasonic energy S 3 caused by ultrasonic vibration at the probe tip. In addition, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bsupplys high-frequency power S 2 to the power treatment instrument 10 simultaneously via the excessive output detection unit 5.Therefore, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs the high-frequency energy S 2 and the ultrasonic energy S 3, so that the treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is converted into mist.The mist includes minute tissue parts of the adipose tissue that have been ablated by ultrasonic vibration. Therefore, when the treatment with the ultrasonic energy S 3 is stopped or reduced, the occurrence of mist is reduced.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the ultrasonic power control unit 4 astops the output of the ultrasonic power S 3 according to the instruction of the system control unit 8, and at the same time, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bstops the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined suspension period T 1. In the following description, interrupting the output of each power, that is, stopping the output, means setting the output to 0 level or 0 potential (0 V).The interruption period T 1 is previously set as a setting period until the remaining mist is sufficiently reduced and the problem does not occur even when the discharge occurs. The interruption period is such a short period that the operator who carries out the treatment does not notice that the interruption of the high-frequency power output has occurred, and is set to, for example, 100 ms or less and several tenths ms.After the interruption period T 1 ends, the high-frequency power S 2 is output. The energy treatment instrument 10 outputs only the high-frequency energy S 2 in the steady state and resumes the treatment. Further, the output of the ultrasonic energy S 3 is resumed with the time difference of the return period T 2 delayed from the interruption period T 1. Due to such resumption, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously supplies the high-frequency energy S 2 and the ultrasonic energy S 3 to the treatment subject and performs the treatment. After the treatment is completed, the operation switch 9 is turned off and both the output of the high-frequency power S2 and the ultrasonic power S3 are stopped.As described above, the discharge in the mist can be prevented by providing the interruption period having a short period of time that interrupts the supply of the high-frequency power S 2 and the ultrasonic power S 3 when the high-frequency power becomes excessive. Since the supply of ultrasonic energy S 3 is resumed with a time difference for resumption of the supply of high-frequency energy S 2, overshoot occurs when the supply of high-frequency energy S 2 is resumed, and even when the discharge occurs, there is no supply of ultrasonic energy S 3 with no mist present.[Second Output Control Method]Next, a second output control method when the high frequency power in the power treatment system 1 is excessive will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 3.As in the above-described first output control method, the system control unit 8 drives the power supply unit 8 by the ON operation of the operation switch 9, and generates ultrasonic power and high-frequency power. The energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3, so that treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is transformed as described above in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power S 2 during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bis stopped so that the output of the high-frequency power S 2 is interrupted for a predetermined interruption period T 4 according to the instruction of the system control unit 8.The system control unit 8 stops the output of the high frequency power S 2, transmits an ultrasonic power control signal for increasing the output to the ultrasonic power control unit 4 a, and increases the ultrasonic power S 3 during an output increasing period T 3. Here, the increase of the ultrasonic energy S 3 is intended to increase an amplitude of an ultrasonic wave. In addition, in the output increasing period T 3, a time of 100 ms or more is set. Here, as the ultrasonic energy S 3 increases, the amount of mist generated increases, but since the output of the high-frequency energy S 2 is stopped, discharge does not occur.When an interruption period T 4 ends, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. At the same time, the system control unit 8 transmits an ultrasonic energy control signal to the ultrasonic energy control unit 4 a, reduces the ultrasonic energy S 3, and returns the ultrasonic energy S 3 to an original output value. The energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3, so that the treatment is resumed in the steady state. The output of the high frequency energy S 2 and the ultrasonic energy S 3 is stopped from the OFF operation of the operation switch 9.According to the output control method, as in the above-described first output control method, since the output of the ultrasonic energy S 3 is continuously increased, even when the supply of the high-frequency energy S 2 is stopped according to the detection of the abnormality signal, it is possible to reduce a reduction rate of the incision power in the treatment.