Electrosurgical generator for delivering microwave energy at multiple frequencies - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrosurgical system, and more particularly to an electrosurgical generator, for delivering electromagnetic energy at multiple frequencies to produce different effects on biological tissue at a treatment site. The electrosurgical generator includes an electromagnetic signal supply unit for generating microwave energy to be transmitted on each of a plurality of microwave channels, each of the plurality of microwave channels arranged to transmit microwave energy at a different frequency, an output port configured to be connected to a probe for transmitting microwave energy from the plurality of microwave channels, a signal combiner configured to connect the plurality of microwave channels to the output port, the signal combiner including bandstop filter modules disposed at a distal end of each of the plurality of microwave channels, the bandstop filter module for each microwave channel configured to block microwave energy at frequencies transmitted on the other microwave channels, and a common signal path extending between the output port and a junction at which the plurality of microwave channels are connected.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrosurgical system for delivering electromagnetic energy at multiple frequencies to produce different effects on biological tissue at a treatment site. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrosurgical generator for selectively supplying energy at multiple microwave frequencies along a common feed cable. The feed cable may be introduced through an instrument channel of a surgical scope device (e.g., an endoscope or bronchoscope) for minimally invasively treating biological tissue. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrosurgical generators are ubiquitous in hospital operating rooms and are used in recovery and laparoscopic procedures, and are increasingly present in endoscopy suites. In endoscopic procedures, electrosurgical accessories are typically inserted through lumens inside the endoscope. Relative to comparable access channels for laparoscopic surgery, such lumens are relatively narrow in bore and longer in length.

[0003] It is known to use radio frequency (RF) energy to cut biological tissue. The method of cutting using RF energy works on the principle that as an electric current passes through the tissue matrix (aided by the ionic content of the cells and intercellular electrolytes), heat is generated due to the impedance to the flow of electrons across the tissue. When an RF voltage is applied to the tissue matrix, sufficient heat is generated within the cells to evaporate the water content of the tissue. As a result of this increased desiccation, the tissue adjacent to the cutting pole of the RF blade loses direct contact with the blade, especially adjacent to the RF emission area of ​​the instrument (referred to herein as the RF blade) where the current density is highest in the entire current path through the tissue. The applied voltage is then present across almost the entire gap, resulting in the gap becoming ionized and forming a plasma with a volume resistivity that is very high compared to the tissue. This distinction is important because it focuses the applied energy into a plasma that has completed the electrical circuit between the cutting pole of the RF blade and the tissue. Any volatile material entering the plasma slowly enough will evaporate, hence the notion of a tissue dissociative plasma.

[0004] GB2486343 discloses a control system for an electrosurgical device that delivers both RF and microwave energy to treat living tissue. An energy delivery profile for both RF and microwave energy delivered to a probe is set based on sampled voltage and current information of the RF energy transferred to the probe and sampled forward and reflected power information for the microwave energy transferred to and from the probe.

[0005] GB 2522533 discloses an isolation circuit for an electrosurgical generator arranged to generate radio frequency (RF) and microwave energy for treating biological tissue. The isolation circuit includes a tunable waveguide isolator at a junction between a microwave channel and a signal coupler, and may include a capacitive structure between a ground conductor of the signal coupler and a conductive input section of the waveguide isolator to suppress coupling of RF energy and leakage of microwave energy. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In its broadest terms, the present invention proposes an electrosurgical generator capable of selectively delivering microwave energy at a number of different frequencies. The different frequencies may be delivered separately or simultaneously to produce different effects on biological tissue, for example. To enable efficient delivery of microwave energy, the electrosurgical generator has a signal combiner that allows for effective isolation of the multiple microwave channels, so that when energy at each frequency is directed from its corresponding channel to an output port, there is minimal or negligible leakage into channels carrying other frequencies.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrosurgical generator including an electromagnetic signal supply unit for generating microwave energy to be delivered on each of a plurality of microwave channels, each of the plurality of microwave channels arranged to deliver microwave energy at a different frequency; an output port configured to be connectable to a probe for delivering microwave energy from the plurality of microwave channels; a signal combiner configured to connect the plurality of microwave channels to the output port, the signal combiner including band stop filter modules disposed at a distal end of each of the plurality of microwave channels, the band stop filter module for each microwave channel configured to block microwave energy at frequencies delivered on the other microwave channels; and a common signal path extending between the output port and a junction at which the plurality of microwave channels are connected.

