System for power control for a therapeutic tool and method for making same

Abstract

An endoscopic vessel harvesting system is provided that includes a direct current (DC) power control system connected to a therapeutic tool including a heating element. The DC power control system can include an input connection for receiving power from a power supply. A first power control circuit can supply constant output power for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature. A second power control circuit can supply pulsed output power for a second time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range. An output connection can receive the output power and supply controlled power to the heating element by supplying constant output power for the first time interval and pulsed output power for the second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied. Methods and systems are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 486,870, filed February 24, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to systems and methods for power control, and in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to systems and methods for power control for therapeutic tools. [Background technology]

[0003] Technical considerations Certain therapeutic tools, such as ablation devices, cutting devices, cauterization devices, and / or endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) devices, use heating elements to assist in, for example, cutting, cauterizing, and / or ablating tissue. When power is provided to such heating elements, the temperature of the heating elements increases. If the temperature is properly controlled, such heating elements can be advantageous for certain medical procedures, such as cutting, ablation, cauterization, and / or vessel harvesting.

[0004] However, if the temperature of such a heating element becomes excessively high, such excessive temperature may incidentally damage adjacent and / or nearby tissue and / or damage the therapeutic tool and / or its components. For example, if the temperature is too high, the heat may unnecessarily damage tissue surrounding the target tissue at which the procedure is directed, regardless of whether the unnecessarily damaged tissue is contiguous with or located near (but not necessarily contiguous with) the target tissue. Excessive heat may damage certain components, such as semiconductor components, of the therapeutic tool and / or cause melting and / or burning of certain materials of the therapeutic tool. Furthermore, if the temperature is insufficiently low, the heating element may be ineffective and / or inefficient when performing its intended function, such as assisting in or directly cutting, ablating, and / or cauterizing tissue.

[0005] Some therapeutic tools may include safeguards, such as fuses or polyfuses, to prevent overheating. For example, a polyfuse may be intended to turn off power at a certain level of power delivery. However, the power limit may not be constant. For example, the power limit may increase or decrease based on environmental factors, may be unreliable, and / or may have an undesirably wide range. A polyfuse may trip (turn off power) after an uncertain amount of time, such as an amount of time that is too short to perform a procedure (e.g., 2 seconds) or too long to prevent overheating (e.g., 18 seconds). As a result, the heating element of the therapeutic tool may still be too hot, thereby damaging and / or destroying the device and / or damaging collateral tissue. Also, the amount of time for a polyfuse to reset may be unpredictable and / or unreliable, and thus the polyfuse may require more time to reset than desired before allowing additional and / or subsequent procedures to be performed.

[0006] A user may attempt to manually turn off power to a therapy tool using, for example, a switch or toggle, which may be on the handle of the therapy tool. However, the temperature at which the power is turned off and / or the speed at which the user reacts to overheating may be inconsistent and / or unreliable. As a result, the user may still inadvertently allow overheating and / or underheating to occur. Additionally, manually toggling a switch may be uncomfortable and / or distracting for the user, rather than allowing them to focus on the procedure being performed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] It is therefore an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a system and method for power control for a therapeutic tool that overcomes some or all of the above-identified drawbacks.

[0008] According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is an endoscopic vessel harvesting system. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system may include a direct current power control system connected to provide controlled power to a therapeutic tool, which may include a heating element. The direct current power control system may include an input connection configured to receive power from a power supply. The direct current power control system may include a first power control circuit connected to the input connection. The first power control circuit may be configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature. The direct current power control system may include a second power control circuit connected to the input connection. The second power control circuit may be configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range. The direct current power control system may include an output connection connected to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit. The output connection may be configured to receive constant output power from the first power control circuit and pulsed output power from the second power control circuit and to supply controlled power to a heating element of the therapeutic tool. Supplying controlled power to the heating element may include sequentially supplying constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval, then pulsed output power for a second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element, allowing heat to dissipate from the heating element.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first power control circuit may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first time interval may include a time interval greater than or equal to 2 seconds and less than or equal to 10 seconds, such that the heating element heats to a target temperature effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, an effective target temperature for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure may include a first temperature sufficient to at least one of cut, cauterize, or weld the target tissue.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second power control circuit may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit, and an output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit may be connected to an input of the oscillator circuit.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second time interval may include a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second time interval may be selected based on an average time for at least one of cutting, cauterizing, or welding the target tissue.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the pulsed output power may have a frequency greater than or equal to 2.5 Hz and less than or equal to 12 Hz.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the frequency may be selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include a circuit board, which may include a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include a housing including the circuit board and the output connection. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include a cable extending from the housing, the cable having a proximal end connected to the input connection and a distal end connected to the circuit board.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include a first logic gate coupled to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit. The first logic gate may be configured to output only one of the constant output power from the first power control circuit or the pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at a time. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include a second logic gate coupled to the first logic gate and the switch. The second logic gate may be configured to output the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the first logic gate only after the switch is closed.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a method for providing controlled power to a heating element of a therapeutic tool of an endoscopic vessel harvesting device via a direct current power control system of the endoscopic vessel harvesting device. The method may include receiving power from a power supply at an input connection of the direct current power control system. The method may include supplying power from the input connection to a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit of the direct current power control system. The method may include providing constant output power from the first power control circuit for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature. The method may include providing pulsed output power from the second power control circuit for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within the target temperature range. The method may include receiving the constant output power from the first power control circuit or the pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at an output connection of the direct current power control system. The method may include supplying constant or pulsed output power from the output connection to the therapeutic tool. Following the second time interval, the method may include not supplying power to the heating element for a third time interval to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first time interval may include a time interval greater than or equal to 2 seconds and less than or equal to 10 seconds, such that the heating element heats to a target temperature effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, an effective target temperature for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure may include a first temperature sufficient to at least one of cut, cauterize, or weld the target tissue.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second time interval may include a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second time interval may be selected based on an average time for at least one of cutting, cauterizing, or welding the target tissue.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the pulsed output power has a frequency greater than or equal to 2.5 Hz and less than or equal to 12 Hz.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the frequency may be selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is a method for creating a direct current power control system for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system to provide controlled power to a therapeutic tool, which may include a heating element. The method may include connecting an input connection to a circuit board, which may include a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit. The input connection may be configured to receive power from a power supply. The first power control circuit may be configured to supply a constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature. The second power control circuit may be configured to supply a pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within the target temperature range. The method may include connecting the circuit board to an output connection. The output connection may be configured to receive the constant output power and the pulsed output power and to supply controlled power to the heating element of the therapeutic tool. Supplying controlled power to the heating element may include sequentially supplying a constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval, then a pulsed output power for a second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element, allowing heat to dissipate from the heating element.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first power control circuit may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit.

[0028] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second power control circuit may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit, and an output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit may be connected to an input of the oscillator circuit.

[0029] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include connecting the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit to the circuit board before connecting the input connection to the circuit board.

[0030] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include enclosing the circuit board and the output connection within the housing. Connecting the input connection to the circuit board may include connecting the circuit board to a distal end of a cable extending from the housing and connecting the input connection to a proximal end of the cable.

[0031] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include connecting a first logic gate to a circuit board such that the first logic gate is connected to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit. The first logic gate may be configured to output only one of a constant output power from the first power control circuit or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at a time. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method may further include connecting a second logic gate to the circuit board such that the second logic gate is connected to the first logic gate and the switch. The second logic gate may be configured to output the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the first logic gate only after the switch is closed.

[0032] According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, provided is an endoscopic vessel harvesting system. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system may include a power supply, a therapeutic tool, and a direct current power control system. The therapeutic tool may include a heating element connected to the cutting element. The direct current power control system may include an input connection configured to receive power from the power supply. The direct current power control system may include a circuit board connected to the input connection. The circuit board may be configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature, and to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within the target temperature range. The direct current power control system may include an output connection connected to the circuit board. The output connection may be configured to receive one of the constant output power or the pulsed output power at a time and / or supply controlled power to the heating element. Supplying controlled power to the heating element may include sequentially supplying a constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval, then a pulsed output power for a second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element and avoid overheating the heating element.

[0033] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the circuit board may include a first power control circuit connected to the input connection. The first power control circuit may be configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the circuit board may include a second power control circuit connected to the input connection. The second power control circuit may be configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range.

[0034] Other non-limiting embodiments or aspects will be described in the numbered appendices below.

[0035] Appendix 1: An endoscopic vessel harvesting system comprising a direct current power control system connected to provide controlled power to a therapeutic tool comprising a heating element, the direct current power control system comprising: an input connection configured to receive power from a power supply; a first power control circuit connected to the input connection, the first power control circuit configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature; and a second power control circuit connected to the input connection, the second power control circuit configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range. and an output connection connected to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit, the output connection configured to receive constant output power from the first power control circuit and pulsed output power from the second power control circuit and to supply controlled power to a heating element of the therapeutic tool, wherein supplying the controlled power to the heating element sequentially includes supplying constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval, then pulsed output power for a second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element, allowing heat to dissipate from the heating element.

[0036] Appendix 2: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of Appendix 1, wherein the first power control circuit comprises a first one-shot pulse generator circuit.

[0037] Appendix 3: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the first time interval comprises a time interval greater than or equal to 2 seconds and less than or equal to 10 seconds, such that the heating element heats to a target temperature effective for performing the endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0038] Appendix 4: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of any of Appendixes 1-3, wherein the effective target temperature for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure comprises a first temperature sufficient to at least one of cut, cauterize, or weld the target tissue.

[0039] Appendix 5: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of any one of Appendixes 1-4, wherein the second power control circuit comprises a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit, and the output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit is connected to the input of the oscillator circuit.

[0040] Appendix 6: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of any of Appendixes 1-5, wherein the second time interval comprises a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds.

[0041] Appendix 7: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of any of Appendixes 1-6, wherein the second time interval is selected based on an average time for at least one of cutting, cauterizing, or welding the target tissue.

[0042] Appendix 8: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of any of Appendixes 1-7, wherein the pulsed output power has a frequency greater than or equal to 2.5 Hz and less than or equal to 12 Hz.

[0043] Appendix 9: An endoscopic vessel harvesting system according to any of Appendixes 1-8, wherein the frequency is selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0044] Appendix 10: An endoscopic vessel harvesting system according to any one of Appendixes 1-9, further comprising: a housing including a circuit board having a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit, the circuit board, and an output connection; and a cable extending from the housing, the cable having a proximal end connected to the input connection and a distal end connected to the circuit board.

[0045] Appendix 11: The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of any of Appendixes 1-10, further comprising: a first logic gate connected to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit, the first logic gate configured to output only one of a constant output power from the first power control circuit or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at a time; and a second logic gate connected to the first logic gate and the switch, the second logic gate configured to output the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the first logic gate only after the switch is closed.

[0046] Appendix 12: A method for providing controlled power via a direct current power control system of an endoscopic vessel harvesting device to provide controlled power to a heating element of a therapeutic tool of an endoscopic vessel harvesting device, comprising the steps of receiving power from a power supply at an input connection of the direct current power control system; supplying power from the input connection to a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit of the direct current power control system; providing a constant output power from the first power control circuit for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature; and the step of: supplying pulsed output power from a second power control circuit for a second time interval following the time interval to maintain a temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; receiving at an output connection of the direct current power control system either constant output power from the first power control circuit or pulsed output power from the second power control circuit; supplying the constant output power or pulsed output power from the output connection to a therapeutic tool; and the step of not supplying power to the heating element for a third time interval following the second time interval to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element.

[0047] 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first time interval comprises a time interval greater than or equal to 2 seconds and less than or equal to 10 seconds, such that the heating element heats to a target temperature effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0048] Appendix 14: The method of Appendix 12 or Appendix 13, wherein the effective target temperature for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure comprises a first temperature sufficient to at least one of cut, cauterize, or weld the target tissue.

[0049] Appendix 15: The method of any of Appendixes 12-14, wherein the second time interval comprises a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds.

[0050] Appendix 16: The method of any of Appendixes 12-15, wherein the second time interval is selected based on an average time for at least one of cutting, cauterizing, or welding the target tissue.

[0051] Addendum 17: The method of any of Addendums 12-16, wherein the pulsed output power has a frequency greater than or equal to 2.5 Hz and less than or equal to 12 Hz.

[0052] Appendix 18: The method of any of Appendixes 12-17, wherein the frequency is selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

[0053] Appendix 19: A method for making a direct current power control system for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system to provide controlled power to a therapeutic tool comprising a heating element, comprising: connecting an input connection to a circuit board comprising a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit, the input connection configured to receive power from a power supply source, the first power control circuit configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature, and the second power control circuit configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval. and maintaining a temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; and connecting the circuit board to an output connection, the output connection configured to receive constant output power and pulsed output power and to supply controlled power to the heating element of the therapeutic tool, wherein supplying controlled power to the heating element sequentially includes supplying constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval, then pulsed output power for a second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element, allowing heat to dissipate from the heating element.

[0054] Addendum 20: The method of Addendum 19, wherein the first power control circuit comprises a first one-shot pulse generator circuit.

[0055] Addendum 21: The method of Addendum 19 or Addendum 20, wherein the second power control circuit comprises a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit, and the output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit is connected to the input of the oscillator circuit.

[0056] Addendum 22: The method of any of Addendums 19-21, further comprising connecting the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit to the circuit board before connecting the input connection to the circuit board.

[0057] Addendum 23: The method of any of Addendums 19-22, further comprising the step of enclosing the circuit board and the output connection within a housing, and wherein the step of connecting the input connection to the circuit board comprises the step of connecting the circuit board to a distal end of a cable extending from the housing and connecting the input connection to a proximal end of the cable.

[0058] Addendum 24: The method of any of Addendums 19-23, further comprising the steps of: connecting a first logic gate to a circuit board such that the first logic gate is connected to a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit, the first logic gate being configured to output only one of a constant output power from the first power control circuit or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at a time; and connecting a second logic gate to the circuit board such that the second logic gate is connected to the first logic gate and the switch, the second logic gate being configured to output the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the first logic gate only after the switch is closed.

[0059] Appendix 25: An endoscopic vessel harvesting system, comprising: a therapeutic tool including a heating element connected to a power supply and a cutting element; a direct current power control system configured to receive power from the power supply; an input connection; and a circuit board connected to the input connection, the circuit board configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature, and to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within the target temperature range; and an output connection configured to receive one of a constant output power or a pulsed output power at a time and to supply controlled power to the heating element, wherein the supply of controlled power to the heating element sequentially includes supplying the constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval, then the pulsed output power for a second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element and to avoid overheating the heating element.

[0060] Addendum 26: The system of Addendum 25, wherein the circuit board comprises: a first power control circuit connected to the input connection, the first power control circuit configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature; and a second power control circuit connected to the input connection, the second power control circuit configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within the target temperature range.

[0061] These and other features and characteristics of the presently disclosed subject matter, as well as the method of operation and function of associated elements of structure and combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims, with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification and in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various views. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and explanation purposes only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed subject matter. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0062] Additional advantages and details of the disclosed subject matter are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments or aspects illustrated in the accompanying figures.

