Generator unit, electrosurgical instrument, and electrosurgical system

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a generator unit for generating microwave electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for being supplied to an electrosurgical instrument. The generator unit comprises a first coaxial port configured to be connected to a first coaxial cable, the first coaxial port including a first inner connector and a first outer connector separated by a first dielectric material. The generator unit comprises a second port configured to be connected to an electrical line configured to convey a direct current and / or the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The generator unit comprises a first microwave source configured to generate the microwave electromagnetic energy in a first microwave frequency range for being supplied to the first coaxial port. The generator unit comprises a radiofrequency source configured to generate the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range offset from the first microwave frequency range, the radiofrequency source including a first output and a second output. The radiofrequency source is configured to be coupled to the first coaxial port and the second port such that the first output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and the second output is electrically connected to the second port. Some other embodiments provide an electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical system.

Description

[0001] GENERATOR UNIT, ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT, AND ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a generator unit for generating microwave electromagnetic energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for being supplied to an electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue.

[0004] The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue using microwave electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for treating tissue. The electrosurgical instrument can be configured to grasp biological tissue and deliver microwave energy into the grasped tissue to seal the tissue by coagulation or cauterisation. The electrosurgical instrument may be used to apply pressure to close one or more blood vessels before applying electromagnetic radiation (for example microwave energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy) to seal the blood vessel(s). The electrosurgical instrument may also be arranged to cut, e.g. separate or divide, the vessel or surrounding tissue after coagulation or sealing, e.g. using radiofrequency (RF) energy, microwave energy, and / or a mechanical cutting element, such as a blade. The invention may be applied to a vessel sealer for use in laparoscopic surgery or open surgery as well as to an endoscopic instrument. However, the invention is not limited to a vessel sealer. The invention may also refer to other types of electrosurgical instruments, for example for ablating and / or heating tissue.

[0005] The invention further refers to an electrosurgical system which comprises the generator, the electrosurgical instrument, and an interface cable.

[0006] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0007] Electrosurgical instruments for delivering heat energy into grasped biological tissue are known. For example, it is known to deliver microwave energy from a bipolar electrode arrangement in the jaws of a forceps. The microwave energy may be used to seal a vessel by thermal denaturation of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g. collagen) within the vessel wall. The heat energy may also cauterise the grasped tissue and facilitate coagulation.

[0008] Such devices typically find application on the end of minimally invasive surgical laparoscopic tools but can equally find use in other clinical procedural areas such as gynaecology, endourology, gastrointestinal surgery, ENT procedures, or endoscopic procedures. Depending on the context of use, these devices can have differing physical construction, size, scale and complexity.

[0009] For example, a gastrointestinal instrument might be nominally of 3 mm diameter mounted on to the end of a very long flexible shaft. In contrast, a laparoscopic instrument may be used on the end of an industry standard nominal 5mm or 10mm diameter rigid or steerable steel shaft.

[0010] US 6,585,735 describes an endoscopic bipolar forceps in which the jaws of the forceps are arranged to conduct bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween. EP 2233 098 describes microwave forceps for sealing tissue in which the sealing surfaces of the jaws include one or more microwave antennas for radiating microwave energy into tissue grasped between the jaws of the forceps.

[0011] WO 2015 / 097472 describes electrosurgical forceps in which one or more pairs of non-resonant unbalanced lossy transmission line structures are arranged on the inner surface of a pair of jaws.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] At its most general, the present disclosure provides an electrosurgical system which allows the transmission of electromagnetic energy of various frequencies for treating tissue and / or providing data communication via a single interface cable. The use of a single interface cable increases the variability of treatment options and / or data exchange between the electrosurgical instrument and the generator unit while using the same generator unit and interface cable.

[0014] The generator unit may be provided for generating microwave electromagnetic energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for various types of electrosurgical instruments that can enable fine tissue cutting, and dissection to be performed on tissue, ablation of tissue, and / or heating of tissue. The ports of the generator unit for electrically connecting the generator unit to the electrosurgical instruments are connected to the various sources of electromagnetic energy (e.g. one or more generators) of the generator unit in such a way that the number of ports can be reduced whilst allowing variability in supplying the electromagnetic energy.

[0015] The electrosurgical instruments may provide additional functionality, such as sealing biological tissue, such as (blood) vessels, using a confined microwave field that can yield a well-defined seal location with low thermal margin. With these additional functions, fewer device interchanges may be needed during a procedure. At same time, the configuration of the generator unit allows to supply various tapes of electromagnetic energy to the electrosurgical instrument as required.

[0016] The electrosurgical instruments disclosed herein may be used in any type of surgical procedure, but it is expected to find particular utility for non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures. For example, the device may be configured to be introduced to a treatment site through an instrument channel of a surgical scoping device, such as a laparoscope or an endoscope.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a generator unit for generating microwave electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for being supplied to an electrosurgical instrument. The generator unit comprises a first coaxial port, a second port, a first microwave source, and / or a radiofrequency source. The first coaxial port is configured to be connected to a first coaxial cable. The first coaxial port includes a first inner connector and a first outer connector separated by a first dielectric material. The second port is configured to be connected to an electrical line configured to convey a direct current and / or the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The first microwave source is configured to generate the microwave electromagnetic energy in a first microwave frequency range for being supplied to the first coaxial connector. The radiofrequency source is configured to generate the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range offset from the microwave frequency range. The radiofrequency source includes a first output and a second output. The radiofrequency source is configured to be coupled to the first coaxial port and the second port such that such that (i) the first output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and (ii) the second output is electrically connected to the second port.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue using microwave electromagnetic energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for treating tissue. The electrosurgical instrument is configured to be connected to the generator unit as described herein. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a first coaxial instrument port, a second instrument port, and a radiating device. The first coaxial instrument port configured to be connected to a first coaxial cable. The first coaxial instrument port includes a first inner instrument connector and a first outer instrument connector separated by a third dielectric material. The second instrument port is configured to be connected to an electrical line configured to convey a direct current and / or the radiofrequency energy. The radiating device is provided for emitting the microwave electromagnetic energy and / or the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to a tissue proximate to the radiating device. The radiating device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the first inner instrument connector. The second electrode is electrically coupled to the first outer instrument connector. The third electrode is electrically coupled to the second instrument port.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrosurgical system which comprises the generator unit as described herein, the electrosurgical instrument as described herein, and an interface cable having a first cable connector and a second cable connector. The first cable connector is configured to connect to the first coaxial port and the second port. The second cable connector is configured to connect to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port.

[0020] In this way, a single type of interface cable can be used for supplying microwave electromagnetic energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy from the generator unit to the electrosurgical instrument. Optionally, it is possible to reduce the crosstalk or interference of the microwave electromagnetic energy and the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy although the same electrical lines are used for both type of electromagnetic energy. In this way, the number of electrical lines within the interface cable can be reduced allowing a reduction of a diameter of the interface cable by simultaneously providing flexibility in the options of supplying electromagnetic energy through the coaxial cable.

[0021] Further, high instrument functionality can be realised without needing bespoke multipolar connectors. Simple coaxial connectors can be sourced from many manufacturers, reducing the risk and cost to supply. A further optional advantage is that data, control, and monitoring can be fully configured using software. No hardware modifications may be required, such as allocation of multipolar contacts at design time, or change of multipolar contacts for new electrosurgical instruments. This may allow add further functionalities to the generator unit using software update because of the high variability of generator unit. The generator unit and / or the electrosurgical instrument may be configured to generate and emit, respectively, only radiofrequency electromagnetic energy, for example for cutting, coagulating, and / or heating tissue.

[0022] The generator unit may be configured to generate electromagnetic energy of a fixed single frequency or of a plurality of fixed single frequencies in the respective frequency ranges. Alternatively or additionally, the generator unit may be tuneable to generate electromagnetic energy of various frequencies, for example in a continuous range of frequencies between a minimum frequency and a maximum frequency. The generator unit may be connected to a power supply which provides the energy for generating the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy and / or microwave electromagnetic energy.

[0023] Optionally, the generator unit generates the radiofrequency energy and / or microwave energy which is conveyed via the interface cable to the radiating device where the radiofrequency energy and / or microwave energy is radiated into the treatment site.

[0024] The generator unit includes the first microwave source which is optionally provided for generating solely microwave electromagnetic energy in the first microwave frequency range. As outlined above, the first microwave source may be configured to generate microwave electromagnetic energy having a fixed or preset single frequency, a fixed or preset plurality of frequencies, or a frequency that can be tuned (for example using a user interface of the generator unit). These frequencies are within the microwave frequency range. The first microwave source may include a generator for generating electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency range. The first microwave source may be part of a microwave channel for the supply of microwave electromagnetic energy.

[0025] The radiofrequency source of the generator unit may be configured to provide radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range. The radiofrequency source may be configured to generate radiofrequency electromagnetic energy having a fixed or preset single frequency, a fixed or preset plurality of frequencies, or a frequency that can be tuned (for example using the user interface of the generator unit). These frequencies are within the first frequency range (which may be regarded as a first radiofrequency frequency range). The first frequency range does not overlap with the microwave frequency range. For example, the first frequency range is offset from the microwave frequency range by at least 10 kHz, 50 kHz, 100 kHz, 1MHz, 5 MHz, or 10 MHz Optionally, the first frequency range is offset from the microwave frequency range by such a degree that electrical filters can be used for separating the first frequency range from the microwave frequency range.

[0026] The radiofrequency source may be regarded as a radiofrequency generator. The radiofrequency source may be part of a radiofrequency channel for the supply of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy.

[0027] The first output and the second output of the radiofrequency source may be regarded as ports, an interface, and / or which allows the electrical connection of electrical wires to the radiofrequency source. The electrical wires may be permanently attached to the first output and the second output and may constitute a part of electrical circuitry of the generator unit. The first output and the second output may correspond to a first pole and a second pole, respectively. Electrical currents may flow between the first output and the second output and / or a voltage of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy can be measured between the first output and the second output. The first output is electrically coupled to the first outer connector and the second output is electrically coupled to the second port. This may include a permanent electrical connection between the first port and the first outer connector as well as the second output and the second port. For example, internal wiring of the generator unit electrically connects the radiofrequency source permanently with the first outer connector and the second port.

[0028] However, it is also possible that the generator unit may include a switching network which provides the possibility for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first output from the first outer connector and the second output from the second port. An example of the switching network is a first switching unit that will be described further below. In other words, the generator unit may provide means for electrically disconnecting and connecting the radiofrequency source from the first outer connector and the second port.

[0029] The first microwave source may be regarded as a microwave generator and / or includes a first microwave output and a second microwave output. The first microwave output and the second microwave output of the first microwave source may be regarded as ports, an interface, and / or which allows the electrical connection of electrical wires to the first microwave source. The electrical wires may be permanently attached to the first microwave output and the second microwave output and may constitute a part of electrical circuitry of the generator unit. The first microwave output and the second microwave output may correspond to a first pole and a second pole of the first microwave source, respectively. Electrical currents may flow between the first microwave output and the second microwave output and / or a voltage of the microwave electromagnetic energy can be measured between the first microwave output and the second microwave output.

[0030] The first microwave output is electrically coupled to the first inner connector and the second microwave output is electrically coupled to the first outer connector, for example by a coaxial cable internal to the generator unit. This may include a permanent electrical connection between the first microwave port and the first inner connector as well as the second microwave output and the first outer connector. For example, internal wiring of the generator unit (e.g. an internal coaxial cable) electrically connects the first microwave source permanently with the first coaxial port.

[0031] However, it is also possible that the switching network of the generator unit provides the possibility for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first microwave output from the first inner connector and the second microwave output from the first outer connector. An example of the switching network is a second switching unit that will be described further below. In other words, the generator unit may provide means for electrically disconnecting and connecting the first microwave source from the first coaxial port.

[0032] The first coaxial port and the second port may be arranged on a housing of the generator unit (e.g. a generator housing). The first coaxial port and the second port may be accessible from the outside and / or exposed on the generator housing. For example, it is possible to connect the first cable connector to the first coaxial port and the second port.

[0033] The first coaxial port and the second port may be arranged adjacent or approximate to each other. The first coaxial port and the second port are electrically isolated from each other. The first coaxial port and the second port may form a generator cable interface which may be a unitary component. The generator cable interface may form a single plug or socket. The first cable connector may also be a unitary component and / or may form a single plug or socket. The first cable connector, the generator cable interface, the first coaxial port, and / or the second port may provide means for mechanically and / electrically connecting the interface cable to the generator unit. For example, attaching the first cable connector to the generator cable interface both mechanically and electrically connects the interface cable to the generator unit.

[0034] The first coaxial port may have a configuration similar to a commonly known coaxial cable. The first outer connector may correspond to an outer conductor or shield of the coaxial cable. The first outer connector may have a circular shape in a cross-sectional view and / or may have a centre in a cross-sectional view that is coaxial to the first inner connector. The first inner connector and the first outer connector are electrically isolated from each other by the first dielectric material, which may be similar to the dielectric material used in a coaxial cable. The first coaxial port may correspond to a port or connector that is used for attaching a commonly used coaxial cable.

[0035] The second port may include a plug or socket for attaching a single wire. The second port may include only a single electrical line compared to the first coaxial port which includes two electric lines. The first microwave source can be solely connected to the first coaxial port and not to the second port. In contrast thereto, the radiofrequency source can be connected to both the first coaxial port, in particular the first outer connector, and the second port.

[0036] The interface cable may include a commonly known coaxial cable (e.g. a first coaxial cable) and a single wire / cable or electrical line. The first coaxial cable of the interface cable may be connected to the first coaxial port and the single wire or electrical line is connected to the second port. Thus, the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy can be conveyed along the first outer conductor of the first coaxial cable of the interface cable and the single wire or electrical line of the interface cable. The microwave electromagnetic frequency can become supplied along the first inner connector and the first outer connector of the first coaxial cable of the interface cable. Thus, even when the microwave electromagnetic energy and the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy are simultaneously conveyed along the interface cable, the microwave electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy do not use the same electrical lines. This allows the reduction of interference and crosstalk between the microwave electromagnetic energy and the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy.

[0037] The first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port of the electrosurgical instrument may have to same optional features, characteristics, and / or embodiments as the first coaxial port and the second port, respectively, of the generator unit. The first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port may allow the mechanical and / or electrical connection of the interface cable to the electrosurgical instrument.

[0038] The third dielectric material may have the same characteristics and / or is made from the same material as the first dielectric material. The first dielectric material and / or the third dielectric material may have to same characteristics and / or are made from the same material as the dielectric material from the first coaxial cable of the interface cable.

[0039] The radiating device may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of the patient for reaching the treatment site. The radiating device may form an antenna for emitting microwave and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The radiating device may form a forceps-type or scissor-type like arrangement. For example, the radiating device may include a first jaw and a second jaw which are configured to clamp to clamp tissue therebetween. The electromagnetic energy that is emitted by the radiating device may be used for sealing, coagulating, heating, ablating, and / or cutting tissue clamped between the jaws of the radiating device. The radiating device may be used for ablation therapies and / or may not include a clamp, e.g. a first jaw and a second jaw. Rather, the radiation device may have cylindrical shape or a conical shape formed by the antenna structure of the radiating device or on which the antenna of the radiating device is located.

[0040] The first electrode, the second electrode, and / or the third electrode may each include electrically conductive material such as metal or a metal alloy. The first electrode, the second electrode and, / or the third electrode may be arranged exposed on an outer surface of the radiating device so that they are configured to contact tissue.

[0041] The electrosurgical instrument includes internal wiring and / or a transmission line for connecting the first to third electrodes to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port. The transmission line may provide a permanent connection of the first to third electrodes to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port. Alternatively, an electrical switch and / or a removable connection may be provided within the transmission line. The electrical switch may be provided for disconnecting the connection of the first to third electrodes to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port. The removable connection may be provided for electrically and mechanically removing the first to third electrodes from the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port.