[0008] Thus, the electrosurgical generator generates multiple microwave signals. Each signal is sent on a separate channel and has a different frequency than the other signals. The signal combiner has multiple bandstop filter modules, one module for each microwave channel. Each module is suited to its corresponding channel by being able to block microwave energy at (different) frequencies transmitted on the other channels. Thus, in a three channel scenario, the module on the first channel blocks frequencies on the second and third channels, while the module on the second blocks frequencies on the first and third channels, etc. The modules can be configured for any number of channels.

[0009] The electromagnetic signal supply unit may include multiple microwave sources, each configured to output microwave energy at one of the frequencies carried by the multiple microwave channels, i.e., each microwave channel may be independent of the others. Alternatively, microwave signals at different frequencies may be obtained from a common source and then delivered to their corresponding microwave channels.

[0010] There may be more than two microwave channels and the generator may transmit microwave energy at any one or any combination of three or more microwave frequencies. For example, the microwave channels may be configured to output microwave energy having any combination of two or more of the following: 433 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 14.5 GHz, 24 GHz, and 60 GHz.

[0011] Each microwave channel may include a trunk line through which microwave energy having a frequency corresponding to that microwave channel is transmitted from the electromagnetic signal supply unit to the junction. The trunk line may take any suitable form (e.g., coaxial, microstrip, waveguide, etc.). A coaxial line may be preferred to minimize losses.

[0012] Each bandstop filter module may include a three-stub filter for each frequency of microwave energy to be blocked. Thus, each module may include multiple three-stub filters (one for each frequency to be blocked). In a three-channel scenario, each module has two three-stub filters. In an n-channel scenario, each module has (n-1) three-stub filters. Each three-stub filter may include three stubs (i.e., three lengths of transmission line) connected to and extending away from (e.g., orthogonal to) the trunk transmission line. Each stub may be configured to present a parallel open circuit to the junction at the wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked.

[0013] In one configuration, the open circuit condition is achieved by each of the three stubs having a length equal to a quarter wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked, the three stubs being separated along the trunk line by half a wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked, and the first stub being spaced from the junction a distance equal to an odd number of quarter wavelengths of the microwave energy to be blocked.

[0014] The stub may be formed from a portion of the same type of transmission line as the trunk line. For example, it may be a length of coaxial line, microstrip line, or waveguide. In one example, the bandstop filter module may be configured as a stripline component.

[0015] The trunk transmission line may be the same type throughout the microwave channel including the bandstop filter module. However, in some examples, the trunk transmission line for each microwave channel may include different types of transmission lines in the bandstop filter module. For example, each microwave channel may include a coaxial transmission line section extending from the electromagnetic signal supply unit to the bandstop filter module and a filter section extending through the bandstop filter section. The filter section may be a microstrip or stripline transmission line. The bandstop filter module may include an SMA connector for connecting the coaxial transmission line section to the filter section. There may be a second SMA connector for connecting the distal end of the filter section to the output port. The junction of the microwave channel may be, for example, a junction of the filter section in a microstrip or stripline transmission line section. It may be easier to combine multiple channels in this way.

[0016] Alternatively, it may be preferable to develop a single filter that filters out or blocks energy at unwanted frequencies but passes energy at a particular source frequency of interest. An arrangement including many variable tuning stubs or adjustable posts set up inside the waveguide cavity that can be adjusted to filter out or block energy at unwanted frequencies can be implemented and used instead of a coaxial arrangement. The waveguide cavity can be rectangular or circular in shape with an opening whose long wall or diameter is approximately a half wavelength at the lowest frequency that needs to propagate in the guide to deliver energy into tissue. For example, this frequency can be 433 MHz or 915 MHz, with the half wavelength, and therefore the opening size, being 0.346 m (34.6 cm) and 0.164 m (16.4 cm), respectively.

[0017] The electrosurgical generator may be configured to deliver other energy modalities in addition to multiple microwave frequencies. For example, the electrosurgical generator may deliver radio frequency (RF) energy suitable for electroporation and / or high voltage pulsed DC energy. Thus, the output port may be connected to the probe via a waveguide isolator arranged in a coupler module for combining the RF energy with the microwave energy.

[0018] The signal combiner itself may be a separate aspect of the invention. According to this aspect, there is provided a microwave signal combiner for an electrosurgical generator having a plurality of microwave channels arranged to transmit microwave energy at different frequencies, the signal combiner including a band stop filter module for connection at a distal end of each of the plurality of microwave channels, the band stop filter module for each microwave channel being configured to block microwave energy at frequencies transmitted on the other microwave channels, and a common signal path extending from a junction at which the plurality of microwave channels are connected to an output port. Any of the features of the signal combiner described above with reference to the electrosurgical generator may also be applied to this aspect of the invention.

