High-frequency treatment device and high-frequency treatment method

Abstract

To provide a high-frequency treatment device and high-frequency treatment method that can efficiently heat a wide area.SOLUTION: A high-frequency treatment device 1 comprises output units 41, 42 that output high-frequency power, at least four electrodes 21 to 24 that are connected to the output units 41, 42 and placed on a treatment target, a switching unit 50 that is provided between the output units 41, 42 and the electrodes 21 to 24 and that switches which of the electrode sets each combining at least two of the electrodes 21 to 24 a high-frequency current flows through, and a control unit 90 that controls the switching unit 50 so as to switch, at a specific period, between a first state in which a high-frequency current flows through each of at least two first electrode sets during treatment and a second state in which a high-frequency current flows through a second electrode set including a specific electrode included in one first electrode set and a specific electrode included in another first electrode set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention applies a high frequency current to a treatment target such as a human or animal, and thermally coagulates nerve tissue or tumor tissue. The present invention relates to a high-frequency treatment device and a high-frequency treatment method for performing treatment such as cauterization of tissue. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, high-frequency treatment has been widely used, in which electrodes are placed inside the body of a human or animal, and high-frequency current is passed through the electrodes to cauterize (ablate) tissue. In recent years, a technique for performing nerve blocks using high-frequency treatment has attracted attention as a form of pain treatment. Nerve blocks using high-frequency treatment have the advantages of causing fewer side effects on surrounding tissues and of long-lasting effects compared to conventional methods using drugs.

[0003] There are two types of nerve blocks using this high-frequency treatment: high-frequency thermocoagulation and pulsed high-frequency.High-frequency thermocoagulation uses high-frequency current flowing from an electrode to heat part of the nerve tissue to a temperature of around 80°C for several minutes, causing thermal coagulation and blocking pain signals.Pulsed high-frequency treatment uses a continuous high-frequency current to pass through part of the nerve tissue, heating it to a temperature of below 42°C for about 10 minutes, blocking pain signals without damaging the nerves.

[0004] In such nerve blocks, not only is heating done by pinpointing a single nerve, but multiple nerves may also be heated at once. For example, when performing a nerve block for sacroiliac joint pain using high-frequency treatment, it is necessary to heat a wide area of ​​the lateral branch of the posterior branch of the sacral nerve (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] For this reason, in conventional methods, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 1, multiple needles are inserted near the lateral branches and electrodes are inserted into these needles, and as shown in Figure 5 of Patent Document 1, high-frequency current is passed between these electrodes and a return electrode plate placed on the surface of the patient's skin (so-called monopolar), or high-frequency current is passed between two adjacent electrodes (so-called bipolar), to perform treatment.

[0006] However, monopolar therapy uses only one electrode per treatment, and the area that can be heated with one electrode is small, so if you want to heat a wide area, you need to change electrodes and perform multiple treatments, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, bipolar therapy heats the area between and around the two electrodes, so although it can heat a wider area than monopolar therapy, it still requires changing electrodes and performing multiple treatments when performing nerve blocks for sacroiliac joint pain.

[0007] In contrast, the technique proposed in Patent Document 1 involves attaching an arched electrode to the tip of a spiral needle and positioning it along the posterior sacral foramen, making it possible to uniformly heat a relatively wide area of ​​the lateral branch of the posterior rami of the sacral nerve in a single treatment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-511444 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, although the method proposed in Patent Document 1 solves the problem of uneven heating when the heating area is large, it still requires the electrode to be repositioned for each posterior sacral foramen of S1 to S3 and the treatment to be performed three times, and there is also the problem that inserting a spiral needle is more time-consuming than inserting a straight needle.

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a high-frequency treatment device and a high-frequency treatment method that are capable of efficiently heating a wide area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The high-frequency treatment device of the present invention is characterized by comprising an output unit that outputs high-frequency power, at least four electrodes connected to the output unit and placed on a treatment object, a switching unit that is provided between the output unit and the electrodes and that switches which of the electrode sets combining at least two of the electrodes a high-frequency current flows through, and a control unit that controls the switching unit to switch, at a specific period, between a first state in which a high-frequency current flows through each of at least two first electrode sets during treatment and a second state in which a high-frequency current flows through a second electrode set including a specific electrode included in one of the first electrode sets and a specific electrode included in another of the first electrode sets.

[0012] According to the present invention, during treatment, a first state in which a high-frequency current flows through the first electrode pair and a second state in which a high-frequency current flows through the second electrode pair are switched at a specific cycle, so that a wide area, including the area heated by the first electrode pair and the area heated by the second electrode pair, can be heated in a single treatment. Furthermore, because the electrodes included in the second electrode pair are also included in the first electrode pair, the area heated by the first electrode pair in the first state and the area heated by the second electrode pair in the second state can be made into one continuous wide area. This allows a wide area to be heated efficiently.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second electrode set includes the electrodes arranged adjacent to each other.

[0014] This allows for minimizing the overlap between the area heated by the first electrode set in the first state and the area heated by the second electrode set in the second state, thereby allowing a wider area to be heated in a single treatment.

[0015] In the present invention, the electrode is preferably inserted into a treatment target.

[0016] This allows heating between and around the electrodes in the first electrode set, as well as between and around the electrodes in the second electrode set, similar to bipolar heating, allowing a wider area to be heated in a single treatment.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit switches between the first state and the second state at a cycle of 0.3 seconds or less.

[0018] This makes it possible to suppress the temperature drop in the area heated by the second electrode set in the first state and the temperature drop in the area heated by the first electrode set in the second state, thereby allowing the heated area to be kept at an approximately constant temperature during treatment.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the output section is provided for each of the first electrode pairs.

[0020] This allows stable output control to be performed for a plurality of first electrode pairs through which high-frequency current flows simultaneously, without being affected by differences in impedance among the plurality of first electrode pairs. It is possible.

