Feedback control in electrosurgical systems.

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority claim This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Kester Batchelor, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 268,724, entitled “THERMAL FEEDBACK CONTROL,” filed March 1, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Tissues or organs of the human body often require surgical intervention, which may include the removal of the tissue, organ, or portions thereof. In some cases, the organ or tissue may be removed for specimen collection, such as for a biopsy, while in other instances, the organ or tissue may be removed to address one or more problems or symptoms encountered by a patient. In either case, specialized surgical instruments may be used to safely and effectively remove the organ or tissue.

[0003] Electrosurgery is the application of electrical energy to effect changes in biological tissue of a surgical patient in some manner. Various electrosurgical techniques may be used to cut, coagulate, desiccate, or discharge biological tissue. These and other electrosurgical techniques may be performed during various medical procedures, such as, for example, laparoscopic surgery. Examples of these medical procedures may include appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, cystectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass, hernia repair, nephrectomy, Nissen fundoplication, prostatectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, or other medical procedures. Each of these medical procedures may have one or more electrical treatment phases, such as, for example, an interrogation phase, a heating phase, a desiccation phase, a cauterization phase, etc.

[0004] Electrosurgical devices can use alternating current (AC) electrical energy at appropriate energy levels and frequencies, etc., to cut or coagulate tissue. The use of AC requires that a circuit be closed. Electrosurgical devices can be monopolar (e.g., devices or systems that use relatively more distant electrodes, such as dispersive electrode pads, to close the circuit) or bipolar (e.g., devices that use one or more electrodes in close proximity, such as may be located on the end of a hand piece of the device, to close the circuit). In monopolar devices, the electrical therapy signal generator provides a current that travels from an electrode in the hand piece through the body to a dispersive pad, where the current can return to the generator. In bipolar devices, such as electrosurgical forceps, the current from the generator can travel down one leg of the forceps and up through the tissue to the other other leg of the forceps, from where the current can return to the generator. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may represent like components in different figures. Like numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of like components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a surgical system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 6]1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical system. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a surgical system. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a surgical system. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a surgical system. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a surgical system. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a machine in which one or more embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Various surgical devices can receive electrical energy (or radio frequency (RF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) energy). For example, electrosurgical devices can use electrodes to perform partial or complete hemostatic cutting or ablation of tissue using electrical energy (RF or UHF energy) delivered to tissue through active electrodes of bipolar or monopolar devices. The use of monopolar systems can result in large thermal margins that can later result in tissue necrosis after cutting. Necrosis can be particularly problematic when the electrosurgical tissue procedure is intended to seal the excised wound area to promote healing. Additionally, monopolar output can affect nearby nerve tissue. Once nerve tissue passes through the outer medulla of the nerve, it becomes significantly more conductive than the surrounding tissue. Thus, the nerve can provide a suitable pathway along which the electrosurgical procedure current passes. Unintended electrical conduction of electrosurgical energy along the nerve can affect suture integrity, cause denervation, and cause other unintended consequences.

[0008] Electrosurgical end effectors may also experience thermal runaway, which can occur when the heat generated by the electrosurgical end effector exceeds the amount of heat dissipated to the surroundings. Thermal runaway may be associated with a reduction in volume resistivity as the temperature of the tip (and its surroundings) increases. Some materials may help reduce thermal runaway (e.g., materials with low thermal conductivity at high temperatures). However, material selection alone may not prevent thermal runaway and subsequent problems. Thermal runaway may cause a continuous arc to form between the two electrodes of a bipolar device, rather than between the tissue and the electrode. Once established, this arc may remain in a specific location, creating a highly energized region that, due to its smaller volume resistivity and charged ionization path, may remain in the same general location and eventually bridge (and melt) the insulation. These problems may be particularly prevalent when a novice user of a monopolar electrical system uses merely a convenient default power setting, rather than the optimal power setting appropriate for performing the desired electrosurgical procedure.

[0009] To help overcome one or more of the problems associated with monopolar electrosurgical systems, bipolar electrosurgical devices may be used, such as to perform cutting or other electrosurgical procedures. In bipolar devices, passive electrodes may receive electrical energy from tissue, allowing the energy to flow through the tissue to perform the cutting or ablation. The electrodes may be separated by one or more dielectric elements to help ensure that the energy flows through the tissue. Electrosurgical devices having bipolar electrosurgical end effectors, such as the J-Hook, may provide a controlled tissue cutter that does not need to be sent as high voltage energy through the patient to a remote return electrode pad, as is the case with monopolar electrosurgical devices. Also, because bipolar electrosurgical devices can provide their electrosurgical energy more locally and at lower voltages, there may be less thermal margins. Thus, bipolar electrosurgical devices may help promote better healing of treated or acted upon tissue compared to monopolar (or diathermy) cutting modes.

[0010] Some electrosurgical end effectors, such as the J-Hook, can be part of a "plug and play" system that can provide a controlled energy output platform. The bipolar electrosurgical energy delivered by the end effector can be limited and controlled to establish, regulate, or otherwise provide the appropriate power, rather than providing a fixed power output, which may be more difficult for some applications or for some users. However, such bipolar electrosurgical devices may still require a large heat dissipation capability, as the electrodes may heat up significantly during cutting or ablation due to the energy flowing, as well as due to contact between the electrodes and the relatively hot tissue. Both the device temperature and the applied electrosurgical power may affect device function and treatment results. Excessive heating of the electrodes during use may cause overheating, which may lead to dielectric breakdown, dielectric melting, tissue necrosis, or other problems. Currently, devices such as the J-Hook™ cutting and coagulation device use a long electrode return arm to address these issues. The return electrode arm extends through the shaft and connects to the instrument handpiece. The return arm can act as a heat sink to help cool the cutting tip and reduce overheating of the electrode. To help achieve better thermal control, the device working tip can include a large heat sink to conduct heat away from the return electrode to allow for worst case conditions and use cases for electrosurgical activation. Such instruments may include a relatively large tip that may affect surgical precision. Also, while effective, the return heat sink may be made from a highly conductive material, such as copper, which can be relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0011] The present disclosure may help address these issues by including relatively smaller heat sinks to limit the voltage or current delivered to and by the end effector, and by managing overheating by controlling power delivery through the active electrode. In one example, the temperature at the working tip of the electrosurgical instrument device may be monitored. As the temperature at the device tip increases, the arcing voltage across the gas gap increases. Direct arcing and thermal runaway may be reduced by lowering the maximum allowable output voltage between the electrodes as the local temperature increases. Small, evenly distributed ionized pockets of arcing along the intended blade length may be obtained, thereby allowing predictable RF cutting or other treatments to be achieved.

[0012] Through a sensor at the tip of the end effector, the system can include feedback control to sense the temperature of a heat sink (or other component) of the surgical instrument. In response, the controller circuit can control the electrosurgical energy generator to adjust the power being delivered to the electrosurgical instrument device. Such localized temperature sensing, for example, via a heat sink, and responsive voltage or power control of the electrosurgical energy delivered by the electrosurgical energy treatment device can allow the device to include a relatively smaller heat sink while still remaining safe and efficient and reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0013] The above description is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the present invention. The following description is included to provide further information about this patent application.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a surgical system 100. The surgical system 100 can include a surgical instrument 102, which can be connected to a generator 104, such as via one or more wires or conductors 106. The generator 104 can be an electric or electromagnetic device configured to deliver energy to a hand piece 110. The generator 104 can include one or more controllers or control circuits, such as one or more components of the devices and systems of FIGS. 20 and 21. The surgical instrument 102 can include an end effector 108, a hand piece 110, and an intermediate portion 112. The hand piece 110 can include a housing 114, a control device 116, and a rotational actuator 118. FIG. 1 also shows a proximal orientation indicator and a distal orientation indicator, as well as a longitudinal axis A1.

[0015] Generally, the hand piece 110 can be located at a proximal end of the instrument 102, and the end effector 108 can be located at a distal end of the surgical instrument 102. An intermediate portion 112 can extend between the hand piece 110 and the end effector 108 for operably coupling the hand piece 110 to the end effector 108. Various movements of the end effector 108 can be controlled by one or more actuation systems of the hand piece 110. For example, the end effector 108 can be rotated along a longitudinal axis A1 of the surgical instrument 102. The hand piece 110 can also be used to operate the end effector 108 to cut tissue, such as via delivery of electrical or electromagnetic energy to the tissue.

[0016] The housing 114 may be a frame that provides structural support between the components of the surgical instrument 102. The housing 114 is shown as housing at least a portion of an actuation system associated with the handpiece 110 for operating the end effector 108, although some or all of the components need not be housed within the housing 114. The housing 114 may provide a rigid or semi-rigid structure for mounting the components, but the housing 114 does not necessarily house the components completely or may house only a portion of one or more of the components.

[0017] The intermediate portion 112 can include a shaft 120 that can extend between the housing 114 and the end effector 108 and can be configured to support one or more components therein. The controller 116 can be coupled to the housing 114 and can include or be connected to electronic circuitry within the housing 114 to connect the controller 116 to the generator 104. Such circuitry can send or transmit electrical or electromagnetic energy to the end effector 108. In some examples, the electronic circuitry can be outside of the housing 114 but operably coupled to the housing 114 and the end effector 108.

[0018] In some example operations, a user can use the rotational actuator 118 to orient or rotate the end effector 108 as desired to contact tissue of a patient. When it is desired to resect or cut tissue, the user can manipulate the controller 116 to cause the end effector 108 to deliver electromagnetic, electrical, RF, or UHF energy to the electrodes thereof, and to the tissue, etc. Application of such energy can be used to cut and seal (e.g., hemostatically cut) or otherwise act on tissue engaged with the end effector 108. Throughout use of the end effector 108 for such actions, the rotational actuator 118 can be manipulated to orient the end effector 108 as desired. Such a process can be repeated as desired or necessary to resect or treat the area to be acted upon. Although the end effector 108 is described above as being an electrosurgical cutting instrument, the end effector 108 can be a variety of other tools, as described below.

[0019] FIG 2 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 200. Surgical system 200 may be similar to surgical system 100 described above. FIG 2 shows a schematic diagram of how such a system may be configured. Any of the systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of surgical system 200. FIG 2 also shows a proximal orientation indicator and a distal orientation indicator.