[0063] [Figure 1A] 1A-1F are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in accordance with the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 1B] 1A-1F are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in accordance with the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 1C] 1A-1F are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in accordance with the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 1D] 1A-1F are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in accordance with the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 1E] 1A-1F are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in accordance with the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 1F] 1A-1F are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of environments in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in accordance with the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0064] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0065] [Figure 2B] 2B and 2C are schematic diagrams of example implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2C] 2B and 2C are schematic diagrams of example implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0066] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a variable power modulation profile power control system for a therapy tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0067] [Figure 3B] 3B and 3C are circuit diagrams of example implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of fixed power modulation profile power control systems for therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 3C] 3B and 3C are circuit diagrams of example implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of fixed power modulation profile power control systems for therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0068] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a graph of current versus time for an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a system and / or method for power control for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0069] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a graph of temperature versus time of an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a system and / or method for power control for a therapy tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0070] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a graph of temperature and power density versus time for an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a system and / or method for power control for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0071] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process for using a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0072] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process for making a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0073] [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or sides of exemplary therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 7B] 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or sides of exemplary therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0074] [Figure 8A] 8A-8D are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or sides of exemplary therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8B] 8A-8D are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or sides of exemplary therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8C]8A-8D are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or sides of exemplary therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8D] 8A-8D are schematic illustrations of non-limiting embodiments or sides of exemplary therapeutic tools according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0075] [Figure 9A] 9A and 9B are schematic illustrations of exemplary implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 9B] 9A and 9B are schematic illustrations of exemplary implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0076] [Figure 10A] 10A and 10B are schematic illustrations of exemplary implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B are schematic illustrations of exemplary implementations of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a power control system for a therapeutic tool according to the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0077] explanation For purposes of explanation, hereinafter, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," "distal," "proximal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer to the disclosed subject matter as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter may take on various alternative variations and step sequences unless expressly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0078] As used herein, no aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and / or equivalent should be construed as critical or essential unless expressly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used synonymously with "one or more" and "at least one." Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, and / or the like) and may be used synonymously with "one or more" or "at least one." Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0079] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to systems and methods for power control, including, but not limited to, power control for a therapeutic tool. For example, non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter provide at least one circuit (e.g., first and second power control circuits) configured to supply a constant output power to a therapeutic tool for a first time interval and to supply pulsed output power for a second time interval following the first time interval. Such embodiments provide techniques and systems that predictably and reliably provide power to a heating element of a therapeutic tool. Additionally or alternatively, such embodiments provide techniques and systems that enable heating of the heating element to a target temperature during the first time interval and / or maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target range during the second time interval. Thus, the temperature of the heating element can be maintained at a safe and / or effective temperature during a medical procedure, and overheating and / or underheating can be prevented. For example, during a first time interval, constant power may heat the heating element to an effective temperature, and during a second time interval, pulsed power may maintain the temperature within an effective range while preventing overheating, thereby preventing damage to the therapy tool and / or unnecessary damage to collateral tissue. Additionally or alternatively, such embodiments provide techniques and systems that allow for cessation of power after the second time interval, such that no power may be provided for a third time interval following the second time interval. As a result, after the second time interval, the heating element no longer receives power and its temperature may decrease, thus preventing heating of the heating element for too long. For example, after a time sufficient to perform a medical procedure, power may be shut off to prevent damage to the device and / or collateral tissue from inadvertently allowing power to be delivered to the heating element for too long and / or after the procedure has been properly completed. Furthermore, after the aforementioned time interval is completed, the user may again use the power control system and any therapeutic tools connected thereto by simply starting, such as by toggling a switch, again without having to wait for an unreliable / unpredictable fail-safe mechanism, such as a polyfuse, to reset.Additionally or alternatively, such embodiments provide techniques and systems that enable automated control of the temperature of a heating element of a therapeutic tool without requiring a user to manually turn off power and / or monitor the temperature. Thus, because a user does not need to repeatedly manually toggle a power switch during a medical procedure to avoid overheating of the heating element and / or heating of the heating element beyond that required to successfully complete the medical procedure without damaging the therapeutic tool or adjacent or collateral tissue, at least one of potential human errors, such as inconsistencies in the temperature at which power is turned off, inconsistencies in the speed at which a user reacts to overheating, user discomfort, or user distraction, may be avoided.

[0080] For illustrative purposes, in the following description, the subject matter of the present disclosure is described with respect to systems and methods for power control for therapeutic tools, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the illustrative embodiments or aspects.

[0081] 1A-1F are schematic diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of an environment 100 in which systems and / or methods as described herein may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1A-1F, the environment 100 may include a power supply 102, a power control system 110 (including input connections 112, a circuit board 114, a first power control circuit 116a, a second power control circuit 116b, a logic gate 117, and / or an output connection 118), and / or a therapy tool 120 (including a heating element 122, a sensor 124, and / or a switch 119). The environment 100 may be configured such that the power supply 102, the power control system 110, and the therapy tool 120 may be separate components of the environment 100 that are operably connected to each other (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A). In another configuration of the environment 100, the power control system 110 may be incorporated within the therapy tool 120, and the power supply 102 may be operably connected to provide power to the power control system 110 and the therapy tool 120 as an external power supply, such as an external battery pack or an energized electrical socket (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C ). In another configuration of the environment 100, the power control system 110 and the power supply 102 are both incorporated within the housing of the therapy tool 120 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1D ). In this configuration, the power supply 102 may comprise an internal battery or battery pack or other suitable portable power source. In another configuration of the environment 100, the power control system 110 may be incorporated within the power supply 102, and the power supply 102 (and / or the power control system 110) may be operably connected to provide power to the therapy tool 120 as an external power supply (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F ).

[0082] The power supply 102 may include any suitable power source. For example, the power supply 102 may include at least one device and / or component thereof configured to provide power. The power supply 102 may include a direct current (DC) power supply and / or an alternating current (AC) power supply. The power supply 102 may include at least one of a connection to a power grid, a battery, or any combination thereof. The power supply 102 may convert AC power to DC power. For example, the power supply 102 may convert AC power from a power grid to DC power suitable for the therapy tool 120 and / or the power control system 110. For example, the power supply 102 may receive AC power from a power grid (e.g., 120 Volts AC (VAC) and / or 240 VAC), convert the AC power to DC power, and provide DC power as an output (e.g., 5 Amps (A) at 5.5 Volts DC (VDC)) for the therapy tool 120 and / or the power control system 110. The power supply 102 may output power having a current of 5 A and / or a potential of 5.5 VDC. In other words, the power supply 102 is a non-limiting component of the environment 100.

[0083] The power control system 110 may be configured to receive power from the power supply source 102, supply power to the therapeutic tool 120, or both receive power from the power supply source 102 and supply power to the therapeutic tool 120 so that when power is used to operate the therapeutic tool 120, involving heating of the heating element 122, the power is controlled and prevents or at least mitigates excessive and / or collateral tissue damage. For example, the power control system 110 may be configured to receive power from the power supply source 102 and supply constant output power to the therapeutic tool 120 for a first time interval, and, following the first time interval, supply pulsed output power to the therapeutic tool 120 for a second time interval. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the power control system 110 may be a DC power control system. For example, the power control system 110 may be configured to receive DC power from the power supply source 102, but AC power may not be suitable for input to the power control system 110. For illustrative purposes, the power control system 110 may not reasonably be connected to an AC or radio frequency (RF) power supply, as components of the power control system 110 (e.g., the first power control circuit 116a, the second power control circuit 116b, and / or the logic gate 117) may not function with AC / RF power as an input.

[0084] Power control system 110 may include input connections 112, a circuit board 114, a first power control circuit 116a, a second power control circuit 116b, a logic gate 117, and / or an output connection 118. A non-limiting operative connection of these components is illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0085] The input connection 112 may be configured to receive power from the power supply source 102. For example, the input connection 112 may include any suitable electrical connection to connect the power supply source 102 to the power control system 110 and / or its components, such as the circuit board 114, the first power control circuit 116a, and / or the second power control circuit 116b. The input connection 112 may include a 6-pin connector (e.g., a male or female 6-pin connector) or other suitable connector (whether 6-pin or not). In some configurations, the power control system 110 may be incorporated within the power supply source 102, and the power supply source 102 (and / or the power control system 110) may be operably connected to provide power to the therapeutic tool 120 as an external power supply (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F ). In such configurations, the input connection 112 may include an internal connection (e.g., within the housing of the power supply source 102) to power the control system 110. For example, the input connection 112 may include an internal connection between the power supply 102 and electrical components of a circuit board 114 and / or the like.

[0086] The circuit board 114 may include at least one power control circuit, such as a first power control circuit 116a, a second power control circuit 116b, and / or a logic gate 117, to provide appropriate power control. The circuit board 114 may be configured to receive power from the power supply 102 via the input connection 112. The circuit board 114 may be configured to supply a constant output power to the therapy tool 120 (via the output connection 118) for a first time interval, supply a pulsed output power to the therapy tool 120 for a second time interval following the first time interval, and / or stop supplying power to the therapy tool 120 for a third time interval following the second time interval.

[0087] The first power control circuit 116a may be configured to provide a constant output power for a first time interval, e.g., to heat the heating element 122 to a target temperature for the first time interval. For example, the first power control circuit 116a may be connected to the output connection 118 via the circuit board 114 and / or configured to provide a constant output power to the output connection 118 for the first time interval. The first power control circuit 116a may be connected to the input connection 112 via the circuit board 114 and / or configured to receive power therefrom. The first power control circuit 116a may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit (e.g., a monostable multi-oscillator circuit and / or a monostable pulse generator circuit). The first time interval may include a time interval greater than or equal to 2 seconds and less than or equal to 10 seconds. For example, the first time interval may include a time interval between 2 and 10 seconds, between 2.5 and 10 seconds, between 2 and 5 seconds, or between 2.5 and 5 seconds. The first time interval may be selected based on a target temperature of the heating element 122 of the therapeutic tool 120. For example, when tissue is heated above 100° Celsius, the tissue may be broken down and therefore cut by a cutting element, such as the jaws of the therapeutic tool 120. When tissue is heated to a temperature between 50° Celsius and 90° Celsius, the tissue may seal (e.g., weld) to adjacent tissue. For illustrative purposes, to perform a tissue cutting procedure, the target temperature for the heating element 122 may be selected to be greater than or equal to 100° Celsius. To perform a tissue sealing procedure, the target temperature for the heating element 122 may be selected to be between 50° Celsius and 90° Celsius. To perform a tissue cutting procedure in which the target tissue is cut and the collateral tissue (on either side of the target tissue) is sealed, the target temperature for the heating element 122 may be selected to be greater than or equal to 100° C., such that the target tissue in contact with and / or within the cutting zone around the heating element 122 may be cut, while the collateral tissue away from the heating element 122 (on either side of the cutting zone) will only be heated to a temperature of 50°-90° C., causing such collateral tissue to seal, simultaneously with or before the target tissue is cut.Additional details regarding target temperatures for cutting or welding tissue are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0217706, entitled "Tissue Welding and Cutting Apparatus and Method," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0088] A longer first time interval may result in heating of the heating element 122 to a higher target temperature because the constant output power heats the heating element 122 for a longer amount of time. A shorter first time interval may result in heating of the heating element 122 to a lower target temperature because the constant output power heats the heating element 122 for a shorter amount of time. As a result, the first time interval may be selected based on the amount of time required to heat the heating element 122 to the desired target temperature. The first power control circuit 116a may be configured to provide the constant output power only during the first time interval based on the selected first time interval.

[0089] The heating element 122 may heat at a first rate for a first time interval while the first power control circuit 116a supplies a constant output power. For example, the first rate at which the heating element 122 heats for the first interval may be based on the amplitude of the current of the constant output power, the material properties of the heating element 122 and / or components of the therapeutic tool 120 proximate the heating element 122, the temperature and / or material properties of the environment surrounding the heating element 122 (e.g., the target tissue, collateral tissue, and / or bodily fluids proximate the heating element 122), or any combination thereof.

[0090] The second power control circuit 116b may be configured to provide pulsed output power for at least a second time interval following the first time interval, e.g., to maintain the temperature of the heating element 122 at a relatively constant temperature and / or within a target temperature range during the second time interval. For example, the second power control circuit 116b may be connected to the output connection 118 via the circuit board 114 and / or configured to provide pulsed output power to the output connection 118 during the second time interval. The second power control circuit 116b may be connected to the input connection 112 via the circuit board 114 and / or configured to receive power therefrom. The second power control circuit 116b may include at least one of a second one-shot pulse generator circuit or an oscillator circuit. For example, the second power control circuit 116b may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit. The output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit may be connected to the input of the oscillator circuit. The second time interval may include a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds. For example, the second time interval may include a time interval between 5 and 20 seconds, between 5 and 15 seconds, between 10 and 20 seconds, between 15 and 20 seconds, 18 seconds, any multiple of a 5 second time interval, or any multiple of a 10 second time interval.

[0091] The second time interval may be selected based on the average time required for a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used, such as the average time for a clinician to cut and / or seal a vessel during an EVH procedure, the average time for a clinician to ablate target tissue during an ablation procedure, the average time for a clinician to cut target tissue during a cutting procedure, and / or the average time for a clinician to cauterize tissue during an ablation procedure. A longer second time interval may result in a clinician having more time to perform a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used. A shorter second time interval may result in a clinician having less time to perform a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used. Consequently, the second time interval may be selected based on the amount of time during a procedure and / or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used. The second one-shot pulse generator circuit of the second power control circuit 116b may be configured to provide an output to the oscillator circuit only during the second time interval based on the selected second time interval.

[0092] The pulsed output power may have a frequency and / or duty cycle selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120 within a target temperature range. For example, the pulsed output power may have a frequency greater than or equal to 2.5 Hz and less than or equal to 12 Hz. For example, the pulsed output power may include a frequency between 2.5 and 12 Hz or between 6 and 12 Hz. The pulsed output power may have a 50% duty cycle. The pulsed output power may include a periodic square wave, each period of which may include a first duration when the power is low (e.g., off) and a second duration when the power is high (e.g., on). For example, when the pulsed output power is low, the heating element 122 may begin to cool, there may be a decrease in temperature (within the target temperature range), or the temperature may remain substantially constant. When the pulsed output power is high, the heating element 122 may heat up, thereby causing an increase in temperature (within the target temperature range), or the temperature may remain substantially constant by adding heat at the same rate as heat dissipates from the heating element 122. For illustrative purposes, if the pulsed output power is low at the beginning of the second time interval, the heating element 122 may decrease in temperature until the pulsed output power switches high, and once the pulsed output power is high, the heating element 122 may increase in temperature until the pulsed output power switches back to low.

