Electrosurgical Generator

Abstract

To more easily provide expanded and upgraded output sockets and / or inverter units.SOLUTION: In an electrosurgical generator, an inverter unit and / or an output socket is configured as exchangeable module. The module comprises: a power section for the high-frequency voltage; and a data section comprising an independent memory device having stored data sets on (i) modes relating to usage of the respective module, and on (ii) representation rules defining how operational data of the respective module is to be displayed on the user interface, wherein the independent memory device is operationally connected to the control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrosurgical generator designed to output a high-frequency alternating voltage to an electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a main control unit and a high-voltage inverter that generates a high-frequency voltage having a variable frequency and amplitude supplied to an output socket for connection of the electrosurgical instrument.

Background Art

[0002] In electrosurgical or high-frequency surgical procedures, an electrosurgical instrument such as an electric scalpel is used to apply a high-frequency alternating current to human tissue. Usually, high frequencies in the radio frequency range of about 200 kHz to a maximum of 4,000 kHz are used. The tissue is locally heated by the high-frequency alternating current. Thereby, the tissue is cut or divided by heating, and the tissue is removed by thermal resection. The main advantage is that bleeding can be stopped simultaneously with cutting by closing the affected blood vessels, and the electrosurgical instrument can be used for other applications such as coagulation.

[0003] To provide electrosurgical generators for various medical fields, different types of electrosurgical generators having different components and characterized by different functionalities are required. They are used for various tasks in different surgical fields such as, for example, urology, gynecology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, ENT (ear, nose, throat), phlebology, and visceral surgery. The functions of the electrosurgical generator vary depending on the medical field and the task at hand. In particular, these functions differ in the way power is provided to the electrosurgical instrument. Various methods for supplying power to the electrosurgical instrument are typically referred to by those skilled in the art as "modes". If only tissue cutting is to be achieved, the cutting mode is selected and a medium voltage is continuously provided to the electrosurgical instrument. If coagulation is more important, a different mode, for example, a spray or coagulation mode using a fairly high voltage at a low duty cycle, is selected. There are even more different modes for other types of applications.

[0004] Therefore, different types of electrosurgical instruments are provided that require different output sockets, depending on the desired functionality. For example, there are monopolar and bipolar instruments that require monopolar and bipolar output sockets. Furthermore, there are also universal output sockets that are specially configured to accept monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical instruments.

[0005] All of this is managed by the main control unit of each electrosurgical generator. The main control unit controls the actual operation of the electrosurgical generator, including the high-frequency voltage applied to the output sockets and electrosurgical instruments, manages the user interface that displays the necessary data to the user, and processes user input. To facilitate user operation and avoid confusion about the function being used and what is actually supplied to the instrument by the output socket, it is common to use different presentation styles depending on the actual function used by the output socket being used. Thus, the visual, acoustic, and functional representations of the standard "CUT" mode are yellow-based, and the visual, acoustic, and functional representations of the standard "COAG" (coagulation) mode are blue-based, but other modes are in different systems.

[0006] This is a collaborative system that has the advantage of providing perceptual feedback to the user. However, collaborative systems are also closed systems that are difficult to expand or upgrade. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Specification No. 9666974 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3758157 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrosurgical generator that can more easily provide expanded and upgraded output sockets and / or inverter units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The solution according to the present invention is found in the features of the independent claim. The advantageous development is the subject matter of the dependent claim.

[0010] An electrosurgical generator configured to output a high-frequency AC voltage to an electrosurgical instrument, comprising a power supply unit, an inverter unit that generates a high-frequency voltage to be output to at least one output socket for connection of an electrosurgical instrument, a main control unit configured to control the operation of the electrosurgical generator, and a user interface for user input / output functionally connected to the main control unit, wherein the inverter unit and / or output socket are configured as interchangeable modules, and the module comprises a power section for the high-frequency voltage and a data section having an independent memory device storing a dataset of expression rules that define (i) modes relating to the use of the module and (ii) how the operation data of the module is displayed on the user interface, and which is operably connected to the main control unit.