[0020] The surgical system 200 may include a surgical instrument 202 and a conductor or connector 206. The surgical instrument 202 may include an end effector 208. The conductor 206 may be connected to a generator (e.g., the generator 104), such as via a terminal or contact 222. The connector 206 may also include a memory 224. The memory 224 may be various types of memory, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., an Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)), a flash memory device, a magnetic disk, etc.

[0021] The surgical instrument 202 may also include a sensor 226, a transducer 228, and a transceiver (or transmitter) 230. The memory 224, the sensor 226, the transducer 228, and the transceiver 230 may be connected by a circuit 232 or a portion of the circuit 232. The sensor 226 may be a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, a contact sensor, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a particle sensor, or the like. The sensor 226 may be configured to generate a data signal indicative of a condition of the surgical instrument 202 (e.g., the end effector 208) or a condition of tissue engaged with or near the end effector 208 (or the sensor 226). The end effector 208 may be a hook-shaped device, a spatula, a forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, an irrigator, or the like.

[0022] The transducer 228 may be connected to the sensor 226 and the transceiver 230. The transducer 228 may be an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or other converter, circuit, or chip configured to convert or otherwise process the data signal from the sensor 226. The transceiver 230 may be a transmitter or transceiver configured to transmit the converted signal from the surgical instrument 202 to the memory 224. The surgical system 200 may be used to perform one or more procedures, as described in further detail below.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 300, which may be similar to surgical system 100 or surgical system 200 described above. Figure 3 shows generally how surgical system 300 may be configured. Any of the systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of surgical system 300. The operation of surgical system 300 is also described below.

[0024] The surgical system 300 may include a generator 304, which may be similar to the generator 104 described above. The surgical system 300 may also include a surgical instrument 302, which may be similar to the surgical instrument 102 or the surgical instrument 202 described above. The surgical instrument 302 may also include a shaft 320 connected to an end effector 308 at a distal end of the shaft 320. The end effector 308 may include a sensor 326 (which may be similar to the sensor 226) and an active electrode 334, which may be connected to the generator 304, such as via a circuit 332. The circuit 332 may optionally be at least a portion of a one-wire EEPROM circuit (or one-wire EEPROM communication bus). The circuit 332 may be driven from a single digital input / output (I / O) terminal or contact on the controller of the generator 304, and the circuit 332 may be connected to a ground pin or terminal. Although the circuit 332 is described as being a one-wire EEPROM circuit, in other examples it could be other types of one-wire communication bus circuit.

[0025] In some example operations, the surgical instrument 302 may be used during one or more steps in which tissue is engaged or observed. In such steps, the surgical instrument 302 may be manipulated such that the end effector 308 engages or interacts with (or is positioned near) tissue. The generator (e.g., generator 104) may deliver power to the active electrode 334 of the end effector 308 to act on the tissue. The control system or generator may then reduce the power delivered to the active electrode 334 of the end effector 308 to help reduce interference from the power delivered to the active electrode 334. Optionally, the RF or HF energy may be modified or reduced to a level that is less interfering and not stopped or shut off all together. The generator 304 may then receive a data signal from the sensor 326 when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, which may be indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector 308 or tissue.

[0026] The generator 304 can use the data signal from the sensor 326 to determine one or more characteristics of the tissue or the end effector 308. In one example in which the sensor 326 is a temperature sensor, the generator 304 can use the data signal to determine a temperature of at least a portion of the end effector 308. The generator 304 can then adjust the power delivered to the active electrode 334 based on the determined temperature.

[0027] That is, the generator 304 can determine a characteristic representative of a component, such as the temperature of the return electrode, based on the data signal generated by the sensor 326 during a period in which the power delivered to the active electrode 334 of the end effector 308 is reduced. Optionally, the power can be reduced by the generator 304 for a relatively short duration to help limit the impact of the operation of the surgical instrument 302. For example, the generator 304 can reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration or interval between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal. In another example, the generator 304 can reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 50 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal. In another example, the generator 304 can reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration between 20 milliseconds and 80 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal. In another example, the generator 304 may reduce the power delivered to the end effector 308 for a duration between 30 ms and 50 ms during the course of measuring the data signal. The generator 304 may reduce the power by reducing one or more of the voltage, current, etc.

[0028] Because the active electrodes 334 and the sensor 326 share a conductor (e.g., circuit 332), such as a one-wire EEPROM circuit, reducing power to the active electrodes 334 can enable the generator 304 to receive data signals from the sensor 326 with reduced noise or interference, and enable the generator 304 to use the data signals to more accurately determine one or more characteristics of the end effector 308 or tissue. The generator 304 can then use the determined characteristics to adjust the operation of the surgical instrument 302. For example, based on the determined characteristics, the generator 304 can automatically adjust the power delivered to the active electrodes 334 to help limit overheating of the end effector 308 or one or more components thereof.

[0029] The surgical system 300 may also include dynamic or other feedback control loops to adjust (e.g., automatically) the power or voltage being delivered to the device. The control loops may include voltage limiting, power limiting, current limiting, etc. Limiting or operating parameters of the surgical instrument 302 may be modified (e.g., by the generator 304) such as based on the sensed temperature of the end effector 308 (or components thereof) to limit or otherwise control the delivery of electrosurgical energy or power such that direct arcing and localized thermal runaway are limited or prevented.

[0030] In one example, the temperature of the end effector 308 may be monitored by the generator 304 in a number of ways, including performing temperature sensing directly on or in the heat sink itself. In one example, a temperature sensor or thermocouple can provide temperature feedback from the end effector 308 or associated heat sink, allowing modulated output electrosurgical energy parameters to be established or adjusted in such a way as to inhibit or prevent undesired arcing, undesired thermal runaway, or both.

[0031] Optionally, the operation of the surgical system 300 or generator 304 to determine the characteristics of the end effector 308 may include several iterations or steps. For example, the generator 304 may provide or deliver energy to the active electrode 334 and then shut off or reduce the power or energy delivered to the active electrode 334. With the reduced power, the generator 304 may receive data signals from the sensor 326 and determine the characteristics of the end effector 308 (such as the temperature of the return electrode). The generator 304 may then deliver energy to the active electrode 334 again, such as with a modified power or energy, and then shut off or reduce the power again, optionally at a different power or energy level that may be the same or different from any of the previously delivered power or energy levels, to receive or analyze data signals before power is again restored.

[0032] Optionally, the iterations of sensing or determining the property (e.g., performed by the generator 304) may include switching the energy output of the generator 304 to the active electrode 334 between cutting energy, coagulation energy, and energy or power levels for receiving or analyzing signals to determine one or more properties. Optionally, multiple steps of cutting and coagulating may be performed before each step of receiving or analyzing signals. Optionally, receiving or analyzing signals may be performed between each step of cutting or coagulating.

[0033] Optionally, the generator 304 can determine the rate of change of the characteristic, such as over time or between measurements. Such a rate of change can be used to control the power delivered to the end effector 308. For example, the generator 304 can use the sensor 326 to determine the rate of change of temperature over time using multiple measurements. As the rate of temperature change increases, the generator 304 can reduce the maximum available power to help reduce overheating or other problems.

[0034] Optionally, the generator 304 can determine a difference between the rate of change of the characteristic at a first time and the rate of change of the characteristic at a second time to assist in determining the characteristic acceleration. For example, a temperature rate of change at a first time and a temperature rate of change at a second time can be determined by the generator 304 based on a signal from the sensor 326. If the generator 304 determines that the temperature is increasing too quickly (such as exceeding a temperature acceleration threshold), the energy or power delivered to the end effector 308 can be reduced. Such an analysis can assist in making earlier predictions that a problem may occur.

[0035] In some examples, multiple characteristic thresholds may be used. For example, the generator 304 may use a first characteristic threshold that, if passed, allows the generator 304 to reduce the power below a first limit, and the generator 304 may use a second characteristic threshold that, if passed, allows the generator 304 to reduce the power below a second limit, which may be different (i.e., greater or less) than the first limit.

[0036] In some examples, one or more characteristic threshold types may be considered together in determining the energy output, such as the characteristic value and the rate of change of the characteristic. For example, both the determined temperature and the rate of change of temperature, each of which may be compared to a different threshold, may be considered, or both may be combined and compared to a combined threshold to make one or more determinations on the power delivered by the generator 304 to the end effector 308.

[0037] In another example, thermal monitoring may be performed when the sensor 326 is an infrared sensor or other optical sensor. Optionally, an imaging system or other visualization system may be used, which may be part of the device or system itself or a stand-alone system. In one example, a stand-alone thermal monitoring system may be mounted on or otherwise disposed on or near the electrosurgical device, as described below with respect to FIG. 15. Further examples of devices and methods using these various techniques are described below.

[0038] 4 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 400. The surgical system 400 may be similar to any of the surgical systems described above. FIG 4 shows an electrical or control schematic diagram of the surgical system 400. Any of the systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical system 400.

[0039] The surgical system 400 may include a surgical instrument 402, which may be similar to the surgical instrument 102 (or the surgical instrument 202 or the surgical instrument 302). The surgical system 400 may also include a cable 406, which may be similar to the conductor 106. The surgical system 400 may also include a generator 404, which may be similar to the generator 104 (or the generator 304). The generator 404 may include terminals 436a-436e to which conductors 438a-438e, respectively, may be connected. The terminals 436 may be contacts, terminals, or other electrical connections configured to electrically connect (or otherwise connect) components to the generator 404. The conductors 438 may be wires, traces, conductors, optical fibers, or the like, and may be configured to transmit energy (e.g., electrical or optical) between connected components, such as components of the surgical instrument 402 and the generator 404.

[0040] The surgical instrument 402 can include an end effector 408, which can include a sensor 426, an active electrode 434, and a return electrode 440. The surgical instrument 402 can also include one or more controllers 416 (which can be similar to controller 116). The active electrode 434 can be connected to terminal 436a by conductor 438a. The return electrode 440 can be connected to terminal 436c by conductor 438c, such that power delivered by terminal 436a can flow from the active electrode 434 to tissue and terminal 436c via the return electrode 440 and conductor 438c.