[0093] Adjusting the frequency of the pulsed output power can affect the temperature stability of the heating element 122, such as making the target temperature range wider or narrower. For example, decreasing the frequency increases the period of the pulsed output power, which may result in a relatively longer duration of both low and high power. As a result, during each period, both the amount of time the heating element 122 is cooling and the amount of time the heating element 122 is heating will be relatively longer, which will increase the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the target temperature range of the heating element 122 during the second time interval. Increasing the frequency decreases the period of the pulsed output power, which may result in a relatively shorter duration of both low and high power. As a result, during each period, both the amount of time the heating element 122 is cooling and the amount of time the heating element 122 is heating will be relatively shorter, which will decrease the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the target temperature range of the heating element 122 during the second time interval.

[0094] The duty cycle, which may be the ratio of the time the pulsed output power is high / on to the total time of a cycle, may be 50%, resulting in a first duration when the power is low and a second duration when the power is high being equal during each cycle. If the duty cycle is increased, the amount of time the heating element 122 is heating will be relatively longer than the amount of time the heating element 122 is cooling. For example, a higher duty cycle may result in an overall increase in the temperature of the heating element 122 (e.g., over time, over multiple cycles, and / or the like), although the overall increase in temperature may still be lower than if the power simply remained high (e.g., always on). If the duty cycle is decreased, the amount of time the heating element 122 is heating will be relatively shorter than the amount of time the heating element 122 is cooling. For example, a lower duty cycle may result in an overall decrease in temperature of the heating element 122 (e.g., over time, over multiple cycles, and / or the like), which may still be lower than if the power simply remained low (e.g., always off).

[0095] To maintain the temperature of the heating element 122 at a relatively constant temperature within the target temperature range during the second time interval, the frequency and / or duty cycle may be selected such that cooling of the heating element 122 during a first duration of low power is offset by heating of the heating element 122 during a second duration of high power during each period. To gradually increase the temperature of the heating element 122 during the second time interval (e.g., increase both the minimum and maximum temperatures of the target temperature range and / or increase the average temperature), the frequency and / or duty cycle may be selected such that heating of the heating element 122 exceeds cooling of the heating element 122 during each period. To gradually decrease the temperature of the heating element 122 during the second time interval (e.g., decrease both the minimum and maximum temperatures of the target temperature range and / or decrease the average temperature), the frequency and / or duty cycle may be selected such that cooling of the heating element 122 exceeds heating of the heating element 122 during each period.

[0096] The heating element 122 may cool at a second rate for the duration of each cycle when the pulsed output power is low, and / or the heating element 122 may heat at a third rate for the duration of each cycle when the pulsed output power is high. For example, the second rate at which the heating element 122 cools for the duration of each cycle when the pulsed output power is low may be based on material properties of the heating element 122 and / or components of the therapy tool 120 proximate to the heating element 122, the temperature and / or material properties of the environment surrounding the heating element 122, or any combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the second rate at which the heating element 122 cools may depend on environmental factors, acting as a heat sink. The third rate at which the heating element 122 heats during the duration of each period when the pulsed output power is high may be based on the amplitude of the current, the material properties of the heating element 122 and / or components of the therapeutic tool 120 proximate to the heating element 122, the temperature and / or material properties of the environment surrounding the heating element 122, or any combination thereof. For example, the third rate may be the same as the first rate if the amplitude of the current is the same.

[0097] The power control system 110 and / or the power supply 102 may include at least one indicator to indicate the first time interval and / or the second time interval. For example, the power control system 110 and / or the power supply 102 may include an audible indicator, such as a speaker. The audible indicator may produce a first audible indication, such as a beep once per second, during the first time interval. The audible indicator may produce a second audible indication, such as a beep at a frequency faster than once per second, during the second time interval. The audible indicator may not provide an audible indication, such as stopping beeping, during the third time interval. Alternatively, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the audible indicator may provide a faster beep during heating than during cooling, so that the clinician can quickly tell whether the heating element is heating (i.e., faster beeps) or cooling (i.e., slower beeps). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a signal line may be connected from the power control system 110 to the power supply 102, and the power supply 102 may sense impedance from the power control system 110 based on the signal line. Additionally, the power supply 102 may include an audible indicator, and based on the impedance sensed from the signal line, the audible indicator may produce an audible indication (e.g., a beep) intermittently (e.g., once per second) during a first time interval when the power control system 110 supplies constant output power to the therapy tool 120, and more frequently (e.g., once per duration of high power during each period) during a second time interval when the power control system 110 supplies pulsed output power to the therapy tool 120.

[0098] The power control system 110 may include at least one visual indicator, such as at least one light. For example, the visual indicator may provide a first visual indication, such as flashing once per second and / or illuminating a first color, for a first time interval. The visual indicator may provide a second visual indication, such as flashing at a frequency faster than once per second and / or illuminating a second color, for a second time interval. The visual indicator may not provide a visual indication, such as ceasing flashing and / or illuminating, for a third time interval. Thus, the power control system 110 may be configured such that there are both audible and visual indicators of the heating phase, or only one or the other of audible and visual indications of the heating phase. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the visual indicator may include a red light-emitting diode or other red light source that either flashes or remains lit during heating, and a blue light-emitting diode or other blue light source that either flashes or remains lit during cooling.

[0099] The power control system 110 or its circuit board 114 may include at least one logic gate 117. The logic gate 117 may include a first logic gate, which may be connected to receive inputs from the first power control circuit 116a and the second power control circuit 116b. The first logic gate may be configured to output a constant output power from the first power control circuit 116a for a first time interval or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit 116b for a second time interval. For example, the first logic gate may be an OR gate, where the output of the first power control circuit 116a may be connected to a first input of the OR gate and the output of the second power control circuit 116b may be connected to a second input of the OR gate, and the OR gate may provide power from its output when power is provided to either the first input or the second input of the OR gate.

[0100] The logic gate 117 may include a second logic gate, which may be connected to the first logic gate and a switch 119, which may be in the handle of the therapy tool 120 and / or on the power control system 110. The second logic gate may be configured to output a constant output power or a pulsed output power from the first logic gate only when the switch 119 is closed. For example, the second logic gate may be an AND gate, where the output of the first logic gate may be connected to a first input of the AND gate and the switch 119 may be connected to a second input of the AND gate, and the gate may provide power from its output when power is provided to both the first and second inputs of the AND gate. As a result, when the switch 119 is open, power may not flow from the power control system 110 to the therapy tool 120. When switch 119 is closed, constant output power may flow from power control system 110 to therapy tool 120 for a first time interval to heat heating element 122 to a target temperature. After the first time interval, pulsed output power may flow from power control system 110 to therapy tool 120 for a second time interval to maintain the temperature of heating element 122 at a relatively constant temperature and / or within a target temperature range.

[0101] Following the second time interval, for a third time interval, the power control system 110 may not supply power to the therapy tool 120, for example, this allows the heating element 122 to cool as a way to help avoid or at least reduce excessive damage to the target tissue, collateral tissue damage, and / or damage to the therapy tool 120. For example, during the third time interval, the first power control circuit 116a and the second power control circuit 116b circuits may not supply output power. This cessation of power supply may prevent the supply of power after the procedure is completed, thereby preventing the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120 from supplying power for too long to ensure it does not overheat and / or heat collateral tissue that is not the target of the procedure.

[0102] The heating element 122 may cool at a fourth rate during the third time interval. For example, the fourth rate at which the heating element 122 cools during the third time interval may be based on material properties of the heating element 122 and / or components of the therapeutic tool 120 proximate the heating element 122, the temperature and / or material properties of the environment surrounding the heating element 122, or any combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the fourth rate may be the same as the second rate if the environmental factors acting as a heat sink are the same.

[0103] Opening switch 119 may cause power control system 110 to stop flowing power to therapy tool 120. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, opening switch 119 (e.g., during any of the first, second, or third time intervals) may reset power control system 110 (e.g., set up power control system 110 for the next procedure, such as an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure). For example, opening switch 119 may reset first power control circuit 116a and / or second power control circuit 116b. This reset may allow a user to prepare for the next procedure (e.g., an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure) and / or may allow a user to pause heating of heating element 122 of therapy tool 120 if the current procedure is completed (e.g., is found to complete early, such as before the end of the first time interval or before the end of the second time interval). For illustrative purposes, when switch 119 is closed, constant output power may flow from power control system 110 to therapy tool 120 for a first time interval, and pulsed output power may flow from power control system 110 to therapy tool 120 for a second time interval, as described herein. Following the second time interval, for a third time interval, power control system 110 may not supply power to therapy tool 120. If switch 119 is opened any time before the end of the third time interval (e.g., any time during the first, second, or third time interval), power control system 110 may reset so that power is not supplied to therapy tool 120 and heating element 122 stops heating. Alternatively, if switch 119 remains closed, power control system 110 may still not supply power to therapeutic tool 120 throughout and after the end of the third time interval (e.g., until switch 119 is finally opened so that power control system 110 can reset).

[0104] The output connection 118 may be configured to provide power from the power control system 110 to the therapeutic tool 120. For example, the output connection 118 may include any suitable electrical connection to connect the power control system 110 to the therapeutic tool 120 and / or its components, such as the heating element 122 of the therapeutic tool 120, that perform one or more therapeutic operations, such as tissue welding, tissue cutting, and / or tissue ablation. The output connection 118 may be connected to the first power control circuit 116a and / or the second power control circuit 116b via the circuit board 114. The output connection 118 may be configured to receive constant output power from the first power control circuit 116a or pulsed output power from the second power control circuit 116b. The output connection 118 may be configured to provide constant output power or pulsed output power to the therapeutic tool 120. The output connection 118 may include a 6-pin connector or other suitable connector (whether 6-pin or not).

[0105] Power control system 110 may include a housing. For example, the housing may include input connection 112, circuit board 114, first power control circuit 116 a, second power control circuit 116 b, logic gate 117, output connection 118, or any combination thereof, or the housing may include multiple sub-housings for storing one or more of these components. For example, the housing may include circuit board 114 (which may include first power control circuit 116 a, second power control circuit 116 b, and logic gate 117) and output connection 118.

[0106] Therapeutic tool 120 may include an endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) device comprising a tissue ablation device, a tissue cutting device, a tissue cauterization device, and / or a tissue welding and cutting tool. For example, therapeutic tool 120 may include an EVH device such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,402,680, entitled "Surgical Instrument and Method," U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,202, entitled "Tubular Resistance Heater with Electrically Insulating High Thermal Conductivity Core for Use in a Tissue Welding Device," or U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,848, entitled "Tissue Welding and Cutting Apparatus and Method," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0107] The therapy tool 120 may include at least one sensor 124, such as an impedance sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a pressure sensor, or any combination or array of such sensors. For example, the sensor 124 may be configured to detect a type of tissue proximate the cutting element and / or the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120. At least one of the first time interval, the second time interval, the frequency of the pulsed output power, the duty cycle of the pulsed output power, the amplitude of the current of the constant and / or pulsed output power, or any combination thereof, may be selected for purposes of controlling the heating of the heating element 122 based on the type of tissue sensed by the (tissue) sensor 124 of the therapy tool 120. For example, adjustment of one or more of these characteristics of the output power may be based on a target temperature, a target temperature range, and / or an average time for the heating of the heating element 122 to effect the intended procedure associated with such tissue. For example, control of the heating element 122 of the therapeutic welding and cutting tool of the EVH device may achieve a level of heating sufficient to weld tissue in a first control mode and a substantially different level of heating to cut tissue in a second control mode, with these first and second control modes being substantially dependent on the type of tissue undergoing tissue welding and cutting, such as a branch vessel to a main vein such as the saphenous vein. By employing an appropriate sensor 124 or array of sensors 124 and providing sensor input to the power control system 110, the heating control signal may be tailored to the type of tissue undergoing tissue welding and cutting. For example, in the second control mode, a longer first time interval may result in heating of the heating element 122 to a higher temperature required to cut tissue because a constant output power heats the heating element 122 for a longer amount of time. In the first control mode, a shorter first time interval may result in the heating of the heating element 122 to a lower temperature that may be used to weld tissue because the constant output power heats the heating element 122 for a shorter amount of time.

[0108] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first time interval and / or the second time interval may be selected based on a target amount of energy to be supplied to the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120 during a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used. For example, a polyfuse used in another therapy tool may have a nominal resistance of 0.053 ohms and a minimum resistance of 0.034 ohms, and such a polyfuse may have a maximum trip time of 2.0 seconds when the current is 15 A (resistance at minimum, i.e., 0.034 ohms). The power in a polyfuse is calculated as the product of the square of the current and the resistance (i.e., Power = I 2 R), may be calculated to be 7.65 watts (W), and therefore the energy required to trip the polyfuse may be calculated based on the product of power and time (i.e., energy = (power)(time)) to be 15.3 joules (J). When such a polyfuse is used with a 5 A current, the power through the polyfuse is calculated based on the current and the nominal resistance (i.e., power = I 2 R), the time to trip the polyfuse may be calculated to be 1.33 W, and the time to trip the polyfuse may be calculated to be 11.5 seconds based on the energy-power quotient (i.e., time = energy / power). Given that time, a typical (e.g., average) amount of energy delivered to the heating element of such other therapy tool may be calculated to be 129 J based on the current (5 A), the resistance of such heating element (0.45 ohms), and the aforementioned time (11.5 seconds), which may be used as the target amount of energy to be delivered to the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120. In other words, given a constant value for the current (e.g., 5 A), the first time interval and / or the second time interval may be selected such that the total amount of energy delivered to the heating element 122 during the procedure or portion thereof is approximately 129 J. For example, the first time interval may be selected so that the heating element 122 reaches a target temperature, and the second time interval may be selected so that the total energy supplied to the heating element 122 during both the first and second time intervals is approximately 129 J (e.g., not more than that).

[0109] The number and arrangement of systems and / or devices shown in Figures 1A-1F are provided as non-limiting examples. Furthermore, two or more systems, devices, or circuits shown in Figures 1A-1F may be implemented in a single system, device, or circuit, or a single system, device, or circuit shown in Figures 1A-1F may be implemented as multiple systems, devices, or circuits.

[0110] 2A is a schematic diagram of an example implementation 200a of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect relating to a power control system for a therapeutic tool. As shown in FIG. 2A, the implementation 200a may include a power control system 210a, an input connection 212, a cable 213, a circuit board 214, a housing 215, and an output connection 218.

[0111] Input connection 212 may be connected to a proximal end of cable 213, as described herein. A distal end of cable 213 may be connected to circuit board 214, as described herein. For example, cable 213 may extend from housing 215 to input connection 212, as described herein. Input connection 212 may be configured to receive power from a power source, such as power supply 102, and / or to provide power to circuit board 214 via cable 213, as described herein.

[0112] The circuit board 214 may include at least one power control circuit as described herein. For example, the circuit board 214 may include a first power control circuit, such as first power control circuit 116a. The circuit board 214 may include a second power control circuit, such as second power control circuit 116b. The circuit board 214 may be configured to provide a constant output power for a first time interval as described herein. The circuit board 214 may be configured to provide a pulsed output power for a second time interval following the first time interval as described herein. The circuit board 214 may include at least one logic gate, such as logic gate 117. The output connection 218 may receive the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the circuit board 214 and provide the output power to a therapy tool as described herein.