[Third Output Control Method]Next, a third output control method when high frequency power is excessive in the power treatment system will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 4.As in the above-described first output control method, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3 by the ON operation of the operation switch 9, so that the treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is transformed as described above in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power during the treatment and an abnormality signal S 4- 1 is input to the system control unit 8, the power control unit 4 causes the high-frequency power control unit 4 bto stop the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined suspension period T 4 according to the instruction of the system control unit 8. In this example, a return period T 5 is provided subsequent to the interruption period T 4.During the return period T 5 after the end of the suspension period T 4, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. Overshoot may occur as the high frequency energy S2 increases. When the overshoot occurs, an abnormality signal (or detection signal) S 4- 2 shown in FIG. 4 is more likely to be output from the excessive output detection unit 5, but the system control unit 8 does not unnecessarily respond by invalidating the abnormality signal or reducing the sensitivity.According to the output control method, as in the above-described first output control method, the return period T 5 in which the detection is invalid is provided subsequent to the interruption period T 4 of the high-frequency power S 2 by stopping the supply of the high-frequency power S 2 according to the detection of the abnormality signal. Therefore, even if overshoot occurs when the supply of the high-frequency power S 2 is resumed, the system control unit 8 does not respond to the abnormality signal S 4- 2, and thus unnecessary output stop is suppressed.[Fourth Output Control Method]Next, a fourth output control method when the high frequency power in the power treatment system is excessive will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 5.As in the above-described first output control method, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3, so that treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is transformed as described above in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power S 2 during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bstops the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined suspension period T 4 according to the instruction of the system control unit 8.When an interruption period T 4 ends, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. The return of the output value is started in the form of pulses in the above-described output control method. However, in the fourth output control method, the increase of high frequency energy S 2- 1 when returning to the original output value has a slope, gradually increases so that overshoot is prevented, and returns.According to the output control method, it is possible to prevent the discharge in the mist by stopping the supply of high-frequency power S 2 in the first output control method described above. Further, the occurrence of the overshoot can be prevented by increasing the high-frequency power S 2 so as to be inclined when the high-frequency power S 2 returns, and the occurrence of the abnormality signal due to erroneous detection of the excessive output detection unit 5 can be prevented. The soft start is suitable for a low voltage and power mode or a low CF mode that does not generate spark.[Fifth Output Control Method]Next, a fifth output control method when the high frequency power in the power treatment system is excessive will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a figure showing a relationship between a measured impedance value and a power value obtained from output high-frequency power. Here, a solid line represents characteristics that are normally set, and a broken line represents characteristics that are set to a lower output.Discharge is less likely to occur when the output of high-frequency energy becomes a certain value or less. As a result of the measurement, it was found that when the output was 15 W or less, the discharge did not occur in the present embodiment.In the output control method, as shown in FIG. 6B, the output of high-frequency power during a return period T 6 in which the output is low after the detection of the abnormality signal is set to 15 W or less. After the return period T 6 has elapsed, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value (steady-state output setting). The return period T6 in which the low output is obtained can be set to the time longer than the time during which the abnormality detection signal is output, accordingly.Therefore, according to the output control method, even when the abnormality signal is detected, the processing is continued by reducing the output value without stopping (interrupting) the output of the high-frequency power. Since the occurrence of discharge can be suppressed and the treatment can also be continued, the operator can continue the treatment without discomfort.[Sixth Output Control Method]Next, a sixth output control method when the high frequency power in the power treatment system is excessive will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B is a drawing showing a first return load characteristic in relation to an impedance value and a power value obtained from the high frequency power. Similarly, FIG. 7C is a drawing showing a second return load characteristic. Here, in FIGS. 7B and 7C, a solid line represents a normal load characteristic, and a broken line represents a return load characteristic.In the sixth output control method, when the high-frequency power S 2 is returned to an original output value, a return load characteristic is provided in advance. The return load characteristic shown in FIG. 7B is set to have a low voltage limit. The return load characteristic shown in FIG. 7C is set to have a lower power limit than the steady-state load characteristic.As in the above-described first output control method, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3 in a state of the load characteristic in the steady state, so that the treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is transformed as described above in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power S 2 during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bstops