Electrosurgical instrument with transponder, transponder communication system, and method of manufacture - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical instrument (1), in particular an RF instrument, comprising an electrode arrangement having first and second electrodes (2, 4), in particular facing each other at the distal end, and an insulator (6) housing a transponder (8), preferably an RFID transponder, in particular a glass transponder, connecting the first and second electrodes (2, 4), the transponder (8) housed in the insulator (6) being arranged between the first and second electrodes (2, 4), in particular arranged symmetrically and / or centrally between the first and second electrodes (2, 4), with screen openings (10) formed in the first and / or second electrodes (2, 4) in the area of ​​the transponder (6), the electrodes (2, 4) forming stoppers (12) that do not allow electromagnetic signals to pass through and the screen (10) that allows signals to pass through. The present disclosure relates to a medical transponder communication system (101) and a manufacturing method thereof according to the alternative independent claim.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical electrosurgical instrument, in particular an HF instrument, particularly preferably a bipolar HF instrument, comprising a transponder adapted to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic waves, in particular data signals. The invention further relates to a medical transponder communication system / transponder system for communicating with and reading and / or writing to the transponder, as well as a manufacturing method, in particular an assembly method, according to the preambles of the independent claims. [Background technology]

[0002] Assemblies comprising transponders or (medical) marking elements comprising RFID transponders or RFID tags are known to the state of the art and are used in particular for equipping surgical instruments. With the help of RFID transponders attached to surgical instruments, it is possible to identify, track and manage such instruments. In particular, certain information about the instrument can be read out.

[0003] For example, EP3193284A1 discloses a medical marking element that can be attached to a surgical instrument and then attached to the surface of the surgical instrument. The marking element comprises a ring-shaped metal frame with a non-conductive cover, into which an RFID transponder / RFID tag is inserted. The outer side of the metal frame is attached to the surgical instrument at a predetermined position, in particular by welding.

[0004] Particularly in the field of electrosurgical radiofrequency (HF) instruments, such as bipolar HF instruments, these instruments have a limited service life in terms of application cycles as well as the processing cycles during which the instrument is deployable and usable. These cycles must be strictly adhered to. This is where transponders are suitable. Transponders can be used to unambiguously identify electrosurgical instruments and, therefore, to detect the associated application and processing cycles. In this way, instruments can be detected, recorded, and tracked to indicate the need for replacement or servicing of individual instruments. For example, a counter associated with the instrument ID can be incremented after replacement or servicing and reset to zero as needed.

[0005] However, a drawback of the prior art is that transponders, especially passive transponders, must be placed a short distance from the reader or reader / writer due to their short transmission range. This is particularly true for NFC (Near Field Communication) RFID tags. For this reason, with conventional transponders / RFID tags, it is often only possible to retrofit the RFID tag to an exposed, easily accessible outer surface of a medical instrument to minimize the distance between the transponder and the reader. Care must be taken to ensure that the outer surface provided for this purpose is located in an instrument placement position that minimizes the disadvantages of instrument handling while simultaneously ensuring sufficient transmission quality and adequate reception. It is also important to separate the RFID tag from components conducting current and voltage in the area of ​​the electrosurgical instrument.

[0006] Furthermore, the transmission, reception, and transmission power are greatly influenced by the components and structure surrounding the transponder. This also affects the (signal-related) reliability of the transponder transmission. However, depending on the structure of the device and the position at which the RFID marking element is attached, reading may no longer be possible, or at least not be possible reliably, especially since the maximum possible distance to the reading and / or writing device varies. The geometrical attachment of the RFID marking element, and thus the RFID chip of the transponder, has a significant influence on this maximum distance and varies from device to device. Therefore, safe, reliable, and predictable handling is not possible with marking elements according to the current standard.

[0007] Therefore, when developing a medical device design, the RFID marking elements and the RFID tag's environment must always be considered and incorporated into the design, as this is the only way to ultimately guarantee that a suitable surrounding structure is available for the transponder. This makes it difficult to develop a medical device independently of the transponder. Because pharmaceutical product approval is long and expensive, both existing and novel pharmaceutical products face particularly high hurdles due to the associated adaptation challenges.

[0008] In addition to signal-related issues, the latest state-of-the-art technologies also suffer from the following drawbacks: While such RFID marking elements are relatively small components, marking elements with RFID transponders applied later in the prior art create additional contact surfaces that can become contaminated and also present obstacles when handling medical instruments. Additional RFID marking elements attached to the surface can also create gaps and cracks where bacteria can accumulate. Furthermore, the design of the marking elements and their attachment to the medical instruments inevitably requires irreversible attachment, particularly welding, making it difficult to replace the transponder in the event of a defect or intended modification. Furthermore, due to their sharp edges, externally attached marking elements always carry the risk of tearing surgical gloves and injuring the patient and user.