[0041] The controller 416 can be connected to terminals 436d and 436e by conductors 438d and 438e, respectively. The sensor 426 and the return electrode 440 can be connected to terminals 436b and 436c by conductors 438b and 438c, respectively, which can include or be part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit including an EEPROM device 442, a diode 444, and an ADC 446. The ADC 446 can be or include one or more chips or boards configured to receive an analog signal and generate or generate a digital signal based on the analog signal. For example, the ADC 446 can generate a digital signal based on a data signal generated by the sensor 426.

[0042] To help reduce the number of terminals required to incorporate the sensor 426, the return electrode 440 may share conductor 438c with a one-wire EEPROM circuit. As explained above, the sensor 426 may be used by the generator 404 to help ensure that the surgical instrument 402 is operating correctly and within desired operating conditions. For example, the sensor 426 may be a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode 440. The generator 404 may use the temperature signal to determine the temperature of the return electrode 440, and the generator 404 may reduce power to the active electrode 434 when the temperature of the sensor 426 exceeds or approaches a threshold temperature to help reduce overheating (or other problems) of the return electrode 440 or the dielectric.

[0043] However, due to sharing conductor 438c, when the active electrode 434 receives power from the generator 404 and the return electrode 440 receives power from the tissue, the data signal from the sensor 426 may be difficult for the generator 404 to process or interpret due to noise or interference from the received power. To help address this issue, the power delivered from the generator 404 to the active electrode 434 may be reduced during a period or interval. The interval or interval during which power is reduced may be the amount of time during which the power delivered by the generator 404 is reduced from its previous amount, such as by reducing the current, voltage, etc. During the interval in which power is reduced or cut off, the ADC 446 may receive the data signal from the sensor 426 and may transmit a digital signal, which may optionally be stored in the EEPROM device 442 and read by the generator 404 (such as by its controller).

[0044] A reduction in power by the generator 404 to the active electrode 434 for determining a characteristic or receiving or analyzing a data signal may be a reduction in voltage, current, etc., for a period of time such that RF or UHF energy (and power) is reduced. The reduction or adjustment may be to a power or energy level at which radio frequency interference is reduced to a level that allows sensor data from the sensor 426 to be transmitted from the sensor 426 to the generator 404 without undue interference that would render the sensor data unusable (or less usable) for its intended purpose or require additional processing by the generator 404 to read or use the data from the sensor 426 data signal.

[0045] Once a reading is taken or the data signal is processed or analyzed, a characteristic of the sensor 426 or tissue may be determined. Once the characteristic is determined, power may be re-enabled or reduced if the characteristic is determined to exceed a threshold. The characteristic may be determined after power is reduced or shut off and before, while, or after power is restored. Such a process may be repeated at intervals such as once every second, once every five seconds, once every ten seconds, once every minute, once per power activation, etc. Using this process, the generator 404 may determine a characteristic of the surgical instrument 402 or tissue using the sensor 426 that shares a conductor with the return electrode 440.

[0046] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 500. Surgical system 500 may be similar to surgical system 400 described above, where surgical system 500 may include circuitry for generating analog signals. Any of the systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of surgical system 500.

[0047] Surgical system 500 may be connected similarly to surgical system 400 described above, without the ADC. That is, sensor 526 and return electrode 540 may be connected to terminals 536b and 536c by conductors 538b and 538c, respectively, which may include or be part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit including EEPROM device 542 and diode 544. Active electrode 534 may be connected to terminal 536a by conductor 538a. And controller 516 may be connected to terminals 536d and 536e by conductors 538d and 538e, respectively.

[0048] The return electrode 540 may share conductor 538c with a one-wire EEPROM circuit, helping to reduce the number of terminals required to incorporate the sensor 526. The sensor 526 may be used by the generator 504 to help ensure that the surgical instrument 502 is operating correctly and within desired operating conditions. For example, the sensor 526 may be a temperature sensor configured to generate an analog temperature signal based on the temperature of the return electrode 540. The generator 504 may use the analog temperature signal to determine the temperature of the return electrode 540, and the generator 504 may reduce power to the active electrode 534 when the temperature of the sensor 526 exceeds or approaches a threshold temperature to help reduce overheating (or other problems) of the return electrode 540 or the dielectric.

[0049] Because the conductor 538c is shared, when the active electrode 534 receives power from the generator 504 and the return electrode 540 receives power from the tissue, the data signal from the sensor 526 may be difficult to read due to noise or interference from the received power. To help address this issue, the power delivered from the generator 504 to the active electrode 534 may be reduced for certain periods or intervals. During the intervals when power is reduced or cut off, the data signal from the sensor 526 may be stored in the EEPROM device 542 or read by the generator 504 (such as by its controller).

[0050] Once a reading is obtained, the power may be restored to its previous level by the generator 504 while a characteristic of the sensor 526 or tissue is determined. Once the characteristic is determined, the power may be maintained or may be reduced if the characteristic is determined to exceed a threshold. Using this process, the generator 504 can determine a characteristic of the surgical instrument 502 or tissue using the analog signal from the sensor 526.

[0051] 6 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 600. The surgical system 600 may be similar to the surgical systems described above. The surgical system 600 may include switched electrodes. Any of the surgical systems described above or below may be modified to include the components of the surgical system 600.

[0052] Surgical system 600 may be similar to surgical system 400 in that surgical system 600 may include a generator 604 including contacts 636a-636f. Surgical system 600 may include a surgical instrument 602 including a controller 616, a sensor 626, an active electrode 634, a return electrode 640, and a switching electrode 648. Surgical system 600 may also include a cable 606 that may include a one-wire EEPROM circuit including an EEPROM device 642, a diode 644, and an ADC 646.

[0053] The surgical system 600 may operate similarly to the surgical system 400 and the surgical system 500 described above. When it is desired to obtain a reading from the sensor 626, the power to the active electrodes 634 or the switching electrodes 648 may be reduced, adjusted, or inhibited by the generator 604 for a course, period, or duration. During the period when the power is reduced, there may be a data signal from the sensor 626, and the ADC 646 may receive the data signal from the sensor 626 and may transmit a digital signal, which may optionally be stored in the EEPROM device 642 and may be read by the generator 604 (such as by its controller). The generator 604 may determine one or more characteristics of the sensor 626, the surgical instrument 602, or the tissue, and the generator 604 may optionally adjust the power to one or more of the active electrodes 634 or the switching electrodes 648 based on the determined characteristics, such as whether one or more thresholds for the characteristics are passed.

[0054] 7 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 700. The surgical system 700 may be similar to the surgical systems described above. The surgical system 700 may include dedicated circuitry for sensors. Any of the surgical systems described above or below may be modified to include the components of the surgical system 700.

[0055] The surgical system 700 may be similar to the surgical system 700 in that the surgical system 700 may include a generator 704 including contacts 736a-g. The surgical system 700 may include a surgical instrument 702 including a controller 716, a sensor 726, an active electrode 734, and a return electrode 740. The surgical system 700 may also include a cable 706, which may include a one-wire EEPROM circuit including an EEPROM device 742. The sensor 726 may be connected to terminals 736b and 736c via conductors 738b and 738c, respectively, such that the sensor 726 is independently connected to the generator 704. And the return electrode 740 may be connected to terminals 736d and 736e via conductors 738d and 738e, respectively, such that the return electrode 740 is independently connected to the generator 704.

[0056] The surgical system 700 can operate similarly to the surgical systems 400-600 described above. However, when it is desired to obtain a reading from the sensor 726, the power to the active electrodes 734 may not be reduced, adjusted, or inhibited due to the lack of interference with the sensor circuitry since the sensor 726 is on a dedicated circuit. The data signal from the sensor 726 may be transmitted to the generator 704, such as via an EEPROM device 742. The generator 704 can determine one or more characteristics of the sensor 726, the surgical instrument 702, or the tissue, and the generator 704 can optionally adjust the power to the active electrodes 734 based on the determined characteristics, such as whether the generator 704 determines that one or more thresholds for the characteristics are passed. Also, because the sensor 726 is on a dedicated circuit, a relatively smaller sensor or thermocouple can be used, helping to further reduce the size of the tip of the surgical instrument 702.

[0057] 8 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system. The surgical system 800 may be similar to the surgical systems described above. The surgical system 800 may include dedicated circuitry for sensors and switching electrodes 848. Any of the surgical systems described above or below may be modified to include the components of the surgical system 800.

[0058] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the surgical system 100 including the surgical instrument 102, showing the proximal and distal orientation indicators. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the end effector 108. FIGs. 9 and 10 are described together below. The surgical instrument 102 can correspond to the instrument 102 described with respect to FIG. 1 of the surgical system 100 described above, and FIGs. 9 and 10 show additional details of the surgical instrument 102.

[0059] For example, Figure 9 shows that the end effector 108 can be connected to a distal portion of the shaft 120 of the intermediate section 112. Figure 9 also shows that the end effector 108 can include an active electrode 124, an insulator 126, a return electrode 128, and a return electrode 130. Together, the active electrode 124, the insulator 126, the return electrode 128, and the return electrode 130 can form a cutting tip 132 that can be operable (e.g., using the handpiece 110) to cut or ablate tissue.

[0060] The active electrode 124 may be a conductor made from one or more conductive materials, such as copper, silver, aluminum, platinum, gold, steel alloys, etc. The active electrode 124 may be relatively thin to deliver a large current density from the generator 104 to the tissue for efficient cutting and sealing of the tissue. The return electrodes 128 and 130 may also be constructed from one or more conductive materials. The active electrode 124 may be at least partially surrounded by an insulator 126, which may be a dielectric made from one or more insulating materials, such as ceramic, polymer, rubber, glass composites, etc. The active electrode 124 may be or include a heating element, such as an RF sealing or other RF device, an electrosurgical cutting element, a resistive cutting element, a plasma-based device, a laser device, an ultrasonic device, etc.

[0061] The insulator 126 may be sized and shaped to space the active electrode 124 away from the return electrodes 128 and 130 to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of cutting and sealing while helping to limit overheating of the cutting tip 132, helping to limit arcing directly from the active electrode 124 to the return electrode 128 or return electrode 130, and helping to ensure that power flows from the active electrode 124 to the tissue and then back to the return electrode 128 or return electrode 130. The active electrode 124, insulator 126, return electrode 128, and return electrode 130 may be sized and shaped to form a cutting tip 132 that may be (or should have) a hook or J-hook cutting tip, which may be a useful or efficient shape for electrosurgically cutting or resecting or sealing tissue.

