Electrosurgical system and generator

Abstract

An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to supply electrosurgical energy, and an electrosurgical instrument capable of delivering the electrosurgical energy for treating tissue, such as a tissue sealing operation and a tissue cutting operation. A controller module is configured to receive at least a first initiation request for a the tissue sealing operation. In some instances, the controller module is configured to receive a second initiation request for a tissue cutting operation. The controller module is configured to controllably operate the electrosurgical generator to selectively supply energy for the tissue sealing operation or the tissue cutting operation.

Description

A0012857W001ELECTRO SURGICAL SYSTEM AND GENERATORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 63 / 738,211, filed December 23, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to surgical devices, and more particularly to controller modules for electrosurgical devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electrosurgery typically involves application of electric current to biological tissue during an electrosurgical procedure. In some instances, an electrosurgical generator, e.g., a power supply or waveform generator, generates a high-frequency electrical current which can be supplied to an electrosurgical instrument having an active electrode and returned to the generator by a return electrode. In some implementations, the electrosurgical instrument carries both the active and return electrodes.

[0004] During electrosurgery, current generated by the electrosurgical generator is conducted through tissue disposed between the active and return electrodes. The tissue's impedance converts the electrosurgical energy into heat, leading to a rise in tissue temperature for treatment (e.g., tissue sealing, coagulation, dissection, or the like). The generator controls treatment of the tissue by controlling various parameters of the electrosurgical energy supplied to the tissue. Electrosurgical instruments can also include mechanical guards, lockouts, or the like for preventing undesired energy supply or mode initiation.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy, and an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treatA0012857W001clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy, a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation, and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation. The electrosurgical system further includes a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy, and an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy, and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation. The electrosurgical system further includes a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy,A0012857W001and an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation. The electrosurgical system further includes a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

[0008] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator includes a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory. The controller module is configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for a tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for a tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0009] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy, and an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector comprising a firstA0012857W001jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation. The electrosurgical system further includes a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

[0010] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator includes a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request, and a controller module having a processor and memory. The controller module is configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for a tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for a tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0011] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator includes a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy, and a first switch and a second switch being activatable to generate a respective first initiation request and a second initiation request, and a controller module having a processor and memory. The controller module is configured to:A0012857W001upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

[0012] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator includes a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy, and a first switch and a second switch being activatable to generate a respective first initiation request and a second initiation request, and a controller module having a processor and memory. The controller module is configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

[0013] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor does it limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features, or advantages of examples will be set forth in part in the description that follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of aspects of systems and methods described below and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrosurgical system including a generator and an electrosurgical device in accordance with various aspects described herein.A0012857W001

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the electrosurgical device of FIG. 1 and illustrating a handle assembly in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating interaction between components of the electrosurgical system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the electrosurgical system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another method of operating the electrosurgical system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another method of operating the electrosurgical system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another method of operating the electrosurgical system of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another electrosurgical system including a surgical robotic system in accordance with various aspects described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Electrosurgical devices are known to include mechanical guards or lockouts, such as knife channel barriers, handle locks, trigger covers, or the like, to prevent undesired operation or energy supply to tissue. Some electrosurgical instruments can be configured to perform multiple treatment processes, such as a tissue sealing process or cycle activated by a sealing trigger and a tissue dissection cycle activated by a cutting trigger. In such a case, mechanical guards can also be utilized to prevent initiation of one process when another is in progress. In one example, during a tissue sealing operation where a sealing trigger is held in a depressed position, a mechanical cutout can block a dissection trigger from being depressed until the sealing trigger is released. The mechanical cutout feature can be directly coupled to the sealing trigger for comovement, or coupled by a linkage to the sealing trigger to match the timing of movement of the sealing trigger, in some examples.

[0024] Existing solutions using mechanical features generally do not address electrosurgical cutters, which perform cutting operations by transmitting energy through tissue without use of a moving element, e.g. a knife assembly, that could otherwise be blocked. In addition, existing solutions using mechanical features do not address preventing activation of an electric switch, orA0012857W001initiation of certain operating modes, as such switches or operating modes may be initiated on a circuit level without actuation of a physical trigger. Existing solutions also do not address user behaviors such as pressing a switch for activating one operating mode, e.g. an electrosurgical cutting procedure, while another operating mode, e.g. a tissue sealing procedure, is still in progress.