[0042] The second electrode may have a dual functionality, e.g. is involved in the emission of microwave energy and radiofrequency energy. The second electrode may act as a return or ground electrode for the emission of microwave electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The third electrode may be an active electrode for the emission of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, e.g. for radiofrequency cutting. Further, the first electrode and the second electrode can seal tissue by the emission of microwave electromagnetic energy. For example, the first electrode can be an active electrode for emitting microwave energy for microwave sealing and the second electrode can be a ground electrode for confining the emitted microwave energy.

[0043] The first to third electrodes may be electrically isolated from each other. For example, dielectric material is provided between the respective pairs of the first to third electrodes. The second electrode (e.g. the ground electrode) may be provided by an electrically conductive outer shell of the first jaw and / or the second jaw of the radiating device. The first electrode and / or the third electrode may be exposed on the inner surface of the first jaw and / or the second jaw for contacting tissue that is clamped between the jaws.

[0044] The interface cable may include one or more coaxial cables and one or more electrical wires which are isolated from each other. The one or more coaxial cables and the one or more electrical wires can be surrounded by a common sheath or cover for providing a single external surface. The sheath or cover may be made from a plastic material that may optionally be configured to be sterilised.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a first switching unit which is configured to - in a first switching state - electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the first coaxial port and the second port such that (i) the first output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and (ii) the second output is electrically connected to the second port.

[0046] In this way, the radiofrequency source may be electrically connected or disconnected to the first coaxial port and the second port. The first switching state may be that state of the first switching unit in which the radiofrequency source is electrically connected to the first coaxial port and the second port. The first switching unit may allow selection of the first switching state so that the radiofrequency source can be selectively connected to the first coaxial port and the second port. This may be used for controlling the supply of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to the electrosurgical instrument. In this case, the supply of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to the electrosurgical instrument can be stopped by selectively ending the first switching state while the generation of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy does not need to be stopped.

[0047] The first switching unit may include one or more electrical switches and / or one or more relays, for example electronic or mechanical relays. The first switching unit may be controlled by a user via the user interface arranged on the housing of the generator. The user interface may include one or more dials, one or more mechanical switches, and / or a touchscreen.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the second port is a second coaxial port configured to be connected to a second coaxial cable, wherein optionally the second coaxial port includes a second inner connector and a second outer connector separated from the second inner connector by a second dielectric material. Further optionally, the first switching unit is configured to - in the first switching state - electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the second coaxial port such that (i) the second output is electrically connected to the second outer connector and (ii) the first output is electrically connected to the first outer connector. In some examples, the generator unit further includes a second microwave source configured to generate microwave electromagnetic energy for being supplied to the second coaxial port.

[0049] In this way, two coaxial cables can be used for simultaneously supplying both microwave and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to the electrosurgical instrument. At the same time, the interference or crosstalk between the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy and the microwave electromagnetic energy can be reduced because power of the microwave electromagnetic energy is supplied via the inner conductors of the coaxial cables and the power of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy is applied via the outer conductors or shields of the two coaxial cables.

[0050] The second coaxial port may have to same optional features, characteristics, and / or embodiments as the first coaxial port. For example, the second dielectric material of the second coaxial port may be made the same material as the first dielectric material. Further, the first coaxial port and the second coaxial port may be part of the unitary generator cable interface as described above. For example, the first coaxial port is identical to the second coaxial port.

[0051] The first switching unit connects - in the first switching state - the first output to the first outer connector and the second output to the second outer connector. Thus, the outputs of the radiofrequency source are supplied to the outer connectors of the first coaxial port and the second coaxial port and, therefore, are supplied along the outer conductors of the first and second coaxial cables of the interface cable. The second microwave source may include the same optional features, characteristics, and / or embodiments as the first microwave source. The second microwave source may generate microwave electromagnetic energy of a frequency that is different that the frequency of the microwave electromagnetic energy generated by the first microwave source. However, both frequencies are optionally within the microwave frequency range. The second microwave source may generate microwave electromagnetic energy in a second microwave frequency range that is offset from the first microwave frequency range and / or the first frequency range.

[0052] The first coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable may be the only cables and / or electrical lines in the interface cable. Thus, the interface cable may consist of the first coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable. The first coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable may be surrounded by a common sheath. The second coaxial cable may have to same optional features, characteristics and / or embodiments as the first coaxial cable. For example, the first coaxial cable is identical to the second coaxial cable.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the second instrument port is a second coaxial instrument port configured to be connected to a second coaxial cable, wherein optionally the second coaxial instrument port includes a second inner instrument connector and a second outer instrument connector and separated from the second inner connector by a fourth dielectric material. Further optionally, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a fourth electrode that is electrically coupled to the second inner instrument connector. In some examples, the third electrode is electrically coupled to the second outer instrument connector.

[0054] The second coaxial instrument port may have to same optional features, characteristics, and / or embodiments as the first coaxial instrument port. For example, the fourth dielectric material of the second coaxial instrument port may be made the same material as the third dielectric material. Further, the first coaxial instrument port and the second coaxial instrument port may be part of the unitary instrument cable interface as described above. For example, the first coaxial instrument port is identical to the second coaxial instrument port.

[0055] The fourth electrode may have to same optional features, characteristics, and / or embodiments as the first electrode. The third electrode may have a dual functionality, e.g. is involved in the emission of microwave energy and radiofrequency energy. The third electrode may act as a return or ground electrode for the emission of microwave electromagnetic energy and as an active electrode for the emission radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for radiofrequency cutting. Further, the fourth electrode and the third electrode can seal tissue by the emission of microwave electromagnetic energy. For example, the fourth electrode can be an active electrode for emitting microwave energy for microwave sealing and the third electrode can be a ground electrode for confining the emitted microwave energy.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a second switching unit connected to the first coaxial port, the second coaxial port, the first microwave source, and the second microwave source, wherein optionally the second switching unit is configured to electrically connect (i) the first microwave source to the first coaxial connector or the second coaxial connector or (ii) the second microwave source to the other one of the first coaxial connector or the second coaxial connector which is not connected to the first microwave source. In this way, the second switching unit may provide to selectively connect - in a first microwave switching state - the first microwave source to the first coaxial port and the second microwave source to the second coaxial port and - in a second microwave switching state - the second microwave source to the first coaxial port and the first microwave source to the second coaxial port. In other words, the second switching unit allows to selectively switch one the microwave sources to one of the coaxial ports. The second switching unit allows the application of microwave electromagnetic energy of the first microwave source either to the first and second electrodes or to the third and fourth electrodes. Similar considerations apply for the application of microwave electromagnetic energy generated by the second microwave source. This increases the variability in applying microwave electromagnetic energy to the tissue and / or may enhance the variability in sealing tissue.

[0057] The second switching network may include one or more electrical switches and / or one or more relays.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, the first switching unit is configured to - in a second switching state - electrically connect the radiofrequency source (i) to the first coaxial port such that the first output is electrically connected to the first inner connector and the second output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and / or (ii) to the second coaxial port such that the first output is electrically connected to the second inner connector and the second output is electrically connected to the second outer connector.

[0059] In this way, it is possible to supply the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy along the first coaxial cable or the second coaxial cable. Thus, in the second switching state, the same electrodes for the emission of microwave electromagnetic energy also emit radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The second switching state may be selected if no microwave electromagnetic energy is supplied to the electrosurgical instrument. The second switching state increases the variability of applying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to the tissue because a different pair of the first to fourth electrodes can be used for emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic energy compared to the first switching state.

[0060] The generator unit may include a first combiner and / or a second combiner. The first combiner may be electrically coupled between the first coaxial port and the first microwave source, optionally the second switching unit. The second combiner may be electrically coupled between the second (coaxial) port and the second microwave source, optionally the second switching unit. The first combiner combines the electromagnetic energy from the radiofrequency source and the first microwave source and emit the combined electromagnetic energy to the first coaxial port. The second combiner combines the electromagnetic energy from the radiofrequency source and the second microwave source and emit the combined electromagnetic energy to the second (coaxial) port. Commonly known combiners can be used for the first and / or second combiner

[0061] In optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a communication source for generating alternating electromagnetic energy in a second frequency range offset from the first frequency range and the microwave frequency range (e.g. the first and / or second microwave frequency ranges). Optionally, the communication source includes a first communication output electrically connected to the first outer connector and a second communication output electrically connected to the second port, optionally the second outer connector. The communication source may be provided for generating and / or receiving signals and / or data. The communication source may be regarded as a transceiver for sending and / or receiving signals. The communication source may also be configured for processing the received signals and / or data. The generated signals may be sent to the electrosurgical instrument via the interface cable and / or the received signals may be generated by a control of the electrosurgical instrument and transmitted via the interface cable. The communication source may be part of a communication channel of the electrosurgical system.

[0062] The signals generated by the communication source may be or use alternating currents (AC) or electromagnetic energy in a second frequency range. For example, the communication source communicates with the electrosurgical instrument using ISM radio bands that are portions of the radio spectrum reserved internationally for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes, excluding applications in telecommunications. For example, frequencies of 27MHz, 433MHz, 915MHz, 2.45GHz are used. The signals and / or data may be exchanged in the communication channel using carrier waves having the above-described carrier frequencies. Thus, the signals are modulated onto the carrier waves. The communication source may have the functionality of both generating the carrier wave and modulating the signals and / or data onto the carrier waves. The communication source may include a bi-directional half or full-duplex RF modulation transceiver

[0063] The communication source may be regarded as including a radiofrequency generator. The first communication output and the second communication output of the communication source may be regarded as ports, an interface, and / or which allows the electrical connection of electrical wires to the communication source. The electrical wires may be permanently attached to the first communication output and the second communication output and may constitute a part of electrical circuitry of the generator unit. The first communication output and the second communication output may correspond to a first pole and a second pole, respectively. Electrical currents may flow between the first communication output and the second communication output and / or a voltage of the alternating electromagnetic energy can be measured between the first communication output and the second communication output.

[0064] The first communication output is electrically coupled to the first outer connector and the second communication output is electrically coupled to the second port, optionally the second outer connector. This may include a permanent electrical connection between the first communication port and the first outer connector as well as the second output and the second port, optionally the second outer connector. For example, internal wiring of the generator unit electrically connects the communication source permanently with the first outer connector and the second port, optionally the second outer connector.

[0065] The communication source may be controlled by the user interface. Further, the generator unit may include a display for displaying information and / or data received from the electrosurgical instrument.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises an DC source for generating for a direct current. Optionally, the DC source includes a first DC output electrically connected to the first outer connector and a second DC output is electrically connected to the second port, optionally the second outer connector. In this way, the generator unit may also be configured to provide direct current for powering electrical components on the electrosurgical instrument. These electrical components of the electrosurgical instrument may be used for controlling and / or monitoring the electrosurgical instrument, and / or powering detectors and / or sensors for measuring physical parameters at or close the electrosurgical instrument.

[0067] The DC source may include an AC generator for generating an alternating current and an alternating-to-direct current converter (AC / DC converter) for generating a direct current from the alternating current received from the AC generator. Further, the AC generator may be decoupled from the AC / DC converter in that no direct current can flow from the AC generator to the AC / DC converter. For example, this DC isolation may be provided by one or more transformers and / or capacitors electrically coupled between the AC generator and the AC / DC converter. The DC source may generate a direct current having a voltage between 0.1 V and 20 V, optionally between 1 V and 10V, optionally 5V.

[0068] The first DC output is electrically coupled to the first outer connector and the second DC output is electrically coupled to the second port, optionally the second outer connector. This may include a permanent electrical connection between the first DC port and the first outer connector as well as the second DC output and the second port, optionally the second outer connector. For example, internal wiring of the generator unit electrically connects the DC source permanently with the first outer connector and the second port, optionally the second outer connector.

[0069] The first output, the first communication output, and / or the first DC output may be electrically connected to a common first electrical wire and / or first node which are connected to the first outer connector. The second output, the second communication output, and / or the second DC output may be electrically connected to a common second electrical wire and / or second node which are connected to the second outer connector.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a lowpass instrument filter and a controller. Optionally, the lowpass instrument filter is electrically coupled between the controller and the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, optionally the second outer instrument connector. Further optionally, the lowpass filter is configured to pass DC direct current for powering the controller.

[0071] In this way, the DC source can be used for powering a controller on the electrical surgical instrument. The DC current can be supplied along the interface cable without requiring separate electrical lines for the DC current and / or may form a DC channel. The DC power is supplied along the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable and the second coaxial cable.

[0072] The controller may include a processor (e.g. a microprocessor) and a memory. Algorithms, programs, and / or other functionalities may be stored on the memory and executed by the processor. The controller may be configured to control sensors, detectors, and / or other electrical or electronic components arranged in and / or on the electrosurgical instrument. Further, the controller may be configured to power the sensors, detectors, and / or other electrical or electronic components arranged in and / or on the electrosurgical instrument. To this end, the controller electrically connected to and / or in data communication with the sensors, detectors, and / or other electrical or electronic components arranged in and / or on the electrosurgical instrument. The lowpass instrument filter may be configured to block the transmission of alternating (AC) currents and pass a transmission of a direct current. Optionally, the lowpass instrument filter may be configured to pass a transmission of direct current and AC currents having a frequency below the first frequency range, the second frequency range, and / or the microwave frequency range. Conventional lowpass filters for providing the transmission of direct currents can be used for the lowpass instrument filter, for example a differential-mode choke.

[0073] The controller may be electrically connected to the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, optionally the second outer instrument connector. This may include a permanent electrical connection between the controller and the first outer instrument connector as well as the second instrument port, optionally the second outer instrument connector. For example, internal wiring of the electrosurgical instrument electrically connects the controller permanently to the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, optionally the second outer instrument connector.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a first bandpass instrument filter and an instrument interface. Optionally, the first bandpass instrument filter is electrically coupled between the instrument interface and the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, optionally the second outer instrument connector. Further optionally, the first bandpass instrument filter is configured to pass radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range.

[0075] In this way, the first bandpass instrument filter prevents electromagnetic energy in the first and / or second microwave frequency ranges and / or in the second frequency range from reaching the instrument interface. Thus, the instrument interface may be connected to electrodes of the radiating device which are intended for the emission of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. Thus, the provision of the first bandpass instrument filter provides that the radiofrequency electrode (i.e. those electrodes involved in the emission of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy) do not emit microwave electromagnetic energy.

[0076] The first bandpass instrument filter may include commonly known bandpass filters which block the transmission of electromagnetic energy that does not corresponds with the first frequency range. Thus, only electromagnetic energy having a frequency in the first frequency range is passed through the first bandpass instrument filter. The radiofrequency source, the first bandpass filter, the first bandpass instrument filter, and / or the instrument interface may be components of the radiofrequency channel for supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to the radiating device.

[0077] The instrument interface may include a permanent or removable electrical connection between the first bandpass instrument filter and the radiating device. For example in case of a permanent connection, the instrument interface may correspond to one or more electrical lines for supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy from the first bandpass instrument filter to the radiating device. In case of a removal electrical connection, the instrument interface may provide a removable mechanic and / or electrical connection between a first portion of the electrosurgical instrument including the first bandpass instrument filter and a second portion of the electrosurgical instrument including the radiating device.

[0078] The radiating device may include a fifth electrode and / or a sixth electrode. The fifth electrode and the sixth electrode may be connected to the first bandpass instrument filter and / or are provided for emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic energy into the treatment site. In this case, the first to fourth electrodes may be used solely for emitting microwave electromagnetic energy into the treatment site. This optional embodiment allows a separation of the application of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (using the fifth and sixth electrodes) from the application of microwave electromagnetic energy (using the first to fourth electrodes). The fifth and sixth electrodes may be electrically isolated from each other and / or from the first to fourth electrodes.

[0079] In an optional embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a second bandpass instrument filter and a communication transceiver, which optionally are part of the communication channel. Optionally, the second bandpass instrument filter is electrically coupled between the communication transceiver and the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, optionally the second outer instrument connector. Further optionally, the second bandpass instrument filter is configured to pass radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range.