[0021] Another high-frequency treatment device according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an output unit that outputs high-frequency power, at least three electrodes connected to the output unit and placed on the treatment object, a switching unit that is provided between the output unit and the electrodes and that switches which of the electrode sets each consisting of at least two of the electrodes through which high-frequency current flows, and a control unit that controls the switching unit so that high-frequency current flows between any one specific electrode included in a specific electrode set each consisting of at least three of the electrodes and all of the remaining electrodes included in the specific electrode set.

[0022] This allows high-frequency current to flow between one electrode and multiple electrodes, making it possible to heat a wider area in a single treatment than with conventional monopolar or bipolar treatments, and allowing for efficient heating of a wider area.

[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit controls the switching unit to switch the specific electrode among the electrodes included in the specific electrode set in order at a specific cycle during treatment.

[0024] This makes it possible to thoroughly heat the area between and around each electrode in a particular electrode set in a single treatment, regardless of the electrode arrangement, thereby allowing a wider area to be heated in a single treatment.

[0025] Furthermore, the high-frequency treatment method of the present invention is a high-frequency treatment method in which at least four electrodes are placed on a treatment target and a high-frequency current is passed through any one of electrode sets each consisting of at least two of the electrodes, and is characterized in that during treatment, a first state in which a high-frequency current passes through each of at least two first electrode sets and a second state in which a high-frequency current passes through a specific electrode included in one of the first electrode sets and a specific electrode included in another of the first electrode sets are switched at a specific period.

[0026] According to the present invention, since the first state and the second state are switched at a specific cycle during treatment, a wide area, which is the combined area heated by the first electrode set and the area heated by the second electrode set, can be heated in a single treatment. Furthermore, since the electrodes included in the second electrode set are also included in the first electrode set, the area heated in the first state and the area heated in the second state can be made into one continuous wide area. This allows for efficient heating of a wide area.

[0027] Another high-frequency treatment method according to the present invention is a high-frequency treatment method in which at least three electrodes are placed on a treatment target and a high-frequency current is passed through any one of electrode sets each consisting of at least two of the electrodes, and the treatment is performed by passing a high-frequency current between any one specific electrode included in a specific electrode set each consisting of at least three electrodes and all of the remaining electrodes included in the specific electrode set.

[0028] This allows high-frequency current to flow between one electrode and multiple electrodes, making it possible to heat a wider area in a single treatment than with conventional monopolar or bipolar treatments, and allowing for efficient heating of a wider area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The high-frequency treatment device and high-frequency treatment method according to the present invention can provide the excellent effect of being able to efficiently heat a wide area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view showing the appearance of a high-frequency treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a high-frequency treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in a quad-polar configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the high-frequency treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the high-frequency treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a modified example of the high-frequency treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a high-frequency treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operating state in a tripolar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a high-frequency treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The high-frequency treatment device 1 of this embodiment is for performing nerve block by partially heating a peripheral nerve with a high-frequency current. As shown in the figure, the high-frequency treatment device 1 includes a main body 10, four electrodes 21, 22, 23, and 24 connected to the main body 10, and a return electrode 30 connected to the main body 10.

[0033] The main body 10 houses or supports the internal components described below. On the front of the main body 10, four electrode connectors 11-14 to which the electrodes 21-24 are connected, and a return electrode connector 15 to which the return electrode 30 is connected, are provided at the bottom. Also provided on the front of the main body 10 is an operation unit 16 that accepts operations by the user. The operation unit 16 is composed of a touch panel display 16a that accepts input operations such as various settings and displays various information, a button 16b that accepts operations to start and end treatment, and a control knob 16c for adjusting the output power.

[0034] A handle 17 is provided on the top of the main body 10 for carrying the main body 10. Although not shown, a power connector and a power switch are provided on the back of the main body 10 for connecting to a commercial AC power source to receive power.

[0035] The electrodes 21-24 are inserted into a target such as a human body on which high-frequency treatment is to be performed, and are intended to pass a high-frequency current through the human body. In this embodiment, the electrodes 21-24 are configured in a needle-like tube shape that can be inserted into the human body and that can also inject medicines and the like through the electrodes 21-24. Most of the electrodes 21-24, except for non-insulated portions 21a-24a at their tips, are insulated portions 21b-24b that are insulated, and the high-frequency current is output from the non-insulated portions 21a-24a.

[0036] The electrodes 21-24 also have built-in thermocouples 21c-24c for measuring treatment temperatures. The electrodes 21-24 are electrically connected to the main body 10 via an electrode cable 28 and electrode connectors 11-14. The electrodes 21-24 may have other shapes, such as rod-like electrodes that can be inserted into needle tubes or catheters. The thermocouples 21c-24c may also be provided separately from the electrodes 21-24.

[0037] The return electrode 30 is a flat electrode that is attached to the surface of the skin of a human body or the like that is the treatment target, and serves to pass a high-frequency current between the return electrode 30 and the electrodes 21 to 24 inserted inside. That is, the return electrode 30 is used when a so-called monopolar high-frequency current is applied. The return electrode 30 is electrically connected to the main body 10 via a return electrode cable 31 and a return electrode connector 15. In this embodiment, the return electrode 30 is configured as a rectangular flat plate, but the return electrode 30 may have other shapes.

[0038] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the high-frequency treatment device 1. As shown in the figure, the high-frequency treatment device 1 includes, as its internal configuration, a first output unit 41, a second output unit 42, a switching unit 50, a first temperature measurement unit 61, a second temperature measurement unit 62, a temperature reference signal generation unit 63, a temperature abnormality detection unit 64, a voltage measurement unit 71, a current measurement unit 72, a main control unit 80, and a sub-control unit 90.

[0039] The first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 generate and output high-frequency power of a preset frequency (e.g., 470 to 490 kHz) based on power supplied from a commercial AC power source and a voltage (e.g., 18 to 22 Vrms) based on an output control signal from the main control unit 80. The first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 each comprise a known circuit having a transformer, which insulates the human body or other object to be treated from the commercial AC power source.