[0062] The return electrodes 128 and 130 may be laterally on either side of the active electrode 124 and insulator 126. The return electrodes 128 and 130 may be relatively large to help dissipate or contain heat and to help ensure there is sufficient contact between the return electrodes 128 and 130 and the tissue being cut or ablated. Heat from the return electrode 128 may be conducted back through the intermediate section 112 (or shaft 120) to the handpiece 110, such as through one or more heat sinks. Optionally, the volume of the return electrode (128 or 130) may be at least three times larger than the volume of the active electrode 124.

[0063] 9 and 10, the surgical instrument 102 can include a sensor 926 connected to or in communicative contact with the return electrode 128 (or return electrode 130). For example, the sensor 926 can be a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, connected to or thermally coupled to the return electrode 128 (or return electrode 130). The sensor 926 can be incorporated into the return electrode 128 or can extend at least partially through the return electrode 128.

[0064] In operation, the sensor 926 can generate or generate a data signal based on one or more characteristics of the return electrode 128, the insulator 126, tissue near the end effector 108, or other components of the end effector 108. Optionally, when power to the active electrode 124 is reduced, such as for an increase in duration or time, a data signal can be transmitted from the sensor 926 to a generator (e.g., the generator 104). During such periods when power is reduced, the generator can use the data signal to determine one or more characteristics of the return electrode 128, the return electrode 130, the insulator 126, the active electrode 124, adjacent or nearby tissue, or other components of the end effector 108. Based on the determination, the generator 104 can adjust the power delivered to the active electrode 124.

[0065] For example, when the sensor 926 is a temperature sensor, the generator 104 can optionally determine the temperature of the return electrode 128 or the insulator 126, such as based on a temperature signal from the sensor 926, during a period or interval in which power to the active electrode 124 is reduced. When the generator 104 determines that the temperature of the return electrode 128 (or other component) exceeds a first threshold temperature, the generator 104 can reduce (or otherwise vary) the power delivered to the active electrode 124, which can help reduce damage to tissue, ineffective tissue cutting or coagulation, or damage to the end effector 108. Optionally, when the generator 104 determines, such as during a subsequent temperature determination period, that the temperature has dropped below a second threshold (which may be the same as or lower or higher than the first threshold), the generator 104 can allow power to be restored to a previous level before power was reduced. The surgical instrument 102 is an example of an instrument that may be incorporated into any of the surgical systems described above or below.

[0066] 11 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 1100. The surgical system 1100 may be similar to the surgical systems described above, and may include light guides or optical fibers that may be immune to noise or interference. Any of the surgical systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical system 1100.

[0067] More specifically, the surgical system 1100 may include a surgical device 1102 and a generator 1104. The surgical device 1102 may include a hand piece 1110, a shaft 1120 connected to the hand piece 1110, and an end effector 1108 connected to a distal portion of the shaft 1120. The hand piece 1110 may include a controller 1150, which may be one or more circuits, control boards, processors, etc. configured to receive, process, and transmit signals. The end effector 1108 may include a sensor 1126 connected to the controller 1150 by one or more of the conductors 1152a and 1152b. The sensor 1126 may be a sensor connected to the conductors 1152a and 1152b to connect the sensor 1126 to the controller 1150. The controller 1150 may include a transceiver 1154 connected to an optical fiber 1156. The optical fiber 1156 may be connected to an optical controller 1158 of the generator 1104, which may include a transceiver 1160. Optionally, the controller 1150 may be powered by the optical fiber (power over fiber) to help reduce the number of terminals used in the generator 1104 and the number of conductors used between the controller 1150 and the generator 1104.

[0068] In operation, the sensor 1126 can be configured to generate and transmit an electrical signal through the conductors 1152a and 1152b to the controller 1150. The controller 1150 can convert the electrical signal to an optical signal, which can be transmitted by the transceiver 1154 through the optical fiber 1156 to the transceiver 1160 where an optical controller 1158 can process the signal or transmit the signal to one or more other controllers of the generator 1104. In such a configuration, noise generated by power in the hand piece 1110 and in the connecting cable (e.g., the conductor 106) may have a reduced effect on signals traveling through the optical portion of the surgical system 1100, such as signals in the optical fiber 1156. This can allow the generator 1104 to more accurately determine characteristics of the end effector 1108 or tissue, even when power is delivered to the end effector 1108, such as its active electrode.

[0069] 12 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a surgical system 1200. The surgical system 1200 may be similar to the surgical systems described above, and may include an optical sensor that may not be susceptible to noise or interference. Any of the surgical systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical system 1200.

[0070] More specifically, the surgical system 1200 may include a surgical device 1202 and a generator 1204. The surgical device 1202 may include a hand piece 1210, a shaft 1220 connected to the hand piece 1210, and an end effector 1208 connected to a distal portion of the shaft 1220. The end effector 1208 may include a sensor 1226 connected to the generator 1204 by an optical fiber 1256. The optical fiber 1156 may be connected to an optical controller 1258 of the generator 1204, which may include a transceiver 1260.

[0071] Optionally, the sensor 1226 can be an optical ring resonator that can change its resonant frequency based on temperature (depending on the waveguide or substrate material). Optionally, the sensor 1226 can be a Fiber Bragg grating sensor that can generate a temperature signal based on strain in an optical material. Optionally, the sensor 1226 can be a material such as gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, silicon, etc., whose optical parameters such as absorption, transmission, and reflection qualities can change with temperature variations.

[0072] In operation, the sensor 1226 may be configured to generate and transmit an optical signal through the optical fiber 1256 to the controller 1258. The controller 1258 may convert the optical signal and may process the signal or transmit the converted signal to one or more other controllers of the generator 1204. In such a configuration, noise generated by power in the end effector 1208, shaft 1220, hand piece 1210, and connecting cables (e.g., conductors 106) may have a reduced effect (or no effect) on signals traveling through the optical portions of the surgical system 1200, such as signals in the optical fiber 1256. This may enable the generator 1204 to determine one or more characteristics of the end effector 1208 (or components thereof, such as a return electrode) or nearby tissue without reducing or cutting off the power supplied to the end effector 1208 (such as to its active electrodes).

[0073] 13 shows a perspective view of a surgical instrument 1302 that may be part of any of the systems described above. The surgical instrument 1302 may be configured similarly to the surgical instruments described above. The surgical instrument 1302 may include an optical sensor and an optical fiber. Any of the surgical instruments or systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical instrument 1302.

[0074] The surgical instrument 1302 may be similar to the surgical instrument 102 described above with particular reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 13 shows that the surgical instrument 1302 may include an optical fiber 1356 that extends at least partially through the shaft 1320 and is connected to a sensor 1326. The sensor 1326 may be an optical sensor (as described above) or may be an exposed portion of the optical fiber 1356. The sensor 1326 may be connected to an upper portion of the end effector 1308 to expose the sensor 1326 to tissue adjacent the end effector 1308, which may enable the sensor 1326 to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic such as a temperature of the end effector 1308 or tissue adjacent the end effector 1308, such as near an active electrode of the end effector 1308.

[0075] 14 shows a perspective view of a surgical instrument 1402 that may be part of any of the systems described above. The surgical instrument 1402 may be configured similarly to the surgical instruments described above. The surgical instrument 1402 may include an optical sensor and an optical fiber. Any of the surgical instruments or systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical instrument 1402.

[0076] The surgical instrument 1402 may be similar to the surgical instrument 1302 described above. FIG. 14 shows that the surgical instrument 1402 may include an optical fiber 1456 that extends at least partially through the shaft 1420 and is connected to a sensor 1426. The sensor 1426 may be an optical sensor (as described above) or may be an exposed portion of the optical fiber 1456. The sensor 1426 may be located within the end effector 1408 of the surgical instrument 1402 to expose the sensor 1426 to the end effector 1408, which may allow the sensor 1426 to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic, such as a temperature, of the end effector 1408, such as an active electrode or a return electrode. In this manner, exposure of the sensor 1426 to the environment may be limited while still allowing the sensor 1426 to generate a signal corresponding to one or more characteristics of the end effector 1408.

[0077] 15 shows an isometric view of a surgical system 1500. The surgical system 1500 may be similar to the surgical instruments described above. The surgical system 1500 may include an independent optical sensor. Any of the surgical instruments or systems described above or below may be modified to include the features of the surgical system 1500.

[0078] The surgical system 1500 can include a surgical instrument 1502 that can be connected to a generator 1504, such as via one or more wires or conductors 1506. The generator 1504 can be similar to the generator 104 (or other generators) described above. The surgical instrument 1502 can be similar to the surgical instrument 102 (or other surgical devices) described above and can include an end effector 1508, a hand piece 1510, and an intermediate portion 1512. The hand piece 1510 can include a housing 1514, a controller 1516, and a rotational actuator 1518. FIG. 15 also shows the orientation indicator proximal and the orientation indicator distal, as well as the longitudinal axis A1.

[0079] The surgical instrument 1502 may also include an optical instrument 1562, such as a scope (e.g., an endoscope). The optical instrument 1562 may be connected to the generator 1504. The optical instrument 1562 may be separate from the surgical instrument 1502, but may be configured to be used in conjunction with the surgical instrument 1502. The surgical instrument 1502 may include a sensor 1526, which may be an optical sensor, an electrical sensor, or the like. The sensor 1526 may be configured to generate a data signal based on one or more characteristics of the surgical instrument 1502 (e.g., the end effector 1508), or tissue near the end effector 1508. In some examples, the sensor 1526 may be an infrared sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to a temperature of an object within a field of view of the sensor 1526.

[0080] Because the sensor 1526 is separated from the end effector 1508, power delivered by the generator 1504 to the end effector 1508 (such as for a cutting operation) can have minimal or reduced impact on the data signal generated by the sensor 1526 and transmitted to the generator 1504, allowing the generator 1504 to more accurately determine one or more characteristics of the end effector 1508 or nearby tissue, even when the generator 1504 is delivering power to the end effector 1508.