[0019] For example, the signal combiner may be configured for an electrosurgical generator having three or more microwave channels. In this arrangement, the signal combiner may include three or more bandstop filter modules, and each bandstop filter module may be configured to block microwave energy at two or more different frequencies.

[0020] Each bandstop filter module may include a three-stub filter for each frequency of microwave energy to be blocked, the three-stub filter including three stubs connected to the trunk transmission line and presenting a parallel open circuit to the junction at the wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked.

[0021] The electrosurgical generator described above may be connected to the probe, for example, via a coaxial transmission line extending from the output port. The probe may include an electrosurgical instrument suitable for insertion through an instrument channel in a surgical scope device. The electrosurgical instrument may include a distal tip assembly configured to output any of the RF, microwave, and electroporation energies described herein. In one example, the distal tip assembly may include a coaxial structure in which the inner conductor projects beyond the distal end of the outer conductor and is exposed at the distal end of the probe. With this configuration, the distal tip assembly forms a bipolar energy delivery structure for delivering RF energy and a microwave antenna for radiating microwave energy.

[0022] "Microwave" may be used broadly herein to refer to the frequency range 400 MHz to 100 GHz, but preferably the range 400 MHz to 60 GHz. Specific frequencies considered are 433 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, 3.3 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 10 GHz, 14.5 GHz, 24 GHz, and 60 GHz. A device may deliver energy at two or more of these microwave frequencies. The term "radio frequency" or "RF" may be used to refer to frequencies from 300 kHz to 400 MHz.

[0023] As used herein, the term "inner" means radially closer to the center (e.g., axis) of the instrument channel. The term "outer" means radially away from the center (axis) of the instrument channel.

[0024] The term "conductive" is used herein to mean electrically conductive, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the end of the energy delivery structure that is away from and closer to the treatment site, respectively. Thus, in use, the proximal end is closer to the generator for delivering microwave energy, while the distal end is closer to the treatment site (i.e., the patient).

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical generator of a known type to which the present invention may be applied; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of an isolation circuit that can be used in the electrosurgical generator of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering microwave energy at multiple frequencies in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram of a signal coupler suitable for use in the electrosurgical generator of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic diagram of a bandstop filter suitable for use in the signal combiner of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a stripline-based signal coupler suitable for use in the electrosurgical generator of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 7 is a simulated graph illustrating a signal response between an output port and a first input port of the signal combiner shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a simulated graph illustrating a signal response between an output port and a second input port of the signal combiner shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a simulated graph showing a matched signal response at an output port of the signal combiner shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 7 is a simulated graph showing a matched signal response at a first input port of the signal combiner shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] 7 is a simulated graph illustrating a signal response between a first input port and a second input port of the signal combiner shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Further options and preferences background 1 shows, for example, a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical device 400 disclosed in GB2486343 that is useful for understanding the present invention. The device includes an RF channel and a microwave channel. The RF channel includes components for generating and controlling RF frequency electromagnetic signals at power levels suitable for treating (e.g., cutting or desiccating) living tissue. The microwave channel includes components for generating and controlling microwave frequency electromagnetic signals at power levels suitable for treating (e.g., coagulating or ablating) living tissue.

[0029] The microwave channel comprises a microwave frequency source 402 followed by a power splitter 424 (e.g., a 3 dB power splitter) (which splits the signal from the source 402 into two branches). One branch from the power splitter 424 forms the microwave channel. The microwave channel comprises a power control module including a variable attenuator 404 controlled by a controller 406 via a control signal V10 and a signal modulator 408 controlled by the controller 406 via a control signal V11, and an amplifier module including a drive amplifier 410 and a power amplifier 412 for generating forward microwave EM radiation for transmission from the probe 420 at a power level suitable for treatment. After the amplifier module, the microwave channel continues with a microwave signal coupling module (which forms part of a microwave signal detector). The microwave signal coupling module includes a circulator 416 connected to deliver microwave EM energy from a source to a probe along a path between first and second ports thereof, a forward coupler 414 at a first port of the circulator 416, and a reflective coupler 418 at a third port of the circulator 416. After passing through the reflective coupler, the microwave EM energy from the third port is absorbed in a power dump load 422. The microwave signal coupling module also includes a switch 415 operated by the controller 406 via a control signal V12 to connect either the forward coupled signal or the reflective coupled signal to the heterodyne receiver for detection.