[0113] 2B and 2C are schematic diagrams of an example implementation 200b of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect relating to a power control system for a therapeutic tool. As shown in FIG. 2B and 2C, implementation 200b may include a power control system 210b, an input connection 212, a cable 213, a circuit board 214, a housing 215, and an output connection 218.

[0114] Input connection 212 may be connected to a proximal end of cable 213, as described herein. A distal end of cable 213 may be connected to circuit board 214, as described herein. For example, cable 213 may extend from housing 215 to input connection 212, as described herein. Input connection 212 may be configured to receive power from a power source, such as power supply 102, and / or to provide power to circuit board 214 via cable 213, as described herein.

[0115] The circuit board 214 may include at least one power control circuit as described herein. For example, the circuit board 214 may include a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit, such as first power control circuit 116a and second power control circuit 116b, respectively. The circuit board 214 may be configured to provide a constant output power for a first time interval and a pulsed output power for a second time interval following the first time interval, as described herein. The circuit board 214 may include at least one logic gate, such as logic gate 117. The output connection 218 may receive the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the circuit board 214 and provide the output power to a therapy tool, as described herein.

[0116] 3A is a circuit diagram of an example implementation 300a of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect relating to a variable power modulation profile power control system for a therapy tool. As shown in FIG. 3A, the implementation 300a may include a power supply 302, a ground 304, a power control system 310a, capacitors 311a-311d, an input connection 312, an input power line 313, a first power control circuit 316a, a second power control circuit 316b, a second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c, an oscillator circuit 316d, a first logic gate 316e, a second logic gate 316f, a power switch 316g, a Zener diode 316h, resistors 317a-317m, an output connection 318, a trigger signal line 319, a trigger switch 319a, a therapy tool 320, a heating element 322, and / or a feedback resistor 324.

[0117] Input connection 312 may be configured to receive power from power supply 302, as described herein. For example, input connection 312 may include any suitable electrical connection to connect power supply 302 to power control system 310a. For illustrative purposes, input connection 312 may include a 6-pin connector.

[0118] Input power line 313 may be configured to receive power from input connection 312. For example, input power line 313 may include any suitable electrical connection to connect input connection 312 to first power control circuit 316a and / or second power control circuit 316b (e.g., second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and oscillator circuit 316d). For illustrative purposes, resistor 317m may be connected between an input voltage (e.g., 5.5V) from input connection 312 and input power line 313, and Zener diode 316h may be connected between input power line 313 and ground 304. Zener diode 316h and resistor 317m may thus form a regulator and stabilize the voltage on input power line 313.

[0119] The power control system 310a may receive power from the power supply 302 via the input power line 313 and may be configured to provide a constant output power for a first time interval and / or provide pulsed output power for a second time interval following the first time interval, as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may be connected to the input power line 313 and / or may be configured to provide a constant output power for the first time interval and heat the heating element 122 to a target temperature during the first time interval, as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the output connection 318 and / or configured to provide a constant output power to the output connection 318 for the first time interval. The first power control circuit 316a may be connected to the input power line 313. The first power control circuit 316a may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit. The first time interval may be selected based on a target temperature of the heating element 322 of the therapeutic tool 320, as described herein.

[0120] The second power control circuit 316b may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and an oscillator circuit 316d, as described herein, which may be connected to the input power line 313 and / or may be configured to provide pulsed output power for at least a second time interval following a first time interval, e.g., to maintain the temperature of the heating element 322 at a relatively constant temperature within a target temperature range during the second time interval. For example, the second power control circuit 316b may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the output connection 318 and / or configured to provide pulsed output power to the output connection 318 during the second time interval. The second power control circuit 316b may be connected to the input power line 313. The output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to the input of the oscillator circuit 316d. The second time interval may be selected based on an average time for a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 322 will be used, as described herein. The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be configured to provide output to the oscillator circuit 316d only during the second time interval or only during the first and second time intervals based on the selected second time interval. The pulsed output power (from the oscillator circuit 316d) may have a frequency and / or duty cycle selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element 322 of the therapy tool 320 within a target temperature range, as described herein.

[0121] The first power control circuit 316a and / or the second power control circuit 316b may be connected to the output connection 318 via a first logic gate 316e and a second logic gate 316f, as described herein. For example, the first logic gate 316e may be connected to the first power control circuit 316a and the second power control circuit 316b. The first logic gate 316e may be configured to output a constant output power from the first power control circuit 316a for a first time interval or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit 316b for a second time interval. For example, the first logic gate 316e may be an OR gate, as described herein. The second logic gate 316f may be connected to the first logic gate 316e and the trigger switch 319a via a trigger signal line 319. The second logic gate 316f may be configured to output constant output power or pulsed output power from the first logic gate 316e only when the trigger switch 319a is closed, as described herein. For example, the second logic gate 316f may be an AND gate, as described herein. As a result, when the trigger switch 319a is open, power may not flow from the power control system 310a to the therapy tool 320. When the trigger switch 319a is closed, constant output power may flow from the power control system 310a to the therapy tool 320 for a first time interval, and pulsed output power may flow from the power control system 310a to the therapy tool 320 for a second time interval, as described herein.

[0122] The output connection 318 may be configured to receive constant output power from the first power control circuit 316 a or pulsed output power from the second power control circuit 316 b. The output connection 318 may be configured to provide constant or pulsed output power to the therapeutic tool 320 and / or heating element 322 as described herein.

[0123] The first power control circuit 316a may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may include an Analog Devices LTC6993IS6-2 TimerBlox: Monostable Pulse Generator (One Shot). The first power control circuit 316a may include multiple inputs, such as input pins. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may include a supply voltage input (V+), a programmable divider and polarity input (DIV), a pulse width setting input (SET), and / or a trigger input (TRIG). The first power control circuit 316a may include at least one output (OUT). The first power control circuit 316a may include a ground connection (GND). The input power line 313 may be connected to the supply voltage input (V+) of the first power control circuit 316a, and / or the ground 304 may be connected to the ground connection (GND) of the first power control circuit 316a. A capacitor 311a may be connected between the supply voltage input (V+) of the first power control circuit 316a and a ground connection (GND).

[0124] The programmable divider and polarity input (DIV) of the first power control circuit 316a may be connected between resistor 317a and resistor 317b. The input power line 313 may be connected to resistor 317a on the side of resistor 317a opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317b on the side of resistor 317b opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Resistors 317a and 317b thus form a voltage divider, and an internal clock divider may be set based on the values ​​of these resistors. For example, resistor 317a may have a resistance value of 1,000 kilohms (kΩ), and resistor 317b may have a resistance value of 887 kΩ, which may result in the internal clock divider being set to a value of 2,097,152, which may be suitable for a first time interval of 2.097 seconds to 33.55 seconds. A trigger input (TRIG) of first power control circuit 316a may be connected to trigger signal line 319. A pulse width setting input (SET) of first power control circuit 316a may be connected to resistor 317c. Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317c on the side of resistor 317c opposite the pulse width setting input (SET). Thus, the first time interval (i.e., the output pulse width of first power control circuit 316a) may be set based on the value of resistor 317c and the internal clock divider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, resistor 317c may be a variable resistor with a variable resistance value, and the first time interval may be set (within a range of 2.097 seconds to 33.55 seconds, as determined by an internal clock divider) based on a selected value of the resistance of resistor 317c. An output (OUT) of first power control circuit 316a may be connected to a first input of first logic gate 316e.

[0125] The second power control circuit 316b may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and an oscillator circuit 316d. For example, the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include an Analog Devices LTC6993IS6-2 TimerBlox: monostable pulse generator (one shot). For example, the oscillator circuit 316d may include an Analog Devices LTC6995IS6-2 TimerBlox: long timer low frequency oscillator.

[0126] The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include multiple inputs. For example, the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include a supply voltage input (V+), a programmable divider and polarity input (DIV), a pulse width setting input (SET), and / or a trigger input (TRIG). The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include at least one output (OUT). The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include a ground connection (GND). The input power line 313 may be connected to the supply voltage input (V+) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c. The ground 304 may be connected to the ground connection (GND) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c. The capacitor 311b may be connected between the supply voltage input (V+) and the ground connection (GND) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c.

[0127] The programmable divider and polarity input (DIV) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected between resistor 317d and resistor 317e. The input power line 313 may be connected to resistor 317d on the side of resistor 317d opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317e on the side of resistor 317e opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Resistors 317d and 317e may thus form a voltage divider, and an internal clock divider may be set based on the values ​​of these resistors. For example, resistor 317d may have a resistance of 1,000 kΩ, and resistor 317e may have a resistance of 887 kΩ, which may result in the internal clock divider being set to a value of 2,097,152, which may be suitable for a second time interval of 2.097 seconds to 33.55 seconds. The trigger input (TRIG) of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to trigger signal line 319. The pulse width setting input (SET) of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to resistor 317f. Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317f on the side of resistor 317f opposite the pulse width setting input (SET). Thus, the second time interval (i.e., the output pulse width of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c) may be set based on the value of resistor 317f and the internal clock divider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, resistor 317f may be a variable resistor with a variable resistance value, and the second time interval may be set (within a range of 2.097 seconds to 33.55 seconds, as determined by an internal clock divider) based on the selected value of the resistance of resistor 317f. The output (OUT) of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to a reset input (RST) of oscillator circuit 316d.

[0128] The oscillator circuit 316d may include multiple inputs. For example, the oscillator circuit 316d may include a supply voltage input (V+), a programmable divider and polarity input (DIV), a frequency-setting input (SET), and / or a reset input (RST). The oscillator circuit 316d may include at least one output (OUT). The oscillator circuit 316d may include a ground connection (GND). The input power line 313 may be connected to the supply voltage input (V+) of the oscillator circuit 316d. The ground 304 may be connected to the ground connection (GND) of the oscillator circuit 316d. A capacitor 311c may be connected between the supply voltage input (V+) and the ground connection (GND) of the oscillator circuit 316d.

[0129] The programmable divider and polarity input (DIV) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected between resistor 317g and resistor 317h. Input power line 313 may be connected to resistor 317g on the side of resistor 317g opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317h on the side of resistor 317h opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Resistors 317g and 317h may thus form a voltage divider, and an internal clock divider may be set based on the values ​​of these resistors. For example, resistor 317g may have a resistance of 976 kΩ and resistor 317h may have a resistance of 182 kΩ, which may result in the internal clock divider being set to a value of 64, which may be suitable for periods of 65.5 milliseconds (ms) to 1.05 seconds, where the frequency (f) is the reciprocal of the period (P) (i.e., f = 1 / P). The reset input (RST) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to the output of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c. The frequency setting input (SET) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to resistor 317i. Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317i on the side of resistor 317i opposite the pulse width setting input (SET). Thus, the frequency of the pulsed output power (i.e., the inverse of the period of the periodic output of oscillator circuit 316d) may be set based on the value of resistor 317i and an internal clock divider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, resistor 317i may be a variable resistor with a resistance value that is variable, and the frequency may be set based on a selected value of the resistance of resistor 317i. The output (OUT) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to a second input of first logic gate 316e.

[0130] The first logic gate 316e may be connected to the oscillator circuits 316d of the first power control circuit 316a and the second power control circuit 316b. For example, the output of the first power control circuit 316a may be connected to a first input of the first logic gate 316e, and the output of the oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to a second input of the first logic gate 316e. The first logic gate 316e may be configured to output a constant output power from the first power control circuit 316a for a first time interval or a pulsed output power from the oscillator circuit 316d for a second time interval, as described herein. The first logic gate 316e may be an OR gate, as described herein. The first logic gate 316e may include a power supply pin 316ee (e.g., including a supply voltage input (VCC) and / or a ground connection (GND)).

[0131] The second logic gate 316f may be connected to the first logic gate 316e and the trigger switch 319a. For example, the output of the first logic gate 316e may be connected to a first input of the second logic gate 316f, and the trigger signal line 319 connected to the trigger switch 319a may be connected to a second input of the second logic gate 316f. The second logic gate 316f may be configured to output the output of the first logic gate 316e only when the trigger switch 319a is closed, as described herein. For example, the trigger switch 319a may be open by default and may be closed by a user when performing a procedure using the therapy tool 320. The second logic gate 316f may be an AND gate, as described herein. The second logic gate 316f may include a power supply pin 316ff (e.g., including a supply voltage input (VCC) and / or a ground connection (GND)).

[0132] The trigger switch 319a may be in the power control system 310a or in the handle of the therapy tool 320. A capacitor 311d may be connected between the input power line 313 and the trigger signal line 319. A resistor 317j may be connected between the trigger signal line 319 and ground 304.

[0133] The output of the second logic gate 316f may be connected to the power switch 316g. A resistor 317k may be connected between the output of the second logic gate 316f and the power switch 316g. The power switch 316g may include an Infineon Power HITFET BTS 134D smart low-side power switch. The power switch 316g may include at least one input. For example, the power switch 316g may include an input (IN), which may be connected to a gate electrode of a transistor, such as an N-channel field effect transistor (FET). The power switch 316g may include at least one ground connection (SOURCE), which may be connected to a source electrode of the transistor. The power switch 316g may include at least one output (DRAIN), which may be connected to a drain electrode of the transistor. A resistor 317l may be connected between the input (IN) and the ground connection (SOURCE) of the power switch 316g. The power switch 316g may receive output power from the second logic gate 316f and provide the output power on the output (DRAIN) of the power switch 316g.

[0134] An output (DRAIN) of the power switch 316g may be connected to at least one of the output connections 318. For example, the output (DRAIN) of the power switch 316g may be connected to a pin (e.g., pin 5) of the output connection 318. A ground connection (SOURCE) of the power switch 316g may be connected to ground 304 and / or at least one of the input connections 312. For example, the ground connection (SOURCE) of the power switch 316g may be connected to a pin (e.g., pin 5) of the input connection 312. A trigger signal line 319 may be connected to the output connection 318. For example, the trigger signal line 319 may be connected to a pin (e.g., pin 3) of the output connection 318.

[0135] The therapy tool 320 may include a heating element 322 as described herein. For example, the heating element 322 may include a resistive heating element as described herein. The heating element 322 may be configured to receive a constant output power or a pulsed output power from the power control system 310a and / or may heat based on the received power. The heating element 322 may increase its temperature for a first time interval based on the constant output power received at the heating element 322 until a target temperature is reached, as described herein. During a second time interval, the temperature of the heating element 322 may be maintained within a target temperature range based on the pulsed output power received at the heating element 322, as described herein. For example, when the pulsed output power is high, the heating element 322 may increase the temperature within the target temperature range, and / or when the pulsed output power is low, the heating element 322 may decrease the temperature within the target temperature range.

[0136] The feedback resistor 324 may be connected to at least one of the output connection 318 and / or the input connection 312. For example, one side of the feedback resistor 324 may be connected to a pin (e.g., pin 1) of both the output connection 318 and the input connection 312, and a second side of the feedback resistor 324 may be connected to a pin (e.g., pin 2) of the input connection 312. The power supply 302 may receive a signal based on the current through the feedback resistor 324. The power supply 302 may be turned on based on receiving the signal from the feedback resistor 324. The feedback resistor 324 may be a 10 kΩ resistor.