[0081] 16 shows an isometric view of a surgical system 1600. As discussed above, the systems, devices, and methods described above (or below), such as with respect to end effectors and sensors, may be provided in a handheld, manual device. Additionally, the systems, devices, and methods described herein may also be similarly employed in a surgical robot.

[0082] For example, the surgical system 1600 can include a robot 1601. The robot 1601 can generally be a multi-link structure operable to move an end effector. For example, the robot 1601 can include a control system 1603, which can optionally include a generator 1604 (e.g., similar to generator 104). The robot 1601 can also include an arm 1605 equipped with a number of links 1664, which can be connected to each other by joints or articulation units 1666.

[0083] The robot 1601 can also include an end effector 1608 connected to a distal portion of the arm 1605, where the sensor 1626 can be connected to the end effector 1608 or other portions of the arm 1605. The end effector 1608 can include, without limitation, any end effector described herein. Additionally, the sensor 1626 can include any suitable sensor or data transmission aspects described herein, such as any of the sensors 226 or 326. The robot 1601 can also include one or more actuators located either in the articulation unit 1666 or in the control system 1603. The articulation unit 1666 can be controlled, for example, by the control system 1603 or the surgeon 50, to move the link 1664 and the end effector 1608 to perform a process, a portion of a process, or assist at least a portion of a process, such as with a patient 52 on a surgical table 54.

[0084] Reducing the heat sink size or volume can provide a less bulky and improved end effector tip (e.g., a thinner tip, or a tip with reduced cross section). For robotic surgery where there may be limited space between the end of the device and the articulating element of the robot (e.g., the end effector 1608), a thinner or smaller tip can help enable smoother or easier movement of the arm and electrosurgical device. By using the methods described above (or below) for controlling or regulating power to help prevent thermal runaway or overheating of the end effector 1608, smaller return electrodes or other components can be used in the end effector 1608, allowing the end effector 1608 to be smaller and more precise or easier to handle, helping to improve the performance of the robot 1601.

[0085] 17 shows an isometric view of a surgical instrument 1702, which may include a surgical spatula. More specifically, the surgical instrument 1702 may include an end effector 1708 connected to a shaft 1720. The end effector 1708 may include an active electrode 1734 and return electrodes 1728 and 1730, which may be separated by one or more insulators. The end effector 1708 may also include a sensor 1726, which may be configured to generate a data signal based on a condition of the return electrode 1728, the return electrode 1730, the active electrode 1734, other portions of the end effector 1708, or nearby tissue. The sensor 1726 may be connected to a generator (e.g., generator 104) to transmit the data signal to the generator, allowing the generator to control operation of the surgical instrument 1702 based at least in part on the data signal, as described above.

[0086] 18 shows an isometric view of a surgical instrument 1802, which may include a surgical pencil. More specifically, the surgical instrument 1802 may include an end effector 1808 connected to a shaft 1820. The end effector 1808 may include an active electrode 1834 and a return electrode 1828, which may be separated by one or more insulators. The end effector 1808 may also include a sensor 1826, which may be configured to generate a data signal based on a condition of the return electrode 1828, the active electrode 1834, other portions of the end effector 1808, or nearby tissue. The sensor 1826 may be connected to a generator (e.g., generator 104), allowing the generator to control operation of the surgical instrument 1802 based at least in part on the data signal, as described above.

[0087] FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of a surgical instrument 1902, which may include forceps. More specifically, the surgical instrument 1902 may include an end effector 1908 connected to a shaft 1920. The end effector 1908 may include jaws 1968 and 1970, where one or more of the jaws 1968 and 1970 may be movable relative to one another or the shaft 1920 to grasp tissue. The surgical instrument 1902 may optionally include a movable cutting blade. The jaws 1968 may include one or more return electrodes 1928 and a sensor 1926. The jaws 1970 may include an active electrode 1934. Optionally, each of the jaws 1968 and 1970 may include an active electrode and a return electrode. The sensor 1926 can be connected to a generator (e.g., generator 104) and can be configured to generate a data signal based on the condition of the return electrode 1928, the active electrode 1934, other portions of the end effector 1908, or nearby tissue, allowing the generator to control operation of the surgical instrument 1902 based at least in part on the data signal as described above.

[0088] The methods and systems described above with respect to the sensor and data transmission aspects described herein may be employed in any type of electrosurgical device. These aspects may be employed in any suitable electrosurgical device to improve devices such as an electrosurgical spatula (FIG. 17), pencil (FIG. 18), forceps (FIG. 19), or another monopolar or bipolar electrosurgical device that includes a sensor configured to generate a signal based on device or tissue characteristics. Similarly, the sensor types described herein as well as other sensor types not described herein may be used with the data transmission features described herein to overcome challenges with radio frequency induced interference to sensor data transmission in electrosurgical devices. Any sensor, such as temperature, force, pressure, and angle, proximity, contact, tissue volume, etc., may be used in any suitable device for that sensor type, and the data transmission aspects described herein may be used to overcome interference caused by the particular radio frequency treatment modality that causes the interference.

[0089] FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of an example computer-based power management system (CPMS) 2072 that may be configured to adjust the power input to the active electrode 2034 of the electrosurgical device 2002 (including the end effector 2008) based on temperature sensor data 2074 or power input data 2076 collected during the electrosurgical cutting process.

[0090] For example, in an embodiment, the temperature sensor data 2074 may include temperature measurements taken at a predetermined sampling rate (e.g., every 100 milliseconds, in a range between every 100 milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds, or perhaps between every 100 and 500 milliseconds). The sampling time may be device and sensor type dependent, and the sampling time may be configured to retrieve a reliable temperature sensor data signal without undue impact on the delivery of power to the active electrodes of the electrosurgical device 2002.

[0091] The power input data 2076 may be received from or within the power generator 2004, which may be similar to generator 104 or other generators described above. The power input data 2076 may correspond to a waveform signal supplied to the active electrode 2034 of the end effector 2008 of the electrosurgical device 2002.

[0092] In various embodiments, the computer based power management system 2072 may include an input interface 2078 through which the temperature sensor data 2074 and the power input data 2076 may be provided as input features to an artificial intelligence (AI) model 2080, which may perform one or more inference operations in which the temperature sensor data 2074 and the power input data 2076 may be applied to the AI ​​model 2080 to modulate the power input to the active electrodes of the electrosurgical device 2002.

[0093] In some embodiments, the input interface 2078 may be a direct data link between the computer based power management system 2072 and the electrosurgical system 2000 that generates at least some of the input characteristics. For example, the input interface 2078 may transmit temperature sensor data 2074 or power input data directly to the computer based power management system during a therapeutic or diagnostic medical procedure.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first input feature may be a sliding total power input window generated from historical power input data 2076 received from the power generator 2004. For example, the historical power input data 2076 may be used to continually generate an indication of the total power input to the active electrodes within a given look-back time window. As a specific, but non-limiting example, the indication within the sliding total power input window may show the amount of power delivered to the active electrodes during the last 3 seconds of time.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second input feature may include one or more discrete temperature measurements obtained via a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the return electrode. In this example, the second input feature may be raw temperature sensor data 2074. Additionally or alternatively, the second input feature may include an indication of the rate of change of the temperature measurement or the rate of change over a period of time (e.g., an acceleration of the rate of temperature change).

[0096] Based on one or more of the above input features, the computer-based power management system 2072 can perform inference operations using the AI ​​model 2080 to generate power input modulation data 2084 that can be used to modulate (e.g., adjust, reduce) the power input to the active electrodes. For example, the input interface 2078 can deliver the temperature sensor data 2074 and the historical power input data 2076 into the input layer of the AI ​​model 2080, which can propagate these input features through the AI ​​model 2080 to the output interface 2082 (i.e., output layer). The AI ​​model 2080 can provide a computer system with the ability to perform tasks without being explicitly programmed by making inferences based on patterns found in the analysis of data. The AI ​​model 2080 explores the consideration and construction of algorithms (e.g., machine learning algorithms) that may learn from existing data and make predictions on new data. Such algorithms operate by building the AI ​​model 2080 from example training data to make data-driven predictions or decisions that are expressed as outputs or assessments.

[0097] Two common modes for machine learning (ML) are supervised ML and unsupervised ML. Supervised ML can use prior knowledge (e.g., examples correlating inputs to outputs or outcomes) to learn relationships between inputs and outputs. One goal of supervised ML is to learn a function that, given some training data, best approximates the relationship between the training inputs and outputs, such that the ML model can implement the same relationship when given an input that produces the corresponding output. Unsupervised ML can involve training an ML algorithm using information that is not classified or labeled, allowing the algorithm to act on that information without guidance. Unsupervised ML can be useful in exploratory analysis because it can automatically identify structures in the data.

[0098] Common tasks for supervised ML can include classification and regression problems. Classification problems, also called categorization problems, aim to classify an item into one of several categorical values ​​(e.g., is this object an apple or an orange?). Regression algorithms aim to quantify some items (e.g., by providing a score to the values ​​of some inputs). Some examples of commonly used supervised ML algorithms are logistic regression (LR), naive Bayes, random forest (RF), neural networks (NN), deep neural networks (DNN), matrix decomposition, and support vector machines (SVM).

[0099] Some common tasks for unsupervised ML include clustering, representation learning, and density estimation. Some examples of commonly used unsupervised ML algorithms are K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and autoencoders.

[0100] Another type of ML is federated learning (also known as collaborative learning), which trains algorithms across multiple distributed devices that hold local data without exchanging data. This approach contrasts with traditional centralized machine learning techniques, where all local datasets are uploaded to one server, as well as more classical distributed approaches that often assume that local data samples are equally distributed. Federated learning allows multiple actors to build a common robust machine learning model without sharing data, thus addressing important issues such as data privacy, data security, data access rights, and access to heterogeneous data.

[0101] In some examples, the AI ​​model 2080 may be trained continuously or periodically prior to execution of an inference operation by the computer-based power management system 2072. Then, during the inference operation, the patient-specific input features provided to the AI ​​model 2080 may be propagated from an input layer, through one or more hidden layers, and ultimately to an output interface 2082 that corresponds to power input modulation data 2084.