[0009] The manufacture and assembly of marking elements, especially via welding, is also very complex and may be entirely impossible for some medical devices because there is no suitable material available on the surface for welding or the mounting surface provided is not suitable. In particular, parts of the housing or holder of the RFID marking element must always be made of metal in order to be attached and welded, which limits the choice of materials suitable for the design. Furthermore, medical device approvals have specifications that, among other things, require that RFID marking elements be manufactured and attached with reproducible precision. Metal surfaces also shield the RFID marking element, reducing its accessibility. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrode device, a medical instrument with a transponder, a transponder communication system, and a manufacturing method that eliminate or at least reduce the drawbacks of the prior art and, in particular, ensure the reliability of signal-related communications and improve the reception or reception power and / or transmission power of the transponder, in particular with respect to the distance to the read / write device. Furthermore, the cleanability, sterilizability, and good and safe handling of the medical instrument and transponder are improved. The development, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, repair, and replacement of electrosurgical instruments also need to be improved. The transponder can be quickly and easily replaced during servicing.

[0011] In other words, it is an object of the present invention to provide a medical electrosurgical instrument, in particular an HF instrument, which ensures good and safe handling, in particular with regard to both the instrument properties and the data transmission properties of the transponder.A further object is preferably good cleanability and / or sterilizability of the medical electrosurgical instrument.

[0012] The object is solved with respect to a general (medical) electrosurgical instrument according to the invention by the features of claim 1, with respect to a general medical transponder communication system according to the invention by the features of claim 12 and with respect to a manufacturing method according to the invention by the features of claim 13.

[0013] The basic idea of ​​the present disclosure can thus be seen in the fact that, in an electrosurgical instrument having at least two electrodes, a further non-conductive insulator (i.e., having a very high resistance) is provided that houses a transponder and is connected to the electrodes so that the transponder is positioned between them. This means that the transponder is electrically isolated from the electrodes via the insulator, and the transponder is also recessed from the electrodes toward the environment. In at least one of the two electrodes, and in particular in both electrodes, a passage opening is incorporated in the area of ​​the transponder, so that the passage opening forms a screen opening against the environment. This improves the readability of the transponder, and the transponder can be read in this way not only when viewing the two electrodes from above, but also from the direction in which the electrodes are positioned between the transponder and the transponder reader.

[0014] In particular, a transponder mounted on an insulator is incorporated between the electrodes, particularly in the proximal region of one of the at least two electrodes, and further, a screen opening in at least one electrode significantly improves data transmission (readability).

[0015] In other words, the receiver for the transponder, in particular for the RFID tag, in particular for the glass tag in HF equipment, is provided in the insulator proximal to the two opposing electrodes, preferably in the center of the outer contour of the insulator, and through corresponding geometric recesses / openings in at least one of the opposing electrodes, in particular in both electrodes, in the area of ​​the transponder (in particular the glass tag), the transponder can be read in all directions or over 360°.

[0016] In other words, an electrosurgical instrument, particularly an HF instrument (with an electrode device), includes a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other, particularly on the distal side of the instrument. Furthermore, the instrument has an (electrical) insulator / insulating module configured for electrical insulation, in which a transponder, preferably an RFID transponder, particularly preferably a glass transponder, is accommodated / inserted. The insulator connects the first electrode and the second electrode to each other, and the transponder accommodated in the insulator is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, particularly symmetrically and / or centrally between the first electrode and the second electrode. Furthermore, the first electrode and / or the second electrode have a geometric recess / opening / screen opening in the area of ​​the transponder or at the height of the transponder, so that the electrodes form a screen that blocks electromagnetic signals, while the screen opening allows signals to pass through.

[0017] The transponder is housed in an insulating material (electrical insulator) and fixed in place. Therefore, if the electrodes are made of metal, for example, to allow current to flow, this material also means that the electrodes do not transmit signals. By providing the electrodes with special geometric recesses or screen openings, signal-related transmission can also be provided toward the environment in the direction of the electrodes, i.e., in a straight line extending from the transponder to the electrodes. If such screen openings are now provided on at least two electrodes, and particularly on all electrodes, signal-related data transmission becomes possible 360° around the transponder. In particular, the screen openings increase the maximum possible distance to the reading device. This means that a screen with predetermined geometric dimensions (e.g., screen openings) can be configured directly within the electrodes, which improves transponder reception and, in particular, the possible distance to external reading and / or writing devices.

[0018] In this way, the transponder can be better and more flexibly integrated into the electrosurgical instrument.