[0030] The other branch from the power splitter 424 forms the measurement channel. The measurement channel bypasses the amplification lineup on the microwave channel and is therefore arranged to send a low power signal from the probe. A primary channel selection switch 426, controlled by the controller 406 via a control signal V13, is operable to select a signal from either the microwave channel or the measurement channel to send to the probe. A high bandpass filter 427 is connected between the primary channel selection switch 426 and the probe 420 to protect the microwave signal generator from low frequency RF signals.

[0031] The measurement channel includes components arranged to detect the phase and magnitude of the power reflected from the probe. Detection can provide information about the material (e.g., biological tissue present at the distal end of the probe). The measurement channel includes a circulator 428 connected to transmit microwave EM energy from the source 402 to the probe along a path between its first and second ports. The reflected signal returning from the probe is fed into a third port of the circulator 428. The circulator 428 is used to provide isolation between the forward and reflected signals to facilitate accurate measurements. However, the circulator does not provide perfect isolation between its first and third ports; that is, a portion of the forward signal may pass through to the third port and interfere with the reflected signal. Therefore, a carrier cancellation circuit may be used to inject a portion of the forward signal (from the forward coupler 430) back into the signal emerging from the third port (via the injection coupler 432). The carrier cancellation circuit includes a phase adjuster 434 to ensure that the injected portion cancels a signal 180 degrees out of phase with any signal passing through from the first port to the third port, and a signal attenuator 436 to ensure that the injected portion has the same magnitude as any pass-through signal.

[0032] A forward coupler 438 is provided on the measurement channel to compensate for any drift in the forward signal. The combined output of forward coupler 438 and the reflected signal from the third port of circulator 428 are connected to corresponding input terminals of switch 440. Switch 440 is operated by controller 406 via control signal V14 to connect either the combined forward signal or the reflected signal to the heterodyne receiver for detection.

[0033] The output of switch 440 (i.e., the output from the measurement channel) and the output of switch 415 (i.e., the output from the microwave channel) are connected to corresponding input terminals of a secondary channel selection switch 442. The secondary channel selection switch 442, together with the primary channel selection switch, is operable by the controller 406 via a control signal V15 to ensure that the output of the measurement channel is connected to the heterodyne receiver when the measurement channel is energizing the probe, and that the output of the microwave channel is connected to the heterodyne receiver when the microwave channel is energizing the probe.

[0034] The heterodyne receiver is used to extract phase and magnitude information from the signal output by the secondary channel select switch 442. Although a single heterodyne receiver is shown in this system, a double heterodyne receiver (including two local oscillators and a mixer) that mixes down the source frequency twice before the signal enters the controller may be used if desired. The heterodyne receiver includes a local oscillator 444 and a mixer 448 to mix down the signal output by the secondary channel select switch 442. The frequency of the local oscillator signal is selected so that the output from the mixer 448 is an intermediate frequency suitable for reception at the controller 406. Bandpass filters 446, 450 are provided to protect the local oscillator 444 and the controller 406 from high frequency microwave signals.

[0035] The controller 406 receives the output of the heterodyne receiver and determines (e.g., extracts) therefrom information indicative of the phase and magnitude of the forward and / or reflected signals on the microwave or measurement channel. This information can be used to control the transmission of high power microwave EM radiation on the microwave channel or high power RFEM radiation on the RF channel. A user can interact with the controller 406 via a user interface 452, as previously described.

[0036] The RF channel shown in Figure 1 includes an RF frequency source 454 connected to a gate driver 456 controlled by the controller 406 via a control signal V16. The gate driver 456 provides an operating signal for an RF amplifier 458, which is in a half-bridge arrangement. The drain voltage of the half-bridge arrangement is controllable via a variable DC power supply 460. An output transformer 462 transfers the generated RF signal to a line for delivery to the probe 420. A low pass, band pass, band stop or notch filter 464 is connected on the line to protect the RF signal generator from high frequency microwave signals.

[0037] A current transformer 466 is connected on the RF channel to measure the current delivered to the tissue load. A voltage divider 468 (which may be tapped from the output transformer) is used to measure the voltage. The output signals from the voltage divider 468 and current transformer 466 (i.e., voltage outputs indicative of voltage and current) are conditioned by corresponding buffer amplifiers 470, 472 and voltage clamping Zener diodes 474, 476, 478, 480 before being connected directly to the controller 406 (shown as signals B and C in FIG. 1).