[0040] The first output section 41 is connected to the electrode connector 11, the electrode connector 12, the electrode connector 13, and the return electrode connector 15 via the switching section 50, i.e., connected so as to be able to output high-frequency power to the electrodes 21, 22, 23, and the return electrode 30. The second output section 42 is connected to the electrode connector 13, the electrode connector 14, and the return electrode connector 15 via the switching section 50, i.e., connected so as to be able to output high-frequency power to the electrodes 23, 24, and the return electrode 30.

[0041] The first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 constitute the output unit of the present invention. In this embodiment, by providing two output units, the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42, it is possible to simultaneously flow high-frequency current while stably controlling the output in two electrode pairs (for example, the electrode pair of electrodes 21 and 22 and the electrode pair of electrodes 23 and 24).

[0042] The switching unit 50 operates under the control of the sub-controller 90, and switches the connections between the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 and the electrode connectors 11-14 and the return electrode connector 15. In other words, the switching unit 50 switches which of the electrode pairs, each of which combines at least two electrodes 21-24 and a return electrode 30, a high-frequency current flows through.

[0043] The switching unit 50 is composed of a circuit having a plurality of switches 51, each of which is a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) or a reed relay, and is provided between the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 and the electrodes 21 to 24 and the return electrode plate 30.

[0044] In this embodiment, two output units, the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42, are provided, so the number of switches 51 can be reduced, simplifying the configuration of the switching unit 50, and speeding up the switching of the connections between the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 and the electrodes 21 to 24. .

[0045] The first temperature measurement unit 61 and the second temperature measurement unit 62 are configured with known circuits, etc., and generate temperature measurement signals (for example, 25 mV / °C) based on signals received from the thermocouples 21c to 24c, and transmit them to the sub-controller 90 and the temperature abnormality detection unit 64. The first temperature measurement unit 61 is connected to the thermocouple 21c built in the electrode 21 and the thermocouple 23c built in the electrode 23. The second temperature measurement unit 62 is connected to the thermocouple 22c built in the electrode 22 and the thermocouple 24c built in the electrode 24.

[0046] In this embodiment, by providing two temperature measurement units, the first temperature measurement unit 61 and the second temperature measurement unit 62, it is possible to accurately measure the temperatures around all four electrodes 21 to 24 in a short time. That is, while ensuring sufficient measurement time for each of the thermocouples 21c to 24c, the overall measurement time is not lengthened.

[0047] Furthermore, by having the first temperature measurement unit 61 and the second temperature measurement unit 62 measure both the ambient temperature of the electrode 21, 22 or 23 to which high-frequency power is output from the first output unit 41 and the ambient temperature of the electrode 23 or 24 to which high-frequency power is output from the second output unit 42, it becomes possible to detect the occurrence of a temperature abnormality caused by the first output unit 41 or the second output unit 42 even if either the first temperature measurement unit 61 or the second temperature measurement unit 62 fails, thereby improving safety.

[0048] The temperature reference signal generating unit 63 is configured with known circuits, etc., and generates a temperature reference signal that serves as a reference for determining whether the temperature measured by the first temperature measuring unit 61 or the second temperature measuring unit 62 is abnormal. The temperature reference signal generating unit 63 is controlled by the sub-controller 90 and generates a temperature reference signal that corresponds to, for example, a temperature setting value + 7°C that is the control target of the main controller 80. The generated temperature reference signal is sent to the temperature abnormality detector 64.

[0049] The temperature abnormality detection unit 64 is composed of known circuits and the like, and compares the temperature reference signal received from the temperature reference signal generation unit 63 with the temperature measurement signal received from the first temperature measurement unit 61 or the second temperature measurement unit 62 to detect the occurrence of a temperature abnormality. If the voltage of the temperature measurement signal is higher than the voltage of the temperature reference signal, the temperature abnormality detection unit 64 transmits an output stop signal to the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42, and to the main control unit 80. Upon receiving the output stop signal, the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 stop outputting high-frequency power. Furthermore, upon receiving the output stop signal, the main control unit 80 performs temperature abnormality processing, such as displaying an alarm.

[0050] The voltage measurement unit 71 is configured with known circuits, etc., and individually measures the voltages of the high-frequency power output by the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42. The voltage measurement unit 71 generates a voltage measurement signal based on the high-frequency voltages generated by the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42, and transmits the signal to the main control unit 80.

[0051] The current measuring unit 72 is configured with known circuits, etc., and individually measures the high-frequency currents flowing through the electrodes 21 to 24. The current measuring unit 72 generates a current measurement signal based on the high-frequency currents flowing through the electrodes 21 to 24, and transmits it to the main control unit 80.

[0052] The main control unit 80 has known components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and controls each unit of the high-frequency treatment device 1, such as the operation unit 16, the first output unit 41, and the second output unit 42, to perform high-frequency treatment. Based on an input operation received by the operation unit 16, the main control unit 80 transmits a connection mode signal to the sub-controller 90, which indicates the connection mode between the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 and the electrode connectors 11 to 14 and the return electrode connector 15.

[0053] The main control unit 80 also starts or stops the output of high frequency power from the first output unit 41 or the second output unit 42 based on the input operation received by the operation unit 16, and The main control unit 80 controls the output of high frequency power so that the measured temperature value is approximately equal to the set temperature value through PID control based on the input temperature set value and the measured temperature value received from the sub-control unit 90. Note that the main control unit 80 uses the output voltage as the manipulated variable in the high frequency thermal coagulation method and the output pulse width as the manipulated variable in the pulse high frequency method.

[0054] Furthermore, the main control unit 80 calculates the voltage measurement value, the current measurement value, the power measurement value, and the impedance measurement value based on the voltage measurement signal received from the voltage measurement unit 71 and the current measurement signal received from the current measurement unit 72, and displays these values ​​together with the temperature measurement value on the touch panel display 16a. Note that when the output voltage value is set by an input operation received by the operation unit 16, the main control unit 80 performs PID control to control the output of the high-frequency power so that the voltage measurement value becomes equal to the voltage setting value.

