RF energy generator, method for outputting RF energy to electrode device, and computer program

Abstract

An RF energy generator that outputs RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body includes: a receiving unit that receives temperature data from the electrode device to a tube in the body; a control unit that calculates the temperature value of the tube in the body based on the received temperature data, calculates the amount of temperature change of the tube in the body based on the calculated temperature value of the tube, and determines the strength of the RF energy by PID control based on the amount of temperature change of the tube; and an output unit that outputs the RF energy to the electrode device based on the determined strength of the RF energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an RF energy generator that outputs RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, an RF energy output method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Neurotomy refers to a procedure that damages specific nerves to control an autonomic nervous system that is abnormally and overly activated. For example, renal neurotomy can treat hypertension and heart disease by damaging the renal sympathetic nerves that lead to the kidneys, and pulmonary neurotomy can treat lung diseases by damaging the parasympathetic nerves that lead to the lungs.

[0003] In performing such a procedure, it is important to accurately transmit the electrical stimulation required for the procedure to the nerve to be treated. Specifically, in order to effectively block or regulate the nerves of the internal tube that is the treatment target, it is important to accurately transmit the electrical stimulation and RF energy required for the procedure according to the state of the tube (e.g., the temperature of the tube) in which the nerves are distributed.

[0004] Conventional neurotomy uses PID control (P: Proportional, I: (Proportional) Integral, D: (Proportional) Derivative) to transmit the electrical stimulation required for the nerve to be treated. Here, PID control is a control method that combines proportional, integral, and derivative, unlike the ON, OFF control method (see (a) of FIG. 1), and is a more sophisticated control method (see (b) of FIG. 1).

[0005] FIG. 1(a) is an exemplary diagram of the ON, OFF control method, and FIG. 1(b) is an exemplary diagram of the PID control method. Referring to FIG. 1(a), although the ON, OFF control method is relatively easy to implement, it cannot converge to the target, whereas referring to FIG. 1(b), the PID control method can converge to the target.

[0006] Specifically, PID control is not a simple control method that turns off or on when a predetermined temperature is reached, but rather a control method that operates in proportion to factors such as temperature difference, temperature rise and fall, and time (see Figure 1(b)). In other words, it is a method that takes variables into account and calculates the error between the variable being controlled and the input reference point to decide whether or not to maintain the voltage, which has the advantage of being less prone to errors compared to conventional ON / OFF methods.

[0007] Conventional nerve block techniques use a pre-set PID control constant to perform PID control, but this method cannot reflect the unique characteristics of the internal vascular tissues in each individual.

[0008] Therefore, if the PID control constants are set based on the characteristics of a normal, medium-sized internal tube, in the case of a relatively thin internal tube, the temperature of the internal tube may rise rapidly during the procedure, potentially damaging the surrounding tissue. Conversely, in the case of a relatively thick internal tube, the temperature of the internal tube increases gradually during the procedure, resulting in a problem where the treatment effect is not fully achieved. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1615516 (Registered on April 20, 2016) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and to provide an RF energy generator capable of adjusting the output of RF energy according to the condition of the tube being treated during the treatment process, a method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device, and a computer program.

[0011] However, the technical problems that this embodiment aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may exist. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] As a means to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an RF energy generator that outputs RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, comprising: a receiving unit that receives temperature data from the electrode device to a tube in the body; a control unit that calculates the temperature value of the tube in the body based on the received temperature data, calculates the amount of temperature change of the tube in the body based on the calculated temperature value of the tube in the body, and determines the strength of the RF energy by PID control based on the amount of temperature change of the tube; and an output unit that outputs the RF energy to the electrode device based on the determined strength of the RF energy.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an RF energy output method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, comprising the steps of: receiving temperature data from the electrode device to a tube in the body; calculating a temperature value of the tube in the body based on the received temperature data; calculating a change in temperature of the tube in the body based on the calculated temperature value of the tube in the body; determining the strength of the RF energy by PID control based on the change in temperature of the tube; and outputting the RF energy to the electrode device based on the determined strength of the RF energy.

[0014] A further embodiment of the present invention may provide a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium, which includes a sequence of command words for outputting RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, wherein, when executed by a computer device, the computer program includes a sequence of command words for causing the electrode device to output the RF energy, which, when executed by a computer device, receives temperature data from the electrode device to a tube in the body, calculates a temperature value of the tube in the body based on the received temperature data, calculates a change in the temperature of the tube in the body based on the calculated temperature value of the tube in the body, determines the strength of the RF energy by PID control based on the change in the temperature of the tube, and causes the electrode device to output the RF energy based on the determined strength of the RF energy.