[0038] To obtain phase information, the voltage and current signals (B and C) are also connected to a phase comparator 482 (e.g., an EXOR gate). The output voltage of the phase comparator 482 is integrated by an RC circuit 484 to form a voltage output (shown as A in FIG. 1) that is proportional to the phase difference between the voltage and current waveforms. This voltage output (signal A) is connected directly to the controller 406.

[0039] The microwave / measurement channel and the RF channel are connected to a signal combiner 114. The signal combiner 114 transmits both types of signals, either separately or simultaneously, along a cable assembly 116 to a probe 420. From the probe 420, it is transmitted (e.g., radiated) into the patient's tissue.

[0040] A waveguide isolator (not shown) may be provided at the junction between the microwave channel and the signal coupler. The waveguide isolator may be configured to perform three functions: (i) to pass very high microwave power (e.g., greater than 10 W); (ii) to block the passage of RF power; and (iii) to provide a high withstand voltage (e.g., greater than 10 kV). A capacitive structure (also known as a DC break) may be provided at (e.g., within) or adjacent to the waveguide isolator. The purpose of the capacitive structure is to reduce capacitive coupling across the isolation barrier.

[0041] 2 is a schematic diagram of an isolation circuit disclosed in GB 2522533, which is also useful for understanding the present invention. The isolation circuit forms part of a feed structure for transmitting RFEM radiation from RF signal generator 218 and microwave radiation from microwave signal generator 220 to a probe. The probe (not shown) is connectable to an output port 228 provided in housing 226. An insulating sleeve 229 is provided at output port 228 of the housing to prevent a current path connecting the grounded casing of the housing to floating components connected to output port 228.

[0042] The feed structure includes an RF channel with RF signal paths 212, 214 for carrying RFEM radiation, and a microwave channel with microwave signal path 210 for carrying microwave EM radiation. The signal paths for RFEM radiation and microwave radiation are physically separate from each other. The RF signal generator is connected to the RF signal paths 212, 214 via an instrument transformer 216. The secondary coil of the transformer 216 (i.e., the probe side of the arrangement) is floating. Therefore, there is no DC path between the patient and the RF signal generator 218. This means that both the signal conductor 212 and the ground conductor 214 of the RF signal paths 212, 214 are floating.

[0043] The isolation circuit includes a waveguide isolator 600. The insulating gap of the waveguide isolator 600 is configured to provide the required level of DC isolation while the capacitive reactance is low enough at the frequency of the microwave energy to prevent leakage of microwave energy across the gap. The gap may be 0.6 mm or more, for example 0.75 mm. RF energy cannot be coupled between the two ends of the isolator because the diameter of the tube forms a very large inductance in series with each of the probes at RF frequencies.

[0044] The isolation circuit includes a coupling circuit integrated with a waveguide isolator 600. The signal conductor 212 carrying the RF signal and the ground conductor 214 are connected to a coaxial RF connector 602 (RF feed). The coaxial RF connector 602 introduces the RF signal into the waveguide isolator 600, where the RF signal is transmitted from the output port 232 of the coaxial RF connector 602 towards the probe.

[0045] An isolation gap 603 is arranged to prevent RF signals from coupling back into the input port 230. Careful placement of an internal conductive rod within the waveguide isolator ensures that microwave energy does not couple into the RF connector 602.

[0046] To reduce the return losses of the component line-up, a tuning unit is incorporated into the waveguide isolator 600. The tuning unit includes three stubs 231 that can be adjustably inserted (e.g., screwed) into the body of the cavity.

[0047] In addition, the RF channel has an adjustable reactance 217 that is operable under control of a control signal C1 to accommodate (e.g., compensate) for changes in capacitance resulting from different lengths of cable used with the generator. The adjustable reactance 217 may include one or more switched or electronically tunable capacitors or inductors connected in parallel or series with the RF channel.

[0048] Selective transmission of multiple microwave frequencies Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical generator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The overall architecture of the electrosurgical generator may be similar to that described above with respect to Figure 1, and may include isolation circuitry as described with respect to Figure 2 for the coupling of RF and microwave energy.

[0049] However, the electrosurgical generator 200 of the present invention differs from Figures 1 and 2 in that it includes multiple microwave channels 240, 242, 244. Each microwave channel is configured to generate microwave energy having a particular frequency that is distinct from the other microwave channels. Each of the multiple microwave channels 240, 242, 244 may include a separate (independent) microwave source. Alternatively, the signal on each microwave channel may be derived from a single source by suitable frequency multiplication or division. Each microwave channel may be configured as a microwave channel as previously described with respect to Figure 1.