[0011] First, let's explain some of the terms below.

[0012] An inverter unit is a device that provides an actual high-frequency voltage output to a surgical instrument connected to its output socket. The term inverter is fairly broad and includes actual inverter technology as well as converters and amplifiers.

[0013] In the context of this application, the term “high frequency” refers to the radio frequency range of 200 kHz to 4000 kHz generated by the inverter of an electrosurgical generator. However, with respect to an electrosurgical generator capable of driving an ultrasonic instrument, the term “high frequency” also refers to the ultrasonic frequency range, typically in the range of 20 kHz to 200 kHz (ultrasonic surgical generator). High frequency voltages, as considered high voltage in the context of this patent, can have amplitudes in the high voltage range, particularly up to 10 kV, preferably up to 4000 volts, and more preferably over 100 volts.

[0014] The core of the present invention is to configure an output socket and / or inverter unit as an interchangeable module having two specific sections. The two specific sections are a “power section” that performs the core functionality of each module, namely generating a high voltage in the case of an inverter unit, or supplying the generated voltage to an electrosurgical instrument in an appropriate manner in the case of an output socket, and a “data section” integrated into each module, having its own memory device that stores data necessary for operating the module with an electrosurgical generator and for proper representation on the electrosurgical generator’s user interface. When such a module is mounted on an electrosurgical generator, the data and information stored in the independent memory device can be accessed by the electrosurgical generator, in particular its main control unit and user interface. For this purpose, the module having the independent memory device is configured to transfer the stored dataset to a main control unit equipped with a receiver configured to retrieve the stored dataset. Thereafter, the main control unit and user interface obtain the information and data necessary for the proper use of each module and for proper representation of each module on the electrosurgical instrument’s user interface, in particular its display.

[0015] Therefore, the replaceable modules for the output sockets and inverter units bring all the information required by the main control unit and user interface for the proper and full use of the replaceable modules. Thus, providing new and improved replaceable modules becomes independent of functions already present in the main control unit or user interface. This makes it very easy to upgrade with improved replaceable modules at a later point in time, or to equip already manufactured electrosurgical generators with replaceable modules that are developed and brought to market much later. With an independent memory device in the data section, the expansion module brings all the data and information necessary for its operation and provides it to the electrosurgical generator. This "integrated" memory device provides a significant improvement in that it expands the scope of future upgrades and makes upgrades even easier.

[0016] This is especially true, for example, in the case of output sockets, when the replaceable module is user-replaceable. However, it also applies, for example, in the case of high-voltage inverter units, when the replaceable module must be replaced by a trained service technician. In either case, the new module automatically brings the data and information necessary for the proper use of the respective module, and any enhanced functionality where applicable.

[0017] The present invention offers flexibility in how data transfer is carried out between interchangeable modules and the main control unit and user interface. This can be done using a standard USB connection, a CAN interface (particularly useful when CAN is already used for the internal data bus of an electrosurgical generator), Ethernet®, or any other wired or wireless technology. Using wireless technology can offer the advantage of enabling galvanically isolated data transfer.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the main control unit operates the inverter unit to supply high-frequency voltages to the modules for each output socket according to modes retrieved from the data section of the modules for the output sockets. Thus, an output socket, which is typically just the receiving end, provides data, i.e., a specific mode applied to the main control unit from its independent memory device by an electrosurgical instrument plugged into that particular output socket, in order to operate the inverter unit in a special manner. In this way, the output socket with its independent memory device actively influences the operation of the electrosurgical generator. This greatly expands the field of use and flexibility, especially with respect to output sockets designed later and additional modes provided by their respective electrosurgical instruments.