the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined suspension period T 7 according to the instruction of the system control unit 8.When the interruption period T 7 ends, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. When returning to the output value, the system control unit 8 first switches to a predetermined return load characteristic as shown in FIG. 7B or 7C. After the switching, the high-frequency energy S 2 generated from the return load characteristic is output from the energy treatment instrument 10 during a predetermined return period T 8.After the return period T 8 has elapsed, the system control unit 8 switches to return to the load characteristic in the steady state to generate the high-frequency energy S 2, and simultaneously outputs the high-frequency energy S 2 and the ultrasonic energy S 3 from the energy treatment instrument 10.According to the output control method, in addition to the effect of preventing the occurrence of the discharge by the first output control method described above, as compared with the output at the time of the normal load characteristic, the discharge is less likely to occur by performing setting for switching the return load characteristic when returning from the stop of the output of the high frequency power S 2 to the original output value. Since the treatment can be continued while the minimum incision performance is ensured, the operator can continue the treatment without discomfort.[Seventh Output Control Method]Next, a seventh output control method when high frequency power is excessive in the power treatment system will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B is a drawing showing a normal waveform of output high frequency power. Similar to FIG. 8C, this is a figure showing a return waveform of output high frequency power.The seventh output control method is a method that, when high-frequency power S 2 is returned to an original output value, switches to a return waveform H 2 shown in FIG. 8C in which an amplitude (peak value) of a first wave is smaller than a steady-state waveform H 1 shown in FIG. 8B and outputs the same.As in the above-described first output control method, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3 of the steady-state waveform H 1, so that treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is generated in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power S 2 during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bstops the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined suspension period T 7. During the suspension period T 7, the output of the ultrasonic energy S 3 is continued.When the interruption period T 7 ends, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. When returning the output value, the system control unit 8 switches and outputs the output waveform of the high-frequency power S 2 from the normal waveform H 1 to the return waveform H 2 at the beginning of a predetermined return period T 9. The power treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs the high-frequency power S 2 and the ultrasonic power S 3 of the return waveform H 2.After the return period T 9 has elapsed, the system control unit 8 switches so that the steady-state waveform H 1 is returned to generate the high-frequency energy S 2, and simultaneously outputs the high-frequency energy S 2 and the ultrasonic energy S 3 from the energy treatment instrument 10.According to the output control method, when returning from the stop of the output of the high-frequency power S 2 to the original output value, the waveform is switched to the return waveform H 2 in which the amplitude (peak value) of the first wave is smaller than the steady-state waveform H 1, so that discharge is less likely to occur. In addition, treatment may be continued while the minimum incision performance is guaranteed.[Eighth Output Control Method]Next, an eighth output control method when high frequency power is excessive in the power treatment system will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B is a drawing showing a return output level characteristic in relation to an impedance value and a power value obtained from output high frequency power.As in the above-described first output control method, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3, so that treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is converted in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power S 2 during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bstops the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined suspension period T 7 according to the instruction of the system control unit 8.When the interruption period T 7 ends, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. When returning the output value, as shown in FIG. 9B, the system control unit 8 outputs high-frequency power S 2 having a return power of 15 W or less during a predetermined return period T 10. The high-frequency power S 2 returns to the original steady-state output value after the elapse of the return period T 10. It can be seen by measurement that the discharge will not occur when the output of the high-frequency energy S 2 becomes a certain value or less, for example, 15 W or less.In the output control method, when the supply of high-frequency power S 2 is returned after the output is resumed at the output of 15 W or less, the treatment may be continued while the minimum incision performance is ensured. Moreover, after resuming the supply of the high-frequency power S 2, switching to the steady-state output setting after the preset return period T 10 has elapsed makes the discharge less likely to occur. In addition, the operator can continue the treatment without discomfort.In the output control method, the high-frequency power S 2 is resumed to have an output of 15 W or less. Even when the return power is 15 W or less, the power value set according to the length of the interruption period T 7 is different, or the time for which the output can be stopped with the set power value is determined.In this way, it is also possible to shorten the interruption period T 7 for stopping the output by changing the output value of the high-frequency power S 2. In addition, in contrast to this, when the interruption period T 7 is set to be short, the return power may also be set to be low. In this way, the interruption period can be set to be shorter according to the level of the return power, and even when the output of the high-frequency power S 2 with respect to the operator is interrupted by detecting the abnormality signal, the interruption period can be shortened, and the influence on the operator can be minimized.