[0025] Aspects of the disclosure provide for an electrosurgical system and device wherein a circuit-level solution is implemented for preventing undesirable energy supply, as well as for queuing or scheduling a future electrosurgical procedure when another electrosurgical procedure is in progress. Aspects of the disclosure additionally provide for an electrosurgical system and device configured to determine whether an in-progress treatment procedure has been successfully completed before allowing a subsequent treatment procedure.

[0026] In particular, as described herein, the described aspects provide for a controller module configured to monitor the status of a tissue sealing operation to determine whether to allow initiation of a subsequent cutting operation. The controller module is further configured to receive a request for a cutting operation (e.g., a user depressing a cutting trigger button), to determine that the cutting operation should not be immediately initiated (e.g., a sealing operation is in progress), and to schedule the cutting operation to be performed at a future time (e.g., the sealing operation has successfully completed).

[0027] As used herein, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an.” The same holds true for the use of definite articles. In addition, “a set” of elements as used herein can refer to any number of elements, including only one element.

[0028] Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the components such terms describe, and are not intended to indicate relative, temporal, or other prioritization of such components.

[0029] While terms such as “voltage,” “current,” “power,” and “energy” may be used herein, it is understood by one skilled in the art that these terms can be interchangeable when describingA0012857W001aspects of an electrical circuit or circuit operations. Additionally, as used herein, components being “electrically connected or “electrically coupled” can include a wired or wireless connection between the respective components. Such an electrical connection can include a physical or wired connection, including, but not limited to, board-to-board connections, cable-to-cable connections, cable-to-board connections, or the like. Such an electrical connection can also include wireless connections, including, but not limited to, radio frequency (RF) transmission, WiFi (e.g. 802.11 networks), Bluetooth, or the like.

[0030] As used herein, while sensors can be described as “sensing,” “detecting,” or “measuring” a certain property, such sensing, detecting, or measuring can include determining a value indicative of that property, or related to that property, rather than directly sensing the property itself. Such determined values can be provided to additional components, such as a controller module or processor, and the controller module or processor can determine a value, electrical characteristic, or the like representative of the sensed property.

[0031] Additionally, as used herein, a “controller” or “controller module” can include a component configured or adapted to provide instruction, control, operation, or any form of communication for operable components to effect the operation thereof. Such a controller module can include any known processor, microcontroller, or logic device, including, but not limited to: field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a proportional controller (P), a proportional integral controller (Pl), a proportional derivative controller (PD), a proportional integral derivative controller (PID controller), a hardware-accelerated logic controller (e.g. for encoding, decoding, transcoding, etc.), the like, or a combination thereof. Such a controller module as used herein can be configured to execute program code to effect operational or functional outcomes, including carrying out various methods, functions, processing tasks, calculations, comparisons, sensing or measuring of values, or the like, to enable or achieve technical operations described herein. The operation or functional outcomes can be based on one or more inputs, stored data values, sensed or measured values, true or false indications, or the like. Such a controller module can further include a data storage component or memory accessible by the processor. The memory can be transient or nontransient, or volatile or non-volatile. For example, the memory can include computer readable media, which can be volatile or non-volatile, as well as removable or non-removable media. Some non-limiting examples of types of media that can be provided include RAM, ROM,A0012857W001EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired content and which can be accessed by the processor.

[0032] All directional references as may be used herein, e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc., are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, or joined) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to one another. Additionally, the drawings of the present disclosure are for purposes of illustration only, and the dimensions, positions, order, or relative sizes of components reflected in the drawings can vary.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, an electrosurgical system 100 is shown including an electrosurgical generator 110 (also referred to herein as “generator 110”) and an electrosurgical instrument 120 (also referred to herein as “instrument 120”). In the illustrated example, the instrument 120 is in the form of a handheld vessel sealing and dissection device configured to perform sealing operations and cutting or dissection operations. It will be understood that aspects of the disclosure are not so limited, and can have applicability in other surgical instruments, including ultrasonic surgical instruments, robotic surgical instruments, or network-controllable surgical instruments in some examples.

[0034] The generator 110 can include a generator housing 111, a display 112, one or more switches 114, and one or more generator ports 115 configured to provide at least electrosurgical energy for the instrument 120. The generator 110 can be configured to generate electrosurgical energy having with various types or characteristics. For example, the generator 110 can generate energy of various types, such as radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy, thermal energy, or the like. The generator 110 can also generate a selected type of energy having various selected characteristics such as phases, frequencies, amplitudes, waveforms, time durations, or the like.