[0019] Advantageously, the user interface includes a display manager configured to show data and information about each module according to representation rules stored in the data section of each module. The user interacts with the electrosurgical generator through the user interface with the display and obtains the necessary information from the display. Furthermore, in modern user interfaces using a touchscreen device as the display, the user also inputs their own information via the touchscreen device (although this is not a requirement, and traditional key or button type input is also possible). The type of data presented and the possible inputs differ between different electrosurgical instruments and different output sockets. New options provided by an output socket and stored in its independent memory device, such as a new mode, may require different types of data presentation and / or different types of interaction with different types of input parameters. To handle this, the independent memory device contains data about the respective representation rules, and when this data is read, the display manager presents the data or information accordingly. With respect to electrosurgical generators with multiple output sockets, it is beneficial if the user can view multiple output sockets at once. To enable this, the display manager is preferably made capable of providing a partitioned display having two or more sections, each section being assigned to one of the modules. This allows the presentation and overview given to the user to be adapted according to the actual equipment of the electrosurgical generator and according to the modules actually installed.

[0020] Preferably, the graphic representation in each section is generated and displayed using actual data relating to the respective assigned module, as defined by representation rules stored in the respective assigned module. This allows for the provision of specific, coordinated representations on the user interface, particularly in each section belonging to each module, even for modules, output sockets, and inverter units that are significantly different.

[0021] Advantageously, the independent memory device stores data and state information for each module, preferably startup and error tones, graphic information, and especially tactile, acoustic, and visual representations of the structure of menus and / or color schemes displayed on the user interface. This enables distinct new information, thereby allowing the user to clearly distinguish which modules, for example, which output sockets are actually operating, or which modules are actually subjected to error conditions. This makes it possible to add new functionality that was not anticipated at the time the electrosurgical generator and its main control unit were developed and manufactured.

[0022] Preferably, an independent memory device further stores a dataset of interactions, preferably relating to user interactions, particularly actions performed in response to the activation of hand and / or pedal switches. This allows the user to perform any new or modified type of required interaction and transmit the corresponding data to the main control unit of the electrosurgical generator, thereby enabling proper control of advanced electrosurgical instruments or modes.

[0023] More preferably, the independent memory device further stores a dataset related to static information, preferably an on-screen user manual, and / or interactive information, preferably an interactive user guide. This enables convenient and direct access to additional information necessary for the proper operation of each module. This is not only to facilitate access, but also a great advantage for safety in use because by carrying its own user manual, it is ensured that the correct user manual or other respective information, i.e., that belonging to a specific module, is used. Thereby, confusion or accidental reference to different inapplicable manuals or other information is effectively avoided. In an advantageous embodiment, the on-screen user manual can be stored directly, for example, as a pdf file or a hypertext file, or indirectly, for example, by a link to a website manual. This enables convenient access by the user. The latter option of a link to a website has further advantages, whereby access to the latest updated version can be guaranteed.

[0024] Advantageously, the independent memory device further stores additional functionality, for example, stored data blocks related to modes and / or mode sequences. Preferably, the independent memory device further stores data blocks related to additional functions, limitations, restrictions according to the presence of other modules. Thereby, the range of available modes (sequences) and their functionality can be expanded. An example of such a mode sequence is a predetermined mode sequence also called a mode algorithm. Such a series of different setting modes enables performing much more complex tasks in a controlled step-by-step manner.

[0025] Advantageously, the independent memory device has a writable section with data fields regarding the number of uses, usage history, last use time, cleaning cycles, appliance fit state, and / or module fit state. This is particularly useful for user-exchangeable modules. Thereby, even if this particular module is placed on different electrosurgical generators, the usage status of each module can be controlled. Thereby, the usage of this particular module can be monitored independently of the number of electrosurgical generators on which the module has been used, and it is possible to provide an indication that maintenance or other service is required.