[Ninth Output Control Method]Next, a ninth output control method of the power treatment system, an interruption period of high-frequency power, and a return period of high-frequency power will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C. FIG. 10A is a figure showing characteristics of a setting output of the high-frequency power S 2 with respect to an interruption period.FIGS. 10B and 10C are drawings showing a relationship between setting of output at the time of returning high frequency power S 2 and a return period.As shown in FIG. 10A, the length of the interruption period and the resumption (return) period of the interrupted output of the high-frequency power S 2 or the output setting of the high-frequency power S 3 at the time of return are changed according to the magnitude of the surplus power.FIG. 10B shows a setting state in which the output value in the case of resuming or returning the output of the high-frequency power S 2 interrupting the output is increased in two stages to the steady state. In the output setting shown in FIG. 10B, when the output of the high-frequency power S 2 is resumed after an output value smaller than in the steady state is output, it is increased until the output in the steady state after a certain set time. In addition, in the output setting shown in FIG. 10C, when the output of the high-frequency power S 2 is resumed after an output value smaller than in the steady state is output, it is output to reach an output value in the steady state in three stages.According to the output control method, when returning from the stop of the output of the high-frequency power S 2 to the original output value according to the magnitude and length of the surplus output, the output value is initially set to be smaller than the output value in the steady state, is switched to increase stepwise, and is output. Therefore, the discharge hardly occurs at the time of return. In addition, since the interruption period is not unnecessarily prolonged, the operator can continue the treatment without discomfort.According to each control method described above, the interruption period can be shortened by controlling the interruption period of the output or the supply of the high frequency power and the ultrasonic power and the increase at the time of the output return. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the decrease in incisional performance.[Tenth Output Control Method]Next, a tenth output control method for modulating an output of ultrasonic energy in the energy treatment system will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 11. The output control method may also be applied to the sixth to ninth output control methods described above.The nodes of the amplitude (waveform) of the ultrasonic vibration in the ultrasonic energy are set, for example, such that the maximum amplitude is at the probe tip of the probe 11 shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic vibration effectively acting in the incision treatment. The occurrence of fog is suppressed by modulating the frequency of ultrasonic vibration so that the amplitude at the tip of the probe decreases.As in the above-described first output control method, the energy treatment instrument 10 simultaneously outputs high-frequency energy S 2 and ultrasonic energy S 3, so that treatment of the treatment subject is performed. According to the progress of the treatment, adipose tissue included in a treatment subject site is converted in the form of mist in the vicinity of the probe 11.When the excessive output detection unit 5 detects the excessive output of the high-frequency power S 2 during the treatment and the abnormality signal S 4 is input to the system control unit 8, the high-frequency power control unit 4 bstops the output of the high-frequency power S 2 during a predetermined output modulation period T 11 as described above with reference to FIG. 2. At the same time, the ultrasonic energy control unit 4a performs modulation so that the amplitude of ultrasonic vibration at the tip of the probe is reduced. This modulation suppresses the generation of new fog.When the output modulation period T 11 ends, the system control unit 8 transmits a high-frequency power control signal to the high-frequency power control unit 4 band returns the high-frequency power S 2 to an original output value. Next, the system control unit 8 transmits an ultrasonic energy control signal to the ultrasonic energy control unit 4 aand returns the ultrasonic energy S 3 to an original ultrasonic vibration.According to the output control method, the occurrence of fog can be reduced by modulating the ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic energy and by moving so that the node is at the tip of the probe, it is possible to shorten the time required for searching a resonance point at the time of returning from the ultrasonic wave, and can be treated at a normal frequency without discomfort. In the above-described output control method, the return load characteristic and the high frequency power include changing the parameter according to the connected device, the treatment impedance when or immediately before the output is stopped, and the like.