[0137] For illustrative purposes, in response to closure of trigger switch 319a, power is supplied from power supply source 302 to input connection 312, which supplies power to input power line 313. Input power line 313 supplies power to first power control circuit 316a and second power control circuit 316b (i.e., second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and oscillator circuit 316d). First power control circuit 316a supplies a constant output power for a first time interval, which is set based on resistors 317a, 317b, and 317c. The output power from first power control circuit 316a is supplied to first logic gate 316e, which in turn supplies the constant output power to second logic gate 316f, which supplies the constant output power to output connection 318 since closure of trigger switch 319a. The output connection 318 supplies the constant output power to the therapy tool 320, which supplies the constant output power for a first time interval to heat the heating element 322 to a target temperature. After the first time interval, the first power control circuit 316a stops supplying the constant output power.

[0138] Following the first time interval, for a second time interval (or for the entire time interval, including both the first and second time intervals), the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c supplies constant output power to the oscillator circuit 316d. The (second or entire) time interval during which the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c supplies constant output power is set based on resistors 317d, 317e, and 317f. The oscillator circuit 316d supplies pulsed output power for as long as the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c supplies constant output power. The frequency of the pulsed output power from the oscillator circuit 316d is set based on resistors 317g, 317h, and 317i. The output power from oscillator circuit 316d is provided to first logic gate 316e, which in turn provides pulsed output power to second logic gate 316f for a second time interval (since the constant output power from first power control circuit 316a ceases after the first time interval). Following closure of trigger switch 319a, second logic gate 316f provides pulsed output power to output connection 318. Output connection 318 provides pulsed output power to therapy tool 320, which provides pulsed output power to heating element 322 for the second time interval to maintain the temperature of heating element 322 at a relatively constant temperature and / or within a target temperature range. After the second time interval, second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c stops providing power to oscillator circuit 316d, which therefore stops providing pulsed output power.

[0139] 3B and 3C are circuit diagrams of an example implementation 300b of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect relating to a fixed power modulation profile power control system for a therapy tool. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, implementation 300b may include a power supply input 302a, ground 304, a power control system 310b, capacitors 311a-311c and 311e-311i, an input connection 312, an input power line 313, a first power control circuit 316a, a second power control circuit 316b, a second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c, an oscillator circuit 316d, a first logic gate 316e, a second logic gate 316f, a power switch 316g, a Zener diode 316h, resistors 317a-317m, an output connection 318, a trigger signal line 319, a trigger switch input 319aa, a therapy tool / heating element output 320a, a feedback resistor 324, and / or a feedback output 324a.

[0140] Input connection 312 may be configured to receive power from power supply input 302a, as described herein. For example, input connection 312 may include any suitable electrical connection to connect power supply input 302a to power control system 310b. For illustrative purposes, input connection 312 may include a 6-pin connector.

[0141] Input power line 313 may be configured to receive power from input connection 312. For example, input power line 313 may include any suitable electrical connection to connect input connection 312 to first power control circuit 316a and / or second power control circuit 316b (e.g., second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and oscillator circuit 316d). For illustrative purposes, as shown in FIG. 3C , resistor 317m may be connected between power supply input 302a (e.g., 5.5V) from input connection 312 and input power line 313, and Zener diode 316h may be connected between input power line 313 and ground 304. Zener diode 316h and resistor 317m may thus form a regulator and stabilize the voltage on input power line 313. Capacitor 311g may be connected between power supply input 302a and ground 304, and capacitor 311h may be connected between input power line 313 and ground 304.

[0142] The power control system 310b may receive power from the power supply input 302a via the input power line 313 and may be configured to provide a constant output power for a first time interval and / or provide pulsed output power for a second time interval following the first time interval, as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may be connected to the input power line 313 and / or configured to provide a constant output power for the first time interval and heat a heating element / heating element output 320a connected to a therapy tool to a target temperature during the first time interval. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the output connection 318 and / or configured to provide a constant output power to the output connection 318 during the first time interval. The first power control circuit 316a may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit. The first time interval may be selected based on a target temperature of the heating element, as described herein.

[0143] The second power control circuit 316b may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and an oscillator circuit 316d, as described herein, which may be connected to the input power line 313 and / or may be configured to provide pulsed output power for at least a second time interval following a first time interval, e.g., to maintain the temperature of a heating element / heating element output 320a connected to a therapy tool at a relatively constant temperature within a target temperature range during the second time interval. For example, the second power control circuit 316b may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the output connection 318 and / or configured to provide pulsed output power to the output connection 318 during the second time interval. The output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to the input of the oscillator circuit 316d. The second time interval may be selected based on the average time for a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element will be used, as described herein. The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be configured to provide output to the oscillator circuit 316d only during the second time interval or only during the first and second time intervals based on the selected second time interval. The pulsed output power (from the oscillator circuit 316d) may have a frequency and / or duty cycle selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range, as described herein.

[0144] The first power control circuit 316a and / or the second power control circuit 316b may be connected to the output connection 318 via a first logic gate 316e and a second logic gate 316f, as described herein. For example, the first logic gate 316e may be connected to the first power control circuit 316a and the second power control circuit 316b. The first logic gate 316e may be configured to output a constant output power from the first power control circuit 316a for a first time interval or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit 316b for a second time interval. For example, the first logic gate 316e may be an OR gate, as described herein. The second logic gate 316f may be connected to the first logic gate 316e and a trigger switch input 319aa via a trigger signal line 319. The second logic gate 316f may be configured to output constant or pulsed output power from the first logic gate 316e only when the trigger switch input 319aa is high (corresponding to a closed trigger switch), as described herein. For example, the second logic gate 316f may be an AND gate, as described herein. As a result, when the trigger switch input 319aa is low (the switch is open), power may not flow from the power control system 310b to the therapy tool / heating element output 320a. When the trigger switch input 319aa is high (the switch is closed), constant output power may flow from the power control system 310b to the therapy tool / heating element output 320a for a first time interval, and pulsed output power may flow from the power control system 310b to the therapy tool / heating element output 320a for a second time interval, as described herein.

[0145] The output connection 318 may be configured to receive a constant output power from the first power control circuit 316 a or a pulsed output power from the second power control circuit 316 b. The output connection 318 may be configured to provide a constant output power or a pulsed output power to a therapy tool and / or its heating element via a therapy tool / heating element output 320 a, as described herein.

[0146] The first power control circuit 316a may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may include an Analog Devices LTC6993IS6-2 TimerBlox: Monostable Pulse Generator (One Shot). The first power control circuit 316a may include multiple inputs, such as input pins. For example, the first power control circuit 316a may include a supply voltage input (V+), a programmable divider and polarity input (DIV), a pulse width setting input (SET), and / or a trigger input (TRIG). The first power control circuit 316a may include at least one output (OUT). The first power control circuit 316a may include a ground connection (GND). The input power line 313 may be connected to the supply voltage input (V+) of the first power control circuit 316a, and / or the ground 304 may be connected to the ground connection (GND) of the first power control circuit 316a. A capacitor 311a may be connected between the supply voltage input (V+) of the first power control circuit 316a and a ground connection (GND).

[0147] The programmable divider and polarity input (DIV) of the first power control circuit 316a may be connected between resistor 317a and resistor 317b. The input power line 313 may be connected to resistor 317a on the side of resistor 317a opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317b on the side of resistor 317b opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Thus, resistors 317a and 317b form a voltage divider, and an internal clock divider may be set based on the values ​​of these resistors. For example, resistor 317a may have a resistance value of 1,000 kΩ and resistor 317b may have a resistance value of 887 kΩ, which may result in the internal clock divider being set to a value of 2,097,152, which may be suitable for a first time interval of 2.097 seconds to 33.55 seconds. A trigger input (TRIG) of first power control circuit 316a may be connected to trigger signal line 319. A pulse width setting input (SET) of first power control circuit 316a may be connected to resistor 317c. Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317c on the side of resistor 317c opposite the pulse width setting input (SET). Thus, the first time interval (i.e., the output pulse width of first power control circuit 316a) may be set based on the value of resistor 317c and the internal clock divider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, resistor 317c may have a resistance value of 120 kΩ, and the first time interval may therefore be set to 5.0 seconds. The output (OUT) of first power control circuit 316a may be connected to a first input of first logic gate 316e.

[0148] The second power control circuit 316b may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and an oscillator circuit 316d. For example, the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include an Analog Devices LTC6993IS6-2 TimerBlox: monostable pulse generator (one shot). For example, the oscillator circuit 316d may include an Analog Devices LTC6995IS6-2 TimerBlox: long timer low frequency oscillator.

[0149] The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include multiple inputs. For example, the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include a supply voltage input (V+), a programmable divider and polarity input (DIV), a pulse width setting input (SET), and / or a trigger input (TRIG). The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include at least one output (OUT). The second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may include a ground connection (GND). The input power line 313 may be connected to the supply voltage input (V+) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c. The ground 304 may be connected to the ground connection (GND) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c. The capacitor 311b may be connected between the supply voltage input (V+) and the ground connection (GND) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c.

[0150] The programmable divider and polarity input (DIV) of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected between resistor 317d and resistor 317e. The input power line 313 may be connected to resistor 317d on the side of resistor 317d opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317e on the side of resistor 317e opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Resistors 317d and 317e may thus form a voltage divider, and an internal clock divider may be set based on the values ​​of these resistors. For example, resistor 317d may have a resistance of 1,000 kΩ, and resistor 317e may have a resistance of 887 kΩ, which may result in the internal clock divider being set to a value of 2,097,152, which may be suitable for a second time interval of 2.097 seconds to 33.55 seconds. The trigger input (TRIG) of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to trigger signal line 319. The pulse width setting input (SET) of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to resistor 317f. Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317f on the side of resistor 317f opposite the pulse width setting input (SET). Thus, the second time interval (i.e., the output pulse width of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c) may be set based on the value of resistor 317f and the internal clock divider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, resistor 317f may have a resistance of 360 kΩ and the second time interval may therefore be set to 15.1 seconds. The output (OUT) of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c may be connected to the reset input (RST) of oscillator circuit 316d.

[0151] The oscillator circuit 316d may include multiple inputs. For example, the oscillator circuit 316d may include a supply voltage input (V+), a programmable divider and polarity input (DIV), a frequency-setting input (SET), and / or a reset input (RST). The oscillator circuit 316d may include at least one output (OUT). The oscillator circuit 316d may include a ground connection (GND). The input power line 313 may be connected to the supply voltage input (V+) of the oscillator circuit 316d. The ground 304 may be connected to the ground connection (GND) of the oscillator circuit 316d. A capacitor 311c may be connected between the supply voltage input (V+) and the ground connection (GND) of the oscillator circuit 316d.

[0152] The programmable divider and polarity input (DIV) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected between resistor 317g and resistor 317h. Input power line 313 may be connected to resistor 317g on the side of resistor 317g opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317h on the side of resistor 317h opposite the programmable divider and polarity input (DIV). Resistors 317g and 317h may thus form a voltage divider, and an internal clock divider may be set based on the values ​​of these resistors. For example, resistor 317g may have a resistance of 976 kΩ and resistor 317h may have a resistance of 182 kΩ, which may result in the internal clock divider being set to a value of 64, which may be suitable for periods of 65.5 milliseconds (ms) to 1.05 seconds, where the frequency (f) is the reciprocal of the period (P) (i.e., f = 1 / P). The reset input (RST) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to the output of second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c. The frequency setting input (SET) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to resistor 317i. Ground 304 may be connected to resistor 317i on the side of resistor 317i opposite the pulse width setting input (SET). Thus, the frequency of the pulsed output power (i.e., the inverse of the period of the periodic output of oscillator circuit 316d) may be set based on the value of resistor 317i and the internal clock divider. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, resistor 317i may have a resistance value of 127 kΩ, and the period of the output may therefore be set to 166.5 ms (corresponding to approximately 6 Hz). The output (OUT) of oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to a second input of first logic gate 316e.

[0153] The first logic gate 316e may be connected to the oscillator circuits 316d of the first power control circuit 316a and the second power control circuit 316b. For example, the output of the first power control circuit 316a may be connected to a first input of the first logic gate 316e, and the output of the oscillator circuit 316d may be connected to a second input of the first logic gate 316e. The first logic gate 316e may be configured to output a constant output power from the first power control circuit 316a for a first time interval or a pulsed output power from the oscillator circuit 316d for a second time interval, as described herein. The first logic gate 316e may be an OR gate, as described herein. The first logic gate 316e may be connected to the input power line 313 and ground 304, and a capacitor 311e may be connected across the first logic gate 316e between the input power line 313 and ground 304.

[0154] The second logic gate 316f may be connected to the first logic gate 316e and the trigger switch 319a. For example, the output of the first logic gate 316e may be connected to a first input of the second logic gate 316f, and the trigger signal line 319 connected to the trigger switch 319a may be connected to a second input of the second logic gate 316f. The second logic gate 316f may be configured to output the output of the first logic gate 316e only when the trigger switch 319a is closed, as described herein. For example, the trigger switch 319a may be open by default and may be closed by a user when performing a procedure using the therapy tool 320. The second logic gate 316f may be an AND gate, as described herein. The second logic gate 316f may be connected to the input power line 313 and ground 304, and a capacitor 311f may be connected between the input power line 313 and ground 304 across the first logic gate 316e.

[0155] The trigger switch may be in the power control system 310b or the handle of the therapy tool and may be connected to the trigger switch input 319aa. A capacitor 311i may be connected between the trigger signal line 319 and ground 304, and a resistor 317j may be connected between the trigger signal line 319 and ground 304.

[0156] The output of the second logic gate 316f may be connected to the power switch 316g. A resistor 317k may be connected between the output of the second logic gate 316f and the power switch 316g. The power switch 316g may include an Infineon Power HITFET BTS 134D smart low-side power switch. The power switch 316g may include at least one input. For example, the power switch 316g may include an input (TRIG), which may be connected to a gate electrode of a transistor, such as an N-channel field effect transistor (FET). The power switch 316g may include at least one ground connection (Source), which may be connected to a source electrode of the transistor. The power switch 316g may include at least one output (Drain), which may be connected to a drain electrode of the transistor. A resistor 317l may be connected between the input (TRIG) and the ground connection (SOURCE) of the power switch 316g. The power switch 316g may receive output power from the second logic gate 316f and provide the output power on the output (DRAIN) of the power switch 316g.

[0157] An output (DRAIN) of the power switch 316g may be connected to at least one of the output connections 318. For example, the output (DRAIN) of the power switch 316g may be connected to the therapy tool / heating element output 320a of the output connection 318. A ground connection (SOURCE) of the power switch 316g may be connected to ground 304 and / or at least one of the input connections 312. For example, the ground connection (SOURCE) of the power switch 316g may be connected to a pin of the input connection 312 that corresponds to ground 304. A trigger signal line 319 may be connected to the output connection 318. For example, the trigger signal line 319 may be connected to a trigger switch input 319aa of the output connection 318.