[0102] During or following the inference operation, the power input modulation data 2084 may be communicated to a user via a user interface (UI) or may automatically trigger a generator that may include or be connected to the computer based power management system 2072 to perform a desired action. In some examples, if the temperature sensor data determines that a characteristic of the temperature sensor data exceeds a predefined parameter, such as exceeding a specified temperature for more than a specified period of time, defining an incident. The generator may record at least a portion of the occurrence of the incident to the temperature sensor data, the historical power input data 2076, the power input modulation data 2084, or a memory. The incident data may be saved as individual records, and the records may include device identification information or patient identification information. The individual records or aggregated individual records may be transmitted to the memory for analysis.

[0103] FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example machine 2100 in which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) described herein may execute. Examples as described herein may include or operate by logic or some components or mechanisms in the machine 2100. Circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry) is a collection of circuits implemented in the tangible entities of the machine 2100, including hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Circuitry membership may be flexible over time. Circuitry includes members that, when operating, may perform specified operations, either alone or in combination. In one example, the hardware of the circuitry may be invariably designed (e.g., hardwired) to perform a particular operation. In one example, the hardware of the circuitry may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) including machine-readable media (e.g., magnetically, electrically, movable arrangements of immutable particles with mass, etc.) physically modified to encode instructions for a particular operation. In connecting the physical components, the electrical properties of the underlying hardware are changed, for example, from an insulator to a conductor, or vice versa. The instructions enable the embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or a loading mechanism) to create members of a circuit configuration in the hardware through the variable connections to perform a particular portion of an operation when in operation. Thus, in one example, the machine-readable medium element is part of a circuit configuration or is communicatively coupled to other components of a circuit configuration when the device is in operation. In one example, any of the physical components may be used in two or more members of two or more circuit configurations. For example, under operation, an execution unit may be used in a first circuit of a first circuit configuration at one time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuit configuration or by a third circuit in the second circuit configuration at a different time. Additional examples of these components for machine 2100 follow.

[0104] In alternative embodiments, the machine 2100 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 2100 may operate in the capacity of a server machine, a client machine, or both, in a server-client network environment. In one example, the machine 2100 may act as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The machine 2100 may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a web appliance, a network router, a switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by the machine. Furthermore, although only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be understood to include any collection of machines individually or collectively executing a set (or sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations, etc.

[0105] The machine (e.g., computer system) 2100 may include a hardware processor 2102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 2104, a static memory (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, basic input output (BIOS), unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.) 2106, and mass storage 2108 (e.g., hard drive, tape drive, flash storage, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus) 2130. The machine 2100 may further include a display unit 2110, an alphanumeric input device 2112 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 2114 (e.g., a mouse). In one example, the display unit 2110, the input device 2112, and the UI navigation device 2114 may be touch screen displays. The machine 2100 may additionally include a storage device (e.g., a drive unit) 2108, a signal generation device 2118 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 2120, and one or more sensors 2116, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine 2100 may include an output controller 2128, such as a serial (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB)), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection, to communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.).

[0106] The registers of the processor 2102, the main memory 2104, the static memory 2106, or the mass storage 2108 may be or include a machine-readable medium 2122 on which one or more sets of data structures or instructions 2124 (e.g., software) that embody or are utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein are stored. The instructions 2124 may also reside, completely or at least partially, in any of the registers of the processor 2102, the main memory 2104, the static memory 2106, or the mass storage 2108 during their execution by the machine 2100. In one example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 2102, the main memory 2104, the static memory 2106, or the mass storage 2108 may constitute the machine-readable medium 2122. Although the machine-readable medium 2122 is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 2124.

[0107] The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 2100, causing the machine 2100 to perform any one or more of the techniques of this disclosure, or capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or related to such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, and signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, other photon-based signals, sound signals, etc.). In one example, a non-transitory machine-readable medium comprises a machine-readable medium having a plurality of particles having a constant (e.g., stationary) mass, and is therefore a composition. Thus, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is a machine-readable medium that does not include a transitory propagating signal. Examples of non-transitory machine-readable media may include non-volatile memory such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0108] The instructions 2124 may further be transmitted or received over a communications network 2126 using a transmission medium via a network interface device 2120 utilizing any one of a number of transport protocols (e.g., frame relay, Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc.). Exemplary communications networks may include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), packet data networks (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), plain old telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi®, the IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax®), the IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, among others. In one example, the network interface device 2120 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet jacks, coaxial jacks, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas for connecting to the communication network 2126. In one example, the network interface device 2120 may include multiple antennas for communicating wirelessly using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques. The term "transmission medium" shall be understood to include any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for the machine 2100 to execute, including digital or analog communication signals or other intangible media for facilitating communication of such software. The transmission medium is a machine-readable medium.

[0109] Notes and Examples The following non-limiting examples detail several aspects of the present subject matter for solving the problems and providing the advantages particularly described herein.

[0110] Example 1 is a method of controlling an electrosurgical system for treating tissue, the method comprising the steps of delivering power from a control system to an end effector to act on tissue, reducing the power delivered to the end effector, and receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or tissue being treated by the end effector when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, wherein the power and data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

[0111] In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 optionally includes the shared conductor being part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0112] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally includes, where the control system is configured to determine the sensed parameter based on a data signal generated during a period in which power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

[0113] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal.

[0114] In example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-4 optionally includes generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0115] In example 6, the subject matter of example 5 optionally includes, wherein the converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the sensor.

[0116] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally includes wherein reducing power delivered to the end effector includes reducing radio frequency energy delivered to the end effector.

[0117] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally includes wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing the voltage delivered to the end effector.

[0118] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally includes wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes reducing a current delivered to the end effector.

[0119] In example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-9 optionally includes, wherein the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor and the at least one characteristic is indicative of a temperature of the end effector.

[0120] Example 11 is a surgical device comprising a handpiece operable to control the surgical device and an end effector connected to the handpiece, the end effector comprising an active electrode configured to deliver power to tissue, a return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue, and a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal based on a temperature of the return electrode, and a surgical system comprising a control system connected to the active electrode, the return electrode, and the temperature sensor, the control system being configured to adjust the power delivered to the active electrode based on the temperature signal of the return electrode.

[0121] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the active electrode while receiving the temperature signal.

[0122] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-12 optionally includes, where the control system is configured to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on a temperature signal generated during a period in which power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

[0123] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-13 optionally includes, during the process of measuring temperature, the control system being configured to reduce power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds.

[0124] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-14 optionally includes, wherein the return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end effector and the hand piece, the heat sink configured to conduct heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives power from tissue.

[0125] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-15 optionally includes, a volume of the return electrode greater than a volume of the active electrode.

[0126] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes, wherein the volume of the return electrode is three times larger than the volume of the active electrode.

[0127] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-17 optionally includes a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the return electrode.

[0128] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-18 optionally includes a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode, and the active electrode, and the electrodes extend along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode positioned laterally on either side of the active electrode, and an electrically insulating layer positioned at least partially between the active electrode and the return electrode and at least partially between the active electrode and the second return electrode.

[0129] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-19 optionally includes an active electrode connected to a first terminal of the control system, a temperature sensor connected to a second terminal of the control system and a third terminal of the control system, and a return electrode connected to the third terminal.

[0130] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 optionally includes a transducer located at least partially within the surgical device and connected to the second terminal and the third terminal, the transducer configured to generate a converted temperature signal based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0131] In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-21 optionally includes, wherein the temperature sensor comprises an optical sensor.

[0132] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 optionally includes the optical sensor being connected to the control system, including by optical fiber.

[0133] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 optionally includes incorporating an optical sensor into the return electrode.

[0134] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 23-24 optionally includes the optical sensor adjacent to the return electrode.

[0135] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-25 optionally includes wherein the temperature sensor and the return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

[0136] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally further comprises the shared electrical conductor being part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0137] In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-27 optionally includes a temperature sensor connected to a distal tip portion of the return electrode.

[0138] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-28 optionally includes, where the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the active electrode to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

[0139] In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-29 optionally includes, where the control system is configured to interrupt power delivered to the active electrode to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

[0140] In Example 31, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-30 optionally includes, where the power delivered to the active electrode is configured to treat tissue.

[0141] In Example 32, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-31 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is configured to cut tissue.

[0142] In Example 33, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-32 optionally includes, where the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the active electrode to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal.

[0143] In Example 34, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-33 optionally includes, where the temperature sensor is an electrical temperature sensor.

[0144] Example 35 is a surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising: a surgical device including an end effector including an active electrode for treating tissue, and a sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or the tissue, and a control system operably coupled to the sensor, the control system configured to deliver power to the active electrode and adjust the power during a period in which the data signal is received by the control system.

[0145] In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the electrodes is radio frequency energy.

[0146] In Example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-36 optionally includes the delivered power being returned along a common transmission line along with the data signal received from the sensor.

[0147] In Example 38, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-37 optionally includes wherein the sensor comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0148] In Example 39, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-38 optionally includes, wherein the surgical device is a handheld device.

[0149] In Example 40, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-39 optionally includes, wherein the surgical device is a robotic device.

[0150] In Example 41, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-40 optionally includes where the surgical device is any of a hook-shaped device, a spatula, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, or an irrigator.

[0151] In Example 42, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-41 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the electrodes is radio frequency energy.

[0152] In Example 43, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 35-42 optionally includes, wherein the end effector includes a return electrode configured to receive power from tissue, and the sensor and return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

[0153] In Example 44, the subject matter of Example 43 optionally includes the shared electrical conductor being at least a portion of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0154] In Example 45, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 43-44 optionally includes, wherein the end effector includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor and the return electrode, and the ADC is configured to deliver a digital signal based on the data signal to the control system.

[0155] Example 46 is a non-transitory machine-readable medium including instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to deliver power to an active electrode of an end effector, reduce the power delivered to the active electrode, receive a temperature signal from a temperature sensor when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced, determine a temperature of the end effector, and adjust the delivered power based on the determined temperature.

[0156] In Example 47, the subject matter of Example 46 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced for between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the temperature.

[0157] In example 48, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 46-47 optionally includes instructions for causing the machine to receive power from a return electrode of the end effector.