[0055] The sub-controller 90, like the main controller 80, has known components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and controls the switching unit 50, first temperature measuring unit 61, second temperature measuring unit 62, and temperature reference signal generating unit 63. The sub-controller 90 controls the on / off of the multiple switches 51 included in the switching unit 50 based on a connection mode signal sent from the main controller 80, and switches the connection states of the first output unit 41 and second output unit 42 with the electrode connectors 11-14 and the return electrode connector 15. In other words, the sub-controller 90 constitutes the controller of the present invention.

[0056] The sub-controller 90 also calculates a temperature measurement value based on the temperature measurement signal received from the first temperature measuring unit 61 or the second temperature measuring unit 62, and transmits the calculated value to the main controller 80. The sub-controller 90 also controls the temperature reference signal generator 63 based on the temperature setting value received from the main controller 80, causing the temperature reference signal generator 63 to generate and transmit a temperature reference signal to the temperature abnormality detector 64.

[0057] The switching unit 50, the first temperature measurement unit 61, the second temperature measurement unit 62, the temperature reference signal generation unit 63, the temperature abnormality detection unit 64, the voltage measurement unit 71, the current measurement unit 72, and the sub-control unit 90 are insulated from the commercial AC power supply to protect the human body being treated, etc.

[0058] Next, the operation of the high-frequency treatment device 1 will be described.

[0059] The high-frequency treatment device 1 can output high-frequency current to a treatment target in four different ways: monopolar, bipolar, tripolar, and quadpolar. In this embodiment, the monopolar output is an output way in which a high-frequency current flows through an electrode pair consisting of one of the electrodes 21 to 24 and the return electrode 30. The bipolar output is an output way in which a high-frequency current flows through an electrode pair consisting of the electrodes 21 and 22, or the electrodes 23 and 24. The tripolar output is an output way in which a high-frequency current flows between the electrodes 21, 22, and 23, between the electrodes 22, 21, and 23, or between the electrodes 23 and 21 and 22.

[0060] The following describes the operation in quad-polar mode, which is a feature of this embodiment. Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing the operating state in quad-polar mode. For ease of understanding, Figures 3A and 3B show only switches 51a to 51g, which are necessary for the explanation, out of the multiple switches 51 provided in the switching unit 50.

[0061] As shown in these figures, when performing quad-polar high-frequency treatment, first, all four electrodes 21-24 are inserted into a treatment target 100 such as a human body. At this time, the electrodes 21-24 are arranged in a line in this order at approximately equal intervals. When arranging the electrodes 21-24, nerve exploration and measurement of the impedance of the tissues surrounding the electrodes 21-24 are performed, but since this is conventional technology, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] Once the electrodes 21-24 are properly positioned and the operation unit 16 has received a quad-polar selection operation from a user such as a doctor, the main controller 80 transmits a connection mode signal indicating the quad-polar connection mode to the sub-controller 90. Upon receiving the connection mode signal indicating the quad-polar connection mode from the main controller 80, the sub-controller 90 controls the switching unit 50 to set the connection states of the first output unit 41 and second output unit 42 with the electrodes 21-24 to the first state shown in FIG.

[0063] Specifically, in the first state, sub-controller 90 turns on switches 51a, 51c, 51e, and 51g, and turns off switches 51b, 51d, and 51f. This connects first output unit 41 to electrodes 21 and 22, and second output unit 42 to electrodes 23 and 24. Therefore, a high-frequency current flows between electrodes 21 and 22 due to the high-frequency power output from first output unit 41, and a high-frequency current flows between electrodes 23 and 24 due to the high-frequency power output from second output unit 42. As a result, electrodes 21 and 22, and electrodes 23 and 24, respectively, constitute first electrode pairs 201, through which high-frequency current flows in the first state.

[0064] Thereafter, after the operation unit 16 receives the user's selection of high-frequency thermocoagulation or pulsed high-frequency coagulation and input of the temperature setting (e.g., 80°C) and treatment time (e.g., 3 minutes) (if the pulsed high-frequency method is selected, the main controller 80 sets the temperature setting to 42°C, so only the treatment time is input), if the operation unit 16 receives an operation to start treatment, the main controller 80 controls the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 to start outputting high-frequency power. The main controller 80 also sends an output start signal to the sub-controller 90 indicating that output has started.

[0065] When the sub-controller 90 receives an output start signal from the main controller 80, it controls the switching unit 50 to switch the connection state of the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 with the electrodes 21 to 24 between the first state shown in Figure 3A and the second state shown in Figure 3B at a specific period (0.1 seconds in this embodiment).

[0066] 3B, in the second state, sub-controller 90 turns on switches 51b and 51d and turns off switches 51a, 51c, 51e, 51f, and 51g. This connects first output unit 41 to electrodes 22 and 23, and a high-frequency current flows between electrodes 22 and 23 due to the high-frequency power output from first output unit 41. As a result, electrodes 22 and 23 constitute second electrode pair 202, which is an electrode pair through which a high-frequency current flows in the second state.

[0067] During the output of high-frequency power, the sub-controller 90 controls the switching unit 50 to periodically switch between a first state in which high-frequency current flows between electrodes 21 and 22 and between electrodes 23 and 24, and a second state in which high-frequency current flows between electrodes 22 and 23. As a result, the area between electrodes 21 and 22 and their surroundings, the area between electrodes 22 and 23 and their surroundings, and the area between electrodes 23 and 24 and their surroundings are each intermittently heated, but in this embodiment, the switching cycle is set to 0.1 seconds to prevent the temperature of each area from dropping too much when it is not being heated.

[0068] After the temperature values ​​measured by the thermocouples 21c-24c built into the electrodes 21-24 have risen to a temperature approximately equal to the set temperature, the main control unit 80 controls the outputs of the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 so that the measured temperature values ​​remain approximately equal to the set temperature. As a result, the area 110 between and around the electrodes 21-24 is maintained at a temperature approximately equal to the set temperature throughout the output of high-frequency power, causing thermal coagulation and denaturation of tissue.