[0158] The therapy tool connected to the therapy tool / heating element output 320a may include a heating element, as described herein. For example, the heating element may include a resistive heating element, which may be configured to receive a constant or pulsed output power from the power control system 310b and / or may heat based on the received power. The heating element may increase its temperature for a first time interval based on the constant output power until it reaches a target temperature, as described herein. During a second time interval, the temperature of the heating element may be maintained within a target temperature range based on the pulsed output power, as described herein. For example, when the pulsed output power is high, the heating element may increase its temperature within the target temperature range, and / or when the pulsed output power is low, the heating element may decrease its temperature within the target temperature range.

[0159] The feedback resistor 324 may be connected to at least one of the output connection 318 and / or the input connection 312. For example, one side of the feedback resistor 324 may be connected to a pin of the output connection 318 (e.g., pin 1) and a pin of the input connection 312 (e.g., pin 4), and a second side of the feedback resistor 324 may be connected to a pin of the input connection 312 (e.g., pin 6, corresponding to the feedback output 324a). The power supply may receive a signal via the feedback output 324a based on the current through the feedback resistor 324. The power supply may be turned on based on receiving the signal from the feedback resistor 324.

[0160] For illustrative purposes, in response to closure of a trigger switch, which is connected to trigger switch input 319aa, power is supplied from a power supply to power supply input 302a of input connection 312, which provides power to input power line 313. Input power line 313 provides power to first power control circuit 316a and second power control circuit 316b (i.e., second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c and oscillator circuit 316d). First power control circuit 316a provides a constant output power for a first time interval, which is set based on resistors 317a, 317b, and 317c. The output power from the first power control circuit 316a is provided to a first logic gate 316e, which in turn provides a constant output power to a second logic gate 316f, which, upon closure of a trigger switch connected to a trigger switch input 319aa, provides the constant output power to an output connection 318. The output connection 318 provides the constant output power to a therapy tool connected to a therapy tool / heating element output 320a, which provides the constant output power to its heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature. After the first time interval, the first power control circuit 316a stops providing the constant output power.

[0161] Following the first time interval, for a second time interval (or for the entire time interval, including both the first and second time intervals), the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c supplies constant output power to the oscillator circuit 316d. The (second or entire) time interval during which the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c supplies constant output power is set based on resistors 317d, 317e, and 317f. The oscillator circuit 316d supplies pulsed output power for as long as the second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c supplies constant output power. The frequency of the pulsed output power from the oscillator circuit 316d is set based on resistors 317g, 317h, and 317i. The output power from oscillator circuit 316d is provided to first logic gate 316e, which in turn provides pulsed output power to second logic gate 316f for a second time interval (since the constant output power from first power control circuit 316a ceases after the first time interval). Following closure of a trigger switch connected to trigger switch input 319aa, second logic gate 316f provides pulsed output power to output connection 318. Output connection 318 supplies the pulsed output power to a therapy tool connected to therapy tool / heating element output 320a, which provides the pulsed output power to the heating element for the second time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element at a relatively constant temperature and / or within a target temperature range. After the second time interval, second one-shot pulse generator circuit 316c stops providing power to oscillator circuit 316d, which therefore stops providing pulsed output power.

[0162] 4A is a graph 400a of current (I) versus time (t) of an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect related to a system and / or method for power control for a therapy tool, and FIG. 4B is a corresponding graph of temperature (T) versus time (t) of a heating element of a therapy tool resulting from the current (I) flowing through the heating element. As shown in FIG. 4A, graph 400a has a vertical axis associated with current (I) and a horizontal axis associated with time (t). As shown in FIG. 4B, graph 400b has a vertical axis associated with temperature (T) and a horizontal axis associated with time (t).

[0163] During a first time interval (0-t1), a constant output power may be supplied by the power control system 110, 210a, 210b, 310a, 310b as described herein. For example, a first power control circuit 116a, 316a may be connected to the output connection 118, 218, 318 and / or configured to supply a constant output power to the output connection during the first time interval, with the current (I) being constant during the first interval, as shown in FIG. 4A. As a result, the heating element 122, 322 of the therapy tool 120, 320 may heat to a target temperature T1, as shown in FIG. 4B. The first time interval (t1) may be selected based on the target temperature T1 of the heating element 122, 322. For example, a longer first time interval may result in heating of the heating element 122, 322 to a higher temperature because the constant output power heats the heating element at a steady rate for a longer amount of time. A shorter first time interval may result in heating of the heating element 122, 322 to a lower temperature because the constant output power heats the heating element for a shorter amount of time.

[0164] During a second time interval (from time t1 to time t2), pulsed output power may be supplied by power control system 110, 210a, 210b, 310a, 310b as described herein. For example, second power control circuit 116b, 316b may be coupled to output connection 118, 218, 318 and / or configured to supply pulsed output power to the output connection during the second time interval, where the current (I) may be a periodic square wave having a duty cycle (%) and a frequency (f), each period (P) of which may include a first duration when the power is low and a second duration when the power is high, as described herein, as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the pulsed output power is low, the heating element 122, 322 may decrease the temperature within the target temperature range of temperature T1 to temperature T2, and when the pulsed output power is high, the heating element 122, 322 may increase the temperature within the target temperature range.

[0165] To maintain a relatively constant temperature of the heating element 122, 322 during the second time interval, the frequency (f) and / or duty cycle (%) may be selected, as described herein, such that cooling of the heating element during a first duration of low power is offset by heating of the heating element during a second duration of high power during each period (P). To gradually increase the temperature of the heating element 122, 322 during the second time interval, the frequency (f) and / or duty cycle (%) may be selected, as described herein, such that heating exceeds cooling during each period (P). To gradually decrease the temperature of the heating element 122, 322 during the second time interval, the frequency (f) and / or duty cycle (%) may be selected, as described herein, such that cooling exceeds heating during each period (P).

[0166] As shown in FIG. 4B, the target temperature (T1) and / or target temperature range (T1-T2) during the first interval is determined based on the damage temperature (T damage ) may be below the damage temperature (T damage) may be the minimum temperature that may cause damage to the therapeutic tool 120, 320, the temperature that may cause damage to collateral tissue, or the temperature that may cause excessive damage to the target tissue.

[0167] During the third time interval (after t2), power may not be supplied by the power control system 110, 210a, 210b, 310a, 310b for a predetermined period of time, as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 116a, 316a and the second power control circuit 116b, 316b may both suspend the supply of output power, and the current (I) is zero during the third time interval, as shown in FIG. 4A. As a result, the heating element 122, 322 of the therapy tool 120, 320 may cool as a way to help reduce excessive damage to the target tissue, collateral tissue damage, and / or damage to the therapy tool 120, as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the heating element 122, 322 may cool to a baseline temperature (T0), which may be the temperature of the environment surrounding the heating element 122.

[0168] 4C is a graph 400c of the temperature (T) and power density (Q) of a heating element versus time (t) of an exemplary implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect related to a system and / or method for power control for a therapeutic tool. As shown in FIG. 4C, graph 400c has a left vertical axis associated with temperature (T), a right vertical axis associated with power density (Q), and a horizontal axis associated with time (t).

[0169] During a first time interval (0-t1), a constant output power may be supplied by the power control system 110, 210a, 210b, 310a, 310b as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 116a, 316a may be configured to supply a constant output power to the heating element 122, 322 of the therapy tool 120, 320 during the first interval, such that the power density (Q) within the heating element 122, 322 is constant during the first time interval, as shown in FIG. 4A . As a result, the heating element 122, 322 may heat up to a target temperature T1. The first time interval (t1) may be selected based on the target temperature T1 of the heating element 122, 322 as described herein. For example, a first time interval of 0.8 seconds may heat the heating element from 122 to 150°C, a first time interval of 1.6 seconds may heat the heating element from 122 to 200°C, or a first time interval of 3.0 seconds may heat the heating element from 122 to 250°C.

[0170] During a second time interval (time t1 to time t2), pulsed output power may be supplied by the power control system 110, 210a, 210b, 310a, 310b as described herein. For example, the second power control circuit 116b, 316b may be configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element 122, 322 during the second time interval, as shown in FIG. 4C , where the power density (Q) is a periodic square wave as described herein. As a result, when the pulsed output power is low, the heating element 122, 322 may decrease in temperature within a target temperature range of temperature T1 to temperature T2, and when the pulsed output power is high, the heating element 122, 322 may increase in temperature within the target temperature range. For illustrative purposes, as shown in FIG. 4C, the (average) temperature of the heating element 122, 322 gradually decreases from the beginning of the second time interval (starting at about 1.7 seconds) to about 3 seconds, and the (average) temperature gradually increases from about 3 seconds to the end of the second time interval (ending at about 7 seconds).

[0171] During the third time interval (after t2), power may not be supplied by the power control system 110, 210a, 210b, 310a, 310b) as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 116a, 316a and the second power control circuit 116b, 316b may both pause supplying output power, and the power density (Q) is zero during the third time interval, as shown in FIG. 4C. As a result, the heating elements 122, 322 of the therapeutic tools 120, 320 may cool as a way to help reduce excessive damage to the target tissue, collateral tissue damage, and / or damage to the therapeutic tool 120, as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0172] 5 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process 500 for using a power control system for a therapeutic tool. One or more of the steps of process 500 may be performed (fully or partially) by power control system 110 (or one or more components thereof). One or more of the steps of process 500 may be performed (fully or partially) by another system, device, group of systems, or device separate from or including power control system 110, such as power supply 102 and / or therapeutic tool 120.

[0173] 5, in step 502, process 500 may include receiving power as described herein. For example, power control system 110 may receive power from power supply 102 via input connection 112 as described herein.

[0174] 5, in step 504, process 500 may include supplying power to at least one power control circuit, as described herein. For example, input connection 112 may supply power to at least one of circuit board 114, first power control circuit 116a, or second power control circuit 116b, as described herein. Input connection 112 may supply power to first power control circuit 116a and second power control circuit 116b, as described herein.

[0175] 5, in step 506, the process 500 may include providing a constant output power for a first time interval, e.g., heating the heating element 122 to a target temperature for the first time interval, as described herein. For example, the first power control circuit 116a of the power control system 110 may provide a constant output power for the first time interval, as described herein. The first time interval may be selected based on the target temperature of the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120, as described herein.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 5 , in step 508, the process 500 may include supplying pulsed output power for a second time interval following the first time interval, e.g., to maintain the temperature of the heating element 122 at a relatively constant temperature within a target temperature range during the second time interval, as described herein. For example, the second power control circuit 116b of the power control system 110 may supply pulsed output power for the second time interval, as described herein. The second time interval may be selected based on an average time for a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used, as described herein. The pulsed output power may have a frequency and / or duty cycle selected to maintain (or gradually increase or gradually decrease) the temperature of the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120 within the target temperature range, as described herein. The target temperature range may be a constant target temperature range, a gradually increasing target temperature range, or a gradually decreasing target temperature range, as described herein.

[0177] The constant output power or the pulsed output power may be received by the output connection 118 of the power control system 110 as described herein. The constant output power or the pulsed output power may be supplied from the output connection 118 of the power control system 110 to the therapeutic tool 120 and / or its heating element 122 as described herein.

[0178] 5, in step 510, process 500 may include stopping output power as described herein. For example, power control system 110 may not output power for a third time interval following the second time interval as described herein. First power control circuit 116a may not output power after the first time interval, such as by ceasing to provide constant output power. Second power control circuit 116b may not output power after the second time interval, such as by ceasing to provide pulsed output power.

[0179] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process 600 for creating a power control system for a therapeutic tool.

[0180] 6, in step 602, process 600 may include connecting at least one power control circuit to a circuit board as described herein. For example, at least one of first power control circuit 116a, second power control circuit 116b, and / or logic gate 117 may be connected to circuit board 114 as described herein.

[0181] The first power control circuit 116a may include a first one-shot pulse generator circuit as described herein. The second power control circuit 116b may include a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit as described herein, and the output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit may be connected to the input of the oscillator circuit.

[0182] Logic gate 117 may be connected to circuit board 114 as described herein. For example, a first logic gate may be connected to circuit board 114 as described herein, and / or the first logic gate may be connected to first power control circuit 116a and / or second power control circuit 116b. A second logic gate may be connected to circuit board 114 as described herein, and / or the second logic gate may be connected to the first logic gate and the switch.

[0183] 6, in step 604, process 600 may include connecting the input connections to power control circuits as described herein. For example, input connection 112 may be connected to circuit board 114 and / or first power control circuit 116a and second power control circuit 116b as described herein.

[0184] The input connection 112 may be connected to a proximal end of a cable, as described herein, and the distal end of the cable may be connected to a circuit board 114, as described herein.

[0185] 6, in step 606, process 600 may include connecting the output connection to a power control circuit, as described herein. For example, output connection 118 may be connected to circuit board 114 and / or first power control circuit 116a and second power control circuit 116b, as described herein. For example, the output connection may be connected to logic gate 117 via circuit board 114, which may be connected to first power control circuit 116a and second power control circuit 116b via circuit board 114, as described herein.

[0186] 6 , in step 608, process 600 may include enclosing the power control circuitry in a housing as described herein. For example, circuit board 114 and / or first power control circuit 116 a and second power control circuit 116 b may be encased in a housing as described herein. At least one of input connection 112 and / or output connection 118 may be encased in a housing as described herein. For example, circuit board 114 (having first power control circuit 116 a, second power control circuit 116 b, and logic gate 117 connected thereto) and output connection 118 may be encased in a housing as described herein. A cable may extend from the housing to input connection 112 as described herein.

[0187] 7A and 7B are schematic side views or non-limiting embodiments of an exemplary therapeutic tool 709. FIG.

[0188] The therapeutic tool 709 may include a handle 711, an elongate body 713 having a proximal end 710 and a distal end 712, and a surgical device / tool ​​714 located at the distal end 712 of the body 713. The proximal end 710 of the elongate body 713 may be coupled to the distal end 716 of the handle 711. The elongate body 713 may be rigid or, alternatively, flexible. The handle 711 may include an actuator 715 that may be coupled to the surgical device 714 through a linkage (not shown) within a bore of the elongate body 713 to control the operation of the surgical device 714. The handle 711 and the actuator 715 may be made from an insulating material, such as plastic.