[0080] In this way, the second bandpass instrument filter prevents electromagnetic energy in the first and / second microwave frequency ranges and / or in the first frequency range from reaching the communication transceiver. Thus, the communication transceiver may be connected to - via the interface cable - to the communication source for providing signal and / or data exchange between the generator unit and the electrosurgical instrument (e.g. forming a communication channel).

[0081] The second bandpass instrument filter may include commonly known bandpass filters which block the transmission of electromagnetic energy that does not corresponds with the second frequency range. Thus, only electromagnetic energy having a frequency in the second frequency range is passed through the second bandpass instrument filter. This may provide that the data communication between the generator unit and the electrosurgical instrument is not disturbed by the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to be supplied to the radiating device. Further, high electromagnetic energy in the first and / or second microwave frequency ranges and / or the first frequency range may be blocked from being supplied to the communication transceiver which potentially damages the communication transceiver.

[0082] The communication transceiver may be a commonly known electrical and / or electronic instrument for receiving and / or sending data signals using the ISM standard bands. For example, the communication transceiver may have the functionality of both generating the carrier wave and modulating the signals and / or data onto the carrier waves. The communication transceiver may include a bi-directional half or full-duplex RF modulation transceiver.

[0083] In an optional embodiment, the communication transceiver is electrically coupled to the controller and / or in data communication with the controller. Optionally, the communication transceiver is powered by the controller.

[0084] In this way, the communication transceiver may be configured to receive the data and / or signals generated by the communication source, process the data and / or signals, and / or forward the processed data and / or signals to the controller for further processing and / analysing thereof. Similarly, data and / or signals that are generated by the controller may be converted by the communication transceiver into data and / or signals using the ISM standard bands to be sent to the communication source. Optionally, the communication source may also include a communication transceiver and a controller. In this way, a bidirectional communication channel may be provided. Of course, a mono-directional communication channel can also be provided, e.g. for receiving data from the electrosurgical instrument by the generator unit.

[0085] The controller may also be configured to power the communication transceiver using power received from the DC source via the interface cable and the lowpass instrument filter (e.g. via the DC channel).

[0086] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises an RF port separate from the first coaxial port and the second (coaxial) port. Optionally, the RF port is configured to be connected to a first cable configured to convey radiofrequency energy. Further optionally, the first switching network is configured to electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the RF port.

[0087] In this way, the generator unit further enhances versatility in that the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy may not only be supplied via the first coaxial port and the second port but also via the RF port. Thus, the generator unit may be used with existing electrical instruments that only allow connection to RF ports and do not support connection to a coaxial port.

[0088] Optionally, the RF port includes a first RF connector which is electrically connected to the first outer connector and / or the RF port includes a second RF connector which is electrically connected to the second port, optionally the second outer connector. The first RF connector and / or the second RF connector may be commonly known connectors for attaching wires and / or bipolar cables for supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy.

[0089] The RF port may be exposed and / or arranged on the housing of the generator unit so that it is accessible by a user. The RF port may include commonly known connectors, plugs, and / or sockets for connecting the first cable which may be a commonly used cable for supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy.

[0090] The first cable may be separate from the interface cable. Further, the RF port may be separate from the first coaxial port and the second port. For example, the RF port may be separate from the generator cable interface. The first cable connector of the interface cable may be configured not to be connected to the RF port. Similarly, the first cable may be configured to be not connected to the first coaxial port and / or the second port.

[0091] The first switching unit may include a third switching state in which the first output and the second output are electrically connected to the RF port. The RF port may not be connected and / or may not be configured to be connected to the first outer connector and / or the second port, optionally the second outer connector. The first switching unit may be configured to be either in the first switching state, the second switching state, or the third switching state. Thus, the first switching unit may not be configured to be simultaneously into switching states.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a multiport configured to be connected to a second cable configured to convey radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range, in the second frequency range, and / or direct current. Optionally, the multiport includes a first connector which is electrically connected to the first outer connector. Further optionally, the multiport includes a second connector which is electrically connected to the second port, optionally the second outer connector.

[0093] In this way, the generator unit further enhances versatility in that the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (e.g. in the first frequency range), electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range, and / or direct current may not only be supplied via the first coaxial port and the second port but also via the multiport. Thus, the generator unit may be used with existing electrical instruments that only allow connection to such multiports and do not support connection to a coaxial port.

[0094] The multiport may be exposed and / or arranged on the housing of the generator unit so that it is accessible by a user. The multiport may include commonly known connectors, plugs, and / or sockets for connecting the second cable which may be a commonly used supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (e.g. in the first frequency range), electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range, and / or direct current.

[0095] The second cable may be separate from the interface cable and / or the first cable. Further, the multiport may be separate from the first coaxial port, the second port, and / or the RF port. For example, the multiport may be separate from the generator cable interface. The first cable connector of the interface cable may not be configured to be connected to the multiport. Similarly, the second cable may not be configured to be connected to the first coaxial port and / or the second port.

[0096] The first switching unit may include a fourth switching state in which the first output and the second output are electrically connected to the multiport. The multiport may be connected and / or may be configured to be connected to the first outer connector and / or the second port, optionally the second outer connector. The first switching unit may be configured to be either in the first switching state, the second switching state, the third switching state, or the fourth switching state. Thus, the first switching unit may not be configured to be simultaneously in the first to fourth switching states.

[0097] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a first bandpass filter, a second bandpass filter, a third bandpass filter, and / or a lowpass filter.

[0098] In this way, the microwave electromagnetic energy that is reflected from the electrosurgical instrument may not reach the radiofrequency source, the communication source, and / or the DC source. Similarly, crosstalk between the first microwave source, the second microwave source, the radiofrequency source, the communication source, and / or the DC source can be suppressed.

[0099] Optionally, the first bandpass filter is electrically coupled between the radiofrequency source and the first outer connector and the second port, optionally the second outer connector. Further optionally, the first bandpass is configured to pass the electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range.

[0100] The first bandpass filter may include commonly known bandpass filters which block the transmission of electromagnetic energy that does not corresponds to the first frequency range. Thus, only electromagnetic energy having a frequency in the first frequency range is unblocked for passing through the first bandpass filter which may be part of the radiofrequency channel. Optionally, the second bandpass filter is electrically coupled between the radiofrequency source and the RF port. Further optionally, the second bandpass is configured to pass the electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range.

[0101] The second bandpass filter may include commonly known bandpass filters which block the transmission of electromagnetic energy that does not corresponds to the first frequency range. Thus, only electromagnetic energy having a frequency in the first frequency range is passed through the second bandpass filter.

[0102] Optionally, the third bandpass filter is coupled between the communication source and the first outer connector and the second outer port, optionally the second outer connector. Further optionally, the third bandpass is configured to pass the electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range

[0103] The third bandpass filter may include commonly known bandpass filters which block the transmission of electromagnetic energy that does not corresponds to the second frequency range. Thus, only electromagnetic energy having a frequency in the second frequency range is passed through the third bandpass filter which may be part of the communication channel.

[0104] Optionally, the lowpass filter is electrically coupled between the DC source and the first outer connector and the second outer port, optionally the second outer connector. Further optionally, the lowpass filter is configured to pass the DC current.

[0105] The lowpass filter may be configured to block the transmission of alternating (AC) currents and pass a transmission of direct current. Optionally, the lowpass filter may be configured to pass a transmission of direct current and AC currents having a frequency below the first frequency range, the second frequency range, and / or the first and / or second microwave frequency ranges. Conventional lowpass filters for providing the transmission of direct currents can be used for the lowpass filter which may be part of the communication channel.

[0106] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprising an RF sensor that is electrically coupled to the first output and the second output. Optionally, the RF sensor is configured to measure a capacitance, an inductance, a voltage and / or a current of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to be output via the first coaxial port and the second port, optionally the second outer connector.

[0107] In this way, the generator unit may not only control the generation of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy but also monitors or senses the supply of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to the radiating device. The detection of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy supplied to the radiating device may be used for determining, calculating, and / or approximating the amount of radiofrequency energy that is emitted into the tissue and / or absorbed by the tissue. In this way, the progress and / or the state of the tissue cutting operation can be monitored and / or controlled.

[0108] The RF sensor may be a unitary component with the radiofrequency source. Alternatively, the RF sensor is electrically connected to the first output and / or the second output. The RF sensor may include a current meter and / or a voltage meter for measuring the current and / or the voltage supplied to the electrosurgical instrument.

[0109] For example, the RF sensor includes two poles between which the capacitance, and inductance, a current, and / or voltage is measured. The two poles of the RF sensor may be connected or coupled to the first output and the second output. Thus, the RF sensor may be connected to the first to sixth electrodes via the first switching unit. The RF sensor may be configured to sense a capacitance and / or inductance of one of the first to sixth electrodes and / or the capacitance, inductance, current, and / or voltage between two of the first to sixth electrodes.

[0110] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a DC isolation for preventing a direct current from flowing. Optionally, the DC isolation is electrically coupled between the first microwave source, the second microwave source, the radiofrequency source, and / or the communication source on the one hand and the first coaxial port, the second port, the RF port, and / or the multiport on the other hand.

[0111] In this way, DC isolation can be provided which is often required and / or advantageous with medical instruments, such as electrosurgical instruments. The DC isolation is generally provided between the sources for generating a respective electromagnetic energy and the various ports.

[0112] The DC isolation includes one or more capacitors which prevent currents from flowing through the DC isolation. Commonly known capacitors for DC isolation can be used. A first capacitor of the DC isolation may be electrically coupled between the first microwave source and the first coaxial port, optionally between the first microwave source and the first combiner. A second capacitor of the DC isolation may be electrically coupled between the second microwave source and the second (coaxial) port, optionally between the second microwave source and the second combiner. A third capacitor of the DC isolation may be electrically coupled between the radiofrequency source and the first coaxial port and / or the second (coaxial) port, optionally between radiofrequency source and the first switching unit. A fourth capacitor of the DC isolation may be electrically coupled between the communication source and the first coaxial port and / or the second (coaxial) port, optionally between communication source and the second bandpass filter. A fifth capacitor of the DC isolation may be electrically coupled between the AC converter and AC / DC converter.

[0113] The DC isolation may further comprise an inductive break along the capacitive break which may be provided by the capacitors described above. The inductive break may include one or more inductors (e.g. coils) that are electrically connected to the respective capacitors. Thus, each electromagnetic source may be associated with one or more capacitors and / or one or more inductors which may form an isolation barrier to the patient.

[0114] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit further comprises a vector network analyser (VNA). Optionally, the first network analyser may be electrically coupled between the first microwave source and the first coaxial port, optionally between the first microwave source and the first combiner. Further optionally, the further network analyser may be provided which can be electrically coupled between the second microwave source and the second (coaxial) port, optionally between the second microwave source and the second combiner.

[0115] The vector network analyser may be configured to measure amplitude and / or phase properties of the microwave electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the electrosurgical instrument, optionally the radiating device. The detected reflected microwave electromagnetic energy may be measured, analysed, and / or monitored for determining the amount of microwave electromagnetic energy that is absorbed by and / or emitted into the tissue at the treatment site. Instead of a vector network analyser, a scalar network analyser may be provided which is configured to measure amplitude properties only.

[0116] Further, the vector network analyser may be configured to measure the amount of microwave energy that is reflected at a reflection point between the generator unit and the tissue. For example, the reflection point may correspond to a location at which an impedance mismatch exists. For example, this reflection point may be between internal components of the generator unit, between the generator unit and the instrument, between internal components of the instrument, between the instrument and a treatment zone (e.g. at the first to third electrodes), and / or between different tissue types in the treatment zone.

[0117] All these measurement values (measured by the RF sensor and / or the vector network analyser) may be used to determine a state of the electrosurgical instrument. For example, a capacitance between electrodes on opposing jaws may change depending on the degree of opening of the first and second jaws. Further, the capacitance and / or inductance of one or more of the first to sixth electrodes may be used for sensing whether the tissue is close to or in contact with the electrosurgical instrument in the treatment zone. Further, changes in a current or voltage between two electrodes of the first to sixth electrodes may be used to determine a state of the tissue.

[0118] In an optional embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises an instrument head and instrument body. Optionally, the instrument head includes a housing (e.g. an instrument housing). Further optionally, the first coaxial instrument port and / or the second instrument port are arranged on the instrument housing. In some examples, the instrument body includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein optionally the radiating device is arranged on the distal end.

[0119] The instrument housing may contain and / or surround the controller, the communication transceiver, the first bandpass instrument filter, the second bandpass instrument filter, and / or the lowpass instrument filter. The instrument interface may be arranged on the housing or within the housing. The first coaxial instrument port and / or the second instrument port, optionally the second coaxial instrument port, are arranged exposed on the instrument housing such that the second cable connector of the interface cable can be attached to the electrosurgical instrument.

[0120] The instrument head can be regarded as that part of the electrosurgical instrument in which or on which the electrical component except for the radiating device is arranged. The instrument body may include an instrument shaft and / or the radiating device. The instrument body, optionally the instrument shaft, may be an elongate body that is flexible or rigid. The instrument body may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of a patient and / or into a channel of a scoping device. The radiating device may form the distal end of the instrument body, optionally the instrument shaft. The instrument head may not be configured to be inserted into the cavity of a patient and / or into a channel of a scoping device. The instrument head may be held by a surgeon or user during operation of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0121] In an optional embodiment, the instrument body is configured to be removably attached to the instrument head. Optionally, the proximal end of the instrument body is configured to be removably attached to the instrument housing.

[0122] In this way, the instrument body may be single-use and the instrument head many configured to be used for multiple times. As the instrument head includes the various electrical components, the instrument head is more expensive to manufacture compared to the instrument body. Thus, by removably attaching the instrument body to the instrument head, multiple instrument bodies can be used with a single instrument head. This may help to reduce the costs for operating the electrosurgical instrument. The instrument housing may be made from a material which allows sterilisation of the instrument housing.

[0123] The instrument body, optionally the instrument shaft, may be configured to be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the instrument head. To this end, various types of mechanical and / or electrical connectors can be used. For example, the electrosurgical instrument includes a transmission line including two coaxial cables (e.g. a first coaxial instrument cable and a second coaxial instrument cable) that are electrically connected to the first coaxial instrument port and the second coaxial instrument port, respectively. Further, the transmission line of the electrosurgical instrument may include two wires (e.g. a first instrument wire 70a and a second instrument wire 70b) for conveying electromagnetic energy which may be connected to the instrument interface. The two coaxial cables and two wires may be interrupted at the interface between the instrument head and instrument body. Appropriate connectors may be provided for the electrical connections,.

[0124] In an optional embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a microwave instrument port electrically connected to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port (optionally the second coaxial instrument port), and / or a control output port electrically coupled to the controller. Optionally, the microwave instrument port, the control output port, and / or the instrument interface are arranged on the instrument housing and / or are configured to be connected to the instrument body.

[0125] The first coaxial instrument port and the second coaxial instrument port may be electrically connected to the microwave instrument port by two coaxial cables which form a portion of the above-described transmission line of the electrosurgical instrument. A further portion of the transmission line runs along the instrument body, optionally the instrument shaft, and may also include two coaxial cables that are configured to be connected to the instrument port.

[0126] The control output port may allow electrical and / or electronic connection of the instrument body to the controller of the instrument head. The instrument interface, the control output port, and / or the first and second microwave instrument ports may form a unitary connector to which the instrument body can be mechanically and / or electrically connected. However, it is also possible that the instrument interface, the control output port, and / or the microwave instrument ports form connected that are separate and / or spaced from each other.

[0127] In an optional embodiment, the lowpass instrument filter, the controller, the first bandpass instrument filter, the second bandpass instrument filter, and / or the communication transceiver are arranged within the instrument housing.

[0128] In an optional embodiment, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a memory for storing information on the electrosurgical instrument and / or an identification number of the electrosurgical instrument. Optionally, the controller is configured to read and / or write to the memory.

[0129] The memory may store and identification number and / or other pieces of information with which the electrosurgical instrument, optionally the instrument body, can be identified by the controller. This information may be used for verifying that an appropriate instrument body or electrosurgical instrument is used. Further, this information may be used for appropriately setting the power of the electromagnetic energy that is supplied to the electrosurgical instrument. The memory may facilitate instrument usage logging and / or data logging.