[0069] After the start of high-frequency power output, once the previously input treatment time has elapsed, the main control unit 80 stops the output of high-frequency power from the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42. The main control unit 80 also sends an output end signal to the sub-control unit 90. Upon receiving the output end signal from the main control unit 80, the sub-control unit 90 stops controlling the switching unit 50 to switch between the first state and the second state. This completes one treatment. The nerve tissue contained in the region 110 is heated, for example, at a temperature of 80°C for three minutes, and as a result, enters a state in which pain signals are blocked.

[0070] Thus, quad-polar high-frequency treatment makes it possible to heat a wide region 110 between and around electrodes 21 to 24 in a single treatment. For example, when bipolar high-frequency treatment is used to heat region 110, three treatments are required: one to pass a high-frequency current between electrodes 21 and 22, one to pass a high-frequency current between electrodes 22 and 23, and one to pass a high-frequency current between electrodes 23 and 24. However, quad-polar high-frequency treatment requires only one treatment, thereby reducing the time required for treatment by approximately one-third.

[0071] Therefore, with the high-frequency treatment device 1, even nerve blocks for sacroiliac joint pain, which require heating of a wide area, can be performed extremely efficiently, and the burden on the human body being treated is reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, electrodes 21 to 24 are arranged in order, and electrodes 22 and 23 constituting second electrode set 202 are positioned adjacent to each other, thereby minimizing the overlap between the area heated in the first state and the area heated in the second state, making it possible to heat a wider area 110.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, only electrodes 21 to 24 are used that are inserted into the treatment subject 100, and heating is performed in a manner similar to bipolar in both the first and second states, making it possible to heat a wider area 110 than when using the return electrode plate 30.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, an output section is provided for each first electrode group 201 using the first output section 41 and the second output section 42, so that it is possible to simultaneously flow high-frequency current while stably controlling the output in the two first electrode groups 201 without being affected by differences in impedance between the two first electrode groups 201, etc.

[0075] The switching period between the first and second states is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing a temperature drop in the non-heated region, the switching period is preferably 0.3 seconds or less, more preferably 0.2 seconds or less, and most preferably 0.1 seconds or less. The lower limit of the switching period is not particularly limited and can be set depending on the operating speed of the switching unit 50, the frequency of the output high-frequency power, or the pulse width in the pulse high-frequency method, etc.

[0076] Next, a modified example of the high-frequency treatment device 1 will be described.

[0077] Figures 4A and B, Figures 5A and B, and Figures 6A and B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the high-frequency treatment device 1. For ease of understanding, Figures 4A and B show only the switches 51a to 51h, Figures 5A and B show only the switches 51a to 51k, and Figures 6A and B show only the switches 51a to 51n.

[0078] In the example shown in Figures 4A and 4B, electrodes 21 and 22, and electrodes 23 and 24, form a first electrode set 201 in a first state, and electrodes 21 and 24, and electrodes 22 and 23, form a second electrode set 202 in a second state.

[0079] Specifically, in this example, in the first state, the sub-control unit 90 turns on switches 51a, 51c, 51e, and 51g, and turns off switches 51b, 51d, 51f, and 51h, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0080] As a result, in the first state, the first output section 41 is connected to electrodes 21 and 22, and the second output section 42 is connected to electrodes 23 and 24, and the high-frequency power output from the first output section 41 causes a high-frequency current to flow between electrodes 21 and 22, and the high-frequency power output from the second output section 42 causes a high-frequency current to flow between electrodes 23 and 24.

[0081] In this example, in the second state, the sub-control unit 90 turns on switches 51b, 51d, 51f, and 51h, and turns off switches 51a, 51c, 51e, and 51g, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0082] As a result, in the second state, the first output section 41 is connected to electrodes 22 and 23, and the second output section 42 is connected to electrodes 24 and 21, and the high-frequency power output from the first output section 41 causes a high-frequency current to flow between electrodes 22 and 23, and the high-frequency power output from the second output section 42 causes a high-frequency current to flow between electrodes 24 and 21.

[0083] In this way, two second electrode pairs may be generated in the second state. In this case, by arranging the electrodes 21 to 24 in two rows as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, it becomes possible to heat the rectangular region 110.

[0084] 5A and 5B, a third output unit 43 is added and six electrodes 21 to 26 are used. Electrodes 21 and 22, electrodes 23 and 24, and electrodes 25 and 26 form a first electrode set 201 in a first state, and electrodes 22 and 23, and electrodes 24 and 25 form a second electrode set 202 in a second state.

[0085] Specifically, in this example, in the first state, the sub-control unit 90 turns on switches 51a, 51c, 51e, 51g, 51i, and 51k, and turns off switches 51b, 51d, 51f, 51h, and 51j, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0086] As a result, in the first state, first output section 41 is connected to electrodes 21 and 22, second output section 42 is connected to electrodes 23 and 24, and third output section 43 is connected to electrodes 23 and 24. As a result, the high frequency power output from first output section 41 causes a high frequency current to flow between electrodes 21 and 22, the high frequency power output from second output section 42 causes a high frequency current to flow between electrodes 23 and 24, and the high frequency power output from third output section 43 causes a high frequency current to flow between electrodes 25 and 26.

[0087] Also, in this example, in the second state, the sub-control unit 90 turns on switches 51b, 51d, 51f, and 51h, and turns off switches 51a, 51c, 51e, 51g, 51i, 51j, and 51k, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0088] As a result, in the second state, the first output section 41 is connected to the electrodes 22 and 23, and the second output section 42 is connected to the electrodes 24 and 25, and the signal output from the first output section 41 is A high frequency current flows between the electrode 22 and the electrode 23 due to the high frequency power, and the output of the second output section 42 The high frequency power causes a high frequency current to flow between the electrodes 24 and 25 .

[0089] In this way, more electrodes 21 to 26 are used, and the first electrode set 201 and the second electrode set 202 are By increasing the number of pole pairs 202, a larger area 110 can be heated in one treatment. In this case, an output unit (first output unit 41, By providing the second output section 42 and the third output section 43, three first electrode sets 20 can be simultaneously output. In the case of 1, it is possible to flow a high frequency current while stably controlling the output. The configuration of the switching unit 50 can be simplified to speed up switching.