[0019] The insulator itself is preferably particularly signal transparent and has no or little effect on the (signal-related) reception or electromagnetic interaction of the transponder. The insulator may be particularly configured to allow for good cleanability and sterilizability, and for placement or insertion of a medical device or electrode therein.

[0020] An electrode with a screen or screen opening behaves quite differently if it comprises or consists of a signal- or wave-opaque material, at least in a certain frequency range: the screen opening has a substantial effect on the electromagnetic interaction between the transponder and the environment, and is particularly configured and adapted to bundle and / or amplify the transponder's electromagnetic signal or wave.

[0021] This configuration allows the electrode device of the electrosurgical instrument to be optimally configured as a unit, significantly improving reception and transmission between the transponder and the environment, as well as improving communication between the (transponder) reading and / or writing device, which may be located in the upper or surface area of ​​the instrument body, and the configuration of the electrode device itself allows for reliable and secure reading and / or writing of the transponder, even over longer distances.

[0022] The term "in the area of ​​the transponder" means, for example, that the screen openings are provided at a similar height along the longitudinal axis of the device, in particular in the area of ​​the electrodes that are geometrically closest to the transponder.

[0023] It is emphasized here that the electrode device with the first and second electrodes and the insulator with the transponder constitute independent inventions, which may be patented independently or may claim separate protection and which should be the subject of separate applications.

[0024] Transponder-equipped instruments can, for example, detect and record product-related reprocessing cycles along with corresponding information, which can then be used for further processing. Such reprocessing cycles can include, for example, cleaning and / or sterilization and / or lubrication. Transponder-equipped instruments can be used for tracking and lifecycle management of medical devices / products, particularly medical instruments. This information can also serve as evidence for manufacturers in the event of a complaint. Furthermore, users can perform maintenance on transponder-equipped medical devices, particularly medical instruments, only when individual maintenance is required, eliminating the need to adhere to predefined maintenance intervals. This is advantageous for the availability and provision of medical instruments, as maintenance intervals can be individually extended.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are particularly described below.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the screen openings of the electrode may be elongated, slit-shaped or slot-shaped, in particular configured as slot holes. In particular in the case of electrodes that are elongated like tweezers and have a sheet-like or plate-like basic structure, the screen openings can be integrated into the electrode itself by inserting elongated recesses.

[0027] In one embodiment, the insulator may comprise or be made of a thermoplastic material, particularly polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), preferably as a plastic injection molded part to provide electrical insulation. Plastics are good electrical insulators and can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. Furthermore, materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are biocompatible.

[0028] In particular, the insulator may be constructed in at least two parts, comprising a body with a receiving portion, in particular a recess, for receiving the transponder, and a closure, in particular a type of complementary lid or plug, which can be connected to the body by form-fitting and / or force-fitting and which seals the receiving portion gas-tight from the environment and secures the transponder in place and accommodates it in a loss-proof manner. The at least two-part construction allows for simple manufacturing of the two bodies, insertion of the transponder into the (transponder) receiving portion, and simple closing of this receiving portion with the transponder inserted, thereby preventing loss of the transponder and keeping the normally non-sterile transponder sterile from the environment.

[0029] In particular, the insulator may be configured to be sterile or sterilizable.

[0030] Preferably, the closure may be rigidly joined to the body by heat deformation or ultrasonic welding, which prevents the closure from accidentally detaching from the body and also ensures a gas-tight seal for the transponder.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the insulator may have two passage channels / passage openings, particularly slits. The two passage channels / passage openings may extend symmetrically, particularly parallel, with respect to the longitudinal axis or plane of symmetry of the insulator, and may accommodate or accommodate a first and second electrode, respectively. The electrodes may protrude / hang / jut out from the insulator distally and proximally, respectively, and may be held in the insulator by a press fit, particularly. This configuration of the insulator means that it is configured as a connection for two electrodes. These electrodes are inserted into the passage openings and protrude distally to manipulate the patient's tissue, and also protrude proximally from the insulator to be electrically connected accordingly. This configuration with two passage openings, particularly slits, is an efficient and cost-effective solution.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the insulator, particularly the slit, may have a tapered shape or latching protrusion at the passage opening, particularly a latching protrusion configured complementary to the screen opening, so that the associated electrode is resiliently held / fixed in the screen opening by a resilient shape coupling via the latching protrusion (tapered shape). If the screen opening is integrated into the electrode, thus forming a recess or hole, so to speak, into which the electrode is accommodated (after insertion) and in the area of ​​the transponder, the geometric shape of the screen opening, together with the complementary latching protrusion, may be used to achieve a resilient (and therefore releasable) attachment, however, such attachment can only be released by applying a predetermined force. The latching protrusion protrudes into the screen opening and is resiliently preloaded. In particular, a ramp structure (inclined structure) can be used as the latching structure to simplify assembly, but disassembly may be more difficult. This allows the electrode to be simply and easily pressed into the passage opening of the insulator, where it slides on the inclined surface and forms an undercut, such as a vertical undercut, as soon as the inclined latching protrusion protrudes into the screen opening. As such, disassembly can only be achieved by eliminating the undercut, for example by resiliently pulling the latch projection back out of the screen opening.