[0050] Each of the multiple microwave channels may be independently operable (e.g., activatable), such that microwave signals having different frequencies may be provided separately or simultaneously from the multiple microwave channels.

[0051] The electrosurgical generator 200 further includes a microwave signal combiner 246 having a set of input ports configured to receive microwave signals from each of the multiple microwave channels 240, 242, 244. The microwave signal combiner 246 also has an output port from which the signals from the microwave channels 240, 242, 244 are transmitted along a common transmission path 248 to the input port 230 of the waveguide isolator 600.

[0052] The multiple microwave channels 240, 242, 244 may be arranged to generate microwave signals at any suitable frequency, however, it may be preferred that the generated frequency falls within one of the following ISM bands: 433.05MHz~434.79MHz (center frequency 433.92MHz, 1.74MHz bandwidth) 902MHz~928MHz (center frequency 915MHz, 26MHz bandwidth) 2.4GHz~2.5GHz (center frequency 2.45GHz, 100MHz bandwidth) 5.725GHz~5.875GHz (150MHz bandwidth with center frequency of 5.8GHz) 24.0GHz~24.25GHz (center frequency 24.125MHz, 250MHz bandwidth) 61.0GHz~61.5GHz (500MHz bandwidth with center frequency of 61.25GHz) The microwave channels may generate signals from any combination of two or more of the above mentioned bands.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a microwave signal combiner suitable for use in the electrosurgical generator of Figure 3. In this example, there are three microwave channels 240, 242, 244, each connected to a common output transmission line 248 at junction 262. Each microwave channel may be connected to ground 243 at its proximal end, for example through a 50 Ω load 241.

[0054] The microwave signal combiner includes a pair of bandstop filters at the distal end of each microwave channel prior to junction 262. The bandstop filters on a given microwave channel operate to selectively block microwave energy having frequencies corresponding to other microwave channels from entering that microwave channel.

[0055] Thus, the first microwave channel 240 may be operative to output a microwave signal having a first frequency f1, the second microwave channel 242 may be operative to output a microwave signal having a second frequency f2, and the third microwave channel 244 may be operative to output a microwave signal having a third frequency f3.

[0056] The first microwave channel 240 may have a first pair of bandstop filters 250, 252 at its distal end. The first pair of bandstop filters 250, 252 includes a bandstop filter 250 configured to block a second frequency and a bandstop filter 252 configured to block a third frequency.

[0057] The second microwave channel 242 may have a second pair of bandstop filters 254, 256 at its distal end. The second pair of bandstop filters 254, 256 includes a bandstop filter 254 configured to block the third frequency and a bandstop filter 256 configured to block the first frequency.

[0058] The third microwave channel 244 may have a third pair of bandstop filters 258, 260 at its distal end. The third pair of bandstop filters 258, 260 includes a bandstop filter 258 configured to block a first frequency and a bandstop filter 260 configured to block a second frequency.

[0059] Each bandstop filter may be configured as a two or three stub filter arranged to block the passage of microwave energy at certain frequencies while allowing other frequencies to pass. Thus, the signal combiner may include a network of bandstop filters. Each filter may be fabricated using any suitable transmission line structure (e.g., coaxial transmission line, microstrip, or stripline) or any other waveguide suitable for supporting microwave propagation. In a convenient arrangement, the stubs may be formed from the same type of transmission line that conveys the microwave signal along the channel. Thus, the stubs may be coaxial transmission lines having the same impedance (e.g., 50 Ω) as the coaxial transmission line through the microwave channel. Alternatively, the signal combiner may be a separate component (e.g., fabricated as a microstrip or stripline structure) having connectors (e.g., SMA connectors) at its proximal and distal ends for connection to the microwave channel and the coaxial transmission on a common junction, respectively.

[0060] The distance of each stub from the junction is designed to optimize transmission of other frequencies through that junction to the common junction 262 by presenting a parallel open circuit for that frequency at the junction location.

[0061] The number of stubs can be chosen to give the level of signal attenuation required: three stubs is usually sufficient to give 60 dB of isolation (signal attenuation).

[0062] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a bandstop filter 270 suitable for use in the signal combiner of Figure 4. The bandstop filter 270 includes a trunk transmission line 272 connecting the microwave channel to the junction 262. Three stubs 274, 276, 278 are connected in parallel to the trunk transmission line 272. The end of each stub remote from the trunk transmission line 272 is in an open circuit state.