[0035] The electrosurgical instrument 120 can include a housing 124 at least partiallyA0012857W001defining a handle assembly, an elongated shaft 126 extending from the housing 124, and an end effector 128 coupled to a distal end of the shaft 126. The housing 124 can include one or more switches, illustrated as a first switch 121 and a second switch 122, for user control or operation of the instrument 120. For instance, in a non-limiting example, activation of the first switch 121 can initiate a tissue sealing procedure and activation of the second switch 122 can initiate a tissue cutting procedure. User activation of the switch(es) 114 of the generator 110, the first switch 121, or the second switch 122 can place the generator 110 into a selected mode of operation, initiate a cycle of operation of the generator 110, or change a type, amount, or characteristic of the electrosurgical energy supplied by the generator 110, or the like. In this manner, the instrument 120 may be configured to request multiple types or characteristics of electrosurgical energy to be supplied by the generator 110.

[0036] The generator 110 can be electrically coupled to the instrument 120 for supplying electrosurgical energy, for sending or receiving control signals or sensor data, or the like. In the non-limiting example shown, the instrument 120 includes an instrument port 125, and a cable 105 is shown connecting the generator port 115 to the instrument port 125 for power delivery or signal communication. An internal path or circuitry 123 can electrically couple the instrument port 125 to the end effector 128. In this manner, the generator 110 can supply electrosurgical energy to the end effector 128, such as for tissue treatment. In addition, it is contemplated that the generator 110 can be electrically coupled to the instrument 120 by a wired or wireless connection, or by a network that may include combinations of wired and wireless connections, in some examples.

[0037] The end effector 128 can be configured for a variety of treatment processes, such as clamping, spacing, sealing, or cutting of tissue. As shown, the end effector 128 includes a set of jaw members 130 including a first jaw member 131 and a second jaw member 132. The first and second jaw members 131, 132 can be movable, e.g. pivotable, relative to one another such that they may be spaced apart or brought together for clamping processes. In some examples, the first jaw member 131 can be pivotable and the second jaw member 132 can be fixed. In some examples, each of the first jaw member 131 and the second jaw member 132 can be pivotable.

[0038] A set of electrodes 140 can also be provided in the system 100 for delivering electrosurgical energy supplied by the generator 110. In the non-limiting example shown, the set of electrodes 140 includes a first electrode 141 carried by the first jaw member 131, a secondA0012857W001electrode 142 and a third electrode 143 each carried by the second jaw member 132, and a fourth electrode 144 in the form of a return electrode or a return pad 108 having a dedicated path to the generator 110. In particular, the first and second electrodes 141, 142 can be configured to provide electrosurgical energy suitable for tissue sealing, and the third electrode 143 can at least partially define a cutting member 135. In some examples, the cutting member 135 can be configured to provide electrosurgical energy of a type suitable for tissue cutting. It is contemplated that the set of electrodes 140 can include any number or arrangement of electrodes. For instance, the third electrode 143 may be carried by the first jaw member 131 in some implementations.

[0039] The electrosurgical system 100 further includes a controller module 150 having a processor 152 and a memory 154. The controller module 150 is configured to controllably operate components of the system 100 such as the generator 110 or the instrument 120. As shown, the controller module 150 is provided within the generator 110. In some implementations, the controller module 150 can be provided within the instrument 120, such as within the housing 124. In yet another example, a first controller module can be provided within the generator 110 and a second controller module can be provided within the instrument 120. In such a case, the first and second controller modules can distribute or share functionality described herein for the controller module 150 in the illustrated example.

[0040] A set of sensors 155 can also be provided and communicatively coupled to the controller module 150. As shown, the set of sensors 155 includes a first sensor 155A within the generator 110 and a second sensor 155B within the instrument 120. Any number of sensors can be provided. The set of sensors 155 can include any suitable sensor for sensing or detecting various operating conditions of the system 100, such as position sensors, impedance sensors, force sensors, thermal sensors, acoustic sensors, light sensors, encoders, proximity sensors, or the like, in non-limiting examples. For instance, either or both of the first sensor 155A or the second sensor 155B can provide impedance signals or measurements to the controller module 150, such as for sensing tissue thickness or time-varying material properties of the tissue as electrosurgical energy is applied. In some implementations, the set of sensors 155 can include one or more sensors disposed in the first or second jaw members 131, 132 for sensing an impedance of clamped tissue, and for providing an impedance signal to the controller module 150.