[0033] In particular, the insulator, in particular the insulator and the first and second electrodes are configured symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, and the transponder is also arranged symmetrically between the first and second electrodes.

[0034] More preferably, the screen opening serving as a passage for electromagnetic waves or signals, in particular radio signals, is configured in the shape of an elongate or slit and has a (slit) width corresponding to the product of the coil diameter (of the transponder, in particular the glass tag) and an ideality factor, the ideality factor being in the range of 1.3 to 2.2, more preferably in the range of 1.6 to 1.9, and particularly preferably 1.75. In other words, the screen opening parallel to the transponder, in particular the glass tag, has a width that is larger than the coil diameter and / or the width of the transponder, in particular the diameter of the glass tag.

[0035] More preferably, the elongated or slit-shaped screen opening has a length of from -30% to +50% of the total length of the coil core, in particular the ferrite core, of the transponder, more preferably from 0% to +30% of the total length of the ferrite core, and particularly preferably +15% of the total length of the ferrite core. In other words, the screen opening parallel to the transponder, in particular the glass tag, preferably has a length greater than the length of the coil core, in particular the ferrite core, and / or the transponder, in particular the glass tag.

[0036] Preferably, the insulator, especially the upper side, may have a color or may be color-coded, so that information can be assigned to the insulator and thus to the electrode device or medical device via the color coding. In this way, device systems can also be created that include a matching set of transponders compatible with the medical device.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the transponder may have a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of the transponder, in particular with rounded ends, the screen opening of the screen may be configured as an elongate, slit or slot and may have a longitudinal axis of the screen opening, the longitudinal axis of the transponder may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screen opening or may be spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the screen opening, in particular may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the screen opening, which means that the transponder is arranged symmetrically with respect to the screen opening of the electrode and can be very easily read.

[0038] Preferably, the distance between the transponder and the screen opening, in particular the distance between the longitudinal axis of the transponder and the longitudinal axis of the screen opening, may be a minimum of 2 mm and / or a maximum of 20 mm, and / or the shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode may be a minimum of 4 mm and / or a maximum of 40 mm.

[0039] In particular, the electrode is configured in flat or sheet form, in particular flat / planar, and has a constant height (thickness) in the direction perpendicular to the screen opening (in the region of the screen opening).

[0040] In particular, the electrodes may be made entirely of metal. Preferably, the electrodes are made of stainless steel. Metals are opaque to electromagnetic waves. Stainless steel is particularly easy to sterilize.

[0041] In particular, the insulator may be provided with a cylindrical receiver in the form of a recess, the receiver having a proximal or distal opening for inserting the transponder from the proximal or distal side.

[0042] More particularly, the transponder may be located away from the screen opening or may be recessed.

[0043] In particular, the receiving portion / recess of the insulator may be precisely matched to the glass tag as a transponder, so that the glass tag does not fall off but is held in place by friction. Preferably, a press fit of the transponder may be configured in the receiving portion of the insulator, i.e. the diameter of the receiving portion may be smaller than the diameter of the glass tag. In particular, the transponder may be accommodated in the receiving portion of the insulator by a press fit. Thus, the transponder and the insulator are matched to each other to form a press fit when the transponder is inserted.

[0044] In particular, the electrodes, in particular the first and second electrodes, may form a press fit with the insulator, such that the electrodes and the insulator are matched to each other such that the electrodes form a press fit upon insertion.

[0045] In particular, the transponder, in the insulator, and in particular the electrode, may be assembled without tools and / or inserted into and removed from a prepared receptacle (or passage opening) without tools, thus allowing the electrode device to be assembled without tools.

[0046] In particular, the receiving portion of the insulator may be configured as a cylindrical recess or hole.

[0047] In particular, the width of the screen openings (ie perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode) may be a minimum of 5 mm and / or a maximum of 15 mm.

[0048] In particular, the distance of the transponder (from the transponder receiver and therefore the passage opening into which the electrode is inserted) may be a minimum of 2 mm and / or a maximum of 20 mm.