[0158] In Example 49, the subject matter of Example 48 optionally includes the active electrode being connected to a first terminal of the control system, the temperature sensor being connected to a second terminal and a third terminal of the control system, and the return electrode being connected to the third terminal.

[0159] In example 50, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 46-49 optionally includes instructions for causing the machine to generate a converted temperature signal based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0160] In Example 51, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 46-50 optionally includes instructions for causing the machine to further interrupt power delivered to the active electrode to determine the temperature of the end effector based on the temperature signal.

[0161] Example 52 is a method of controlling an electrosurgical system, the method comprising the steps of delivering power from a control system to an end effector to act on tissue, reducing the power delivered to the end effector, receiving a data signal from a sensor indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or tissue when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, determining a temperature of the end effector, and adjusting the delivered power based on the determined temperature.

[0162] In Example 53, the subject matter of Example 52 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on a data signal generated during a period in which power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

[0163] In Example 54, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 52-53 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal.

[0164] In Example 55, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 52-54 optionally includes a step of generating a converted temperature signal based on the data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0165] In example 56, the subject matter of example 55 optionally includes, wherein the converted temperature signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0166] In Example 57, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 53-56 optionally includes wherein the sensor and return electrodes use a shared electrical conductor.

[0167] In Example 58, the subject matter of Example 57 optionally includes the shared electrical conductor being part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0168] In Example 59, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 53-58 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the end effector to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on the data signal.

[0169] Example 60 is a surgical system comprising an end effector for a surgical device, the end effector comprising an active electrode configured to deliver power to tissue, a return electrode configured to receive power from the tissue, and a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal based on a temperature of the return electrode, and a control system connected to the active electrode, the return electrode, and the temperature sensor, the control system configured to adjust the power delivered to the active electrode based on the temperature signal of the return electrode.

[0170] In Example 61, the subject matter of Example 60 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the active electrode while receiving the temperature signal.

[0171] In Example 62, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 60-61 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to determine the temperature of the return electrode based on a temperature signal generated during a period in which power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

[0172] In Example 63, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 61-62 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring temperature.

[0173] In Example 64, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 61-63 optionally includes, wherein the return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end effector and the hand piece, the heat sink configured to conduct heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives power from tissue.

[0174] In Example 65, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 61-64 optionally includes, a volume of the return electrode greater than a volume of the active electrode.

[0175] In Example 66, the subject matter of Example 65 optionally includes, wherein the volume of the return electrode is at least 5 times greater than the volume of the active electrode.

[0176] In example 67, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 60-66 optionally includes a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the return electrode.

[0177] In Example 68, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 60-67 optionally includes a second return electrode, wherein the second return electrode, the return electrode, and the active electrode, and the electrodes extend along a longitudinal path, and the return electrode and the second return electrode are located on either side of the active electrode laterally, and an electrically insulating layer located at least partially between the active electrode and the return electrode and at least partially between the active electrode and the second return electrode.

[0178] Example 69 is a non-transitory machine-readable medium containing instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, the instructions which, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to deliver power to an electrode of an end effector to act on tissue, reduce the power delivered to the end effector, and receive a data signal from an electrical sensor when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, the data signal being indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or tissue being treated by the end effector, where the instructions cause the machine to transmit the delivered power and the received data signal along a shared conductor, determine the at least one characteristic based on the data signal, and adjust the delivered power based on the at least one characteristic.

[0179] In Example 70, the subject matter of Example 69 optionally includes the conductor being part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0180] In Example 71, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69-70 optionally includes instructions for causing the machine to further determine a sensed parameter based on data signals generated during a period in which power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

[0181] In Example 72, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69-71 optionally further includes instructions to the machine to reduce power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal.

[0182] In Example 73, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69-72 optionally includes instructions for causing the machine to generate a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0183] In example 74, the subject matter of example 73 optionally includes instructions for causing the machine to generate a converted data signal using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the sensor.

[0184] In Example 75, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69-74 optionally includes, wherein the reduced power delivered to the end effector comprises reduced radio frequency energy.

[0185] In Example 76, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69-75 optionally includes, where the reduced power delivered to the end effector comprises a reduced voltage.

[0186] In Example 77, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 69-76 optionally includes, where the reduced power delivered to the end effector comprises a reduced current.

[0187] In example 78, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 69-77 optionally includes where the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor and the at least one characteristic represents a temperature of the end effector.

[0188] Example 79 is a method of controlling an electrosurgical system for treating tissue, the method comprising the steps of delivering power from a control system to an end effector to act on tissue, reducing the power delivered to the end effector, and receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or tissue being treated by the end effector when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, wherein the power and data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

[0189] In Example 80, the subject matter of Example 79 optionally includes the shared conductor being part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0190] In Example 81, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79-80 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to determine the sensed parameter based on a data signal generated during a period in which power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

[0191] In Example 82, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79-81 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal.

[0192] In Example 83, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79-82 optionally includes a step of generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0193] In example 84, the subject matter of example 83 optionally includes that the converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0194] In Example 85, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79-84 optionally includes wherein the step of reducing power delivered to the end effector includes the step of reducing radio frequency energy delivered to the end effector.

[0195] In Example 86, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79-85 optionally includes wherein the step of reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes the step of reducing the voltage delivered to the end effector.

[0196] In Example 87, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 79-86 optionally includes wherein the step of reducing power delivered to the end effector includes the step of reducing a current delivered to the end effector.

[0197] In example 88, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 79-87 optionally includes where the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor and the at least one characteristic represents a temperature of the end effector.

[0198] Example 89 is a surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising a surgical device including an end effector including an active electrode for treating tissue, and a sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or the tissue, and a control system operably coupled to the sensor, the control system configured to deliver power to the active electrode and adjust the power during a period in which the data signal is received by the control system.

[0199] In Example 90, the subject matter of Example 89 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the electrodes includes radio frequency energy.

[0200] In example 91, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 89-90 optionally includes that power is returned along the common transmission line along with the data signal received from the sensor.

[0201] In Example 92, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89-91 optionally includes that the sensor comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0202] In Example 93, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89-92 optionally includes, wherein the surgical device is a handheld device.

[0203] In Example 94, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89-93 optionally includes, wherein the surgical device is a robotic device.

[0204] In Example 95, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89-94 optionally includes that the surgical device is any of a hook-shaped device, a spatula, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, or an irrigator.

[0205] In Example 96, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89-95 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the electrode includes extremely high frequency energy.

[0206] In Example 97, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 89-96 optionally includes, wherein the end effector includes a return electrode configured to receive power from tissue, and the sensor and return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

[0207] In Example 98, the subject matter of Example 97 optionally includes the shared electrical conductor being at least a portion of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0208] In Example 99, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 97-98 optionally includes, wherein the end effector includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor and the return electrode, and the ADC is configured to deliver a digital signal based on the data signal to the control system.

[0209] Example 100 is a surgical system for treating tissue, the system comprising a surgical device including an end effector including an active electrode for treating tissue, and a sensor configured to generate a data signal corresponding to a characteristic of the end effector or the tissue, and a control system operably coupled to the sensor, the control system configured to deliver power to the active electrode and adjust the power during a period in which the data signal is received by the control system.

[0210] In Example 101, the subject matter of Example 100 optionally includes, wherein the power delivered to the electrodes includes radio frequency energy or ultra-high frequency energy.

[0211] In Example 102, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100-101 optionally includes, wherein the control system is configured to reduce power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal.

[0212] In example 103, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 100-102 optionally includes that power is returned along the common transmission line along with the data signal received from the sensor.

[0213] In example 104, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 100 to 103 optionally includes that the sensor comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, an angle sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a tissue volume sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0214] In Example 105, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100-104 optionally includes that the surgical device is a handheld device, in particular a hook-shaped device, a spatula, forceps, an electrode, an electrosurgical pencil, a monopolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a bipolar electrosurgical cutting instrument, a coagulator, or an irrigator.

[0215] In example 106, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 100-105 optionally includes, where the surgical device is a robotic device.

[0216] In Example 107, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 100-106 optionally includes, wherein the end effector includes a return electrode configured to receive power from tissue, and the sensor and return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

[0217] In Example 108, the subject matter of Example 107 optionally includes the shared electrical conductor being at least a portion of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

[0218] In Example 109, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 107-108 optionally includes, wherein the end effector includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor and the return electrode, and the ADC is configured to deliver a digital signal based on the data signal to the control system.

[0219] Example 110 is a method of controlling a surgical system of any of Examples 100-109, the method comprising the steps of delivering power from a control system to an end effector to act on tissue, reducing the power delivered to the end effector, and receiving a data signal from an electrical sensor indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or tissue being treated by the end effector when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, wherein the power and data signal are transmitted along a shared conductor.

[0220] In Example 111, the subject matter of Example 110 optionally includes that the control system is configured to determine the sensed parameter based on a data signal generated during a period in which the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

[0221] In Example 112, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 110-111 optionally includes, during the process of measuring the data signal, the control system being configured to reduce power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds.

[0222] In Example 113, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 110-112 optionally includes a step of generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

[0223] In example 114, the subject matter of example 113 optionally includes that the converted data signal is generated using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor.

[0224] In Example 115, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 110-114 optionally includes wherein the step of reducing the power delivered to the end effector includes the step of reducing radio frequency energy, voltage, or current delivered to the end effector.

[0225] Example 116 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement any of Examples 1-115.

[0226] Example 117 is an apparatus having means for implementing any of Examples 1 to 115.

[0227] Example 118 is a system for implementing any of Examples 1 to 115.

[0228] Example 119 is a method for implementing any of Examples 1 to 115.

[0229] In Example 120, the apparatus or method of any one or any combination of Examples 1-119 may be optionally configured such that all of the elements or options described are available for use or selection therefrom.

[0230] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to the specific example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0231] In the event of any conflicting usage between this specification and any document so incorporated by reference, the usage in this specification will control. In this specification, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those recited after such term in a claim is also deemed to be within the scope of that claim.