[0130] In an optional embodiment, the memory is arranged on the instrument body and the controller is arranged on the instrument head.

[0131] In this way, the controller of the instrument head may be configured to determine the type and / or the identification (ID) number of the instrument body when the instrument body is connected to the instrument head.

[0132] The electrosurgical instrument optionally includes an instrument user interface which can include an instrument user display and / or an instrument user input for controlling various components of the electrosurgical instrument. The instrument user display may be provided for displaying information on the status of the electrosurgical instrument and / or any other type of information that is relevant to the user handling the electrosurgical instrument. Further, the instrument user display may display information and / or data received from the electrosurgical generator. The instrument user interface may also include an audio source (e.g. a speaker) for notifying the user. The instrument user input may include a touchscreen, a switch, a dial, and / or button for controlling various functionalities of the electrosurgical instrument. The instrument user interface may be arranged (completely) within and / or on the instrument head.

[0133] The instrument user interface may be in data-communication with the controller and / or the memory. The instrument user interface may be provided as a manual input for the controller. The controller may control the instrument user interface, for example the display.

[0134] In an optional embodiment, a first capacitor is electrically coupled between the first outer instrument connector and the radiating device and / or a second capacitor is electrically coupled between the second outer instrument connector and the radiating device.

[0135] The first capacitor and / or the second capacitor may be configured to provide DC isolation along the outer conductors of the coaxial cables of transmission line of the electrosurgical instrument. This may block the direct current from flowing along the outer conductors of the coaxial cables of a transmission line of the electrosurgical instrument and, therefore, along the coaxial cables of the transmission line.

[0136] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit is configured to simultaneously generate microwave electromagnetic energy of the first frequency and microwave electromagnetic energy of a second frequency. For example, the first microwave source and / or the second microwave source each include a generator that is configured to simultaneously generate electromagnetic energy of two different (fixed) frequencies. Alternatively, the first microwave source and / or the second microwave source may each include a first generator for generating electromagnetic energy of the first frequency (e.g. in the first microwave frequency range) and a second generator for generating electromagnetic energy of the second frequency (e.g. in the second microwave frequency range).

[0137] In an optional embodiment, the first microwave source, the second microwave source, the radio frequency source, the communication source, the DC source, the first switching network, the second switching network, the first combiner, the second combiner, the vector network analyser, the second vector network analyser, the first bandpass filter, the second bandpass filter, the third bandpass filter, and / or lowpass filter may each be arranged in a common housing, e.g. the generator housing. In this embodiment, the above-described optional components of the generator unit form a single component, e.g. contained within a common housing. The generator unit may be controlled using the user interface.

[0138] In use, the electrosurgical instrument may perform vessel / tissue sealing, vessel / tissue dividing, ablation of tissue, and / or coagulation of bleeding vessels. Vessel / tissue sealing is typically the application of pressure to squash the walls of a biological vessel together, followed by the application of some form of thermal energy. The thermal energy is applied by the one or more of the first to sixth electrodes to the gripped tissue using the microwave electromagnetic energy. The pressure to the tissue can be applied by the one or more of the first to sixth electrodes and / or other parts of the first and second jaws. The applied electromagnetic energy disrupts / denatures the tissue cells and forms an amalgam of collagen predominant in vessel / tissue walls, which effectively bonds the vessel / tissue walls together. With time, post operatively, cellular recovery and regrowth occurs to reinforce the seal further.

[0139] Vessel / tissue dividing is a process of cutting through a continuous biological vessel / tissue to separate it into two pieces. It is normally performed after a vessel / tissue is first sealed. Vessel / tissue dividing can be performed by the he one or more of the first to sixth electrodes as an active electrode. The vessel / tissue dividing can occur at the same position as vessel / tissue sealing.

[0140] The one or more of the first to sixth electrodes, e.g. the second electrode and the third electrode, may each provide half-shells for containing the microwave energy emitted by the first electrode therein. The half-shells may also provide the stability and / or shape of the first jaw and / or the second jaw. The first electrode may be sandwiched between or (completely) surrounded by the second electrode and the third electrode in a closed position. The first jaw and / or the second jaw may include an isolating portion which electrically isolates the electrodes from each other in the closed position of the first and second jaws.

[0141] Herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” refer to the ends of the electrosurgical instrument, the shaft, and / or the transmission line further from and closer to a treatment site respectively. Thus, in use the proximal end is closer to a generator unit for providing the RF and / or microwave energy, whereas the distal end is closer to the treatment site, i.e. the patient.

[0142] The term “conductive” is used herein to mean electrically conductive, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0143] The term “longitudinal” used below refers to the direction along the instrument channel parallel to the axis of the coaxial transmission line. The term “lateral” refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The term “inner” means radially closer to the centre (e.g. axis) of the instrument channel. The term “outer” means radially further from the centre (axis) of the instrument channel.

[0144] The term “electrosurgical” is used in relation an instrument, apparatus or tool which is used during surgery, and which utilises (bipolar) radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and / or microwave EM energy. Herein, RF EM energy may mean a stable fixed frequency in a range 10 kHz to 300 MHz, preferably in a range from 100 kHz to 5MHz, and more preferably in a range from 360 to 440 kHz. The microwave EM energy may mean electromagnetic energy having a stable fixed frequency in the range 300 MHz to 100 GHz. The RF EM energy should have a frequency high enough to prevent the energy from causing nerve stimulation. In use, the magnitude of the RF EM energy and the duration for which it is applied may be selected to prevent the energy from causing tissue blanching or unnecessary thermal margin or damage to the tissue structure. Preferred spot frequencies for the RF EM energy include any one or more of: 100 kHz, 250 kHz, 400 kHz, 500 kHz, 1 MHz, 5 MHz. Preferred spot frequencies for the microwave EM energy include 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 14.5 GHz, 24 GHz. 2.45 GHz and / or 5.8 GHz may be preferred.

[0145] The microwave electromagnetic energy and the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy may be conveyed along a common signal pathway (or transmission line) through the instrument shaft. For example, two coaxial cables may provide the common signal pathway for conveying both the microwave energy and the radiofrequency energy. In this arrangement, the transmission line may comprise an inductive filter for blocking the microwave energy from the cutting element, and a capacitive filter for blocking the radiofrequency energy from the first and second electrodes. In an alternative arrangement, the radiofrequency energy and microwave energy are conveyed along separate pathways within the instrument shaft (the transmission line includes separate pathways), wherein the inductive filter and capacitive filter are provided at a proximal end of the instrument shaft, e.g. in a handle. For example, a coaxial cable is provided for conveying the microwave electromagnetic energy while two or more wires are provided for conveying the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy.

[0146] However, each electrode of the electrosurgical instrument that is electrically isolated from another electrode may have a separate conductor in the transmission line. This means, that each conductor for a respective electrode is also electrically isolated within the transmission line. In other words, the first to sixth electrodes can be electrically isolated from each other both on the jaws and within the transmission line. However, it is also possible that the first to sixth electrodes are only electrically isolated within the transmission line but a subgroup of the first to sixth electrodes may not be electrically isolated on the jaws. For example, the second electrode and the third electrodes can be in electrical contact with each other in the open position and / or the closed position.

[0147] The instrument shaft and / or the radiating device may be dimensioned to fit within an instrument channel of a surgical scoping device. The surgical scoping device may be a laparoscope or an endoscope. Surgical scoping devices are typically provided with an insertion tube that is a rigid or flexible (e.g. steerable) conduit that is introduced into a patient’s body during an invasive procedure. The insertion tube may include the instrument channel and an optical channel (e.g. for transmitting light to illuminate and / or capture images of a treatment site at the distal end of the insertion tube). The instrument channel may have a diameter suitable for receiving invasive surgical tools. The diameter of the instrument channel may be equal to or less than 13 mm, preferably equal to or less than 10 mm, and more preferably, especially for flexible insertion tubes, equal to or less than 5 mm or 3 mm.

[0148] The instrument shaft and the transmission line may be flexible so that they can be inserted into the instrument channel of the scoping device. Further, the transmission line may be arranged within a lumen of the shaft. The instrument shaft may cover and / or shield the transmission line. The transmission line may extend from a distal end to a proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument. In particular, the transmission line electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to the generator unit. The transmission line may extend beyond the instrument shaft, e.g. for example for connecting the transmission line to the generator and / or the electrosurgical control unit. Further, components of the transmission line may be arranged outside of the instrument shaft, e.g. in the handpiece, close the generator and / or the electrosurgical control unit. So, in one embodiment, the transmission line at least extends in or through the instrument shaft.

[0149] The electrosurgical instrument discussed herein may find applicability in other tissue welding techniques. For example, the energy delivery structure may be used as an alternative to staples. In some abdominal procedures, staple guns are used to deliver 50 to 100 small staples that are fired simultaneously between jaws that can have a length of 70 mm or more, or from an annular jawed arrangement with diameters of 20 to 50 mm. In this type of application multiple antenna structures such as those discussed herein may be used to cover the required length. The antenna structures may be arranged in any number of array forms to be activated simultaneously, sequentially or progressively in a suitable manner.

[0150] The electrosurgical instrument discussed herein may find applicability in ablation and / or haemostasis / coagulation of tissue. For such types of electrosurgical instruments, the electrosurgical instruments may not have jaws. As already described, the invention may relate to the multiplexing of energy onto two coaxial cables and optionally, onto other terminals that might form the basis as adoption as a common / de-facto standard connection.

[0151] The first jaw and / or the second jaw may be movable relative to their instrument shaft. The first jaw and / or the second jaw may be attached to the instrument shaft via a joint or a hinge. The joint may include a pivot axis around which the first jaw and / or the second jaw may rotate. The first jaw and / or the second jaw may be activated by one or more actuation rods or control wires respectively connected to the first jaw and / or the second jaw. The one or more actuation rods or control wires may extend within the instrument shaft to a proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument. The one or more actuation rods may be connected to a handle with which the first and / or second jaws can be actuated, e.g. opened and / or closed. The electrosurgical instrument comprises an actuation mechanism which converts a back-and- forth movement of the actuation rod(s) or control wire(s) into a rotational movement of the first jaw and / or the second jaw.

[0152] For example, both jaws can be movable, e.g. rotatable around a (common) pivot axle. In another embodiment, one of the jaws is fixed to the shaft and the other jaw is movable relative to the one jaw.

[0153] In the open position, the first jaw and the second jaw are (maximally) spaced apart so that there is a free space between the first surface of the first jaw and the second surface of the second jaw. In this way, tissue can be inserted between the first surface and the second surface in the open position. Usually, the first jaw and the second jaw are moved towards the tissue such that the tissue is pushed into the space between the first surface and the second surface in the open position of the first jaw and the second jaw.

[0154] By moving the first jaw and / or the second jaw from the open position to the closed position, the tissue between the first surface and the second surface can be grasped and / or clamped between the first surface and the second surface. In this way, the tissue can be fixed between the first surface and the second surface in the closed position. The first surface and the second surface are the faces of the first jaw and the second jaw, respectively, that face each other in the open and / or closed position. The tissue contacts the first surface and the second surface in the closed position. The pair of jaws may be pivotable relative to each other about the pivot axis that lies transverse to a longitudinal axis of the coaxial transmission line. In one example, the pair of jaws comprises a static jaw that is fixed relative to the instrument shaft, and a movable jaw that is pivotably mounted relative to the static jaw to open and close the gap between the opposing inner surfaces. The energy delivery structure may be disposed on the inner surface of the static jaw. In another example, both jaws are arranged to pivot with respect to the instrument shaft, e.g. in a symmetrical forceps-type or scissors-type arrangement. Relative movement of the pair of jaws may be controlled from a handle at a proximal end of the instrument shaft. A control rod or control wires may pass through the instrument shaft to operably couple an actuation mechanism on the handle to the pair of jaws.

[0155] In another example, the pair of jaws may be arranged to move relative to one another in a manner that maintains the inner surfaces thereof in an aligned, e.g. parallel, orientation. This configuration may be desirable for maintaining a uniform pressure on grasped tissue along the length of the jaws. One example of such a closure mechanism is disclosed in WO 2015 / 097472.

[0156] The first jaw and / or the second jaw may have a Maryland configuration. This can include that the first jaw and the second jaw are not straight but bent / curved, e.g. forming an arc or an S-shape in a side view.

[0157] In an optional embodiment, the generator unit comprises a sensing unit configured to generate instrument information by sensing a state of the electrosurgical instrument, the tissue in the treatment zone adjacent to the radiating device, and / or a state of the tissue adjacent to the radiating device.

[0158] The sensing unit may include the RF sensor and / or the vector network analyser. The sensing unit may be configured to measure a capacitance, an inductance, a current, and / or voltage. For example, the sensing unit includes two poles between which the capacitance, and inductance, a current, and / or voltage is measured. The sensing unit may be connected to the first and second (coaxial) ports. Thus, the sensing unit may be connected to the first to sixth electrodes. Thus, the sensing unit may be configured to sense a capacitance and / or inductance of one of the first to sixth electrodes and / or the capacitance, inductance, current, and / or voltage between two of the first to sixth electrodes.

[0159] Further, the sensing unit may be configured to measure the amount of microwave energy that is reflected at a reflection point between the generator unit and target tissue. For example, the reflection point may correspond to a location at which exists an impedance mismatch. For example, this reflection point may be between internal components of the generator, between the generator and the instrument, between internal components of the instrument, between the instrument and a tissue treatment zone (e.g. at the first to third electrodes), and / or between different tissue types in the tissue treatment zone.

[0160] All these measurement values may be used to determine a state of the electrosurgical instrument. For example, a capacitance between electrodes on opposing jaws may change depending on the degree of opening of the first and second jaws. Further, the capacitance and / or inductance of one or more of the first to third electrodes may be used for sensing whether the tissue is close to or in contact with the electrosurgical instrument in the treatment zone. Further, changes in a current or voltage between two electrodes of the first to third electrodes may be used to determine a state of the tissue. The user interface may include one or more buttons, switches, dials, keys, and / or touchscreens. The user interface may be arranged on the generator housing of such that it is accessible by a user. The user interface may be used for directly controlling the generator unit, e.g. setting the frequency and the amplitude of the electromagnetic energy to be generated, and / or selecting the switching state of the first and / or second switching units.

[0161] Optionally, the transmission line includes two coaxial cables and two wires. The radiofrequency electromagnetic energy may be supplied along a transmission line using the two wires. A first wire may be connected to the fifth electrode and a second wire may be connected to the sixth electrode. This allows radiofrequency cutting between the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode as described above.

[0162] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0163] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0164] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an electrosurgical system;

[0165] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical system;

[0166] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument of the electrosurgical system shown in Fig. 1 (top view) and an enlarged schematic view of a radiating device of the electrosurgical instrument (bottom view);

[0167] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical system;

[0168] Fig. 5 shows a circuit diagram simulation of the electrosurgical system of Fig. 4;

[0169] Fig. 6 shows selected diagrams of exemplary frequencies used with the electrosurgical system of Fig. 4;

[0170] Fig. 7 shows diagrams of exemplary result of the simulation of Fig. 5;

[0171] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a generator unit of an electrosurgical system;

[0172] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a generator unit of an electrosurgical system;

[0173] Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a generator unit of an electrosurgical system;

[0174] Fig. 11 shows schematic views of embodiments of a generator interface of an electrosurgical system;

[0175] Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument the electrosurgical apparatus shown in Fig. 1 (see drawing a) and a removed instrument body of the electrosurgical instrument (see drawing b); and

[0176] Fig. 13 shows a circuit diagram of the electrosurgical instrument of Fig. 12.

[0177] DETAILED DESCRIPTION; FURTHER OPTIONS AND PREFERENCES

[0178] The present invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument and generator unit capable of delivering microwave electromagnetic energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to treat tissue, for example to seal tissues (e.g. blood vessels), to cut the tissue, to heat tissue, coagulate the tissue, and / or to ablate the tissue. The electrosurgical instrument and generator unit may be used in open surgery but may find particular use in procedures where there is restricted access to the treatment site. For example, the electrosurgical instrument may be adapted to fit within the instrument channel of a surgical scoping device i.e. laparoscope, endoscope, or the like. The electrosurgical instrument may be operated by hand and / or under robotic control.