[0026] Preferably, the data section further comprises a microcontroller configured to access the independent memory device and a signal transmission device for communicating with the main control unit. The microcontroller, which can be a socket module controller in the case of an output socket, manages the local independent memory device, retrieves the data necessary for operation, and processes the communication with the main control unit. Advantageously, the microcontroller is configured to retrieve a dataset regarding an interaction from the independent memory device, locally determine whether interaction conditions, such as hand switch activation or appliance startup, are met, and communicate the determination to the main control unit. Furthermore, special tasks specific to new modes, mode sequences, or other functionalities, especially, can be locally processed in the module by the microcontroller, for example, by monitoring new fault conditions that may occur due to any of the new modes, mode sequences, or other functions. If so, a general fault signal can be communicated to the main control unit. Thus, the local microcontroller facilitates the processing of functions related to new modes, mode sequences, or other functionalities, and new surgical appliances in particular.

[0027] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment where independent protection may be warranted, the microcontroller is configured to manage the operation of the inverter unit supplying high-frequency voltage to each output socket, and can further manage the content of the user interface display belonging to the output socket, particularly what is shown on the display, and how the user can interact with it. In this scenario, the main control unit is reduced to providing only basic functionality, including access to the user interface with the display. In the case of a display, this may mean that the partitioning of the display into several sections is handled centrally by the user interface, and the input of content for any of the sections is controlled by the local microcontroller of each module (output socket). For this purpose, the local microcontroller preferably includes an interpreter for a graphics language that defines the menu structure, the active elements to be displayed, the color scheme, and the stylesheet. This has the advantage that, particularly in the case of a touchscreen display, the presentation of data and acceptance of input are handled by the microcontroller of each output socket module, and a dataset of special modes provided by this module is stored in a local independent memory device. Thus, the main control unit is reduced to provide basic services and allows for general settings that affect the entire electrosurgical generator. Matters concerning each module (output socket) are processed by the module's microcontroller in cooperation with a local, independent memory device. This makes it very easy to customize electrosurgical generators with different functionalities by providing different modules (output sockets) and to modernize them by providing upgraded modules (output sockets). A similar rationale applies to modules with other functionalities, such as inverter unit modules.

[0028] Preferably, the power section of the inverter module forms an inverter unit of the electrosurgical generator, preferably a secondary inverter unit, for example, an additional inverter for providing ultrasonic HF voltage. Much of the description so far has been made in relation to modules that are output sockets, but it is also possible to configure the module as an (additional) inverter unit. This allows for the provision of a second or third inverter unit in the electrosurgical generator. Furthermore, this makes it possible to generate high-frequency voltages of different frequencies and types. This enables true dual activation of different instruments, such as two bipolar instruments. Furthermore, this makes it possible to generate different types of HF frequencies in, for example, the radio frequency range and the ultrasonic range. This allows for the use of advanced instruments that require such complex multi-frequency voltage supply.

[0029] In addition to inverter units and output sockets, different types of power sections can be used in the module. Advantageously, the power sections can form pumps, controlled drive units for motor-driven instruments, or controlled gas sources for gas supply, particularly for electrosurgical instruments. The procedures and data required to drive these modules can be supplied by an independent memory device and, therefore, independent of the original programming of the main control unit of the electrosurgical generator, thus allowing for the use of a wide variety of modules unprecedented in the concept of this invention.

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to advantageous exemplary embodiments. The figures are as follows. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This figure shows an electrosurgical generator in an exemplary embodiment with electrosurgical instruments attached. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic functional diagram of an electrosurgical generator. [Figure 3]This is a schematic diagram of the output socket module's functionality. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic signal and power flow diagram for the output socket module. [Figure 5A] This figure shows sample displays of electrosurgical generators with different configurations. [Figure 5B] This figure shows sample displays of electrosurgical generators with different configurations. [Figure 6] This is a schematic signal and power flow diagram for an inverter unit module. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a module in an electrosurgical generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrosurgical generator, is shown in Figure 1. The electrosurgical generator comprises a user interface 4 and a housing having at least one output socket 3 (in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a total of three output sockets 3, 3', 3'') for connecting electrosurgical instruments 9. The electrosurgical generator is also provided with a power cable 11 that can be connected to a power source which may be a power grid such as an AC trunk line in a building, or an off-grid source of electrical energy such as a 12-volt or 24-volt battery in a vehicle or mobile hospital. Furthermore, the user interface 4 comprises an input device such as a knob 40 for user input and a display 41 which can be optionally configured as a touchscreen and thereby also function as an input device. The display 41 shows information regarding user inputs and the status of the electrosurgical generator. The user interface 4 allows the user to issue commands and instructions to a main control unit 1 that controls the operation of the electrosurgical generator and its components, including the frequency and voltage of the AC voltage emitted by the output socket 3, as well as the operating mode.