[0049] In particular, the insulator may be configured or manufactured as an off-tool plastic injection molded part. In particular, the insulator is based on the following idea: if a particularly signal-transparent insulator (e.g., including thermoplastics, thermosets, common plastics, and / or silicones as materials) is selected, the reading and / or writing distance is optimized by an electrode that at least partially surrounds the transponder as a metal shield / reflector / screen with a screen opening. The electrode distances the transponder from above and therefore from a reading and writing device that can be placed there with a geometrically defined opening.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the invention, the risk of bacterial development can be further reduced by providing a biocide on the insulator and / or the electrodes in the area of ​​the screen openings.

[0051] Preferably, the transponder may be a passive RFID transponder.

[0052] Preferably, the transponder is an RFID transponder, particularly preferably a glass tag, for storing information related to a specific medical device. This RFID transponder is adapted to be personalized according to the requirements of a predetermined process. In particular, the RFID transponder or RFID tag comprises a microchip (preferably having a dimension of less than 2 millimeters), an antenna (preferably in the form of a coil, particularly preferably having an internal rod-shaped ferrite core around which the coil is wound), and a covering (preferably waterproof and / or airtight, preferably protecting the transponder electronics from the environment).

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the transponder may be an active RFID transponder having at least one energy source, preferably in the form of a battery, an accumulator and / or a capacitor.

[0054] Preferably, the transponder is provided and adapted to store at least one of the following information in encrypted or unencrypted form: general condition, useful life / end of useful life, maintenance intervals, performance and suitability for follow-up surgery, reduced product maintenance and potential product damage, temperature overshoots and undershoots and potential product damage, part number, serial number, and / or customer.

[0055] This makes it possible, especially in combination with a personalized memory device, to detect and count the processing cycles of the medical device and store this information on the medical device itself. In particular, it can be detected whether all necessary process steps have been observed and performed. The number of processing cycles can in particular be a proportional indicator of said information.

[0056] Preferably, the transponder has a cylindrical shape with rounded ends. The shape of the transponder, in particular the shape of the glass tag, is in particular pill-shaped.

[0057] The insulator with the receptacle for the transponder may in particular be left free / open to the outside or may be filled / closed with a signal-permeable material. In particular, the transponder may itself already be in the form of a sealing cap, so that when the transponder is inserted into the insulator, the insulator or its opening is sealed (watertight / airtight) to the outside by the transponder itself.

[0058] Preferably, the transponders are positioned centrally and symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the screen opening when viewed from the periphery in the direction of the extension of the two electrodes, so that the transponders are positioned centrally in the screen opening and reception is improved.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the size of the glass tag may be 2 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length, or the dimensions may preferably be 3 mm in diameter and 13 mm in length, or preferably 4 mm in diameter and 22 mm in length.

[0060] Furthermore, the transponder can preferably use a frequency band in the range of 12 to 15 Mhz, advantageously a frequency band in the range of 13 to 14 MHz, more preferably a frequency band in the range of 13.4 to 13.7 MHz, and particularly preferably a frequency band of 13.56 MHz.

[0061] The objectives of the present disclosure are solved with respect to a medical transponder system / transponder communication system according to the present invention. The medical transponder system / transponder communication system comprises a medical instrument having a transponder according to the present disclosure and a reading and / or writing device. The reading and / or writing device can be connected to the transponder via signal technology and can be configured together with or as an instrument holder, and can be adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical instrument together with the transponder in a predetermined position and / or alignment relative to the reading and / or writing device. Signal transmission between the transponder and the reading and / or writing device can be possible. In other words, the medical instrument or medical device can be read and / or written by the reading and / or writing device in close proximity to the transponder, i.e., in particular at a distance of less than one centimeter. For example, in the case of a medical instrument having connections for air supply, power supply, and / or data exchange, the reading device can be attached to the medical instrument in a corresponding connectable adapter.

[0062] The object of the present disclosure is solved with respect to an electrosurgical instrument, in particular with respect to a method for manufacturing an instrument according to the present disclosure, by the following steps: manufacturing an insulator with two passage openings and a receptacle for a transponder, in particular by off-tool plastic injection molding, providing or providing screen openings for the first and / or second electrode, inserting the first electrode into the first passage opening, inserting the second electrode into the second passage opening, inserting the transponder into the receptacle, and preferably closing the receptacle so as to receive the transponder in a loss-proof manner, in particular in an airtight seal.