[0179] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an electrosurgical system 10 in which an electrosurgical instrument 12 may be used for treating a patient 14. The electrosurgical instrument 12 is arranged to treat biological tissue (for example in or of a patient 14) using radiofrequency (RF) and / or microwave electromagnetic (EM) energy emitted from an electrosurgical instrument 12. The electromagnetic energy emitted by the electrosurgical instrument 12 into a treatment site can be used to coagulate, cut, and / or ablate tissue in the treatment site.

[0180] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may be a laparoscopic instrument (see upper instrument in Fig. 1), a robotic instrument for being used by surgical robot (see middle instrument in Fig. 1), or an endoscopic instrument (see lower instrument in Fig. 1). The electrosurgical instrument 12 may include an instrument head 16 and / or an instrument body 18. The instrument head 16 may include various component for controlling and / or handling the electrosurgical instrument 12 (as further outlined below). The instrument body 18 may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of the patient 14 and may include a radiating device 20 (see Figs. 2 or 3) for the emission of the radiofrequency energy and / or microwave energy into the treatment site. The instrument body 18 may be rigid or flexible.

[0181] The electrosurgical system 10 further comprises an electrosurgical generator unit 22 and an interface cable 24. The electrosurgical generator unit 22 is configured to controllably supply radiofrequency and / or microwave electromagnetic energy to the electrosurgical instrument 12 via the interface cable 24.

[0182] The interface cable 24 includes a first cable connector 26 and a second cable connector 28. The first cable connector 26 is configured to be connected to the generator unit 22 and the second cable connector 28 is configured to be connected to the electrosurgical instrument 12 or an instrument cable 30 which in turn can be connected to the electrosurgical instrument 12. The instrument cable 30 may be provided as an extension of the interface cable 24.

[0183] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical system 10 in which an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument 12 may be used for treating a patient 14. The electrosurgical system 10 of Fig. 2 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the electrosurgical system 10 of Fig. 1 except for the following differences.

[0184] The electrosurgical system 10 further comprises a surgical scoping device 32, such as a bronchoscope, endoscope, gastroscope, laparoscope or the like. The scoping device 32 may include a handpiece 34 and a flexible shaft 36. The handpiece 34 may include means for guiding the flexible shaft 36 through a cavity of a body. For example, the handpiece 34 can include means for moving a distal end of the flexible shaft 36 to change direction of the distal end of the flexible shaft 36. This helps manoeuvring the flexible shaft 36 through the cavity of the body. The flexible shaft 36 may include a working channel through which the flexible endoscopic electrosurgical instrument 12 can be moved and, thus, positioned at the treatment site within the cavity of the body of the patient 14.

[0185] The radiating device 20 of the electrosurgical instrument 12 may include a first jaw 38 and a second jaw 40 which are rotatable with respect to each other. Electrodes for emitting the microwave and / radiofrequency electrode magnetic energy can be arranged on the first jaw 38 and / or the second jaw 40 as will be described in the following.

[0186] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument 12 that can be used with the electrosurgical system 10 described herein for treating a patient 14. The electrosurgical instrument 12 of Fig. 3 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the electrosurgical instrument 12 of Fig. 1 or 2 except for the following differences.

[0187] The instrument head 16 includes an instrument housing 42, an instrument handle 44, an instrument trigger 46, an instrument cable interface 48, an electric switch 50, electrical circuitry 52, and / or a notification unit 54. The instrument housing 42 and the instrument handle 44 may form a unitary component and / or may be made from a plastic or metallic material. The instrument housing 42 and / or instrument handle 44 may provide a fluid tight cavity for housing various components described below.

[0188] The instrument handle 44 may be provided such that a user of the electrosurgical instrument 12 may hold the electrosurgical instrument 12. The instrument trigger 46 may be arranged on and / or be movable on the instrument housing 42 and / or the instrument handle 44. The instrument trigger 46 may be used for mechanically controlling a state of the electric switch 50.

[0189] The instrument housing 42 may house and / or surround the electrical switch 50, the electric circuitry 52, and / or the notification unit 54. The instrument cable interface 48 may be arranged on the housing 42 so that it is externally accessible. For example, the second cable connector 28 of the interface cable 24 may be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the instrument cable interface 48. For example, the second cable connector 28 may be a plug which is inserted into the instrument cable interface 48 which may be configured as a socket.

[0190] The electric switch 50 may electrically connect or disconnect the instrument cable interface 48 with the radiating device 20 depending on the state of the electric switch 48. Thus, the instrument trigger 46 may be used for starting the application / supply of electromagnetic energy to the treatment site and / or ending the application / supply of electromagnetic energy to the treatment site.

[0191] The notification unit 54 may include a display, one or more LEDs, and / or a speaker. The notification unit 54 may be controlled by the electric circuitry 52 and / or may be provided for notifying the user of the electric instrument 12 about the state of the electrosurgical instrument 12, for example whether it is connected to the generator unit 22 and / or electromagnetic energy is received from the generator unit 22. The provision of the notification unit 54, the electric switch 50, the instrument trigger 46, the housing 42, and / or the instrument handle 44 is optional.

[0192] The instrument body 18 includes an instrument shaft 56 which connects the instrument head 16 to the radiating device 20. In the embodiment shown, the instrument shaft 56 is rigid and houses an instrument transmission line for supplying the electromagnetic energy from the instrument cable interface 48 to the radiating device 20. The radiating device 20 is mechanically connected to the instrument shaft 56 and / or includes the first jaw 38, the second jaw 40, and / or a joint 58. The first jaw 38 and / or the second jaw 40 may be movable or rotatable relative to the instrument shaft 56 via the joint 58. The first jaw 38 and / or the second jaw 40 may be made from an electrically conductive material, for example from metal. The first jaw 38 and / or the second jaw 40 may act as electrodes as outlined below.

[0193] The first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40 may be arranged to pivot with respect to the instrument shaft 56, e.g. in a symmetrical forceps-type or scissors-type arrangement. Relative movement of the pair of jaws 38, 40 may be controlled from a handle at a proximal end of the instrument shaft 56 (e.g. using the trigger 46). A control rod or control wires may pass through the instrument shaft to operably couple an actuation mechanism on the handle to the pair of jaws. The first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40 may be configured to clamp tissue therebetween.

[0194] As displayed in the enlarged portion of the radiating device 20 in Fig. 3, the radiating device 20 includes a first electrode 60, a second electrode that is formed by a metallic portion of the first jaw 38, a third electrode that is formed by a metallic portion of the second jaw 40, a fourth electrode 62, a fifth electrode 64, and / or a sixth electrode 66. All electrodes are electrically isolated from each other, for example by dielectric material that is arranged between a respective pair of electrodes.

[0195] The first electrode 60, fourth electrode 62, the fifth electrode 64, and / or the sixth electrode 66 may be exposed on an inner surface of the first jaw 38 for contacting the tissue clamped between the first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40. Parts of the metallic portion of the first jaw 38 acting as the second electrode may also exposed on the inner surface of the first jaw 28 for contacting the tissue clamped between the first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40. However, the parts of the metallic portion of the first jaw 38 acting as the second electrode may not be exposed on the inner surface of the first jaw 38 so that the second electrode does not get in contact with the tissue clamped between the first jaw 34 and the second jaw 36. For example, areas exposed on the inner surface of the first jaw 38 and arranged between the first electrode 60, the fifth electrode 64, and / or the sixth electrode 66 may be filled with a dielectric material.

[0196] The fourth electrode 62 may be exposed on an inner surface of the second jaw 40 for contacting the tissue clamped between the first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40. Parts of the metallic portion of the second jaw 40 acting as the third electrode may be also exposed on the inner surface of the second jaw 40 for contacting the tissue clamped between the first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40. However, the parts of the metallic portion of the second jaw 40 acting as the third electrode may not be exposed on the inner surface of the second jaw 40 so that the third electrode does not get in contact with the tissue clamped between the first jaw 38 and the second jaw 40. For example, areas exposed on the inner surface of the second jaw 40 may be covered with a dielectric material.

[0197] In the embodiment of Fig. 3. the instrument transmission line includes a first coaxial instrument cable 68, a second coaxial instrument cable 70, a first instrument wire 70a and a second instrument wire 70b. The first coaxial instrument cable 68 and / or the second coaxial instrument cable 70 are configured to convey microwave electromagnetic energy. The first electrode 60 is connected to an inner conductor of the first coaxial instrument cable 68 and the second electrode (e.g. the electrically conductive parts of the first jaw 38) is connected to the outer conductor of the first coaxial instrument cable 68. The fourth electrode 66 is connected to an inner conductor of the second coaxial instrument cable 70 and the third electrode (e.g. the electrically conductive parts of the second jaw 40) is connected to the outer conductor of the second coaxial instrument cable 70.

[0198] The first instrument wire 70a and the second instrument wire 70b are configured to convey radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The first instrument wire 70a and / or the second instrument wire 70b are electrically isolated from each other and / or may form a bipolar cable. The first instrument wire 70a is electrically connected to the fifth electrode 64 and / or the second instrument wire 70b is electrically connected to the sixth electrode 66. The fifth electrode 64 and the sixth electrode 66 and / or the fourth electrode 62 and the fifth electrode 64, respectively, may be configured to emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation into the tissue for cutting the tissue therebetween. The first to fourth electrodes may be configured to emit microwave electromagnetic energy into the tissue for coagulating the tissue therebetween.

[0199] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical system 10 in which an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument 12 may be used for treating a patient 14. The electrosurgical system 10 of Figs. 4 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the electrosurgical system 10 of Figs. 1 and / or 2 except for the following differences.

[0200] The generator unit 22 includes a first microwave source 72, a second microwave source 74, a radiofrequency source 76, a communication source 78, a DC source 80, a vector network analyser 82, a first coupler 84, a first switching network 86, a first combiner 88, a second combiner 90, a first bandpass filter 92, a second bandpass filter 94, a lowpass filter 96, a third bandpass filter 98, a generator cable interface 100, a multiport 102, a RF port 104, a RF mono port 106, and / or a generator housing 108.

[0201] The first microwave source 72, the second microwave source 74, the radiofrequency source 76, the communication source 78, the DC source 80, the vector network analyser 82, the first combiner 84, the first switching network 86, the first combiner 88, the second combiner 90, the first bandpass filter 92, the second bandpass filter 94, the lowpass filter 96, and / or the third bandpass filter 98 may be arranged within or inside the generator housing 108. The generator cable interface 100, the multiport 102, the RF port 104, and / or the RF mono port 106 may be arranged on the generator housing 108 so that cables can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the generator cable interface 100, the multiport 102, the RF port 104, and / or the RF mono port 106. The generator housing 108 may provide an outer surface of the generator unit 22.

[0202] The generator unit 22 may further include a user display and / or a user interface for controlling various components of the generator unit 22. The user display and the user interface are not depicted in Fig. 4.

[0203] The generator cable interface 100 includes a first coaxial port 110 and a second (coaxial) port 112. The first coaxial port 110 is configured to be connected to a first coaxial cable 140 of the interface cable 24 and the second coaxial port 112 is configured to be connected to the second coaxial cable 142 of the interface cable 24. The first coaxial port 110 and the second coaxial port 112 may be arranged close to each other and are electrically isolated from each other. For example, the first coaxial port 110 and the second coaxial port 112 may be arranged on the generator housing 108 such that they can be connected to the interface cable 24 using a single connection, for example using a unitary generator cable interface 100 and a unitary first cable connector 26. The generator cable interface 100 and the first cable connector 26 may provide a mechanical and / or electrical connection between the generator unit 22 and the interface cable 24.

[0204] The first coaxial port 110 can include a first inner connector 114, a first outer connector 116, and a first dielectric material which electrically isolates the first inner connector 114 from the first outer connector 116. The first dielectric material is not separately depicted in Fig. 4. The first inner connector 114, the first outer connector 116, and the first dielectric material may form a connector for a coaxial cable.

[0205] The second coaxial port 112 can include a second inner connector 118, a second outer connector 120, and a second dielectric material which electrically isolates the second inner connector 118 from the second outer connector 120. The second dielectric material is not separately depicted in Fig. 4. The second inner connector 118, the second outer connector 120, and the first dielectric material may form a connector for a coaxial cable.

[0206] The multiport 102 can include a first connector 122 and a second connector 124 which may include commonly known electrical connectors for the supply of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. For example, the multiport 102 may be configured and / or shaped to be electrically and / or mechanically connected to commonly known cables for supplying various frequencies in the radiofrequency range. The multiport 102 may be provided as an additional port for connecting existing electrosurgical instruments (using existing electrical connectors) to the generator unit 22.

[0207] The RF port 104 can include a first RF connector 126 and a second RF connector 128 which may include commonly known electrical connectors for the supply of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. For example, the RF port 104 may be configured and / or shaped to be electrically and / or mechanically connected to commonly known bipolar cables for supplying various frequencies in the radiofrequency range. The RF port 104 may be provided as an additional port for connecting existing electrosurgical instruments (using existing electrical connectors) to the generator unit 22.

[0208] The RF mono port 106 is optionally provided and / or includes a single electrical and / or mechanical connection to a single wire for supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic energy or providing grounding.

[0209] The first microwave source 72 may include a generator for generating microwave electromagnetic energy. The first microwave source 72 may be configured to generate electromagnetic energy in a first microwave frequency range. For example, the first microwave source 72 may be configured to generate one or more fixed frequencies or the first microwave source 72 may be tunable so that a user can select the microwave frequency that is generated by the first microwave source 72, for example using the user interface.

[0210] The first microwave source 72 is electrically connected to the first coaxial port 110. In the embodiment shown, the first microwave source 72 is permanently electrically connected to the first coaxial port 110. This means that the electric magnetic energy generated by the first microwave source 72 is always supplied to the first coaxial port 110. For example, the generator unit 22 includes a further coaxial cable that electrically connects the first microwave source 72 to the first coaxial port 110.

[0211] The vector network analyser 82 may be configured to measure both amplitude and phase properties of the microwave electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the electrosurgical instrument 12, optionally the radiating device 20. The detected reflected microwave electromagnetic energy may be measured, analysed, and / or monitor for determining the amount of microwave electromagnetic energy that is absorbed by and / or emitted into the tissue at the treatment site.

[0212] The first network analyser 82 may be electrically coupled between the first microwave source 72 and the first coaxial port 110, in the embodiment of Fig. 4 between the first microwave source 72 and the first combiner 88. The electrical coupling between the coaxial cable that electrically connects the first microwave source 72 to the first coaxial port 110 and the first network analyser 82 may be provided by the first coupler 84 which is in electrical means for electrically coupling the first network analyser 82 to this coaxial cable. Commonly known couplers can be used for the first coupler 84.

[0213] The second microwave source 74 may include a generator for generating microwave electromagnetic energy. The second microwave source 74 may be configured to generate electromagnetic energy in a second microwave frequency range. For example, the second microwave source 74 may be configured to generate one or more fixed frequencies or the second microwave source 74 may be tunable so that a user can select the microwave frequency that is generated by the second microwave source 74, for example using the user interface. The frequency or the second frequency range generated by the first microwave source 74 may differ from the frequency or the first frequency range generated by the first microwave source 72.

[0214] The second microwave source 74 is electrically connected to the second coaxial port 112. In the embodiment shown, the second microwave source 74 is permanently electrically connected to the second coaxial port 112. This means that the electric magnetic energy generated by the second microwave source 74 is always supplied to the second coaxial port 112. For example, the generator unit 22 includes a further coaxial cable that electrically connects the second microwave source 74 to the second coaxial port 112.