Claims

An energy treatment system comprising: an energy treatment instrument that performs treatment on a subject by simultaneously using ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy; an ultrasonic energy generation unit that supplies the ultrasonic energy to the energy treatment instrument; a high-frequency energy generation unit that supplies the high-frequency energy to the energy treatment instrument; an excessive output detection unit that compares a parameter obtained depending on an excessive output of the high-frequency energy with a reference parameter obtained in a state depending on the high-frequency energy in which discharge does not occur, and outputs an abnormality signal when there is a possibility of occurrence of discharge; a high-frequency power control unit that reduces the output of the high-frequency power during a preset setting period from an output in a continuous use state by the abnormality signal of the excessive output detection unit; and a system control unit that changes the output of the ultrasonic power within the setting period or performs control that does not respond to a detection result of the excessive output detection unit within a return period set after the setting period has elapsed.The energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the reference parameter of the excessive output detection unit is a parameter acquired in an environment in which the discharge does not occur.The power treatment system according to claim 1, wherein in the setting period in which the output of the high-frequency power is reduced, the system control unit reduces the output of the ultrasonic power compared to a steady state, and resumes the output of the ultrasonic power at a predetermined delay time after resuming the high-frequency power.The power treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the system control unit increases the output of the ultrasonic power during the setting period in which the output of the high frequency power is reduced.The power treatment system according to claim 1, wherein in a return period provided subsequent to the setting period in which the output of the high-frequency power is reduced, the system control unit reduces the sensitivity with respect to an abnormality signal generated when the excessive output detection unit resumes the output of the high-frequency power.The power treatment system according to claim 1, wherein in a return period provided subsequent to the setting period in which the output of the high-frequency power is reduced, the system control unit gradually or linearly increases the increase in the output at the time of resuming the high-frequency power.An output control method of an energy treatment system, the output control method comprising: performing treatment on a subject by simultaneously outputting ultrasonic energy and high-frequency energy from an energy treatment instrument; comparing a parameter obtained from an excess output of high-frequency energy with a reference parameter obtained in a state of the high-frequency energy in which discharge does not occur, and outputting an abnormality signal when there is a possibility of occurrence of discharge; reducing the output of the high-frequency energy from an output in a continuous use state during a preset setting period by the abnormality signal; changing the output of the ultrasonic energy within the setting period or executing control that does not respond to a detection result of detection of an excessive output within a return period set after the setting period has elapsed.The output control method of a power treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the reference parameter is a parameter detected in an environment in which the discharge does not occur.The output control method of a power treatment system according to claim 7, wherein in the setting period in which the output of the high-frequency power is reduced, the output of the ultrasonic power is reduced as compared with a steady state, and the output of the ultrasonic power is resumed with a predetermined delay time after resuming the high-frequency power.The output control method of an energy treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the output of the ultrasonic energy is increased during the adjustment period in which the output of the high frequency energy is reduced.The output control method of a power treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the abnormality signal detected at an excessive output likely to occur at the time of resuming the output of the high-frequency power is invalidated in a return period provided subsequent to the setting period in which the output of the high-frequency power is reduced.The output control method of a power treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the increase of the output at the time of resuming the high-frequency power is gradually or linearly increased in a return period provided subsequent to the adjustment period in which the output of the high-frequency power is reduced.

Images