[0189] The surgical device 714 may include a pair of jaws 721, 723 for clamping, cutting, and / or sealing a vessel. For example, the jaw 721 may include a conductive material 725, which faces toward the opposing jaw 723. The jaw 723 may include a conductive material, which faces toward the jaw 721. The conductive material 725 may be in the form of an electrode and / or may be configured to selectively provide heat (thus acting as a heating element) during use. As used with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the term “electrode” may refer to a component for delivering energy, such as thermal energy. The conductive material 725 may be Ni-chrome, stainless steel, or other metal or alloy. The jaws 721, 723 may be configured to close in response to actuation (e.g., pushing, pulling, or pushing, etc.) of the actuator 715, thereby clamping the vessel during use. The actuator 715 may be further actuated to cause the conductive material 725 to provide heat, thereby cutting and sealing the clamped vessel. For example, when the actuator 715 is further actuated, the conductive material 725 may be electrically coupled (e.g., directly or via a power control system such as the power control system 110) via a cable 729 to a DC source 730, which may provide an electric current to the conductive material (electrode) 725, thereby heating the electrode 725. After the vessel is cut and sealed, the actuator 715 may be deactuated to stop the delivery of electric current to the electrode 725 (and / or the delivery of electric current may be automatically stopped by the power control system 110, such as for a third time interval), and the actuator 715 may be further deactuated to open the jaws 721, 723. The mechanical linkage for translating the movement of the actuator 715 into the closing and opening of the jaws 721, 723 may be implemented using any of a cable, a shaft, gears, or other suitable mechanical device.

[0190] The handle 711 may also include a plurality of electrical contact terminals 717 within individual ports 734 near the distal end 716 of the handle 711. The contact terminals 717 may be electrically coupled to the electrically conductive material 725 in the surgical device 714 and / or may be configured (e.g., shaped, sized, and positioned) to receive energy from a power source. Each contact terminal 717 may be electrically connected to the electrode 725 via an electrical line, which may be in the form of a cable, housed within a wall of the elongate body 713 or housed within a bore of the elongate body 713. The elongate body 713 may include an outer layer of a bioinert, electrically insulating material. Instead of being located inside the ports 734, the contact terminals 717 may be in the form of a ring located and exposed near the distal end 716 of the handle 711.

[0191] The linkage mechanically coupling the jaws 721, 723 to the actuator 715 may be electrically insulated, for example, by silicone rubber, ceramic, or other suitable non-conductive material. This may ensure that high-frequency energy supplied to the contact terminal 717 is conducted to the conductive material (electrode) 725 in the jaws 721 (and / or the electrode in the jaws 723) along electrical lines housed by the body 713. The body 713 may not include electrical lines to couple the contact terminal 717 to the electrode 725. Instead, the linkage mechanically coupling the jaws 721, 723 to the actuator 715 may be conductive and may be used to couple electrical energy received at the contact terminal 717 to the electrode 725 in the jaws 721 (and / or the electrode in the jaws 723). For example, the linkage may be slidably coupled to the contact terminal 717.

[0192] The connection ports 734 may be centered around the periphery of the handle 711 near its distal end 716. Each such connection port 734 may be configured to selectively receive the tip of an electrosurgical probe, thereby allowing a respective contact terminal 717 to electrically connect such probe to the conductive material 725 at the distal end through electrical lines housed within the body 713 (or through a mechanical linkage, such as an actuation rod within the body 713, if the linkage is conductive). By providing multiple ports 734 circumferentially about the distal portion of the handle 711, the therapy tool 709 may allow the probe to contact the terminal 717 regardless of how the elongate body 713 is oriented about its longitudinal axis. The actuation rod may be mechanically coupled to an actuator 715 and slidably translate within the elongate body 713 in response to back and forth movement of the actuator 715. Translational movement of the actuation rod is coupled to the jaws 721, 723 and may open or close the jaws in response to movement of the actuator 715. Providing the ports 734 and the contact terminals 717 within the ports 734 in this exemplary configuration may prevent unintentional contact of the contact terminals by a user during use. Instead of providing (only) the ports 734 in the handle 711, (at least some of) the ports 734 may be provided in the elongate body 713.

[0193] The electrically conductive material 725 may form a heating element (electrode) 740 disposed on a surface of the jaw 721. The heating element 740 may include two outer portions 750, 752 and an inner (central) portion 748. The outer portions 750, 752 may have respective outer terminals 744, 746 at their ends, and the central portion 748 may have the inner terminal 742 at its end. Thus, the portions 748, 750, 752 may form an electric heater circuit between the inner terminal 742 and the outer terminals 744, 746. The outer portions 750, 752 and the inner portion 748 may function as electrodes configured to deliver heat. For example, the inner terminal 742 of the electrode 740 may be electrically coupled to a first terminal of the DC source 730 (and / or the output connection 118 of the power control system 110), and the outer terminals 744, 746 of the electrode 740 may be electrically coupled to a second terminal of the DC source 730 (and / or the output connection 118 of the power control system 110), thereby allowing the electrode 740 to receive and conduct DC energy (for cutting and / or welding tissue). The heating element 740 may be formed using a single flat sheet of conductive material (e.g., Ni-chromium alloy, stainless steel on the outer layer and Ni-chromium on the inner layer, etc.), which may have reliability, manufacturing, and / or cost advantages, and / or may reduce the possibility of tissue accumulation and entrapment during use by minimizing gaps through which tissue may move. The distal end 741 of the heater element 740 may be positioned beyond the distal end of the jaw 721 (at the distal tip) and serve as an exposed electrode, which may allow tissue ablation with electrical energy to be performed using the distal tip of the jaw 721.

[0194] Such mechanisms, for example, the jaw movement mechanism and linkage mechanism of the actuation rod, may be supported within a metal housing 768, including a metal sliding pin 770 and a mounting pin 772, all of which may be covered with an insulating layer (not shown) of flexible material such as silicone rubber or the like to shield / protect adjacent tissue from the moving parts and / or electrical energy within the instrument. For example, such an insulating cover may hold the sliding and mounting pins 770, 772 in place, eliminating the need for more expensive fasteners and mechanisms.

[0195] During use, in a first mode of operation, current from the DC source 730 (e.g., via the power control system 110) may be conducted through the inner terminal 742 and / or flow within the inner (central) portion 748 of the heating element 740, in parallel through the dual outer portions 750, 752 of the heating element 740 to the outer terminals 744, 746. For example, for heater portions 748, 750, 752 of equal thickness and width, the current density in the inner (central) portion 748 may be twice the current density in each of the outer portions 750, 752 in response to an electric heater signal applied between the inner terminal 742 and the outer terminals 744, 746. The current density in the inner and outer portions 748, 750, 752 may be altered (e.g., by altering the relative widths of the heater portions, by altering resistance through selection of different materials, by altering both width and resistance, etc.) in response to the applied electric heater signal to alter their operating temperatures. In operation, the outer portions 750, 752 may operate at a temperature sufficient to weld the tissue structure grasped between the jaws 721, 723, and the inner portion 748 may operate at a higher temperature sufficient to cut the grasped tissue structure intermediate the welded section.

[0196] The jaw assembly may have a concave side 731 and a convex side 732. In one method of use, the jaw assembly is used to cut a side branch vessel, but the jaw assembly may be oriented with its concave side 731 facing toward the main vessel. For example, an endoscope or viewing device may be placed next to the jaw assembly, with the endoscope or viewing device viewing the concave side 731 of the jaw assembly. This may allow the user to better visualize the tip of the jaw assembly. Such a configuration may also provide a safety benefit by allowing the user to determine the location of the tip during the vessel cutting procedure. The exposed outer portion 752 may be on the convex side 732 of the jaw assembly, while the protrusion 760 may be on the concave side 731 of the jaw assembly. The concave surface may provide extra clearance when a side branch vessel is grasped, further protecting the main vessel. Additionally, exposed outer portion 752 on convex side 732 may create a protrusion that makes it easier for the tunnel walls to contact exposed outer portion 752 to address bleeding. Protrusion 760 may be on convex side 732 of the jaw assembly, while exposed outer portion 752 may be on concave side 731. As a result, during use, convex side 732 of the jaw assembly may be oriented toward major vessels, thereby ensuring that the tip of the jaw assembly is separated from major vessels and improving protection by preventing the tip of the jaw assembly from touching or injuring the major vessels.

[0197] The temperature to which the heating elements on the jaws are raised can also affect the desired force applied as well as the duration of welding. For example, the temperature range at which human tissue can be welded may be 50-90°C, while cutting may occur at temperatures of 100°C and above. As a result, if an exemplary jaw applies a clamping force of 1-3 pounds on the tissue and the welding and cutting heating elements are each energized to these temperature ranges, the duration of welding may be 1-5 seconds. If the clamping duration is too short, welding may be ineffective and the tissue may be less likely to be completely severed, while excessive durations, for example, greater than 5 seconds, may tend to char the tissue.

[0198] 8A-8D are schematic side or non-limiting embodiments of an exemplary therapeutic tool 840. FIG.

[0199] 8A illustrates a heater 830. For example, the heater 830 may include a tubular shaped resistive heating element 832 as its exterior surface. The heating element 832 may be made of, but is not limited to, NiCr TM or Inconel TM The heater 830 may be made from any suitable resistive material, including metal alloys such as SiO 2 , SiO 3 , and the like. A highly resistive, electrically insulating, and thermally conductive core material 834 may be disposed within the heating element 832. For example, the core material 834 may be made from a ceramic and may include materials such as magnesium oxide, boron nitride, or aluminum nitride. The core material 834 may simply comprise air or any other gas. The heater 830 may be formed by metallizing a ceramic rod.

[0200] Figure 8B shows an oval-shaped embodiment or side view of the heater, which may provide the advantage of increased tissue contact surface area (compared to Figure 8A). Elements 830A, 832A, 834A, and 836A in Figure 8B may correspond to elements 830, 832, 834, and 836, respectively, in Figure 8A.

[0201] A temperature sensing element 836 may also be included. For example, the temperature sensing element 836 may be present or absent, as desired. The temperature sensing element 836 may include a thermocouple, a thermistor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element, or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) element. For example, a PTC material such as tungsten wire may be useful as it may be incorporated into the heater element 832 during manufacture. Other suitable PTC materials may include alloys and / or iron.

[0202] The DC resistance of the tubular shaped heating element 832 may be less than that of the surrounding body tissue, for example, the resistance of the tubular shaped heating element 832 may be less than 10 ohms.

[0203] The outer diameter of the tubular heating element 832 may be between 0.35 mm and 0.55 mm, and the wall thickness may be approximately 0.0254 mm.

[0204] The operation of heater 830 is illustrated in Figures 8C and 8D. Referring to Figure 8C, a therapeutic tool 840 may be provided. For example, therapeutic tool 840 may include a pair of ligating scissors (as shown) and / or a pair of tweezers or forceps, or any other device adapted to grasp and hold tissue between a pair of arms or jaws.

[0205] Therapeutic tool 840 may include a pair of opposing work surfaces 842 and 844. For example, at least one heater 830 may be positioned on one or more of the work surfaces. For illustrative purposes, heater 830 may be positioned on the surface of work surface 842.

[0206] Therapeutic tool 840 may be used to cut or seal tissue by first grasping the tissue between two opposing working surfaces 842 and 844 and passing an electric current (e.g., from power control system 110) through tubular heating element 832, thereby causing heating of the tissue surrounding heater 830. For example, tissue may be mechanically squeezed between opposing working surfaces 842 and 844 while an electric current is passed through tubular heating element 832 to better "seal" the adjacent tissue together.

[0207] Therapy tool 840 may further include electrical leads 846 and 848 connected to tubular heating element 832 at different points along its length. A power source 845 may be electrically connected (e.g., directly or via power control system 110) to leads 846 and 848 so that current conducts through tubular heating element 832, thereby heating it. The current passing through tubular heating element 832 may not exceed 10 A. Power source 845 may alternatively be a constant current power source, a constant voltage power source, a temperature feedback controlled power source, and / or power source 845 may provide constant power to a power control system (e.g., power control system 110), as described herein, which may provide power to therapy tool 840.

[0208] FIG. 8C also shows a blood vessel BV, upon which it can be grasped, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 8D. For example, as seen in FIG. 8D, the blood vessel BV may be held between working surfaces 842 and 844 of a therapeutic tool 840. As can be seen, the portion of the tissue closest to the heater 830 may be heated to above 100° Celsius, such that the tissue structure may be broken down and form a cut zone C. On either side of the cut zone C, where the tissue is further from the heater 830, the tissue may only be heated to a temperature of 50°-90° Celsius, thus forming a seal zone S. The mechanical pressure applied by forcing the working surfaces 842 and 844 together against the blood vessel BV may further assist in the tissue seal.

[0209] Some therapeutic tools 120, such as DC-powered EVH systems, may require safeguards to limit the amount of power delivered to its at least one heating element 122, such as a resistive heating element located on the jaws, to prevent excessive temperatures. The power control system 110 may modulate power delivery to such therapeutic tools 120 to maintain a relatively constant temperature in the device's heating element 122. Thus, the power control system 110 may maintain a safe and / or effective temperature and / or prevent overheating, which may reduce damage to the therapeutic tool 120 and / or make the medical procedure safer for the patient while maintaining effectiveness.

[0210] The power control system 110 may interrupt power delivery from the power supply source 102 to the therapy tool 120 and / or adjust power to the therapy tool 120 during three time intervals. During a first time interval (e.g., from t0 to t1), a constant output power may be supplied to the therapy tool 120. For example, the therapy tool 120 may be constantly powered, and its heating element 122 may increase in temperature as it would without the power control system 110. The first time interval may be several seconds (e.g., 2 to 5 seconds) to avoid reaching a dangerous or destructive temperature. During a second time interval (e.g., from t1 to t2), the power control system 110 may interrupt power from the power supply source 102 to the therapy tool 120 by rapidly cutting power to the therapy tool 120 and supplying pulses of power to the therapy tool 120. For example, such pulses may occur at a rate of approximately 6 to 12 Hz. The time between such pulses may allow the heating element 122 to cool slightly before power is returned by the next pulse, which may allow for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of the heating element 122, which may be controlled. The second time interval may be longer than the first time interval. For example, the second time interval may be 15-20 seconds, allowing for performance of a medical procedure or portion thereof, such as proper cutting and / or sealing of a vessel during an EVH procedure. During a third time interval (e.g., after t2), the power control system 110 may shut off power to the therapy tool 120. For example, after the second time interval is completed, power to the therapy tool 120 may be stopped entirely to prevent excessive heating of the heating element 122.

[0211] The times t1 and t2, frequency (f), and / or duty cycle (%) of the pulsed power may be selected as needed for a particular therapy tool 120, for a particular procedure or portion thereof, and / or for a particular type of target tissue during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used. For example, adjusting t1 may affect the target temperature reached during a first time interval and / or affect the range of temperatures that will be maintained during a second time interval. As t1 increases, the heating element 122 of the therapy tool 120 may heat longer (before constant power is stopped and pulsed power is started), which may increase the temperature of the heating element 122. As t1 decreases, the constant power delivery is stopped sooner (and pulsed power is started sooner), which may decrease the temperature of the heating element 122. Adjusting t2 may affect the time a user (e.g., a clinician) needs to perform a procedure or portion thereof during which heat from the heating element 122 will be used. Adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the pulsed power may affect the stability with which the temperature of the heating element may be maintained during the second time interval. For example, a longer pause between pulses may allow the heating element of the therapeutic tool 120 to cool more and / or its temperature to become more unstable.