[0063] According to one variant, the closure of the receptacle may be effected by gluing or casting, or by the insulator being closed with the body carrying the receptacle via a separate closure, which may in particular be firmly joined to the body by thermal deformation or ultrasonic welding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] The present disclosure will now be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, as shown below. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a further perspective view of the device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a further perspective view of the device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the longitudinal section of the device of FIGS. 2 to 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective and partially transparent view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the receptacle is closed with a plug. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fourth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the body is connected to a closure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fourth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the body is connected to a closure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fourth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the body is connected to a closure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fourth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the body is connected to a closure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fourth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the body is connected to a closure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fifth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fifth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fifth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a different cross-sectional view of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fifth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 16 shows different cross-sectional views of an electrosurgical HF instrument according to a further fifth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The figures are schematic and are intended only to aid in the understanding of the invention. Identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols. Features of the various configurations are interchangeable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] FIG. 1 shows an electrosurgical instrument 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] The electrosurgical instrument 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the instrument) is configured in the form of a bipolar HF instrument and has a first electrode 2 and a second electrode 4 facing each other at the distal end of the instrument. The instrument 1 also has an insulator 6 in which a transponder 8 in the form of a glass transponder is housed. The insulator 6, together with the electrodes 2, 4 and the transponder 8, form an electrode arrangement 5 as an assembly of the instrument 1. This electrode arrangement can be connected to and disconnected from the instrument.

[0067] The insulator connects the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 4, thereby forming a geometric housing for the two electrodes 2, 4 and the transponder 8. Specifically, the transponder 8 housed in the insulator 6 is symmetrically and centrally disposed between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 4 from a structural or geometrical point of view. It can also be said that the first electrode 2, transponder 8, and second electrode 4 are arranged symmetrically in this order on a line that intersects the longitudinal axis of the insulator 6.

[0068] In this particular embodiment, screen openings 10 in the form of slot holes are arranged in both the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 4 in the area of ​​the transponder 8 or at the height of the transponder 8, so that the electrodes 2, 4 form a screen 12 that is impermeable to electromagnetic signals, and the screen 12 is provided with predetermined screen openings 10 that allow signals to pass through.

[0069] In this way, the transponder can read 360° around the instrument 1 or electrode device 5 .

[0070] The HF instrument 1 therefore has, on its electrode arrangement 5 (seen along the longitudinal axis of the instrument), an electrically insulating proximal insulator 6. In this embodiment, the insulator 6 is made in one piece and has two passage openings 20, 22 in the form of slits 24 for the insertion of the first and second electrodes 2, 4. The electrodes 2, 4 are received and fixed in the insulator 6 by means of a press fit. (See also Figures 2 to 5 for a more detailed view of the individual features, which are also found in large part in the embodiment of Figure 1.)

[0071] The insulator 6 (and thus the electrode device 5) is symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry S. In the area of ​​the two opposing screen openings 10, the transponder 8 extends centrally between them, and the latching projections 26 are configured complementary to the slotted holes and form-fit into the corresponding screen openings 10. Furthermore, since the insulator 6 is manufactured as a (partially) elastic plastic (injection-molded product), the latching projections 26 may be (slightly) elastically deformed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode device or perpendicular to the plane of symmetry. Therefore, when the electrode is inserted into the passage opening from the distal side to the proximal side in the assembled state of the insulator (i.e., with the transponder 8 inserted and the receptacle closed), the latching projections 26 are elastically latched when inserted into the screen openings 10.

[0072] 2 to 5 show different views of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument 1 of the present disclosure.

[0073] The transponder 8 in the form of a glass transponder (glass tag as an RFID transponder) is again positioned and aligned in the center of the proximal insulator 6 in a recess (forming the receptacle 16) provided for this purpose. This arrangement ensures that the RFID (glass tag) transponder 8 is again precisely positioned between the electrodes 2, 4, which protrude proximally beyond the insulator 6 as connection contacts. The transponder 8 can be read in all directions, or 360°, due to the corresponding geometric recesses in the area of ​​the transponder 8 and in the opposing electrodes in the proximal insulator 6. The geometric configuration via the spacing of the electrodes 2, 4 and the definition of the screen openings 10 or recesses on the electrodes 2, 4 as elongated slots with defined length and width can also affect the signal strength or the distance to the read and write device. In particular, the use of NFC technology as the transponder and read / write device can significantly increase very short read and write distances to the read / write device.

[0074] In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5, the insulator 6 is configured in two parts to reliably accommodate the transponder 8 in the form of a glass tag. The insulator 6 has a main body 14 having a receiving recess (a simple hole in this embodiment) as the receiving portion 16, and a second closure body 18 that functions as a kind of complementary lid. The insulator 6 in this embodiment is configured as an off-tool plastic injection molded part, so that the receiving portion (recess) 16 for the transponder 8 can be directly provided.

[0075] The body 14 is connected to the closure 18 (the elastically configured insulator 6) via both a form-fit and an elastic frictional connection. The closure 18 also has passage openings 20, 22, which are provided with electrodes 2, 4, respectively, through which a frictional connection is achieved (such as in the case of an integrated insulator as shown in FIG. 6 below). Thus, the closure 18 (a kind of lid) and the body 14 can be assembled via the electrodes 2, 4 by a form-fit and / or a press-fit connection, just like in the case of the integrated insulator 6.