[0090] The number of electrodes is not particularly limited, but at least one electrode is required in the second state. To generate the second electrode set 202, the first electrode set 201 is Since two or more electrodes need to be generated, the number of electrodes needs to be at least four.

[0091] In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, six electrodes 21 to 26 are used, and electrodes 21, 22, and and electrode 23, and electrodes 24, 25 and 26 are in the first state. The electrode set 201 is formed, and the electrode 24 and the electrode 25 are in the second state. 2 is configured.

[0092] Specifically, in this example, the sub-controller 90 controls the speed in the first state as shown in FIG. 6A. switch 51c, switch 51e, switch 51f, switch 51h, switch 51i and and switch 51k are turned on, and switches 51a, 51b, 51d, and The switch 51g, the switch 51j, the switch 51l and the switch 51m are turned off.

[0093] As a result, in the first state, the first output section 41 is connected to the electrodes 21, 22, and 23. The second output section 42 is connected to the electrodes 24, 25, and 26. As a result, the high frequency power output from the first output section 41 causes the electrodes 22, 21, and 23 to A high-frequency current flows between the electrodes 25 and 24, and the high-frequency power output from the second output section 42 and a high frequency current flows between the electrodes 26 .

[0094] In this example, the sub-controller 90 switches the control signal in the second state as shown in FIG. 6B. The switch 51a and the switch 51g are turned on, and the switches 51b to 51f and the switch 51c are turned on. 1h to 51m are turned off. As a result, in the second state, the first output section 41, the electrode 23, and The electrode 23 and the electrode 24 are connected, and the high frequency power output from the first output section 41 is used to heat the electrode 23 and the electrode 24. A high frequency current flows between them.

[0095] In this way, the first electrode set 201 may be configured from three electrodes. In this case, it is possible to heat an area 110 having the same size as that in the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this case, the first output unit 41 and the second output unit 42 perform stable output control. Therefore, it is possible to reduce costs compared to the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. do.

[0096] In this example, for example, electrodes 21, 22, and 23, and electrodes 25 and 26 may be configured as a first electrode set 201, and electrodes 23, 24, and 25 may be configured as a second electrode set 202. In other words, second electrode set 202 may be configured from three electrodes.

[0097] Alternatively, although not shown, electrodes 21 to 23 and a counter electrode plate 30 may be used, with electrodes 21 and 22, and electrode 23 and counter electrode plate 30 constituting a first electrode set 201, and electrodes 22 and 23, or electrode 22 and counter electrode plate 30 constituting a second electrode set 202. In other words, first electrode set 201 and second electrode set 202 may include counter electrode plate 30.

[0098] Furthermore, by appropriately configuring the switching unit 50, for example, in the arrangement of electrodes 21 to 24 shown in Figures 3A and 3B, electrodes 21 and 23, and electrodes 22 and 24 may be configured as a first electrode set 201, and electrodes 21 and 24 may be configured as a second electrode set 202. Similarly, in the arrangement of electrodes 21 to 24 shown in Figures 4A and 4B, for example, electrodes 21 and 22, and electrodes 23 and 24 may be configured as a first electrode set 201, and electrodes 21 and 23, and electrodes 22 and 24 may be configured as a second electrode set 202. In other words, the electrode arrangement in the first electrode set 201 and the second electrode set 202 is not particularly limited, and any arrangement may be adopted.

[0099] Furthermore, the electrodes 21 to 26 are not limited to those inserted into the treatment target, but may be those placed on the surface of the skin of the human body or the like to heat a relatively shallow area under the skin.

[0100] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0101] The high-frequency treatment device 2 according to the second embodiment, like the high-frequency treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment, is intended to perform nerve block by partially heating peripheral nerves with a high-frequency current. Note that the high-frequency treatment device 2 has basically the same configuration as the high-frequency treatment device 1 except that it has only three electrodes 21, 22, and 23 and has a different internal configuration. Therefore, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0102] 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the high-frequency treatment device 2. As shown in the figure, the high-frequency treatment device 2 includes, as its internal configuration, an output unit 40, a switching unit 50, a temperature measurement unit 60, a comparison voltage generation unit 210, a temperature comparison unit 220, a proportional control unit 230, a voltage / current measurement unit 70, and a main control unit 80.

[0103] Output unit 40 has a configuration similar to first output unit 41 and second output unit 42, and generates and outputs high-frequency power of a preset frequency (e.g., 470 to 490 kHz) based on power supplied from a commercial AC power source and a voltage (e.g., 18 to 22 Vrms) based on an output control signal from main control unit 80 and a pulse signal from proportional control unit 230. Output unit 40 is connected to electrode connectors 11 to 13 and return electrode connector 15 via switching unit 50, i.e., connected so as to be able to output high-frequency power to electrodes 21 to 23 and return electrode 30.

[0104] As in the first embodiment, switching unit 50 is composed of a circuit including a plurality of switches 51, each of which is made up of a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET or a reed relay, and is provided between output unit 40 and electrodes 21-23 and return electrode 30. In this embodiment, switching unit 50 operates under the control of main controller 80, and switches the connections between output unit 40 and electrode connectors 11-13 and return electrode connector 15.

[0105] The temperature measurement unit 60 is composed of known circuits, etc., and generates a temperature measurement signal of, for example, 40 mV / °C based on the signals received from the thermocouples 21c to 23c and transmits it to the main control unit 80, and also generates a temperature measurement signal of, for example, 20 mV / °C and transmits it to the temperature comparison unit 220.

[0106] The comparison voltage generation unit 210 is configured with known circuits, etc., and generates a control reference voltage signal used for output control of the output unit 40, and a judgment reference voltage signal used for judging abnormalities in the measured temperature. Under the control of the main control unit 80, the comparison voltage generation unit 210 generates a control reference voltage signal (a voltage indicating the temperature setting value) and a judgment voltage signal (for example, a voltage indicating the temperature setting value + 7°C) based on the temperature setting value received from the main control unit 80, and transmits them to the temperature comparison unit 220.