[0033] The electrosurgical instrument 9 includes a cable 93 having a high-voltage plug 94 that is plugged into one of the output sockets, output socket 3 in the illustrated embodiment, in order to supply a high-frequency AC voltage for the operation of the electrosurgical instrument 9.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic functional diagram of the internal circuit 2 of the electrosurgical generator. The internal circuit 2 includes a power supply unit 22 supplied by electrical energy via a power cable 11, which supplies power to a DC bus 23 connected to an inverter unit 24 configured to generate high-frequency alternating current in a high-voltage range of several kilovolts. The operation of the inverter unit 24 is managed by a main control unit 1, which is connected to a user interface 4 so that the user can issue commands and instructions for the operation of the electrosurgical generator.

[0035] The main control unit 1 generates corresponding control signals and manages the relevant components of the internal circuit 2 according to these instructions and commands. This causes the inverter unit 24 to generate a high-frequency AC voltage supplied to the electrosurgical instrument 9. To achieve this, the high-frequency high-voltage output emitted by the inverter unit 24 is routed via the output connection section 25 to the power connector 32 in the output socket 3. The output connection section 25 typically comprises two conductors, one for the neutral electrode NE and the other for the active electrode AE, with a DC blocking capacitor 26 within the conductors. The electrosurgical instrument 9, with its cable 93 and attached plug 94, can be plugged into the output socket 3. The actual voltage and current of the high-frequency AC voltage supplied to the output socket 3 are measured by a voltage / current sensor 18. The measurement signal is fed back to the main control unit 1 of the electrosurgical generator by a feedback unit 19.

[0036] There exist various types of electrosurgical instruments 9 with different configurations, for example, being unipolar or bipolar, and having different plugs 94 that are mounted on one of various different output sockets 3, 3', 3''. The plugs 94 may have different configurations, and in particular, depending on whether the electrosurgical instrument 9 is unipolar or bipolar, they may have one or two prongs 95 for high-frequency AC voltage. Furthermore, optional additional prongs 96 may be provided for data signals, although data transmission to the electrosurgical instrument 9 may be contactless.

[0037] Various types of output sockets exist, including (but are not limited to) unipolar, bipolar, and universal output sockets.

[0038] Each of the output sockets 3, 3', and 3'' is configured to be a replaceable module 5. Module 5 comprises a power section 51 for high-frequency voltages used to drive the electrosurgical instrument 9 and a data section 55. The power section 51 comprises a set of power lines 35 for routing power from the connector 32 to a front plug socket 34 configured as a receptacle for the plug 94 of the electrosurgical instrument 9.

[0039] The data section 55 further comprises an independent memory device 6 and an optional microcontroller 7. The independent memory device 6 includes a data block that stores data for operating module 5 with its capacity as an output socket 3 in the electrosurgical generator. The data and information stored in the independent memory device 6 can be accessed by the electrosurgical generator, in particular its main control unit 1. For this purpose, module 5 includes a communication interface 50 which can be configured exemplary as a USB interface, a CAN interface, or an Ethernet® interface. The communication interface may also be configured as a wireless interface 50' for, for example, a Bluetooth® wireless connection. Thereafter, the main control unit 1 can retrieve the information and data necessary for the proper use of each module 5 from the independent memory device 6.