[0015] The means for solving the above-described problems are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, there may be additional embodiments described in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to any one of the means for solving the problems of the present invention described above, the strength of the RF energy output can be controlled according to the condition of the tube being treated. In other words, the strength of the RF energy can be adjusted based on the condition of the tube during the treatment process. Therefore, it is possible to provide an RF energy generator, a method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device, and a computer program that enable safer and more precise nerve block surgery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a PID control system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an RF energy generator. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the process for determining the PID control constants. [Figure 4]This is a diagram for explaining the PID control process according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of a method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the explanation are omitted, and similar reference numerals are given to similar parts throughout the specification.

[0019] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected", but also the case where it is "electrically connected" with other elements interposed therebetween. Also, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components, and it should not be understood as precluding the existence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In this specification, "part" includes a unit realized by hardware, a unit realized by software, and a unit realized by using both. Also, one unit may be realized by using two or more hardware, and two or more units may be realized by one hardware.

[0021] In this specification, some of the operations and functions described as being performed by a terminal or device may instead be performed by a server connected to the terminal or device. Similarly, some of the operations and functions described as being performed by a server may also be performed by a terminal or device connected to the server.

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an RF energy generator. Referring to FIG. 2, the RF energy generator 220 may include a receiving unit 221, a control unit 222, and an output unit 223. However, the above-described components 221 to 223 are merely examples of components that can be controlled by the RF energy generator 220.

[0024] The RF energy generator 220 according to the present invention outputs RF energy to an electrode device 210 for blocking or adjusting nerves in the body. For example, the RF energy generator 220 receives temperature data of a tube in the body to be treated from the electrode device 210 via a cable 230. The RF energy generator 220 outputs RF energy to the electrode device 210 based on the received temperature data.

[0025] At this time, the RF energy generator 220 may control the output intensity of the RF energy based on the temperature change amount of the treatment tube. Hereinafter, a specific examination will be made through each component.

[0026] The receiving unit 221 receives temperature data for a tube in the body from the electrode device 210. For example, the receiving unit 221 receives a temperature signal of a tube in the body measured by a sensor unit (e.g., thermocouple) of the electrode device 210 via a cable 230. For example, the receiving unit 221 preprocesses the received temperature signal of the tube in the body, such as converting it into a temperature value (in degrees Celsius), and transmits it to the control unit 222.

[0027] The control unit 222 calculates the temperature value of the tubes inside the body based on the received temperature data. For example, the control unit 222 converts the pre-processed signal into the temperature value of the tubes inside the body.

[0028] The control unit 222 calculates the amount of temperature change of the tubes inside the body based on the calculated temperature values ​​of the tubes inside the body. For example, the control unit 222 may calculate the amount of temperature change of the tubes inside the body by comparing the temperature data of the tubes inside the body received from the electrode device 210 at predetermined intervals. For example, the control unit 222 may calculate the amount of temperature change of the tubes by comparing the temperature data of the tubes before and after outputting RF energy to the electrode device 210.

[0029] The control unit 222 determines the strength of the RF energy by PID control based on the temperature change of the tube. In other words, the control unit 222 determines the PID constants for PID control based on the temperature change of the tube. Here, the PID constants are the proportionality constant, the integral constant, and the differential constant.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 222 compares the temperature change of the tube with a preset threshold. If the temperature change of the tube is smaller than the preset threshold, the control unit 222 sets the PID constant to the preset constant.

[0031] Multiple preset thresholds are set at predetermined intervals, and preset PID constants are set differently for each predetermined interval. For example, multiple thresholds may be set at intervals of 0.5°C. In one example, the thresholds may be set to 0.5°C, 1.0°C, 1.5°C, and 2.0°C. Here, the PID constants may be set to KP1, KI1, and KD1 when the threshold is 0.5°C, KP2, KI2, and KD2 when the threshold is 1.0°C, KP3, KI3, and KD3 when the threshold is 1.5°C, and KP4, KI4, and KD4 when the threshold is 2.0°C.

[0032] Furthermore, the threshold may be determined based on the object having the tube, the type of tube, and the position of the tube. In other words, the threshold may be set to reflect the characteristics of the object being treated.

[0033] The output unit 223 outputs RF energy to the electrode device 210 based on the determined RF energy strength. For example, the output unit 223 outputs RF energy to the electrode device 210 via the cable 230 at a strength set according to the PID control constant set by the control unit 222.

[0034] Thus, the RF energy generator 220 according to the present invention can adjust the PID control constant in accordance with the temperature change of the tube inside the body during the procedure. As a result, the RF energy generator can perform the procedure in accordance with the unique internal characteristics of each individual, enabling safer and more precise nerve block surgery.

[0035] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining the PID control constants according to the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, when the treatment is started (S410), the RF energy generator 220 according to the present invention pre-sets initial values ​​excluding the PID control constants (S420).