[0076] Furthermore, since the pill-shaped transponder 8 is aligned at the center between the two concentrically arranged screen openings 10 when viewed perpendicular to the symmetry plane S, a good read mode perpendicular to the symmetry plane S is also provided. Specifically, the slot hole (screen opening 10) is configured with the same length and width dimensions as the pill-shaped transponder 8. As a result, the transponder 8 is positioned symmetrically and in extension to the screen opening 10, and is also set back, allowing for bundling of electromagnetic radiation and correspondingly improving data connectivity.

[0077] In this embodiment, the closure 18 is configured as a kind of plate with two slits 24 perpendicular to the plate, which have a funnel-shaped entrance 28 on the distal side, i.e., in the direction of insertion of the electrodes 2, 4, to further improve insertion. Between the two parallel slits 24, a cylindrical base is provided, the diameter of which is the same as or slightly larger (press-fit) than the cylindrical receptacle 16 of the body 14. In this way, when the closure 18 is placed on the body 18, it is held in a press-fit manner (by friction or press-fit), and the receptacle 16 is sealed off from the environment. In this way, the insulator can be sterilized, for example, using the transponder 8.

[0078] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the plane of symmetry S, there is also a second plane of symmetry in the longitudinal cross section direction (a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S).

[0079] The body 14 also has a step 30 in the distal direction as a kind of stopper, and the electrodes 2, 4 can only be inserted up to this stopper, and further insertion is not possible for geometric reasons (to prevent the electrodes from being accidentally pushed too far into the insulator). This configuration with the stopper 30 is also provided in the embodiment described below.

[0080] 6 shows a further embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument 1, which differs from the previous embodiment essentially only in that the insulator 6 is integrally formed and closed via adhesive (not via a closure, as opposed to the two-part embodiment). The insulator 6 also has a recess in the center as a receptacle 16 for the transponder 8, which is inserted from the proximal side. Finally, the receptacle 16 with the transponder 8 inserted therein is directly hermetically (fluid-tightly) sealed via adhesive or potting compound. Alternatively, a kind of plug (not shown here as a closure) can be used and connected to the insulator (body) by thermal deformation or ultrasonic welding.

[0081] The data of the transponder 8 may be read and written via a transponder communication system 101 of a preferred embodiment shown schematically. The transponder communication system may be connected to the transponder 8 of the medical device 1 from the point of view of signal technology and comprises a reading and / or writing device (not shown here) configured together with the device holder or as the device holder itself, which reading and / or writing device is adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical device 1 together with the transponder in a predetermined position and / or alignment relative to the reading and / or writing device, allowing signal transmission between the transponder 8 and the reading and / or writing device.

[0082] 7 to 11 show different views of a further embodiment of a medical device 1 having a two-part insulator 6 in which a transponder 8 is housed.

[0083] 12 to 16 show a further embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument 1 according to the present disclosure, in which the insulator 6 is again constructed as a single piece and bonded at its ends so that the transponder 8 is hermetically sealed within the insulator 6 and fluid-tight against the environment.

[0084] In accordance with a preferred method of manufacturing an electrosurgical instrument according to the present disclosure, the instrument is manufactured and assembled in the following steps.

[0085] A two-part insulator (6) with two passage openings 20, 22 for the electrodes (2, 4) and a receptacle (16) for the transponder 8 is provided S1, in particular manufactured and provided by off-tool plastic injection molding.

[0086] Subsequently, a step S2 is carried out in which screen openings 10 are provided / created or provided in the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 4 of the device 1 .

[0087] In the next step S3, the first electrode 2 is inserted into the first passage opening 20, and the second electrode 4 is inserted into the second passage opening 22.

[0088] Finally, in step Insertion S4, the transponder 8 is inserted into the receiving part 16. The transponder 8 is closed with an adhesive mass or closure to receive it in a loss-proof manner, to fix it in its position, in particular opposite the two screen openings 10 of the electrodes 2, 4, and to seal it to ensure sterility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Electrosurgical instruments 2 1st electrode 4 Second electrode 5 Electrode device 6. Insulators 8 Transponder / Glass Tag 10 Screen opening 12 screens 14 Main Unit 16 Receptor 18 Closed body 20 1st passage opening 22 2nd passage opening 24 Slit 26 Latch protrusion 28 Funnel-shaped entrance 30 steps 101 Transponder Communication System S symmetry plane L longitudinal axis B Longitudinal axis of screen opening S1 Insulator manufacturing step Screen opening installed on S2 electrode S3 Insert the electrode into the passage opening S4 Inserting a transponder

Claims

1. An electrosurgical instrument (1), in particular a high-frequency instrument, an electrode device (5) having a first electrode (2) and a second electrode (4) facing each other, particularly at the distal side; an insulator (6) in which a transponder (8), preferably an RFID transponder, particularly preferably a glass transponder, is housed and which connects the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) to each other, the transponder (8) housed in the insulator (6) is arranged between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4), in particular symmetrically and / or centrally between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4); The electrosurgical instrument (1) has a screen opening (10) in the area of ​​the transponder (8) in the first electrode (2) and / or the second electrode (4), whereby the electrodes (2, 4) form a screen (12) that is impermeable to electromagnetic signals, while the screen opening (10) is permeable to signals.