[0063] The length L of each stub is an odd number of quarter wavelengths of the microwave energy it is to block when transmitted by the transmission line from which it is made (referred to herein as the guided wavelength). At the microwave energy frequencies discussed herein, each stub may be a single quarter wavelength.

[0064] The stubs 274, 276, 278 are spaced apart from one another along the trunk transmission line 272 by a separation distance S which is one-half the wavelength of the guided microwave energy to be blocked.

[0065] The first stub 278 is spaced from the junction 262 by a distance D that is an odd number of quarter wavelengths of the guided microwave energy to be blocked. As a result of this configuration, the open circuit at the end of each stub is a multiple of half wavelengths from the junction, so that each stub presents a parallel open circuit at the junction.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 4, it can be seen that each bandstop filter may be embodied as a set of stubs configured as described above for each wavelength to be blocked.

[0067] As previously mentioned, each stub may be formed from any suitable transmission line. In one example, each stub is formed from a coaxial transmission line (e.g., a coaxial cable) including an inner conductor separated from an outer conductor by a dielectric material. It is desirable for each stub to have the same impedance as the main transmission line (which may be, for example, 50 Ω). The outer diameter of the outer conductor may preferably be 10 mm or greater to handle microwave energy having power levels suitable for electrosurgery without excessive losses. The dielectric constant E of the dielectric material r If is equal to 2.2, the following equation can be used to determine the required size of the inner conductor:

[0068]

number

[0069] Here, Z スタブ is the desired impedance, b is the outer diameter of the outer conductor, and a is the outer diameter of the inner conductor. Thus, in the above example, a 50 Ω stub is obtained when the outer diameter a of the inner conductor is 2.9 mm. In such a coaxial transmission line, the guided wavelength λ g is given by the following formula:

[0070]

number

[0071] where c is the speed of light, f is the frequency of the microwave energy to be blocked, and E r is the relative permittivity of the dielectric material in the coaxial transmission line. Thus, at 5.8 GHz, a quarter-wave stub formed from the coaxial transmission line specified above has a length L of 8.7 mm and a half-wave spacing S of 17.4 mm.

[0072] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a stripline-based signal combiner 300 suitable for use in the electrosurgical generator of Figure 3. Signal combiner 300 is configured as a diplexer, or filter T, to combine the 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz signals from a pair of separate microwave channels on a common output 306 while isolating each source from the other at their operating frequencies.

[0073] The signal coupler 300 is made on an air stripline. Figure 6 shows the shape of the central conductor of the stripline. Air surrounds the stripline, and a layer of ground conductor (not shown), such as made of aluminum, surrounds the central conductor above, below and on the walls of the coupler. The signal coupler includes a first port 302 for receiving microwave energy at a frequency of 5.8 GHz. The first port 302 is connected to a junction 308 by a first arm 310 on which a three-stub filter 314 is formed. The signal coupler 300 further includes a second port 304 for receiving microwave energy at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The second port 304 is connected to a junction 308 by a second arm 312 on which two fan-type stub filters 316 are formed. The junction 308 is connected to a third (output) port 306 by a common arm 305.

[0074] The first port 302 and the second port 304 may each be fitted with an SMA connector (not shown) for connection to a coaxial cable carrying the associated microwave energy.

[0075] The distance between the junction 308 and the first stub on each of the first arm 310 and second arm 312 is set to an odd number of quarter wavelengths of the microwave energy transmitted by the opposite arm, as previously described, and the separation distance between the stubs and the length of the stubs away from the conductor separating them, as previously described. There are only two fan-style stub filters on the second arm 312, because that provides the level of isolation required.

[0076] Figure 7 is a simulated graph (taken from a simulation of the structure shown in Figure 6 done in CST Microwave Studio®) showing the signal response between the output port 306 and the first input port 302 of the signal combiner 300 shown in Figure 6. The graph shows that there is low loss at 5.8 GHz, but the 2.45 GHz signal is attenuated by more than -35 dB. This means that 5.8 GHz passes well on this path, but 2.45 GHz is strongly isolated.

[0077] Figure 8 is a simulated graph showing the signal response between the output port 306 and the second input port 304 of the signal combiner shown in Figure 6. The graph shows that the loss at 2.45 GHz is low, but the 5.8 GHz signal is attenuated by more than -35 dB. This means that 2.45 GHz passes well on this path, but 5.8 GHz is strongly isolated.

[0078] Figure 9 is a simulated graph showing the matched signal response at the output port 306 of the signal combiner 300 shown in Figure 6. These graphs show that both 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz are well matched at the output port.