[0215] The radiofrequency source 76 may include a generator for generating radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The radiofrequency source 76 may be configured to generate electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range which is offset from the first microwave frequency range and the second microwave frequency range. For example, the radiofrequency source 76 may be configured to generate one or more fixed frequencies or the radiofrequency source 76 may be tunable so that a user can select the radiofrequency frequency that is generated by the radiofrequency source 76, for example using the user interface.

[0216] The radiofrequency source 76 may include a first output and a second output which are not shown in Fig. 4 (instead a single output and a single electrical line is depicted for ease of understanding). The first output and the second output of the radiofrequency source 76 may be regarded as a first pole and a second pole, respectively, of the radiofrequency source 76. The electrical wires may be permanently attached to the first output and the second output and may constitute a part of electrical circuitry of the generator unit 22. Electrical currents may flow between the first output and the second output and / or a voltage of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy can be measured between the first output and the second output.

[0217] The radiofrequency source 76 is permanently electrically connected to the first switching unit 86 which configured to be switched between various switching states. In a first switching state, the switching unit 86 selectively connects first output and the second output of the radiofrequency source 76, through the first band-pass filter 92, to the first outer conductor 116 and the second outer conductor 120, respectively. Thus, in the first switching state, the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy is supplied to the electrosurgical instrument 12 via the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142 of the first coaxial cable 24 (described further below).

[0218] In a second switching state, the switching unit 86 selectively connects first output and the second output of the radiofrequency source 76 to the first inner connector 114 and the first outer connector 116, respectively, and / or to the second inner conductor 118 and the second outer conductor 120, respectively. Thus, in the second switching state, the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy is supplied to the electrosurgical instrument 12 via the inner conductor and the outer conductor of the first coaxial cable 140 and / or the second coaxial cable 142.

[0219] In a third switching state, the switching unit 86 selectively connects the first output and the second output of the radiofrequency source 76 through the second band-pass filter 94 to the first RF connector 126 and the second RF connector 128, respectively, of the RF port 104. Thus, in the third switching state, the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy is supplied to a further electrosurgical instrument via a further cable.

[0220] In a fourth switching state, the switching unit 86 selectively connects the first output and the second output of the radiofrequency source 76 through the first band-pass filter 92 to the first connector 122 and the second connector 124, respectively, of the multiport 102. Thus, in the fourth switching state, the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy is supplied to a further electrosurgical instrument via a further cable.

[0221] In a fifth switching state, the switching unit 86 selectively connects the first output or the second output of the radiofrequency source 76 to the RF mono port 106.

[0222] The first switching unit 86 may include one or more electrical switches and / or relays for selectively switching between the first to fifth switching states. The first switching unit 86 may be controlled by the user interface (not shown in Fig. 4).

[0223] The electrical circuitry of the generator unit 22 may include a first electrical wire 130 and a second electrical wire 132. The first electrical wire 130 electrically connects the first outer connector 116 to the first connector 122. The second electrical wire 132 electrically connects the second outer conductor 120 to the first connector 124. In the first switching state, the first output of the radiofrequency source 76 is electrically connected to the first wire 130 and the second output of the radiofrequency source 76is electrically connected to the second wire 132.

[0224] The first bandpass filter 92 is electrically connected to the first switching unit 86 and the first wire 130 as well as the second wire 132. The first bandpass filter 96 may include a bandpass filter which only allows the transmission of electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range, i.e. in the range of frequency that can be generated by the radiofrequency source 76.

[0225] The radiofrequency source 76 may further include an RF sensor electrically coupled to the first output and the second output. The RF sensor is configured to measure a capacitance, an inductance, a voltage and / or a current of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to be output via the first coaxial port and the second port, optionally the second outer connector.

[0226] The communication source 78 may include a generator for generating AC and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. The communication source 78 may be configured to generate electromagnetic energy in a second frequency range which is offset from the first microwave frequency range, the second microwave frequency range, and the first frequency range. The communication source 78 may be provided for communicating with the electrosurgical instrument 12 using ISM radio bands that are portions of the radio spectrum reserved internationally for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes, excluding applications in telecommunications. For example, a frequency of 433 MHz is used. Thus, the communication source 78 may be considered a transceiver for generating and / or receiving signals and / or data to be exchanged with the electrosurgical instrument 12. The communication source 78 may have the functionality of both generating a carrier wave and modulating the signals and / or data onto the carrier waves.

[0227] The communication source 78 may include a first communication output and a second communication output which are not shown in Fig. 4 (instead a single output and a single electrical line is depicted for ease of understanding). The first communication output and the second communication output of the communication source 78 may be regarded as a first pole and a second pole, respectively, of the communication source 78. Electrical wires may be permanently attached to the first communication output and the second communication output and may constitute a part of electrical circuitry of the generator unit 22. The first communication output may be electrically connected to the first wire 130 and the second communication output may be electrically connected to the second wire 132. Thus, the signals and / or data that is generated by the communication source 78 can be output to the electrosurgical instrument 12 via the first outer connector 116 and the second outer connector 120 or to a further electrosurgical instrument via the first connector 122 and the second connector 124 of the multiport 102.

[0228] The third bandpass filter 98 is electrically connected to the communication source 78 and the first wire 130 as well as the second wire 132. The third bandpass filter 98 may include a bandpass filter which only allows the transmission of electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range, i.e. in the range of frequency that can be generated by the communication source 78.

[0229] The DC source 80 may be configured to generate a direct current for powering various electrical components of the electrosurgical instrument 12. The DC source 80 may include a first DC output and a second DC output which are not shown in Fig. 4 (instead a single output and a single electrical line is depicted for ease of understanding).

[0230] The first DC output and the second DC output of the DC source 80 may be regarded as a first pole and a second pole, respectively, of the DC source 80. Electrical wires may be permanently attached to the first DC output and the second DC output and may constitute a part of electrical circuitry of the generator unit 22. The first DC output may be electrically connected to the first wire 130 and the second DC output may be electrically connected to the second wire 132. Thus, the direct current that is generated by the DC source 80 can be output to the electrosurgical instrument 12 via the first outer connector 116 and the second outer connector 120 or to a further electrosurgical instrument 12 via the first connector 122 and the second connector 124 of the multiport 102.

[0231] The DC source 80 may include an alternating current (AC) generator 134 and an AC / DC converter 136. The AC generator 134 is configured to generate alternating current electromagnetic energy that is converted into a direct current by the AC / DC converter 136. A capacitor is electrically connected between the AC generator 134 and the AC / DC converter 136 for providing direct current isolation.

[0232] The capacitor is part of a DC isolation 138 which is arranged between the various sources for generating electromagnetic energy and the various generator outputs. A plurality of capacitors is shown in Fig. 4 which form part of the DC isolation 138.

[0233] The interface cable 24 includes the first coaxial cable 140, the second coaxial cable 142, a sheath 144, the first cable connector 26, and / or the second cable connector 28. The first coaxial cable 140 and / or the second coaxial 142 may be commonly available coaxial cables. The first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial 142 can be electrically isolated from each other and / or are arranged within the common sheath 144 which may provide an outer surface of the interface cable 24.

[0234] The electrosurgical instrument 12 of the embodiment of Fig. 4 includes the instrument housing 42 in which the electric circuitry 52 of the electrosurgical instrument 12 is located. The electrosurgical instrument 12 further includes instrument cable interface 48 for connecting the second cable connector 28 to the electrosurgical instrument 12.

[0235] The instrument cable interface 48 includes a first coaxial instrument port 148 and a second (coaxial) instrument port 150. The first coaxial instrument port 148 is configured to be connected to the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial instrument port 150 is configured to be connected to the second coaxial cable 144. The first coaxial instrument port 148 is electrically connected to the first coaxial instrument cable 68 and the second coaxial instrument port 150 is electrically connected to the second coaxial instrument cable 70.

[0236] The first coaxial instrument port 148 and the second coaxial instrument port 150 may be arranged close to each other and are electrically isolated from each other. For example, the first coaxial instrument port 148 and the second coaxial instrument port 150 may be arranged on the instrument housing 42 such that they can be connected to the interface cable 24 using a single connection, for example using a unitary instrument cable interface 48 and a unitary second cable connector 28. The instrument cable interface 48 and the second cable connector 28 may provide a mechanical and / or electrical connection between the electrosurgical instrument 12 and the interface cable 24.

[0237] The first coaxial instrument port 148 can include a first inner instrument connector 152, a first outer instrument connector 154, and a third dielectric material which electrically isolates the first inner instrument connector 152 from the first outer instrument connector 154. The third dielectric material is not depicted in Fig. 4 and may be made from the same material as the first dielectric material. The first inner instrument connector 152, the first outer instrument connector 154, and the third dielectric material may form a connector for a coaxial cable.

[0238] The second coaxial instrument port 150 can include a second inner instrument connector 156, a second outer instrument connector 158, and a fourth dielectric material which electrically isolates the second inner instrument connector 156 from the second outer instrument connector 158. The fourth dielectric material is not depicted in Fig. 4 and may be made from the same material as the second dielectric material. The second inner instrument connector 156, the second outer instrument connector 158, and the fourth dielectric material may form a connector for a coaxial cable.

[0239] The electrical circuitry 52 of the electrosurgical instrument 12 includes a first instrument line 160, a second instrument line 162, a communication transceiver 164, a controller 166, a memory 170, an instrument user interface 171 , an instrument interface 172, a first instrument bandpass filter 174, a second instrument bandpass filter 176, and / or an instrument lowpass filter 178.

[0240] The first instrument line 160 may include one or more wires and / or is electrically connected to the first outer instrument conductor 154. The second instrument line 162 may include one or more wires and / or is electrically connected to the second outer instrument conductor 158. The instrument interface 172 is electrically connected to the first instrument line 160 and the second instrument line 162. The instrument interface 172 may be an electrical connection to the first instrument wire 70a and the second instrument wire 70b or can be implemented by an electrical connector for connecting the first instrument line 160 and the second instrument line 162 to the to the first instrument wire 70a and the second instrument wire 70b, respectively.

[0241] The first instrument bandpass filter 174 may include a commonly known bandpass filter which allows the transmission of electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range. Thus, the first instrument bandpass filter 174 may have to same electrical characteristics as the first bandpass filter 92 and / or is configured to transmit the electromagnetic energy that is generated by the radiofrequency source 76. The first instrument bandpass filter 174 is electrically connected between the instrument interface 172 and first instrument line 160 as well as the second instrument line 162. Thus, the instrument interface 172 may be considered an electrical interface for outputting the electromagnetic energy that is generated by the radiofrequency source 76.

[0242] The controller 166 may include a processor and / or a memory. The controller 166 can be provided for controlling the electric components arranged within the electrosurgical instrument 12, for example the communication transceiver 164 and / or the memory 170. The controller 166 is electrically connected to the first instrument line 160 and the second instrument line 162. The instrument lowpass filter 178 is electrically connected between the controller 166 and the first instrument line 160 as well as the second instrument line 162.

[0243] The instrument user interface 171 can include an instrument user display and / or an instrument user input for controlling various components of the electrosurgical instrument 12. The instrument user display may be provided for displaying information on the status of the electrosurgical instrument 12 and / or any other type of information that is relevant to the user handling the electrosurgical instrument 12. The instrument user interface 171 may also include an audio source (e.g. a speaker) for notifying the user. The instrument user input may include a touchscreen, a switch, a dial, and / or button for controlling various functionalities of the electrosurgical instrument 12. The instrument user interface 171 may be arranged (completely) within and / or on the instrument head 16.

[0244] The instrument user interface 171 may be in data-communication with the controller 166 and / or the memory 170. The instrument user interface 171 may be provided as a manual input for the controller 166. The controller 166 may control the instrument user interface 171 , for example the display.

[0245] The instrument lowpass filter 178 may include a commonly known lowpass filter and / or may be provided for only allowing the transmission of a direct current. Thus, the instrument lowpass filter 178 may have to same electrical characteristics as the lowpass filter 96 and / or is configured to allow transmission of the direct current that is generated by the DC source 80. In this way, the controller 166 can be electrically powered by the DC source 80 via an electrical connection using the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142.

[0246] The controller 166 may also be electrically connected to the communication transceiver 164 and / or the memory 170 for providing data communication and / or for powering the communication transceiver 164 and / or the memory 170.

[0247] The communication transceiver 164 may be an electrical component which converts data and / or signals generated by the controller 166 into a signal corresponding to the ISM standard bands. Conversely, the communication transceiver 164 converts signals corresponding to the ISM standard bands generated by the communication source 78 into signals and / or data that can be processed by the controller 166.

[0248] The second instrument bandpass filter 176 may include a commonly known bandpass filter which allows the transmission of electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range. Thus, the second instrument bandpass filter 176 may have to same electrical characteristics as the third bandpass filter 98 and / or is configured to transmit the electromagnetic energy that is generated by the communication source 78. The second instrument bandpass filter 176 is electrically connected between the communication transceiver 164 and first instrument line 160 as well as the second instrument line 162. Thus, the communication transceiver 164 is configured to receive data and / or signals that are generated by the communication source 78. The transmission of the data and / or signals is also supplied via the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142. This communication can be bi-directional.

[0249] The memory 170 may store as identification (ID) of the electrosurgical instrument 12, calibration and other usage data. The memory 170 may include electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In this way, the memory 170 can be used to store data on the electrosurgical instrument 12 that can be read out by the controller 166 and forwarded to the generator unit 12.

[0250] The electrosurgical instrument 12 further includes a first capacitor 68a and second capacitor 70a. The first capacitor 68a is arranged in the outer conductor of the first coaxial instrument cable 68 and the second capacitor 70a is arranged in the outer conductor of the second coaxial instrument cable 70. In other words, the first capacitor 68a is electrically coupled between the first outer instrument connector 154, and the radiating device 20. The second capacitor 70a is electrically coupled between the second outer instrument connector 158 and the radiating device 20. The first capacitor 68a and / or the second capacitor 70a may be configured to provide DC isolation along the outer conductors of the coaxial cables 68, 70.

[0251] Fig. 5 shows a circuit simulation of the electrosurgical system 10. Thereby, box A corresponds to the first microwave source 72, and box A’ is its corresponding load at the electrosurgical instrument 12. Box B corresponds the communication source 78 (or ISM source) and associated third band-pass filter 98, and box B’ is the communication transceiver 164 (or ISM load) and associated instrument bandpass filter 176 in the instrument head 16. This path can be bi-directional.

[0252] Box C corresponds the radiofrequency source 78 (or high-power RF source) and associated first bandpass filter 92, and box C’ includes the instrument bandpass filter 172 and load at the electrosurgical instrument 12. Box D corresponds to DC source 80 (or DC voltage source) and associated lowpass filter 96, and box D’ includes the instrument DC lowpass filter 178 and load at the instrument head 16. This can represent the power supply to any one of the controller 166 (e.g. including a microcontroller), the memory 170 (e.g. including an EEPROM), and the communication transceiver 164 (e.g. including an ISM circuitry).

[0253] Box E corresponds to the second microwave source 74, and box E’ is its corresponding load at the tip of the electrosurgical instrument 12. M and N are the independent first and second coaxial cables 140 and 142, respectively. The connections to the outer shields (or conductors) of each cable form the circuit for the ISM, RF and DC power.

[0254] Any radiofrequency power that is also multiplexed onto the first and second coaxial cables 140 and 142 directly which is not shown in Fig. 5 because it can be fully independent of the advanced multiplexed power between the first and second coaxial cables 140 and 142 and is known to work in existing products.

[0255] Capacitor 172 is a simple model of the capacitance between the outer shields / conductors of the first and second coaxial cables 140 and 142, which is proportional to the length of the cables, which may range from 2m to 5m in length.

[0256] Circuits [A, M, A’] and [E, N, E’] can be fully independent of circuits [B, B’], [C, C’] and [D, D’] and so cause no interference with each other.

[0257] The (high-power) RF circuit [C, C’] does not interfere with the communication (ISM) and DC power circuits, B and D. The communication (ISM) frequency (e.g. in the second frequency range) can be many octaves higher than the RF circuit (e.g. in the first frequency range) so the filtering in B and B’ is both simple and of low order. Filtering in D’ for the DC power is efficient, but any small amount of RF breakthrough to the DC supply can be removed using a simple filter and / or linear voltage regulator in D’, not shown here.