[0036] The RF energy generator 220 checks the temperature of the tube to be treated (S430). For example, the RF energy generator 220 checks the temperature of the tube based on the temperature data received from the electrode device 210.

[0037] The RF energy generator 220 sets the strength of the RF energy (S440). For example, the RF energy generator 220 may set the strength of the RF energy to approximately 10%. Here, 10% may be a value that can increase the temperature of the internal tube by approximately 0.5 to 2°C with a single application of RF.

[0038] The RF energy generator 220 outputs RF energy to the electrode device 210 (S450). For example, the RF energy generator 220 outputs RF energy of an initially set strength to the electrode device 210 via a cable.

[0039] The RF energy generator 220 calculates the change in tube temperature after the RF energy output (S460). For example, the RF energy generator 220 measures the tube temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the RF energy output.

[0040] The RF energy generator 220 compares the temperature of the tube before RF energy output with the temperature of the tube after RF energy output (S461). For example, the RF energy generator 220 compares the change in tube temperature with a preset threshold, in one example, 0.5°C.

[0041] The RF energy generator 220 sets the PID control constants to preset constants if the temperature change of the tube being treated is less than 0.5°C as a result of the comparison (S462). For example, the RF energy generator may set the proportional term to KP1, the integral term to KI1, and the differential term to KD1 in the PID control constants.

[0042] In contrast, if the temperature change of the tube being treated is 0.5°C or more, the RF energy generator 220 compares the temperature change of the tube with a preset threshold, in one example, 1.0°C (S463).

[0043] If the RF energy generator 220 finds that the temperature change of the tube being treated is less than 1.0°C as a result of the comparison, it sets the PID control constants to preset constants (S464). For example, the RF energy generator may set the proportional term to KP2, the integral term to KI2, and the differential term to KD2 in the PID control constants.

[0044] In contrast, if the temperature change of the tube being treated is 1.0°C or more, the RF energy generator 220 compares the temperature change of the tube with a preset threshold, in one example, 1.5°C (S465).

[0045] The RF energy generator 220 sets the PID control constants to preset constants if the temperature change of the tube being treated is less than 1.5°C as a result of the comparison (S466). For example, the RF energy generator may set the proportional term to KP3, the integral term to KI3, and the differential term to KD3 in the PID control constants.

[0046] In contrast, if the temperature change of the tube being treated is 1.5°C or more, the RF energy generator 220 compares the temperature change of the tube with a preset threshold, in one example, 2.0°C (S467).

[0047] The RF energy generator 220 sets the PID control constants to preset constants if the temperature change of the tube being treated is less than 2.0°C as a result of the comparison (S468). For example, the RF energy generator may set the proportional term to KP4, the integral term to KI4, and the differential term to KD4 in the PID control constants.

[0048] In contrast, the RF energy generator 220 sets the PID control constants to preset constants if the temperature change of the tube being treated is 2.0°C or more (S469). For example, the RF energy generator may set the proportional term to KP5, the integral term to KI5, and the differential term to KD5 in the PID control constants.

[0049] Thus, the RF energy generator 220 according to the present invention can set PID control constants based on the temperature change of the nerves and tubes being treated during the treatment process, and control the strength of the RF energy. Therefore, treatment can be performed more safely and accurately by taking into account the different tube conditions (temperature) for each individual.

[0050] Figure 4 shows the PID control process according to the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the RF energy generator 220 sets initial values ​​(S32) once the treatment is started (S31). For example, the RF energy generator 220 may set the PID control constants determined by the process in Figure 3 to, for example, 5.0 for the proportional term, 3.0 for the integral term, and 0.1 for the differential term.

[0051] The RF energy generator 220 checks the temperature of the tube to be treated (S33). For example, the RF energy generator 220 checks the temperature of the tube based on the temperature data received from the electrode device 210.

[0052] The RF energy generator 220 calculates the error between a preset target temperature and the temperature of the treatment tube (S34). For example, the RF energy generator 220 calculates the error between a preset target temperature to obtain the desired treatment effect and the temperature of the treatment tube received from the electrode device.

[0053] The RF energy generator 220 calculates the proportional term in the PID control constant using the calculated error (S35), calculates the integral term in the PID control constant using the calculated error (S36), and calculates the differential term in the PID control constant using the calculated error (S37).

[0054] The RF energy generator 220 calculates the PID control amount from the calculated proportional, integral, and differential terms (S38). The RF energy generator 220 compares the calculated PID control amount with a preset threshold to confirm the validity of the data (S39).

[0055] If the calculated PID control amount is greater than the threshold, the RF energy generator 220 sets the PID control amount to a preset threshold (S40) and sets the RF energy strength based on the threshold (S41). Conversely, if the PID control amount is less than the threshold, the RF energy generator 220 determines the RF energy strength based on the calculated PID control amount (S42).