2. Electrosurgical instrument (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen openings (10) of the electrodes (2, 4) are elongated, slit or slot shaped, in particular configured as slot holes.

3. 3. The electrosurgical instrument (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insulator (6) comprises, in particular is made of, a thermoplastic material, in particular polypropylene (PP), to provide electrical insulation, and is preferably configured as a plastic injection-molded part.

4. 4. The electrosurgical instrument (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insulator (6) is made up of at least two parts, comprising a body (14) having a receiving portion (16), in particular a recess, for receiving the transponder (8), and a closure (18) connectable to the body (14) by form-fitting and / or press-fitting, hermetically sealing the receiving portion (16) and accommodating the transponder (8) in a loss-proof manner.

5. 5. The electrosurgical instrument (1) according to claim 4, wherein the closure (18) is rigidly joined to the body (14) by heat deformation or ultrasonic welding to ensure a permanent, fixed and airtight seal.

6. the insulator (6) has two passage openings (20, 22), in particular slits (24), which extend symmetrically and in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insulator (6), 6. An electrosurgical instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) are inserted into the passage openings (20, 22), protrude distally and proximally from the insulator (6), and are held in the insulator (6), in particular by a press fit.

7. the insulator (6), in particular the slit (24), is provided with a tapered or latching projection (26) at the passage opening (20, 22), in particular with a latching projection (26) configured complementary to the screen opening (10); 7. An electrosurgical instrument (1) according to claim 6, whereby the associated electrodes (2, 4) are held in the screen openings (10) by a resilient form-fit via the latching projections (26).

8. the insulator (6), in particular the insulator (6) and the first and second electrodes (2, 4) are configured symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry (S); 8. An electrosurgical instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transponder (8) is also arranged symmetrically between the first and second electrodes (2, 4).

9. the transponder (8) has a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis (L) of the transponder, in particular with rounded ends, the screen openings (10) of the electrodes (2, 4) are configured in an elongated, slit or slot shape and have a longitudinal axis (B) of the screen openings; 9. An electrosurgical instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the transponder is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the screen opening and is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis (B) of the screen opening, in particular is arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (B) of the screen opening.

10. 10. The electrosurgical instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the distance between the transponder (8) and the screen opening (10), in particular the distance between the longitudinal axis (L) of the transponder and the longitudinal axis (B) of the screen opening, is at least 2 mm and / or at most 20 mm, and / or the shortest distance between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) is at least 4 mm and / or at most 40 mm.

11. The insulator (6) is provided with a cylindrical receiving portion in the form of a recess, 11. An electrosurgical instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving part has an opening in the proximal and / or distal direction for inserting the transponder from the proximal or distal side.

12. A medical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a reading and / or writing device connectable to the transponder (8) of the medical device (1) via signaling technology and configured together with or as an device holder, adapted to hold or temporarily fix the medical device (1) together with the transponder in a predetermined position and / or alignment relative to the reading and / or writing device, A medical transponder communication system (101) capable of transmitting signals between said transponder (8) and said reading and / or writing device.

13. 1. A method for manufacturing an electrosurgical instrument, comprising: manufacturing (S1), in particular by off-tool plastic injection molding, of an insulator (6) with two passage openings (20, 22) for at least the first and second electrodes (2, 4) and a receptacle (16) for the transponder (8); providing or providing a screen opening (10) on the first electrode (2) and / or the second electrode (4) of the electrosurgical instrument (1) (S2); Inserting the first electrode (2) into the first passage opening (20) and the second electrode (4) into the second passage opening (22) (S3); 12. A method for manufacturing an electrosurgical instrument, in particular an electrosurgical instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising inserting the transponder (8) into the receiving portion (16) and closing (S4) the receiving portion (16), preferably so as to receive the transponder (8) in a loss-proof manner, in particular in an airtight seal.

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the closure of the receptacle is effected by gluing, casting or by the insulator (6) being closed with the body (14) having the receptacle (16) via a separate closure (18), which closure (18) is firmly joined to the body (14), in particular by thermal deformation or ultrasonic welding.

Images