[0107] The temperature comparison unit 220 is configured with known circuits and the like, and transmits to the proportional control unit 230 a differential voltage signal indicating the difference in voltage between the control reference voltage signal received from the comparison voltage generation unit 210 and the temperature measurement signal received from the temperature measurement unit 60. The temperature comparison unit 220 also compares the voltage of the judgment reference voltage signal received from the comparison voltage generation unit 210 with the voltage of the temperature measurement signal received from the temperature measurement unit 60, and if the voltage of the temperature measurement signal is higher, transmits an output stop signal to the output unit 40 and the main control unit 80. Upon receiving the output stop signal, the output unit 40 stops outputting high-frequency power, and the main control unit 80, upon receiving the output stop signal, performs temperature abnormality processing such as displaying an alarm.

[0108] The proportional control unit 230 is configured with a known PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit or the like equipped with a sawtooth wave oscillator and a comparator, and generates a pulse signal whose pulse width is modulated based on the differential voltage signal. The proportional control unit 230 compares the differential voltage signal received from the temperature comparison unit 220 with the sawtooth wave signal to generate a pulse signal, which is then sent to the output unit 40.

[0109] The voltage / current measuring unit 70 is configured with known circuits, etc., and measures the voltage and current of the high-frequency power output by the output unit 40. The voltage / current measuring unit 70 generates a voltage measurement signal and a current measurement signal based on the high-frequency voltage and high-frequency current generated by the output unit 40, and transmits them to the main control unit 80.

[0110] The main control unit 80 includes known components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and, similar to the first embodiment, controls each unit of the high-frequency treatment device 2 to perform high-frequency treatment. The main control unit 80 generates an output control signal indicating an output voltage corresponding to a preset output power or the output power input to the operation unit 16, and transmits the signal to the output unit 40, thereby controlling the output of high-frequency power together with the proportional control unit 230. The output unit 40 combines the pulse signal received from the proportional control unit 230 and the output control signal received from the main control unit 80, smooths the combined signal, and generates a temperature control signal. The main control unit 80 outputs high-frequency power having a voltage based on the temperature control signal. The main control unit 80 also calculates voltage measurements, current measurements, power measurements, and impedance measurements based on the received voltage measurement signal and current measurement signal.

[0111] In this embodiment, the main control unit 80 constitutes the control unit of the present invention and controls the switching unit 50. Specifically, the main control unit 80 controls the on / off of a plurality of switches 51 provided in the switching unit 50 based on an input operation received by the operation unit 16, and switches the connection state between the output unit 40 and the electrode connectors 11 to 13 and the return electrode connector 15.

[0112] Next, the operation of the high-frequency treatment device 2 will be described.

[0113] The high-frequency treatment device 2 can output high-frequency current to a treatment target in three types: monopolar, bipolar, and tripolar. In this embodiment, the monopolar output type is an output type in which high-frequency current flows through an electrode pair formed by combining one of the electrodes 21 to 23 with the return electrode 30, and the bipolar output type is an output type in which high-frequency current flows through an electrode pair formed by combining the electrodes 21 and 22.

[0114] The following describes the operation of the tripolar mechanism, which is a feature of this embodiment. Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams showing the operation state of the tripolar mechanism. For ease of understanding, only switches 51a to 51f necessary for the explanation are shown in Figures 8A to 8C.

[0115] Once electrodes 21-23 are appropriately positioned and operation unit 16 has received a tripolar selection operation from a user such as a doctor, main controller 80 controls switching unit 50 to set the connection state between output unit 40 and electrodes 21-23 to the state shown in FIG. 8A. Specifically, main controller 80 turns on switches 51c, 51e, and 51f, and turns off switches 51a, 51b, and 51d. This causes high-frequency power output from output unit 40 to flow high-frequency current between electrode 22, electrode 21, and electrode 23 in the electrode set consisting of the three electrodes 21-23.

[0116] Thereafter, after the operation unit 16 receives the user's selection of high-frequency thermal coagulation or pulse high-frequency method, as well as the input of the temperature setting value (e.g., 80°C) and treatment time (e.g., 3 minutes) (if the pulse high-frequency method is selected, the main control unit 80 sets the temperature setting value to 42°C, so only the treatment time is input), if the operation unit 16 receives the operation to start treatment, the main control unit 80 controls the output unit 40 to start outputting high-frequency power.

[0117] Furthermore, main control unit 80 controls switching unit 50 to switch the connection state between output unit 40 and electrodes 21 to 23 between the three states shown in Figures 8A to 8C at a specific cycle (0.3 seconds in this embodiment). Specifically, in the state shown in Figure 8B, switches 51b, 51d, and 51f are turned on, and switches 51a, 51c, and 51e are turned off, allowing high-frequency current to flow between electrode 21, electrode 22, and electrode 23. In the state shown in Figure 8C, switches 51b, 51c, and 51f are turned on, and switches 51a, 51d, and 51e are turned off, allowing high-frequency current to flow between electrode 23, electrode 21, and electrode 22.

[0118] That is, during the output of high-frequency power, main control unit 80 controls switching unit 50 to alternate between any one of electrodes 21 to 23 at a specific cycle and pass high-frequency current between the remaining two electrodes. This heats the area between electrode 21 and electrode 22 and the surrounding area, the area between electrode 22 and electrode 23 and the surrounding area, and the area between electrode 23 and electrode 21 and the surrounding area.

[0119] The main control unit 80, together with the proportional control unit 230, controls the output of the output unit 40 so that after the temperature measurement values ​​obtained by the thermocouples 21c to 23c built into each electrode 21 to 23 rise to a temperature approximately equal to the temperature setting value, the temperature measurement values ​​are maintained at a state approximately equal to the temperature setting value.

[0120] In this embodiment, output control is performed by main control unit 80 and proportional control unit 230 based on the temperature measurement value of thermocouple 22c built into electrode 22 in the state shown in Fig. 8A, the temperature measurement value of thermocouple 21c built into electrode 21 in the state shown in Fig. 8B, and the temperature measurement value of thermocouple 23c built into electrode 23 in the state shown in Fig. 8C. That is, in this embodiment, the accuracy and stability of output control are improved by referring to the temperature around the electrode 21-23 that has the highest current density.