[0258] Combining these mixed signals or electromagnetic energy of different frequencies can be done because they can be separated at the instrument end of the interface cable 24 and that they do not cause interference to each other. The communication (ISM) signals, the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF power), and DC electromagnetic energy (DC power) all operate at very different frequencies and can easily be combined onto common conductors using appropriate multiplexing filters, shown as bandpass and lowpass filters in the diagram of Fig. 5.

[0259] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may, itself, contain a mixture of similar multiplexing filters or alternatively, a separate ‘head’ of the instrument cable 24 may contain the multiplexing filters before passing signals on to parts of the electrosurgical instrument 12. The electromagnetic energy of different frequencies in first and second frequency ranges are not multiplexed onto the same spectrum as the (high-power) microwave signals. This is shown in the three spectrums of Figure 6. The electromagnetic energy generated by both the first microwave source 72 and the second microwave source 74 are entirely separate and so there is no significant interference between the electromagnetic energy generated by the first microwave source 72 and the second microwave source 74 and all other signals (or electromagnetic energy). If this were otherwise (all signals sharing the same spectrum), it would be a complex task to produce a compact, lightweight, low-loss diplexer to isolate all signals from each other at the instrument end. The optional embodiment shown in Fig. 4 allows the use of cheap, low-frequency, lumped element components and no complex microstrip circuitry is required. The first and second microwave cables 140, 142 remain fully independent and fully available to send signals of any frequency. Fig. 6 also shows that, if desired, the radiofrequency source 76 may also be multiplexed onto the first and second microwave cables 140, 142 using the first switching unit 86 (including a relay matrix). In this case, a simple RF to microwave diplexer on each cable may be used.

[0260] Boxes A to E of Fig. 5 show various capacitors and inductors (coils) which correspond to the first bandpass filter 92, the second bandpass filter 94, the lowpass filter 96, and the DC isolation 138. Boxes A’ to E’ of Fig. 5 show various capacitors and inductors (coils) which correspond to the first instrument bandpass filter 174, the second instrument bandpass filter 176, the instrument low pass filter 178, the first capacitor 68a, and the second capacitor 70a.

[0261] Fig. 7 shows selected results from the simulation of Fig. 4. The diagrams of Fig. 7 show that a high-power RF voltage reaching 150V peak (300V pk-pk) is applied at C and delivered to load C’, simultaneously with a 500mV-peak communication (ISM) signal delivered to B’, and a 5V-peak DC power signal is delivered to D’.

[0262] There is no breakthrough of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy onto the communication (ISM) signal, and only minor breakthrough of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy onto the DC power. RF-to-DC breakthrough is estimated to be insignificant at around -86dB using the most modest filtering at D’. Breakthrough onto and from the high-power microwave electromagnetic energy is not shown because they are fully isolated from circuits B, C and D. Loss in the communication (ISM) channel from B to B’ is estimated at -2.0dB, which is insignificant compared to typical over-the-air radio propagation losses of e.g. -60dB. The communication (ISM) channel is reciprocal and losses in the reverse direction are the same as the forward direction.

[0263] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the generator unit 22. The generator unit 22 of Figs. 8 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the generator unit 22 of Fig. 4 except for the following differences.

[0264] The generator unit of Fig. 8 may further include a second switching unit 180 which is electrically connected to the first microwave source 72, the second microwave 74, the first combiner 88, and the second combiner 90. The second switching unit 180 may include a plurality of electrical switches and / or relays (e.g. forming a relay matrix). The second switching unit 180 may be configured to supply the microwave electromagnetic generated by the first microwave source 72 to either the first coaxial port 100 or the second coaxial port 102. The second switching unit 180 may be further configured to supply the microwave electromagnetic generated by the second microwave source 74 to either the first coaxial port 100 or the second coaxial port 102. In this way, the second switching unit 180 allows selectively supplying the microwave electromagnetic energy from the first microwave source 72 or the second microwave source 74 to the first cable 140 or the second cable 142 and, therefore, to a different pair of the first to fourth electrodes.

[0265] The generator unit 22 of Fig. 8 may not include the following components (compared to the generator unit 22 of Fig. 4): a communication source 78, a DC source 80, a second bandpass filter 94, a lowpass filter 96, a third bandpass filter 98, a multiport 102, a multiport 104, and / or a RF mono port 106.

[0266] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the generator unit 22. The generator unit 22 of Figs. 9 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the generator unit 22 of Fig. 8 except for the following differences.

[0267] The generator unit of Fig. 8 may further include a second coupler 182. The first network analyser 82 may be electrically coupled between the second microwave source 74 and the second coaxial port 112 using the second coupler 182, in the embodiment of Fig. 8 between the second microwave source 74 and the second combiner 90. The electrical coupling between the coaxial cable that electrically connects the second microwave source 74 to the second coaxial port 112 and the first network analyser 82 may be provided by the second coupler 182 which is in electrical means for electrically coupling the first network analyser 82 to this coaxial cable. Commonly known couplers can be used for the second coupler 182.

[0268] Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the generator unit 22. The generator unit 22 of Figs. 10 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the generator unit 22 of Fig. 4 except for the following differences.

[0269] The generator unit 22 of Fig. 10 may not include the following components (compared to the generator unit 22 of Fig. 4): a second microwave source 74, a communication source 78, a DC source 80, a vector network analyser 82, a first coupler 84, second combiner 90, a second bandpass filter 94, a lowpass filter 96, a third bandpass filter 98, a multiport 102, a multiport 104, and / or a RF mono port 106. The second port 112 is not a coaxial port and includes only the second outer connector 120 (i.e. the second inner connector 118 is absent). The second cable 142 does not include a coaxial cable and may only include a wire or single electric line.

[0270] Fig. 11 (left drawing) shows a frontal view on the generator cable interface 100 and the RF port 104. Fig. 11 (right drawing) shows a further optional embodiment of the generator cable interface 100 and the RF port 104 which belong to a generator unit 22 according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the second port 112 only includes the outer connector 120 and not the inner connector 118. In this embodiment, the second port 112 may be not a coaxial port and may include a simple electrical connector for connecting a single wire. In this embodiment, the second coaxial cable 142 may not be a coaxial cable and may be a single wire electrically isolated from the first coaxial cable 140. In this embodiment of the generator unit 22 of Fig. 11 , the generator unit 22 may not include the following components (compared to the generator unit 22 of Fig. 8): the second microwave source 74, the second combiner 90, and / or the second switching unit 180. Figs. 12 and 13 show a schematic view of a further embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument 12 that can be used with the electrosurgical system 10 described herein for treating a patient 14. The electrosurgical instrument 12 of Figs. 12 and 13 may include the same optional features and / or characteristics as the electrosurgical instrument 12 of Fig. 1 or 2 except for the following differences.

[0271] The instrument body 18 can be removably attached to the instrument head 16. In this case, the instrument interface 172 may include an electrical connector for connecting the first instrument line 160 to the first instrument wire 70a and the second instrument line 162 to the second instrument wire 70b. Furthermore, the instrument body 18 and instrument head 16 may include an electrical connector for the first coaxial instrument cable 68 and the second coaxial instrument cable 70.

[0272] Further, the memory 170 is not arranged on the instrument head 16 that on the instrument body 18. In this case, the controller 166 can be configured to read out the memory 170 to determine the identification number or other information stored on the instrument body 18. The instrument body 18 may be single-use.

[0273] The electrosurgical instrument 12 further includes a microwave instrument port 184 and / or a control output port 186. The microwave instrument port 184 is electrically connected to the first coaxial instrument port and the second coaxial instrument port via the first coaxial instrument cable 68 and the second coaxial instrument cable 70. The control output port 186is electrically coupled to the controller 166. The microwave instrument port 184, the control output port 186, and / or the instrument interface 172 are arranged on the instrument housing 42 and / or are configured to be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the instrument body 18.

[0274] An embodiment of this disclosure may also be described as follows:

[0275] This disclosure refers to an embodiment of the electrosurgical system 10, which may be considered as Advanced Multiplexed Power, to multiplex and supply electrosurgical power signals with bidirectional communications and DC power from the electrosurgical generator unit 22 to the electrosurgical instrument 12. This can be done by utilising the outer shields / conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 or the second coaxial cable 142 of the interface cable 24. It may not require any bespoke multipolar connectors and may use only standard coaxial connectors and cables. In doing so, it defines a pathway for including instrument ID, logging, tracking, calibration, built-in control. The electrosurgical system 10 can be fully controllable and upgradeable using software and does not require hardware changes to a generator for inclusion of future instruments. The invention architecture is also backwards compatible with existing microwave and radiofrequency electrosurgical instruments.

[0276] In general, this disclosure describes an embodiment of the electrosurgical system 10 where electrosurgical power, control signals, communication signals and DC power are multiplexed onto one or more coaxial cables that connect the electrosurgical generator unit 22 to the electrosurgical instrument 12.

[0277] The electrosurgical system 10 addresses deficiencies in current methods and proposes novel solutions that may be realised by means of a multiplexer / diplexer system.

[0278] The electrosurgical system 10 may be utilised to convey electromagnetic energy in endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, open surgery and robotically assisted surgery but could be applied in any form of electrosurgery. The electrosurgical system 10 uses the outer shields of just two isolated coaxial cables (e.g. the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142) and connectors to enable the next generation of highly functional advanced electrosurgical energy products rather than sending each individual power and communication source separately down their own individual cables.

[0279] In general, electrosurgery involves sending electromagnetic power from a generator, through one or more cables to an electrosurgical instrument that utilizes the power to perform tissue cutting, ablation or sensing operations on tissue. This is commonly done through laparoscopic, endoscopic, and now robotically controlled instruments.

[0280] With prior art instruments, the interface cable conveys the power to the instrument with the aim of losing as little power as possible through resistive heating. This often requires the interface cables (IFCs) to be bulky and stiff, so, optionally, a short section of thinner, more flexible instrument cable is used at the distal (patient) end of the circuit, albeit at higher resistive loss.

[0281] A greater functionality to be built into electrosurgical instruments is desirable. This requires multiple forms of electromagnetic power to be delivered to a common electrosurgical instrument from a common generator. For instance, bipolar or monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy of around 100kHz to 1MHz is often sent along twisted pair or coaxial cables from a rectangular-shaped connector at the generator end. Coaxial cables and connectors are also known to be used to deliver power from 100kHz up to 6GHz (microwave) frequencies. Coaxial cables can often convey both RF and microwave frequencies simultaneously by use of suitable diplexers built into the generator.

[0282] Some known electrosurgical instruments also have other communication, power and control signals that are required to be sent to the instrument head. These convey signals such as DC power, temperature sensor data, microswitch states, LED indicators, LCD displays, RF and EEPROM ID and logging data. The process of adding more functionality to instruments can necessitate that the instrument cables and connectors become bulkier through the addition of multiple conductors. The complexity of the interface cable and connectors also increases and connectors become very bespoke. Often there are only very few manufacturers with the capability to produce such connectors. Bipolar connectors are often found on generators from multiple manufacturers and have become a de facto, compatible standard. Multipolar connectors are normally not compatible between different manufacturers and may be made that way intentionally, to prevent mixtures between manufactures of instruments and generators. Another way of implementing exclusivity is by including bar-coded or RFID methods in the generator connector.

[0283] The electrosurgical system 10 is provided to deliver two types of microwave electromagnetic energy simultaneously, along with RF electromagnetic energy, to the electrosurgical instrument that includes two or more isolated electrodes. To achieve this, two coaxial cables can be connected to the generator. This functionality could be achieved using a single coaxial cable and an added microwave splitter that could sit at the distal end of the IFC and connect to the instrument via thinner instrument cables, or two separate coaxial cables could be used from the generator that has an internal split. In any case, the addition of a splitter will add bulky metalwork and may also limit the functionality of some sensing elements of the generator. It is here investigated how a new connection method might provide the required functionality in a simple form.

[0284] The electrosurgical system 10 proposed is a new format of dual coaxial multiplexed power and control interface that optionally requires just two coaxial cables (e.g. the first and second coaxial cables 140 and 142), or a single coaxial cable with one other conductor - along with some simple and inexpensive multiplexer components. This disclosure describes how such a connection method can facilitate the benefits of multiple forms of high-power treatment signals, control signals to and from the instrument head, DC energy, instrument detection, identification and logging, without requiring bespoke multipolar connectors. Furthermore, the electrosurgical system 10 allows the continued back-compatibility with both bipolar, monopolar instruments, and coaxial instruments. All functions can be enabled through software configuration, meaning that bespoke connectorisation is not required. Significant savings in design effort, logistical build-configuration and product options can also be achieved.

[0285] Fig. 3 show a schematic representation of an advanced electrosurgical instrument 12 that can use multiple power sources and provide a diversity of user functionality that is built into the instrument housing 42. Such an electrosurgical instrument 12 may include multiple connections to convey the electrosurgical power, communication and control signals to and from the generator.

[0286] The following two sections provide a selection of schematic diagrams that span from conventional systems (prior art) up to the proposed Advanced Multiplexed Power format.

[0287] The electrosurgical system 10 of the embodiment of Fig. 3 utilizes just two isolated coaxial cables to provide all of the aforementioned electrosurgical power and device functionality.

[0288] It is normally imperative that electrosurgical generators and their instrument and interface cables connected between the patient and the generator are galvanically isolated with a capacitance to ground or chassis that does not exceed e.g. 50nF. Especially for instruments that require new energy modalities, there is an opportunity to utilise the isolated nature of the outer shield of coaxial connectors to convey additional power and signalling. Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of an Advanced Multiplexed Power and signalling generator (e.g. the generator unit 22) that, primarily, uses just two isolated coaxial cables as the interface. The individual parts of this diagram will be described in more detail.

[0289] There are two separate microwave sources 72, 74 that are routed straight to each of two coaxial outputs. In this embodiment one of the microwave sources has an additional VNA system that can be used for sensing and measurement, e.g. of the tissue at the distal end of the instrument. All sources and connections are isolated by a form of capacitive or possibly inductive break so that the two output coaxial connections form an isolation barrier to the patient.

[0290] The radiofrequency source 76 and optional sensing signal is combined into the microwave sources 72, 74, if required, by the selection of a relay switch matrix (e.g. the first switching unit 86). The relays are also capable of routing the radiofrequency source 76 and sensing signals to compatible bipolar and monopolar connectors. This allows backwards compatibility with existing bipolar instruments. It is also equally valid to utilise only a single microwave output connector in order to be backwards compatible with existing microwave instruments.

[0291] Additionally, the generator unit 22 can multiplex other signals onto the outer shields of the microwave coaxial cables 140, 142. Firstly, the radiofrequency source 76 and sensing source may be connected to the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142. Secondly, a wired, bidirectional Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) telemetry transceiver (e.g. the communication source 78) can also be connected to the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142. Thirdly, isolated DC power (e.g. the DC source 80) can be sent down the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142 to provide power to the electrosurgical instrument 12 if needed.

[0292] The premise for combining these mixed signals is that they can be separated at the instrument end of the interface cable 24 and that they do not cause interference to each other. The ISM signals, the RF energy and DC energy all operate at very different frequencies and can easily be combined onto common conductors using appropriate multiplexing filters, shown as band-pass and low-pass filters in Fig. 4.

[0293] The electrosurgical instrument 12 may, itself, contain a mixture of similar multiplexing filters or alternatively, a separate ‘head’ of the instrument cable may contain the multiplexing filters before passing signals on to parts of the instrument.

[0294] Note that the new advanced signals are not multiplexed onto the same spectrum as the high-power microwave signals. This is shown in the three spectrums of Fig. 6. Both MW1 and MW2 (e.g. the microwave energy generated by the first microwave source 72 and the second microwave source 74, respectively) are entirely separate and so there is no significant interference between the MW1 and MW2 signals and all other signals. If this were otherwise (all signals sharing the same spectrum), it would be a complex task to produce a compact, lightweight, low-loss diplexer to isolate all signals from each other at the instrument end. The advanced arrangement shown in Fig. 4 allows the use of cheap, low-frequency, lumped element components and no complex microstrip circuitry is required. The first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142 remain fully independent and fully available to send signals of any frequency. Fig. 4 also shows that, if desired, the radiofrequency source 76 may also be multiplexed onto the first coaxial cable 140 and the second coaxial cable 142 using the first switching unit 86. In this case, a simple RF to microwave diplexer on each cable may be provided.