[0212] For illustrative purposes, but not by way of limitation, Table 1 shows the average time for performing a portion of an EVH procedure, including cutting and sealing a vessel, when the power control system 110 is not used in conjunction with an exemplary therapeutic tool 120, the VasoviewHemopro2 endoscopic vessel harvesting system, and when the power control system 110 is used in conjunction with an exemplary therapeutic tool 120. As shown in Table 1, the procedure can be effectively performed with the power control system 110 within the same or similar amount of time as without the power control system 110, which may demonstrate that effectiveness can be maintained while safety can be improved, as described herein. [Table 1]

[0213] The power control system 110 may enable the therapeutic tool 120 to be regulated safely and effectively while maintaining consistency and reliability. For example, the power control system 110 may enable the temperature of the heating element 122 of the therapeutic tool 120 to be more consistently, constant, and better regulated to avoid overheating, and may enable power to the therapeutic tool 120 to be shut off at a reliable and consistent time, allowing the user sufficient time to perform a procedure or portion thereof (such as cutting and sealing a vessel during an EVH procedure) and preventing “down time” after the procedure before the device can be reactivated. For example, when the therapeutic tool 120 is an EVH device, the power control system 110 may provide a more consistent and constant temperature to the resistive heating elements located on the jaws, resulting in a more reproducible, uniform heating area, which results in better vessel cutting and sealing and better durability of the EVH device jaws.

[0214] 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of an example implementation 900 of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect relating to a power control system for a therapeutic tool. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, implementation 900 may include a power source switch 901, a volume switch 902, a volume setting indicator 903, a power indicator 904, a hanging element 905, non-skid feet 906, a power cord connection 907, an output connection 908, and / or a connection indicator 909.

[0215] 9A and 9B, the power control system (e.g., 110) may be incorporated within the power supply (e.g., 102). For example, implementation 900 may be the same as or similar to power control system 110 and power supply 102 as described herein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1E-1F).

[0216] For example, implementation 900 may include any suitable power supply. For example, implementation 900 may include at least one device and / or component thereof configured to provide power. Power cord connection 907 may include at least one connector for connecting the power cord to a power source (e.g., a power grid, a battery, or any combination thereof). For example, the power cord may be connected to a wall outlet (e.g., a plug) that is connected to a power grid (e.g., grid power, utility-supplied power, household power, and / or the like). Implementation 900 may convert AC power (e.g., from a power grid) to DC power (e.g., suitable for a therapy tool and / or a power control system as described herein). For example, implementation 900 may receive AC power from a power grid (e.g., 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC), convert the AC power to DC power, and provide the DC power as an output (e.g., 5 amps (A) at 5.5 volts DC (VDC)) for a power control system (e.g., 110) incorporated within implementation 900.

[0217] The power supply switch 901 may include at least one switch for turning the power supply of the implementation 900 on and / or off. For example, when the power supply switch 901 is closed, the power supply of the implementation 900 may be turned on, and when the power supply switch 901 is opened, the power supply of the implementation 900 may be turned off. The power indicator 904 may indicate whether the power supply is on or off. For example, the power indicator 904 may include a visual indicator (e.g., a light such as a light-emitting diode (LED)). For example, the power indicator 904 may be on (e.g., the LED is illuminating) when the power supply is on (e.g., the power supply switch 901 is switched on and / or closed). The power indicator 904 may be off (e.g., the LED is not illuminating) when the power supply is off (e.g., the power supply switch 901 is switched off and / or opened).

[0218] The volume switch 902 may include at least one switch, as described herein, to adjust the volume of the audible indicator of the implementation 900. For example, the volume switch 902 may be configured to allow switching between at least volume settings. The volume setting indicator 903 may indicate the selected volume setting. For illustrative purposes, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B , the volume switch 902 may be configured to allow switching between three volume settings (e.g., low, medium, and high), and the volume setting indicator 903 may include three visual indicators (e.g., lights such as LEDs) to indicate the selected volume setting (e.g., the bottom LED on indicates a low volume setting, the middle LED on indicates a medium volume setting, and the top LED on indicates a high volume setting).

[0219] The hanging element 905 may include at least one element configured to allow the implementation 900 to be hung (e.g., from a hook, a peg, a protrusion, and / or the like). For example, the hanging element 905 may include at least one of a hook, a loop, a hanger, and / or the like.

[0220] Anti-slip feet 906 may include at least one element configured to prevent implementation 900 from sliding when resting on a surface (e.g., a table, countertop, cart, floor, and / or the like.) For example, each anti-slip foot 906 may include at least one of a pad, a bumper, a protrusion, an adhesive patch, and / or the like.

[0221] The output connection 908 may be configured to provide power from the implementation 900 (e.g., its power control system) to a therapy tool, as described herein. For example, the output connection 908 may be the same as or similar to the output connection 118. For example, the output connection 908 may include any suitable electrical connection, as described herein, to connect the implementation 900 to a therapy tool and / or its components. The connection indicator 909 may indicate whether the therapy tool is connected (e.g., properly connected). For example, the connection indicator 909 may include a visual indicator (e.g., a light such as an LED). For example, the connection indicator 909 may be on (e.g., the LED is illuminating) when the implementation 900 is properly connected to the therapy tool. The connection indicator 909 may be off (e.g., the LED is not illuminating) when the implementation 900 is not properly connected to the therapy tool.

[0222] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of an example implementation 1000 of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect related to a power control system for a therapeutic tool. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B , implementation 1000 may include a power supply 1050 and a power control system 1060. Power supply 1050 may include a power supply switch 1001, a power indicator 1004, a hanging element 1005, a power cord connection 1007, a power setting element 1010, and a power control system connection 1011. Power control system 1060 may include an input connection 1012 and an output connection 1008. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power supply 1050 may be the same as or similar to power supply 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power control system 1060 may be the same as or similar to power control system 110.

[0223] 10A and 10B, the power control system 1060 may be separate from the power supply 1050. For example, the implementation 1000 may be the same as or similar to the power control system 110 and power supply 102 as described herein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B).

[0224] Power supply 1050 may include any suitable power source. For example, power supply 1050 may include at least one device and / or component thereof configured to provide power. Power cord connection 1007 may include at least one connector for connecting the power cord to a power source (e.g., a power grid, a battery, or any combination thereof). For example, the power cord may be connected to a wall outlet (e.g., a plug) that is connected to a power grid (e.g., grid power, utility-supplied power, household power, and / or the like). Power supply 1050 may convert AC power (e.g., from a power grid) to DC power (e.g., suitable for a therapy tool and / or power control system 1060 as described herein). For example, power supply 1050 may receive AC power from a power grid (e.g., 120 VAC and / or 240 VAC), convert the AC power to DC power, and provide the DC power as an output (e.g., 5 amps (A) at 5.5 volts DC (VDC)) to power control system 1060 (e.g., via power control system connection 1011).

[0225] The power source switch 1001 may include at least one switch for turning the power source 1050 on and / or off. For example, when the power source switch 1001 is closed, the power source 1050 may be turned on, and when the power source switch 1001 is open, the power source 1050 may be turned off. The power indicator 1004 may indicate whether the power source 1050 is on or off. For example, the power indicator 1004 may include a visual indicator (e.g., a light such as an LED). For example, the power indicator 1004 may be on (e.g., an LED is illuminating) when the power source 1050 is on (e.g., the power source switch 1001 is switched on and / or closed). The power indicator 1004 may be off (e.g., the LED is not illuminating) when the power supply 1050 is off (e.g., the power supply switch 1001 is switched off and / or open).

[0226] The power setting element 1010 may include at least one adjustable element (e.g., a knob, switch, button, and / or the like) to adjust the output power (e.g., the amplitude of the current of the output power) of the power supply 1050. For example, turning up the power setting element 1010 (e.g., a knob) may increase the output power (e.g., the amplitude of the current of the output power), and turning down the power setting element 1010 (e.g., a knob) may decrease the output power (e.g., the amplitude of the current of the output power).

[0227] The hanging element 1005 may include at least one element configured to allow the power supply 1050 to be hung (e.g., from a hook, a peg, a protrusion, and / or the like). For example, the hanging element 1005 may include at least one of a hook, a loop, a hanger, and / or the like.

[0228] An input connection 1012 of the power control system 1060 may be configured to receive power from the power supply 1050 (e.g., via a power control system connection 1011 of the power supply 1050). For example, the input connection 1012 may include any suitable electrical connection, as described herein, to connect the power control system 1060 to the power control system connection 1011 of the power supply 1050. For example, the input connection 1012 may be the same as or similar to the input connection 112.

[0229] The output connection 1008 of the power control system 1060 may be configured to provide power from the power control system 1060 to the therapy tool, as described herein. For example, the output connection 1008 may be the same as or similar to the output connection 118. For example, the output connection 1008 may include any suitable electrical connection, as described herein, to connect the power control system 1060 to the therapy tool and / or components thereof.

[0230] While the disclosed subject matter has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it should be understood that such detail is for that purpose only and that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

Claims

1. 1. An endoscopic vessel harvesting system comprising a direct current power control system connected to provide controlled power to a therapeutic tool comprising a heating element, the direct current power control system comprising: an input connection configured to receive power from a power supply; a first power control circuit connected to the input connection, the first power control circuit configured to supply a constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature; a second power control circuit connected to the input connection, the second power control circuit configured to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain a temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; an output connection connected to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit, the output connection configured to receive the constant output power from the first power control circuit and the pulsed output power from the second power control circuit and to supply controlled power to the heating element of the therapeutic tool, wherein supplying controlled power to the heating element sequentially includes supplying the constant output power to the heating element for the first time interval, then the pulsed output power for the second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element, allowing heat to dissipate from the heating element; An endoscopic vessel harvesting system comprising:

2. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1 , wherein the first power control circuit comprises a first one-shot pulse generator circuit.

3. 2. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1, wherein the first time interval comprises a time interval of at least 2 seconds and no more than 10 seconds so that the heating element heats to the target temperature effective to perform an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

4. 4. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 3, wherein the target temperature effective for performing the endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure comprises a first temperature sufficient to at least one of cut, cauterize, or weld target tissue.

5. 2. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1, wherein the second power control circuit comprises a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit, the output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit being connected to the input of the oscillator circuit.

6. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1 , wherein the second time interval comprises a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds.

7. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 6 , wherein the second time interval is selected based on an average time for at least one of cutting, cauterizing, or welding the target tissue.

8. 10. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1, wherein the pulsed output power has a frequency of not less than 2.5 Hz and not more than 12 Hz.

9. 9. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 8, wherein the frequency is selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element within the target temperature range effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

10. a circuit board including the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit; a housing containing the circuit board and the output connection; a cable extending from the housing, the cable having a proximal end connected to the input connection and a distal end connected to the circuit board; The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1 further comprising:

11. a first logic gate coupled to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit, the first logic gate configured to output only one of the constant output power from the first power control circuit or the pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at a time; a second logic gate connected to the first logic gate and the switch, the second logic gate configured to output the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the first logic gate only after the switch is closed; The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 1 further comprising:

12. 1. A method for providing controlled power via a direct current power control system of an endoscopic vessel harvesting device to provide controlled power to a heating element of a therapeutic tool of the endoscopic vessel harvesting device, the method comprising: receiving power from a power supply at an input connection of the DC current power control system; providing power from the input connection to a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit of the DC current power control system; providing a constant output power from the first power control circuit for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature; providing pulsed output power from the second power control circuit for a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval to maintain a temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; receiving, at an output connection of the DC power control system, the constant output power from the first power control circuit or the pulsed output power from the second power control circuit; providing the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the output connection to the therapeutic tool; following the second time interval, supplying no power to the heating element for a third time interval to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first time interval comprises a time interval of not less than 2 seconds and not more than 10 seconds such that the heating element heats to the target temperature effective to perform an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the target temperature effective for performing the endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure comprises a first temperature sufficient to at least one of cut, cauterize, or weld target tissue.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second time interval comprises a time interval greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 20 seconds.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second time interval is selected based on an average time for at least one of cutting, cauterizing, or welding the target tissue.

17. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pulsed output power has a frequency greater than or equal to 2.5 Hz and less than or equal to 12 Hz.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the frequency is selected to maintain the temperature of the heating element in the target temperature range effective for performing an endoscopic vessel harvesting procedure.

19. 1. A method for making a direct current power control system for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system for providing controlled power to a therapeutic tool comprising a heating element, the method comprising: connecting an input connection to a circuit board comprising a first power control circuit and a second power control circuit, the input connection configured to receive power from a power supply, the first power control circuit configured to supply a constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature, and the second power control circuit configured to supply a pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain a temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; connecting the circuit board to an output connection configured to receive the constant output power and the pulsed output power and to supply controlled power to the heating element of the therapeutic tool, wherein supplying controlled power to the heating element includes sequentially supplying the constant output power to the heating element for the first time interval, then the pulsed output power to the heating element for the second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first power control circuit comprises a first one-shot pulse generator circuit.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second power control circuit comprises a second one-shot pulse generator circuit and an oscillator circuit, an output of the second one-shot pulse generator circuit connected to an input of the oscillator circuit.

22. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising connecting the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit to the circuit board before connecting the input connection to the circuit board.

23. further comprising enclosing the circuit board and the output connection within a housing; 20. The method of claim 19, wherein connecting the input connection to the circuit board comprises connecting the circuit board to a distal end of a cable extending from the housing and connecting the input connection to a proximal end of the cable.

24. connecting a first logic gate to the circuit board such that the first logic gate is connected to the first power control circuit and the second power control circuit, the first logic gate being configured to output only one of the constant output power from the first power control circuit or the pulsed output power from the second power control circuit at a time; connecting a second logic gate to the circuit board such that the second logic gate is connected to the first logic gate and a switch, the second logic gate being configured to output the constant output power or the pulsed output power from the first logic gate only after the switch is closed; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

25. 1. An endoscopic vessel harvesting system comprising: a power supply source; a therapeutic tool comprising a heating element connected to a cutting element; 1. A direct current power control system, comprising: an input connection configured to receive power from the power supply; a circuit board connected to the input connection, the circuit board configured to supply constant output power to the heating element for a first time interval to heat the heating element to a target temperature, and to supply pulsed output power to the heating element for a second time interval following the first time interval to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; an output connection connected to the circuit board, the output connection configured to receive one of the constant output power or the pulsed output power at a time and supply controlled power to the heating element, wherein supplying controlled power to the heating element includes sequentially supplying the constant output power to the heating element for the first time interval, then the pulsed output power to the heating element for the second time interval, followed by a third time interval during which no power is supplied to the heating element to allow heat to dissipate from the heating element and to avoid overheating of the heating element; and A DC current power control system comprising: An endoscopic vessel harvesting system comprising:

26. The circuit board includes: a first power control circuit connected to the input connection, the first power control circuit configured to supply the constant output power to the heating element for the first time interval to heat the heating element to the target temperature; a second power control circuit connected to the input connection, the second power control circuit configured to supply the pulsed output power to the heating element during the second time interval to maintain a temperature of the heating element within a target temperature range; 26. The endoscopic vessel harvesting system of claim 25, comprising:

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