[0121] After the start of output of high-frequency power, when the treatment time input in advance has elapsed, the main control unit 80 stops the output of high-frequency power from the output unit 40 and stops the switching control of the switching unit 50. This completes one treatment.

[0122] In this way, the tripolar high frequency treatment can heat the wide area 110 between and around the electrodes 21 to 23 in one treatment, which requires two treatments in the bipolar treatment. This is now possible.

[0123] The arrangement of electrodes 21 to 23 is not particularly limited and any arrangement can be adopted. According to the tripolar high-frequency treatment, the area between electrodes 21 and 22, between electrodes 22 and 23, and between electrodes 23 and 21 can all be heated in one treatment, so that, for example, by arranging electrodes 21 to 23 in a V-shape, it becomes possible to heat triangular area 110.

[0124] 8A-C is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, since the electrodes 21-23 (thermocouples 21c-23c) that measure temperature are switched between each of the three states, it is preferable to shorten the time during which temperature is not measured in order to properly monitor the temperature. From this perspective, the switching period is preferably 0.5 seconds or less, more preferably 0.4 seconds or less, and most preferably 0.3 seconds or less. The lower limit of the switching period is not particularly limited and can be set depending on the operating speed of the switching unit 50, the frequency of the output high-frequency power, or the pulse width in the pulse high-frequency method, etc.

[0125] In addition, although the present embodiment has shown an example in which treatment is started from the state shown in FIG. 8A, it goes without saying that treatment may also be started from the state shown in FIG. 8B or C. Furthermore, rather than switching between the three states during treatment, it is possible to maintain one of the states shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C during treatment. It can also be set to

[0126] Furthermore, although the present embodiment has shown an example of the high-frequency treatment device 2 having three electrodes 21-23, the number of electrodes provided in the high-frequency treatment device 2 is not particularly limited and may be four or more. In this case, for example, an electrode set may be formed from any three of the four electrodes, and a high-frequency current may be passed between one electrode included in this electrode set and the remaining two electrodes, or an electrode set may be formed from all four electrodes, and a high-frequency current may be passed between one electrode included in this electrode set and the remaining three electrodes. In other words, the number of electrodes that make up an electrode set is not limited.

[0127] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the high-frequency treatment device and high-frequency treatment method of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0128] For example, the shapes and arrangements of the components of the high-frequency treatment devices 1 and 2 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments, and various known shapes and arrangements can be adopted. Furthermore, the high-frequency treatment devices 1 and 2 are not limited to those for performing nerve blocks, and may be used for other purposes, such as tumor cauterization. Furthermore, the treatment target is not limited to a human body or an animal, and may be something else.

[0129] Furthermore, the high-frequency treatment device 1 may be provided with only one output unit that outputs high-frequency power, and the number of temperature measuring units is not limited to two. Furthermore, depending on the application of the high-frequency treatment device 1, the shape of the electrodes, and the like, the first electrode set 201 or the second electrode set 202 may be configured with four or more electrodes. Furthermore, the high-frequency treatment device 2 may be provided with two output units 40 or two temperature measuring units 60, or may be provided with a sub-control unit 90 that controls the switching unit 50, the temperature measuring units 60, and the like.

[0130] Furthermore, the actions and effects shown in the above embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1, 2 High frequency treatment device 21~26 electrodes 30 Patient electrode 40 Output section 41 First output section 42 Second output section 50 Switching section 80 Main control unit 90 Sub-controller 100 Treatment Targets 201 First electrode set 202 Second electrode set

Claims

1. an output unit that outputs high-frequency power; At least four electrodes connected to the output unit and placed on a treatment target; a switching unit provided between the output unit and the electrodes, which switches which of the electrode pairs combining at least two of the electrodes a high-frequency current flows through; A high-frequency treatment device characterized by comprising: a control unit that controls the switching unit to switch between a first state in which high-frequency current flows through at least two first electrode pairs during treatment and a second state in which high-frequency current flows through a specific electrode included in one of the first electrode pairs and a second electrode pair including a specific electrode included in another of the first electrode pairs at a specific period.

2. The high-frequency treatment device according to claim 1, The high-frequency treatment device, wherein the second electrode set includes the electrodes arranged adjacent to each other.

3. The high-frequency treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, A high-frequency treatment device characterized in that the electrode is inserted into a treatment target.

4. The high-frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit switches between the first state and the second state at a cycle of 0.3 seconds or less. A high-frequency treatment device characterized by:

5. The high-frequency treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The high-frequency treatment device is characterized in that the output section is provided for each of the first electrode pairs.

6. an output unit that outputs high-frequency power; At least three electrodes connected to the output unit and placed on a treatment target; a switching unit provided between the output unit and the electrodes, which switches which of the electrode pairs combining at least two of the electrodes a high-frequency current flows through; A high-frequency treatment device characterized by comprising: a control unit that controls a switching unit so that a high-frequency current flows between any one specific electrode included in a specific electrode set that combines at least three of the electrodes and all of the remaining electrodes included in the specific electrode set.

7. The high-frequency treatment device according to claim 6, The control unit controls a switching unit to switch the specific electrode among the electrodes included in the specific electrode set in order at a specific cycle during treatment.

8. A high-frequency treatment method for treating a target by placing at least four electrodes on the target and passing a high-frequency current through any one of electrode sets each including at least two of the electrodes, A high-frequency treatment method characterized by switching, at a specific period, between a first state in which high-frequency current flows through at least two first electrode pairs during treatment and a second state in which high-frequency current flows through a specific electrode included in one of the first electrode pairs and a second electrode pair including a specific electrode included in another of the first electrode pairs.

9. A high-frequency treatment method for treating a target by placing at least three electrodes on the target and passing a high-frequency current through any one of electrode pairs each including at least two of the electrodes, A high-frequency treatment method characterized by passing a high-frequency current between any one of the specific electrodes included in a specific electrode set that combines at least three of the electrodes and all of the remaining electrodes included in the specific electrode set.

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