[0079] Figure 10 is a simulated graph showing the matched signal response at the second input port 304 of the signal combiner shown in Figure 6. The signal is well matched at 2.45 GHz.

[0080] Figure 11 is a simulated graph showing the signal response between the first input port 302 and the second input port 304 of the signal combiner shown in Figure 6. It can be seen that both 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz are strongly blocked on this path.

Claims

1. 1. An electrosurgical generator comprising: an electromagnetic signal providing unit for generating microwave energy to be transmitted on each of three or more microwave channels, each of the three or more microwave channels being arranged to transmit microwave energy at a different frequency; and an output port configured to be connected to a probe for transmitting microwave energy from the three or more microwave channels; a signal combiner configured to connect the three or more microwave channels to the output port; The signal combiner includes: a bandstop filter module disposed at a distal end of each of the three or more microwave channels, the bandstop filter module for each microwave channel configured to block microwave energy at a frequency transmitted on each of the other microwave channels; a common signal path extending between the output port and a junction to which the three or more microwave channels are connected; each microwave channel includes a trunk transmission line through which microwave energy having the frequency corresponding to the microwave channel is transmitted from the electromagnetic signal supply unit to the junction; the electrosurgical generator, wherein each bandstop filter module includes a three-stub filter for each frequency of microwave energy to be blocked, the three-stub filter including three stubs connected to the trunk transmission line and presenting a parallel open circuit to the junction at the wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked.

2. 2. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signal supply unit includes a plurality of microwave sources, each of the plurality of microwave sources configured to output microwave energy at one of the frequencies transmitted by the three or more microwave channels.

3. An electrosurgical generator as described in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signal supply unit includes a single microwave source configured to output microwave energy to the three or more microwave channels.

4. 4. An electrosurgical generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the three or more microwave channels are configured to output microwave energy having any combination of two or more of the following frequencies: 433 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 14.5 GHz, 24 GHz, 60 GHz.

5. 5. An electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, further comprising a radio frequency (RF) source for generating RF energy to be delivered along an RF channel to the output port.

6. An electrosurgical generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrosurgical generator is configured to deliver high voltage pulsed DC energy to the output port.

7. An electrosurgical generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each stub is formed from the same type of transmission line as the main transmission line to which the stub is connected.

8. An electrosurgical generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each stub has the same impedance as its respective main transmission line.

9. An electrosurgical generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each main transmission line is a single type of transmission line throughout each microwave channel including the bandstop filter module.

10. 10. An electrosurgical generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the three stubs has a length equal to a quarter wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked, the three stubs being separated along the main transmission line by half a wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked, and a first stub is spaced from the junction by a distance equal to an odd number of quarter wavelengths of the microwave energy to be blocked.

11. An electrosurgical generator according to claim 10, wherein the stub is formed from a length of coaxial transmission line.

12. An electrosurgical generator as described in claim 11, wherein the coaxial transmission path has an outer conductor with a diameter of 10 mm or more.

13. An electrosurgical generator according to claim 10, wherein the stub is formed from a length of microstrip transmission line.

14. An electrosurgical generator according to claim 10, wherein the stub is formed from a length of waveguide.

15. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 10 , wherein one or more of the bandstop filter modules are configured as stripline components.

16. Each trunk line for each microwave channel is a coaxial transmission line portion extending from the electromagnetic signal supply unit to the band-stop filter module; a filter portion extending through the bandstop filter module; An electrosurgical generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the bandstop filter module has an SMA connector for connecting the coaxial transmission line section to the filter section.

17. 17. An electrosurgical generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the output port is connected to the probe via a waveguide isolator arranged in a combiner module for combining RF energy to the microwave energy.

18. 1. A microwave signal combiner for an electrosurgical generator having three or more microwave channels arranged to deliver microwave energy at different frequencies, each microwave channel including a trunk transmission line through which microwave energy having a frequency corresponding to said microwave channel is delivered from an electromagnetic signal supply unit to a junction at which the three or more microwave channels are connected, said microwave signal combiner comprising: a band stop filter module for connecting at a distal end of each of the three or more microwave channels, the band stop filter module for each microwave channel configured to block microwave energy at two or more different frequencies transmitted on the other microwave channels; a common signal path extending from the junction to which the three or more microwave channels are connected to an output port, each bandstop filter module including a three-stub filter for each frequency of microwave energy to be blocked, the three-stub filter including three stubs configured to be connected to a respective trunk transmission line and presenting a parallel open circuit to the junction at the wavelength of the microwave energy to be blocked.

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