[0232] The terms "a" or "an" are used herein to include one or more, independent of any other instance or use of "at least one" or "one or more," as is customary in patent documents. The term "or" is used herein to refer to a non-exclusive "or," such as "A or B" including "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise specified. The terms "including" and "in which" are used herein as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those recited after such terms in the claim are still considered to be within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0233] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used by those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. An Abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may lie in less than all features of a particular embodiment disclosed. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the claims may be incorporated herein into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, as an example or embodiment, and that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0234] 50 surgeon 52 patients 54 Operating table 100 Surgical Systems 102 Surgical instruments 104 Generator 106 Wires, conductors 108 End Effector 110 Handpiece 112 Middle part 114 Housing 116 Control device 118 Rotary Actuator 120 Shaft 124 Active Electrodes 126 Insulators 128 Return Electrode 130 Return Electrode 132 Cutting tip 200 Surgical Systems 202 Surgical instruments 206 Conductors, connectors 208 End Effector 222 Terminals, contacts 224 Memory 226 Sensors 228 Converter 230 Transceiver 232 circuits 300 Surgical System 302 Surgical instruments 304 Generator 308 End Effector 320 Shaft 326 Sensors 332 circuits 334 Active Electrode 400 Surgical System 402 Surgical instruments 404 Generator 406 Cable 408 End Effector 416 Control device 426 Sensors 434 Active Electrode 436 Terminal 438 Conductor 440 Return Electrode 442 EEPROM device 444 Diode 446 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 500 Surgical System 502 Surgical instruments 504 Generator 516 Control device 526 Sensors 534 Active Electrode 536 Terminal 538 Conductor 540 Return Electrode 542 EEPROM Device 544 Diode 600 Surgical System 602 Surgical instruments 604 Generator 606 Cable 616 Control device 626 Sensors 634 Active Electrode 636 Contacts 640 Return Electrode 642 EEPROM device 644 Diode 646 Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 648 Switching Electrode 700 Surgical System 702 Surgical instruments 704 Generator 706 Cable 716 Control Device 726 Sensors 734 Active Electrode 736 Contacts 738 Conductor 740 Return Electrode 742 EEPROM Device 800 Surgical System 848 Switching Electrode 926 Sensors 1100 Surgical System 1102 Surgical devices 1104 Generator 1108 End Effector 1110 Handpiece 1120 Shaft 1126 Sensors 1150 Controller 1152 Conductor 1154 Transceiver 1156 Optical Fiber 1158 Light Controller 1160 Transceiver 1200 Surgical System 1202 Surgical Devices 1204 Generator 1208 End Effector 1210 Handpiece 1220 Shaft 1226 Sensor 1256 Optical Fiber 1258 Light Controller 1260 Transceiver 1302 Surgical instruments 1308 End Effector 1320 Shaft 1326 Sensors 1356 Optical Fiber 1402 Surgical instruments 1408 End Effector 1420 Shaft 1426 Sensors 1456 Optical Fiber 1500 Surgical System 1502 Surgical instruments 1504 Generator 1506 Wire, conductor 1508 End Effector 1510 Handpiece 1512 Middle part 1514 Housing 1516 Control device 1518 Rotary Actuator 1526 Sensors 1562 Optical instruments 1600 Surgical System 1601 Robot 1603 Control System 1604 Generator 1605 Arm 1608 End Effector 1626 Sensors 1664 Link 1666 Joint Unit 1702 Surgical instruments 1708 End Effector 1720 Shaft 1726 Sensor 1728 Return Electrode 1730 Return electrode 1734 Active Electrode 1802 Surgical instruments 1808 End Effector 1820 Shaft 1826 Sensor 1828 Return Electrode 1834 Active Electrode 1902 Surgical instruments 1908 End Effector 1920 Shaft 1926 Sensor 1928 Return Electrode 1934 Active Electrode 1968 Joe 1970 Joe 2000 Electrosurgical System 2002 Electrosurgical Device 2004 Power Generator 2008 End Effector 2034 Active Electrode 2072 Computer-Based Power Management System (CPMS) 2074 Temperature Sensor Data 2076 Power input data, historical power input data 2078 Input Interface 2080 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model 2082 Output Interface 2084 Power Input Modulation Data 2100 Machinery 2102 Hardware Processor 2104 Main memory 2106 Static Memory 2108 Mass storage, storage devices 2110 Display unit 2112 Alphanumeric Input Device 2114 User Interface (UI) Navigation Device 2116 Sensor 2118 Signal Generating Device 2120 Network Interface Device 2122 Machine-readable medium 2124 Command 2126 Communication Networks 2128 Output Controller 2130 Interlink

Claims

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

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shared conductor is part of a one-wire EEPROM circuit.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is configured to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signals generated during a period in which the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the course of measuring the data signal.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

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

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector comprises reducing radio frequency energy delivered to the end effector.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector comprises reducing a voltage delivered to the end effector.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector comprises reducing a current delivered to the end effector.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical sensor is a temperature sensor and the at least one characteristic is indicative of a temperature of the end effector.

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

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

13. The surgical system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the control system is configured to determine a temperature of the return electrode based on the temperature signal generated during a period when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced.

14. 14. The surgical system of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the course of measuring the temperature.

15. 15. The surgical system of claim 11, wherein the return electrode includes a heat sink extending longitudinally between the end effector and the hand piece, the heat sink configured to conduct heat proximally away from the return electrode to cool the return electrode when the return electrode receives the power from the tissue.

16. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the volume of the return electrode is greater than the volume of the active electrode.

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

18. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the return electrode.

19. a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode, and the active electrode, and an electrode extend along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode being located on either side laterally of the active electrode; an electrically insulating layer located at least partially between the active electrode and the return electrode and located at least partially between the active electrode and the second return electrode; The surgical system of claim 11 , comprising:

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

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

22. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor comprises an optical sensor.

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

24. The surgical system of claim 23 , wherein the optical sensor is integrated into the return electrode.

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

26. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor and the return electrode use a shared electrical conductor.

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

28. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor is connected to a distal tip portion of the return electrode.

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

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

31. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is configured to treat tissue.

32. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the power delivered to the active electrode is configured to cut tissue.

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

34. The surgical system of claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor is an electrical temperature sensor.

35. 1. A surgical system for treating tissue, comprising:

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

36. The surgical system of claim 35 , wherein the power delivered to the electrode is radio frequency energy.

37. The surgical system of claim 35 or 36, wherein the delivered power is returned along a common transmission line along with the data signals received from the sensors.

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

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

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

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

42. 42. The surgical system of any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein the power delivered to the electrode is radio frequency energy.

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

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

45. The end effector is 44. The surgical system of claim 43, comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC configured to deliver a digital signal based on the data signal to the control system.

46. A non-transitory machine-readable medium containing instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, the instructions, when executed by a machine, causing the machine to: Delivering power to an active electrode of the end effector; reducing the power delivered to the active electrode; and receiving a temperature signal from a temperature sensor when the power delivered to the active electrode is reduced; determining a temperature of the end effector; adjusting the delivered power based on the determined temperature; and A non-transitory machine-readable medium that causes

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

48. The machine further comprises:

47. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 46, comprising the instructions for receiving power from a return electrode of the end effector.

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

50. The machine further comprises:

50. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of any one of claims 46 to 49, comprising the instructions for generating a converted temperature signal based on the temperature signal when the delivered power is reduced.

51. The machine further comprises:

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

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

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

54. 54. The method of claim 52 or 53, wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the course of measuring the data signal.

55. 55. The method of any one of claims 52 to 54, comprising generating a converted temperature signal based on the data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

63. 63. The surgical system of claim 61 or 62, wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the active electrode for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the course of measuring the temperature.

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

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

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

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

68. a second return electrode, the second return electrode, the return electrode, and the active electrode, and an electrode extend along a longitudinal path, the return electrode and the second return electrode being located on either side laterally of the active electrode; an electrically insulating layer located at least partially between the active electrode and the return electrode and at least partially between the active electrode and the second return electrode; 68. The surgical system of any one of claims 60 to 67, comprising:

69. A non-transitory machine-readable medium containing instructions for controlling an electrosurgical device, the instructions, when executed by a machine, causing the machine to: Delivering power to an electrode of the end effector to act on tissue; reducing the power delivered to the end effector; and receiving a data signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the end effector or the tissue being treated by the end effector from an electrical sensor when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced, the instructions causing the delivered power and the received data signal to be transmitted along a shared conductor; determining at least one characteristic based on the data signal; adjusting the delivered power based on the at least one characteristic; and A non-transitory machine-readable medium that causes

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

71. The machine further comprises:

71. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 69 or 70, comprising the instructions to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signals generated during a period in which the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

72. The machine further comprises: reducing the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the process of measuring the data signal.

72. A non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 69 to 71 comprising said instructions.

73. The machine further comprises: generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced; 73. A non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 69 to 72 comprising said instructions.

74. The machine further comprises: generating the converted data signal using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the sensor; 74. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 73 comprising said instructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

81. 81. The method of claim 79 or 80, wherein the control system is configured to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signals generated during a period when the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

89. 1. A surgical system for treating tissue, comprising:

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

90. The surgical system of claim 89, wherein the power delivered to the electrode comprises radio frequency energy.

91. 91. The surgical system of claim 89 or 90, wherein the power is returned along a common transmission line along with the data signals received from the sensors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

99. The end effector is 99. The surgical system of claim 97 or 98, comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC configured to deliver a digital signal based on the data signal to the control system.

100. 1. A surgical system for treating tissue, comprising:

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

101. The surgical system of claim 100, wherein the power delivered to the electrode comprises radio frequency energy or ultra-high frequency energy.

102. 102. The surgical system of claim 100 or 101, wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the course of measuring the data signal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

109. The end effector is 109. The surgical system of claim 107 or 108, comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the sensor and the return electrode, the ADC configured to deliver a digital signal based on the data signal to the control system.

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

111. 111. The method of claim 110, wherein the control system is configured to determine a sensed parameter based on the data signals generated during a period in which the power delivered to the end effector is reduced.

112. 112. The method of claim 110 or 111, wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power delivered to the end effector for a duration between 10 milliseconds and 100 milliseconds during the course of measuring the data signal.

113. 113. A method according to any one of claims 110 to 112, comprising generating a converted data signal when the delivered power is reduced.

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

115. 115. The method of any one of claims 110 to 114, wherein reducing the power delivered to the end effector comprises reducing radio frequency energy, voltage, or current delivered to the end effector.

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