[0295] While it is preferred that two isolated coaxial cables are used, e.g. in Fig. 11 (left drawing), the configuration of Fig. 11 (right drawing) is equally valid if a single microwave coaxial cable is paired with a lesser quality coaxial cable, or even a single conductor (dummy) cable.

[0296] The connection or ISM channel includes a bi-directional half or full-duplex RF modulation transceiver IC (e.g. the communication source 78) which may be similar to those used in wireless central heating controls or garage door openers. The MAX7030 transceiver IC made by Maxim Integrated™ (Analog Devices Inc.™) is a good example of the communication source 78 and includes bidirectional half-duplex communication up to 66kbps at 433MHz. Common frequencies of operation are 27MHz, 433MHz, 915MHz, 2.45GHz and can depend on bands allocated by the ITU for different regions of the world. ISM signals would normally be broadcast into air at low power. As such, ISM receivers are normally susceptible to unintentional and intentional blocking by interference. The system proposed here uses the flexibility of ISM transceiver ICs (e.g. communication source 78 and / or the instrument transceiver 164) but in a ‘wired mode’. This is much more secure and robust against interference (e.g. Ethernet compared to Wi-Fi) than broadcast systems.

[0297] A simple band-pass filter (e.g. the third bandpass filter 98 and / or the second instrument bandpass filter 176) is able to separate the ISM signals from multiplexed DC and RF power while providing low attenuation and high SNR in-band between transmitter and receiver.

[0298] The DC power channel uses an isolated DC supply at the generator end (e.g. the DC source 80). DC power may be multiplexed onto the first coaxial cable 140 and / or the second coaxial cable 142 of the interface cable 24 using a low-pass filter (e.g. the lowpass filter 96), such as a differential-mode choke. DC power at the instrument end may be extracted using a similar low-pass filter (e.g. the instrument lowpass filter 178) and a high-pass filter (e.g. the first instrument bandpass filter 174 and / or the second instrument bandpass filter 176) to pass the RF and ISM signals to their own destination.

[0299] The RF power and sensing channel may be multiplexed onto either of the channels of the first microwave source 72 or the second microwave source 74, or onto the two outer shields of first coaxial cable 140 and / or the second coaxial cable 142. In sensing mode, the RF circuitry may be designed to measure complex or scalar voltage and current of the signal being passed to the tissue. RF signals may be multiplexed onto and from the outer conductors of the first coaxial cable 140 and / or the second coaxial cable 142 using a bandpass filter.

[0300] The microwave channels remain fully independent of the other advanced channels and can be used to send signals of any frequency to the instrument. This includes future frequencies that might include high microwave (e.g. 14.5GHz) and mm-wave (23GHz or higher).

[0301] Either or both of the microwave channels may be augmented by the addition of the vector network analyser (VNA) 82 that can analyse signals that are either reflected back from the electrosurgical instrument 12 and cabling, or signals that are passed between the two microwave channels through the tissue within the instrument’s working domain.

[0302] As long as the hardware for Advanced Multiplexed Power (e.g. the electrosurgical system 10) is included in the generator unit 22, its operation and functionality can be controlled completely by software, with no additional hardware variants. This may be helpful for maintaining the certified status of a product. There are however a number of optional variants of the hardware that enable further benefits to the general circuit proposed in Fig. 4.

[0303] Fig. 8 shows how a high-power microwave transfer switch (e.g. the second switching unit 180) can be used to route signals of the first microwave source 72 and the second microwave source 74 directly to their output connectors (e.g. the first coaxial port 110 and the second coaxial port 112), or cross them over so that either power source can be sent to either cable. The vector network analyser 82 included in one path may also be utilised to measure reflections from both paths alternately. The embodiment of Fig. 9 extends this further by an additional coupler (e.g. the second coupler 182). In this case, the vector network analyser (VNA) 82 may measure both reflections from each coaxial cable 140, 142 and instrument-part as well as transmission between the two microwave paths. For example, this could allow measurement of tissue clamped between the individual jaws of a grasping type of instrument.

[0304] Fig. 8 shows a variant of the generator unit 22 that includes a high-power transfer switch (e.g. the second switching unit 180) for routing microwave signals directly to or crossover to individual coaxial outputs (e.g. the first coaxial port 110 and the second coaxial port 112). The vector network analyser 82 is included in one of the paths to allow reflections to be measure on either coaxial cable.

[0305] Fig. 9 shows the vector network analyser 82 connected to both microwave sources 72, 74 and would allow measurement of reflection from, and transfer between, both microwave cables.

[0306] The instrument end of the interface cable 24 may provide several filtering (multiplexing) components in order to separate the electrosurgical power and communication signals. There are two broad categories of how these parts may be included in the electrosurgical instrument 12, or the intermediate instrument head 16.

[0307] Firstly, all components might be included in the electrosurgical instrument 12 itself, for example as part of the handle or enclosure, as shown in Fig. 12 a).

[0308] Secondly, it might be more cost effective and convenient for a particular application to include only the most minimal functionality as part of the instrument body 18, such as identification (ID), calibration and other usage data stored in EEPROM (e.g. the memory 170), and to plug this into a reusable instrument head 16 that include higher functionality, as shown in Fig. 12 b).

[0309] Fig. 13 shows more detail regarding possible component locations, although component location is largely transparent and is device-agnostic as seen by the generator unit 22.

[0310] Optional advantages of the electrosurgical system 10 are outlined in the following:

[0311] The electrosurgical system 10 may be backwards compatible with bipolar RF, monopolar RF, coaxial output microwave, and combined RF and microwave on a coaxial output.

[0312] Only two identical coaxial ports may be provided on the generator unit 22. This is similar to the two bipolar connectors that are commonly found on existing generators.

[0313] High instrument functionality can be realised without needing bespoke multipolar connectors that are often specific to a single product line. Simple coaxial connectors can be sourced from many manufacturers, reducing the risk and cost to supply.

[0314] No separate power or data lines may be provided with the electrosurgical system 10 - all data can be sent bidirectionally using the wired communication (ISM) channel.

[0315] The wired communication (ISM) channel can be highly secure and resistant to interference compared to wireless communication (ISM).

[0316] Data, control, and monitoring can be fully configured using software. No hardware modifications are required, such as allocation of multipolar contacts at design time, or change of multipolar contacts for new instrument products. This leads to greatly reduced build configuration requirements. The electrosurgical system 10 may solve the issue of when and how to include instrument identification by presenting a flexible option for multiple future methods, without the need to change the generator.

[0317] The electrosurgical system 10 may allow for individual instrument calibration tables to be stored within EEPROM in an instrument.

[0318] For electrosurgical instruments that only need a single microwave feed, a low-grade second coaxial cable can be used in the interface cable instead of a high-quality microwave cable.

[0319] Advanced Multiplexed Energy may not be dependent on coaxial cable quality. Cables may be sourced from any manufacturer to suit only independent microwave requirements of the instrument.

[0320] Individual functions such as DC power and ISM can be enabled in software. They can be used or not used, as desired.

[0321] No generator hardware changes may be required to accommodate new instruments or modalities.

[0322] The electrosurgical system 10 can support asset tracking, instrument identification (like RFID or wired ID), instrument usage logging, and data logging using cheap EEPROM in instrument.

[0323] The electrosurgical instrument 12 can have power, intelligence, control, logging, microcontroller, LEDs, display. It can be as simple or complex as necessary and include all or none of the features.

[0324] No heavy microwave splitter is required at instrument end, although its use fully compatible and is not precluded if required.

[0325] Radiofrequency electromagnetic energy may or may not be mixed or split into microwave channel. For example, no diplexer is needed, although using one is still possible and maintains existing combined power as well as new possibilities.

[0326] The electrosurgical system 10 is extendible beyond microwave range into mmWave range of electromagnetic frequencies. All microwave signals can be contained in the coaxial cables 140, 142, and are not affected by the additional communication (ISM), RF and DC channels. The two microwave coaxial cables 140, 142 are simply “pipes” that have convey microwaves from output to instrument. This supports a modular approach where the generator unit 22 could have a range of microwave frequency power sources to support a wide range of instrument modes.

[0327] The electrosurgical system 10 provides low microwave loss from generator unit 22 to electrosurgical instrument 12.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A generator unit for generating microwave electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for being supplied to an electrosurgical instrument, comprising a first coaxial port configured to be connected to a first coaxial cable, the first coaxial port including a first inner connector and a first outer connector separated by a first dielectric material, a second port configured to be connected to an electrical line configured to convey a direct current and / or the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy, a first microwave source configured to generate the microwave electromagnetic energy in a first microwave frequency range for being supplied to the first coaxial port, and a radiofrequency source configured to generate the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range offset from the first microwave frequency range, the radiofrequency source including a first output and a second output, wherein the radiofrequency source is configured to be coupled to the first coaxial port and the second port such that the first output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and the second output is electrically connected to the second port.

2. The generator unit of claim 1 , further comprising a first switching unit configured to - in a first switching state - electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the first coaxial port and the second port such that the first output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and the second output is electrically connected to the second port.

3. The generator unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second port is a second coaxial port configured to be connected to a second coaxial cable, the second coaxial port including a second inner connector and a second outer connector separated from the second inner connector by a second dielectric material, the first switching unit being configured to - in the first switching state - electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the second coaxial port such that the second output is electrically connected to the second outer connector, and wherein the generator unit further includes a second microwave source configured to generate microwave electromagnetic energy in a second microwave frequency range for being supplied to the second coaxial port.

4. The generator unit of claim 3, further comprising a second switching unit connected to the first coaxial port, the second coaxial port, the first microwave source, and the second microwave source, the second switching unit being configured to electrically connectthe first microwave source to the first coaxial connector or the second coaxial connector or the second microwave source to the other one of the first coaxial connector or the second coaxial connector which is not connected to the first microwave source, wherein optionally the first switching unit is configured to - in a second switching state - electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the first coaxial port such that the first output is electrically connected to the first inner connector and the second output is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and / or to the second port such that the first output is electrically connected to the second inner connector and the second output is electrically connected to the second outer connector.

5. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a communication source for generating alternating electromagnetic energy in a second frequency range offset from the first frequency range and the first and second microwave frequency ranges, wherein the communication source includes a first communication output electrically connected to the first outer connector and a second communication output electrically connected to the second port.

6. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprising an DC source for generating for a direct current, wherein the DC source includes a first DC output electrically connected to the first outer connector and a second DC output is electrically connected to the second port.

7. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprising an RF port separate from the first coaxial port and the second port, the RF port being configured to be connected to a first cable configured to convey radiofrequency energy, wherein the first switching network is configured to electrically connect the radiofrequency source to the RF port.

8. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a multiport configured to be connected to a second cable configured to convey electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range, in the second frequency range, and / or direct current, wherein the multiport includes a first connector which is electrically connected to the first outer connector, and wherein the multiport includes a second connector which is electrically connected to the second port.

9. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprisinga first bandpass filter electrically coupled between the radiofrequency source and the first outer connector and the second port, the first bandpass being configured to pass the electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range, and / or a second bandpass filter electrically coupled between the radiofrequency source and the RF port, the second bandpass being configured to pass the electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range, and / or a third bandpass filter coupled between the communication source and the first outer connector and the second port, the third bandpass being configured to pass the electromagnetic energy in the second frequency range, and / or a lowpass filter electrically coupled between the DC source and the first outer connector and the second port, the lowpass filter being configured to pass the DC current.

10. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprising an RF sensor electrically coupled to the first output and the second output, wherein the RF sensor is configured to measure a capacitance, an inductance, a voltage and / or a current of the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to be output via the first coaxial port and the second port.

11. The generator unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a DC isolation for preventing a direct current from flowing, wherein the DC isolation is electrically coupled between the first microwave source, the second microwave source, the radiofrequency source, and / or the communication source on the one hand and the first coaxial port, the second port, the RF port, and / or the multiport on the other hand.

12. An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue using microwave electromagnetic energy and / or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy for treating tissue, the electrosurgical instrument being configured to be connected to the generator unit of any preceding claim, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a first coaxial instrument port configured to be connected to a first coaxial cable, the first coaxial instrument port including a first inner instrument connector and a first outer instrument connector separated by a third dielectric material, a second instrument port configured to be connected to an electrical line configured to convey a direct current and / or the radiofrequency energy, and a radiating device for emitting the microwave electromagnetic energy and / or the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy to a tissue proximate to the radiating device, wherein the radiating device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, wherein the first electrode is electrically coupled to the first inner instrument connector, wherein the second electrode is electrically coupled to the first outer instrument connector, and wherein the third electrode is electrically coupled to the second instrument port.

13. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 12, wherein the second instrument port is a second coaxial instrument port configured to be connected to a second coaxial cable, the second coaxial instrument port including a second inner instrument connector and a second outer instrument connector separated from the second inner connector by a fourth dielectric material, wherein the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a fourth electrode that is electrically coupled to the second inner instrument connector, and wherein the third electrode is electrically coupled to the outer instrument connector.

14. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a lowpass instrument filter and a controller, wherein the lowpass instrument filter is electrically coupled between the controller and the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, the lowpass filter being configured to pass direct current for powering the controller.

15. The electrosurgical instrument of any one of the claims 12 to 14, further comprising a first bandpass instrument filter and an instrument interface, wherein the first bandpass instrument filter is electrically coupled between the instrument interface and the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, the first bandpass instrument filter being configured to pass radiofrequency electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range.

16. The electrosurgical instrument of any one of the claims 12 to 15, further comprising a second bandpass instrument filter and a communication transceiver, wherein the second bandpass instrument filter is electrically coupled between the communication transceiver and the first outer instrument connector and the second instrument port, the second bandpass instrument filter being configured to pass electromagnetic energy in a second frequency range.

17. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the communication transceiver is electrically coupled to the controller, wherein optionally the communication transceiver is powered by the controller.

18. The electrosurgical instrument of any one of the claims 12 to 17, further comprising an instrument head and instrument body, wherein the instrument head includes an instrument housing, the first coaxial instrument port and / or the second instrument port are arranged on the instrument housing, and wherein the instrument body includes a proximal end and a distal end, the radiating device being arranged on the distal end.

19. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 18, the instrument body is configured to be removably attached to the instrument head, the proximal end is configured to be removably attached to the instrument housing.

20. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 19, further comprising a microwave instrument port electrically connected to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port, and / or a control output port electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the microwave instrument port, the control output port, and / or the instrument interface are arranged on the instrument housing and / or are configured to be connected to the instrument body.

21. The electrosurgical instrument of any one of the claims 18 to 20 when depending on any one of the claims 14 to 17, wherein the lowpass instrument filter, the controller, the first bandpass instrument filter, the second bandpass instrument filter, and / or the ISM transceiver are arranged within the instrument housing.

22. The electrosurgical instrument of any one of the claims 14 to 21 , further comprising a memory for storing information on the electrosurgical instrument and / or an identification number of the electrosurgical instrument, wherein the controller is configured to read the memory.

23. The electrosurgical instrument of claim 22 when depending on any one of the claims 18 to 21 , wherein the memory is arranged on the instrument body and the controller is arranged on the instrument head.

24. An electrosurgical system, comprising the generator unit of any one of the claims 1 to 11 , the electrosurgical instrument of any one of the claims 12 to 23, and an interface cable having a first cable connector and a second cable connector, wherein the first cable connector is configured to connect to the first coaxial port and the second port, and wherein the second cable connector is configured to connect to the first coaxial instrument port and the second instrument port.

25. The electrosurgical system of claim 24, wherein the interface cable includes two coaxial cables, wherein optionally the two coaxial cables are arranged within a common sheath.

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