[0040] The independent memory device 6 stores data relating to the operation of each module 5 and data relating to representation rules that define how the operation data of each module 5 is displayed on the user interface, particularly for its display 41. For this purpose, the independent memory device 6 stores data blocks 61 relating to specific functionalities, such as modes, that are performed by the electrosurgical generator and its inverter unit 24 when the electrosurgical instruments 9 connected to each output socket 3 are in use, as well as additional functionalities, such as a series of different mode settings, e.g., mode sequences.

[0041] Furthermore, the independent memory device 6 stores data blocks 62 relating to the visual representation of data and status information for each module 5 and the electrosurgical instruments 9 connected to it. The data blocks 62 include, in particular, graphic information for displaying data and information for each module 5 and electrosurgical instruments 9 on the screen of the user interface 4, as well as startup tones provided to the user by the user interface 4. However, the data blocks 62 may also include other presentation data, in particular, regarding which color should be used by the multicolor LEDs 36 to illuminate the corresponding plug sockets 34 by the ambient light guide. This is an important safety feature because the illumination clearly informs the user which output socket 3 is activated and which mode is selected for the electrosurgical instrument 9, such as blue for bipolar, yellow for monopolar, or purple for special modes (e.g., for Thunderbeat instruments).

[0042] Furthermore, the independent memory device 6 may store a dataset 63 relating to interactions, preferably such as when a user activates the hand switch 91 of the electrosurgical instrument 9 and / or the pedal switch (not shown) of the electrosurgical generator. Additionally, the independent memory device 6 may store a dataset 64 relating to static information, particularly an on-screen user manual or an interactive user guide. Furthermore, the independent memory device 6 may store a data block 65 relating to additional functions or limitations, which may be conditional, particularly depending on the presence or status of other devices of the electrosurgical generator. For example, if the presence of a second inverter unit is detected, additional functionality may be activated. In addition, the independent memory device 6 includes a writable section 67 with data fields relating to the usage history, number of uses, last usage time, cleaning cycle, and fitting date of each module 5 and / or the attached electrosurgical instrument 9.

[0043] The functionality of module 5 can be extended by providing an optional microcontroller 7. The microcontroller 7 interacts with an independent memory device 6 and retrieves data blocks and datasets from it. This makes it possible to perform function processing locally on each module 5. Apart from fairly simple tasks such as detecting the activation of the hand switch 91 on the electrosurgical instrument 9 in combination with the instrument interface 56, the microcontroller 7 can include more complex tasks by working with the inverter unit 24 via the communication interface 50 on each module 5 to execute specific modes or mode sequences. Importantly, the microcontroller 7 can also control whether and when the transmission of high-frequency voltage to the electrosurgical instrument 9 should be enabled by activating the protective relay 53, depending on the mode selected and retrieved from the independent memory device 6 or the result of communication with the main control unit 1. This is an important aspect that enables improvements in safety features, especially when combined with fairly complex modes and mode sequences.

[0044] Refer to Figures 5A and 5B for representations that conform to the representation rules stored in the independent memory device 6. The user interface 4 includes a display manager 42 (see Figure 2) configured to display data and information about the operation of the electrosurgical generator and its components on the display 41. An example is shown in Figure 5A for an output socket 3 configured as module 5, which has representation rules in its independent memory device 6 that define how the operation data of module 5 is displayed. At the bottom, system information 43 for the entire electrosurgical generator is displayed. In the illustrated example, there are four different fields for accessing further information, configuring pedal switches (or hand switches), calling procedures, and general settings. These are generally centrally controlled by the user interface 4 of the electrosurgical generator. The output socket 3 for module 5, in this case "Universal 1," is shown in the upper section 45 of the display 41. However, for the graphical representation of the data of module 5, the display manager 42 provides one or more sections 44.