[0056] The RF energy generator 220 then outputs RF energy to the electrode device. While outputting RF energy to the electrode device, the RF energy generator 220 continues to monitor the temperature of the tube being treated (S44).

[0057] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device. The RF energy output method shown in Figure 5 includes steps processed chronologically according to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4. Therefore, even if some details are omitted below, the method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device in the RF energy generator according to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4 also applies.

[0058] In step S510, the RF energy generator 220 may also receive temperature data from the electrode device to the tube inside the body.

[0059] In step S520, the RF energy generator 220 may calculate the temperature value of the tube inside the body based on the received temperature data.

[0060] In step S530, the RF energy generator 220 may also calculate the amount of temperature change in the tubes inside the body based on the calculated temperature values ​​of the tubes inside the body.

[0061] In step S540, the RF energy generator 220 may determine the strength of the RF energy by PID control based on the change in tube temperature.

[0062] In step S550, the RF energy generator 220 may output the RF energy to the electrode device based on the determined RF energy strength.

[0063] In the above description, steps S510 to S550 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps depending on the embodiment of the present invention. Also, some steps may be omitted as needed, and the order of the steps may be changed.

[0064] The method of outputting RF energy to an electrode device in the RF energy generator described through Figures 2 to 5 may be embodied in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium executed by a computer, or a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions.

[0065] Computer-readable recording media may be any available medium accessible by a computer, and include all volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable recording media may also include computer storage media. Computer storage media include all volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied in any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

[0066] The above description of the present invention is illustrative, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

[0067] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which are set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or altered forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as the concept of equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In an RF energy generator that outputs RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, A receiving unit that receives temperature data for the tube inside the body from the electrode device, A control unit that calculates the temperature value of the tube inside the body based on the received temperature data, calculates the amount of temperature change of the tube inside the body based on the calculated temperature value of the tube inside the body, and determines the strength of RF energy by PID control based on the amount of temperature change of the tube, Based on the determined RF energy strength, the electrode device has an output unit that outputs the RF energy. RF energy generator, including...

2. The control unit, The RF energy generator according to claim 1, wherein the PID constants for the PID control are determined based on the temperature change of the tube.

3. The control unit, The temperature change of the tube is compared with a preset threshold, The RF energy generator according to claim 2, wherein, as a result of the above comparison, if the amount of temperature change of the tube is smaller than the preset threshold, the PID constant is set to the preset constant.

4. The aforementioned pre-set thresholds are set in multiple locations at predetermined intervals. The RF energy generator according to claim 3, wherein the preset PID constants are set to be different for each predetermined interval.

5. The RF energy generator according to claim 3, wherein the PID constants are a proportionality constant, an integral constant, and a differential constant.

6. The RF energy generator according to claim 3, wherein the threshold is determined based on the object having the tube, the type of the tube, and the position of the tube.

7. In a method for outputting RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, The steps include receiving temperature data for the tube inside the body from the electrode device, The steps include: calculating the temperature value of the tube inside the body based on the received temperature data; A step of calculating the amount of temperature change of the tubes inside the body based on the temperature value of the tubes inside the body calculated above, The steps include determining the strength of RF energy by PID control based on the temperature change of the tube, The steps include: outputting the RF energy to the electrode device based on the determined RF energy strength; A method for outputting RF energy, including the above.

8. The step of determining the strength of the RF energy is: The step of determining the PID constant for PID control based on the temperature change of the tube. The RF energy output method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

9. The step of determining the strength of the RF energy is: The steps include comparing the temperature change of the tube with a preset threshold, If, as a result of the above comparison, the amount of temperature change of the tube is smaller than the preset threshold, the PID constant is set to the preset constant. The RF energy output method according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. The aforementioned pre-set thresholds are set in multiple locations at predetermined intervals. The RF energy output method according to claim 9, wherein the preset PID constants are set to be different for each predetermined interval.

11. The RF energy output method according to claim 9, wherein the PID constants are a proportionality constant, an integral constant, and a differential constant.

12. The RF energy output method according to claim 9, wherein the threshold is determined based on the object having the tube, the type of the tube, and the position of the tube.

13. A computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium includes a sequence of command words for outputting RF energy to an electrode device for blocking or regulating nerves in the body, When the computer program is executed by a computer device, The electrode device receives temperature data for the tube inside the body, Based on the received temperature data, the temperature value of the tube inside the body is calculated. Based on the calculated temperature values ​​of the tubes inside the body, the amount of temperature change of the tubes inside the body is calculated. The strength of the RF energy is determined by PID control based on the temperature change of the tube. A computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium, including a sequence of command words that cause the electrode device to output the RF energy based on the determined RF energy strength.

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