[0045] The content displayed in each section 44 is defined by representation rules stored in the data blocks of the independent memory device 6 of the relevant module 5. This controls which type of graphic user interface to use, which audio signals, which modes to use, and which corresponding reference documents, in particular the respective manuals, are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, two modes, "X" and "Z," are provided, one for disconnection and the other for sealing, respectively. According to the representation rules stored in the independent memory device 6, energy level indications ("200" and "120") and further indications for selected effects ("3" and "2") are provided. Furthermore, according to the representation rules for the GUI stored in the independent memory device 6, click buttons are provided for either mode, and in the illustrated embodiment, three click buttons (to the right of the energy level indication) are provided. Note that the presentations given in section 44 may be completely different for other output sockets 3 (or other modules 5 in general), as their content is defined only by the graphic representation rules stored in the independent memory device 6 of each module 5.

[0046] Figure 5B shows a modified example relating to an electrosurgical generator having six output sockets 3 configured as a module 5 with independent memory devices 6. The display manager 42 provides a section 44 on the display 41 to one of the output sockets 3, and as shown in Figure 5B, section 44' is for output sockets 3 that are not currently in use. The output sockets 3 that are actively in use are for "bipolar" and "monopolar" 2, and their graphic representations within each section 44 are defined in each case by their respective independent memory devices 6, as described above. By selecting one of the sections 44, a particular output socket 3 is brought to the front and given a graphic representation similar to that in Figure 5A, managed by the independent memory devices 6 of each module 5 and an optional microcontroller 7.

[0047] The above applies to the output socket 3 configured as module 5, but other components of the electrosurgical generator can also be configured as modules. For example, the inverter unit 24 can be configured as module 5'.

[0048] This is shown in Figure 6 and is briefly described below. The general principle follows the principle of the output socket 3 as module 5 shown in Figure 4. Elements having the same or similar function have the same reference number. Module 5' also includes an independent memory device 6', which may have a different configuration in this example, to operate as an inverter unit 24. For this purpose, the independent memory device 6' stores data blocks 61 relating to specific functionalities, such as modes, that are performed when using electrosurgical instruments 9 connected to each output socket 3 supplied with the high-frequency voltage generated by the inverter unit 24. Furthermore, the independent memory device 6' stores data blocks 62 relating to a visual representation of data and status information about the inverter unit 24 on the display 41. This data block 62 includes startup tones provided to the user by the user interface 4. Furthermore, the independent memory device 6' also stores static information about an on-screen user manual or interactive user guide as a dataset 64, and data relating to additional functions or limitations, in particular, about a specific plugged-in output socket or electrosurgical instrument 9, as a data block 65. Finally, the independent memory device 6' is provided with a writable section 67 containing data fields for the usage history of the inverter unit 24, the number of uses, the total amount of energy generated, and other relevant data. Accordingly, and taking into account communication with the main control unit 1 via the communication interface 50, the microcontroller 7 controls the operation of the inverter unit 24 by energizing the start relay 54 when it detects the activation of the electrosurgical instrument 9 by a start detection device 57 configured to detect the activation of the electrosurgical instrument 9.

[0049] Figure 7 shows an overview of one embodiment of an electrosurgical generator comprising several modules of different types. The electrosurgical generator includes multiple (four in the illustrated embodiment) output sockets 3 configured as module 5, and an inverter unit 24 configured as module 5', connected by an output connector 25. Modules 5, 5' and the main control unit 1 are communicated via a communication hub 27. In addition, additional modules may be provided, such as module 5'' for controlled gas sources, particularly for noble gases such as argon to the cutting / sealing site (or for controlled drive devices of motor-driven instruments).

[0050] The main control unit 1 communicates with various modules via the communication hub 27. Communication lines between the communication hub 27, the main control unit 1, and the various modules 5, 5', 5'' can be established directly, via a bus 28 such as USB, or via a network such as Ethernet® or CAN.

[0051] This configuration allows for the construction of different types of electrosurgical generators using modules as standardized basic elements with the same interface. This enables the rapid and efficient manufacturing of a wide variety of electrosurgical generators. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Main control unit 2 Internal circuit 3,3',3'' Output socket 4. User Interface 5,5',5'' module 6,6' Independent memory device 7 Microcontrollers 9. Electrosurgical Instruments 11 Power cable 18 Voltage / Current Sensors 19 Feedback Unit 22 Power Supply Units 23 DC Bus 24 Inverter Units 25 Output connection section 26 DC Blocking Capacitors 27 Communication Hub 28 buses 32 Power Connectors 34 Front plug sockets 35 Power Line Set 36 multicolor LED 40 Knobs 41 displays 42 Display Manager 43 System Information Sections 44, 44' 45 Upper section 50 Communication Interfaces 50' Wireless Interface 51 Power Section 53 Protective relay 54 Startup relay 55 Data Section 56. Instrument Interfaces 57 Startup detection device 61, 62, 65 data blocks 63,64 datasets 67 Writable sections 91 Hand switch 93 Cable 94 High-voltage plug 95,96 prongs

Claims

1. An electrosurgical generator configured to output a high-frequency AC voltage to an electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a power supply unit; an inverter unit that generates a high-frequency voltage to be output to at least one output socket for connection of the electrosurgical instrument; a main control unit configured to control the operation of the electrosurgical generator; and a user interface for user input / output functionally connected to the main control unit, The inverter unit and / or the output socket are configured as replaceable modules, and the modules are Power section for high-frequency voltage, (i) Modes relating to the use of the module, and (ii) A data section comprising a data set having an independent memory device that stores a dataset of representation rules that define how the operation data of the module is displayed on the user interface, and which is operably connected to the main control unit, The main control unit is An electrosurgical generator that reads the dataset from the independent memory device in the module attached to the electrosurgical generator, and displays the mode of use of the module and the operation data of the module on the user interface in accordance with the representation rules.

2. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein at least the module for the output socket is replaceable by the user.

3. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit operates the inverter unit to supply the high-frequency voltage to the output socket according to a mode retrieved from the data section.

4. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a display manager configured to show data and information relating to the module in accordance with the representation rules stored in the data section of the module.

5. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 4, wherein the display manager is enabled to provide a partitioned display having two or more sections, each of which is assigned to one of a plurality of modules.

6. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 5, wherein the graphic representation in each of the sections is generated and displayed using actual data relating to the assigned module, as defined by the representation rules stored in the assigned module.

7. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the independent memory device stores data and state information relating to the module, including data blocks relating to tactile, acoustic, and visual representations of the structure of menus and / or color schemes displayed on the user interface, which are startup and error tones and graphic information.

8. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 7, wherein the independent memory device further stores a dataset relating to actions performed in response to the activation of a hand and / or pedal switch, which is a user interaction.

9. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 7, wherein the independent memory device further stores a dataset of static information relating to an on-screen user manual and / or interactive information relating to an interactive user guide.

10. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 7, wherein the independent memory device further stores data blocks relating to modes and / or mode sequences, which is an additional functionality.

11. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 7, wherein the independent memory device further stores data blocks relating to additional functions, limitations, or restrictions depending on the presence of other modules.

12. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the independent memory device has a writable section having data fields for the number of uses, usage history, last use time, cleaning cycle, instrument fit status, and / or module fit status.

13. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the data section further comprises a microcontroller configured to access the independent memory device and a signal transmission device for communicating with the main control unit.

14. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 13, wherein the microcontroller is configured to retrieve a dataset related to interaction from the independent memory device, locally determine whether the interaction condition of hand switch activation or instrument activation is met, and communicate the determination to the main control unit.

15. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the power section of the module for the inverter unit forms an additional inverter for providing an ultrasonic HF voltage, which is a secondary inverter unit of the electrosurgical generator.

16. The electrosurgical generator according to claim 1, wherein the power section forms a controlled drive unit for a pump, a motor-driven device, or a controlled gas supply source for supplying gas to the electrosurgical device.

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