[0041] Further still, the generator 110 can supply electrosurgical energy by way of different modalities, such as a monopolar energy modality and a bipolar energy modality. In a non-A0012857W001limiting example, the monopolar energy modality can include supplying current to a single electrode at the end effector 128, such as the third electrode 143, and returning the current to the generator 110 by way of the return pad 108, which is typically located on a patient’s body and spaced from the end effector 128. In this manner, the monopolar energy modality provides for a current path or loop from the generator 110, to the end effector 128, to the patient’s body and return pad 108, and back to the generator 110. In some implementations, the monopolar energy modality can be used in a high-energy cutting process with the third electrode 143 at least partially defining the cutting member 135.

[0042] For the bipolar energy modality, in one non-limiting example, current can be supplied to the first electrode 141 on the first jaw member 131, passed through tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members 131, 132, and returned through the second electrode 142 on the second jaw member 132. In this manner, electrosurgical current can pass between the two electrodes 141, 142 in a closely-spaced position during tissue clamping, and also return to the generator 110 without a need of a separate return electrode or pad. In some implementations, the bipolar energy modality can be used in a tissue sealing process wherein the first and second jaw members 131, 132 are brought into close proximity while electrosurgical energy is delivered.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view illustrates additional details of the electrosurgical instrument 120. As shown, the first switch 121 can include a first trigger 171 and a first switch element 181. The first trigger 171 can be in the form of a handle that actuates the first switch element 181 when pulled or squeezed toward the housing 124. Actuation of the first switch element 181 can lead to transmission of a first activation request to the controller module 150 (FIG. 1) via the internal circuitry 123 and the cable 105 as described above. In addition, the second switch 122 can include a second trigger 172 and a second switch element 182. The second trigger 172 can be in the form of a push button that actuates the second switch element 182 when depressed. Actuation of the second switch element 182 can lead to transmission of a second activation request to the controller module 150 (FIG. 1) via the internal circuitry 123. In one non-limiting implementation, the first activation request from the first switch 121 can include a request to initiate a tissue sealing process using the bipolar energy modality, and the second activation request from the second switch 122 can include a request to initiate a cutting process using the monopolar energy modality.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram 300 illustrates interaction betweenA0012857W001components of the electrosurgical system 100 during one example of operation. More specifically, the flow diagram 300 schematically illustrates the first and second switches 121, 122, the controller module 150, the set of sensors 155, the generator 110, the first electrode 141, and the third electrode 143. Return paths to the generator 110 are omitted for visual clarity, and it will be understood that the second electrode 142 and the return pad 108 can provide respective return paths from the first electrode 141 and the third electrode 143 as described in FIG. 1.

[0045] As shown, activation of the first switch 121 transmits a first activation request 301 to the controller module 150 for initiating a tissue sealing operation. Activation of the second switch 122 transmits a second activation request 302 to the controller module 150 for initiating a cutting operation.

[0046] The set of sensors 155 can also provide one or more sensor signals 303 to the controller module 150, such as an impedance of the internal circuitry 123, a position or motion of the first or second triggers 171, 172 (FIG. 2), an elapsed time, a power level, a component temperature, or the like. Furthermore, in one non-limiting example, the first and second electrodes 141, 142 can repeatedly or continuously provide signals to the controller module 150 indicative of tissue impedance, such as during tissue sealing. In another example, the controller module 150 can test an impedance of clamped tissue by instructing the generator 110 to transmit a therapeutic RF signal through the tissue. In such a case, the controller module 150 can compare a signal strength of the transmitted RF signal with a signal strength of the received or returned RF signal for determining tissue impedance.

[0047] After receiving at least one of the first activation request 301 or the second activation request 302, the controller module 150 can determine one or more control signals to be transmitted to the generator 110. Such a determination can be based on one or more signals from the set of sensors 155, or one or more conditions, including, but not limited to: whether the first switch 121 was activated prior to the second switch 122; whether the first switch 121 and second switch 122 were activated simultaneously; whether the first switch 121 was activated and released; whether the first switch 121 was activated and continuously held in its pulled or squeezed position; whether the second switch 122 was activated and released; whether the second switch 122 was activated and continuously depressed; whether a tissue sealing process or a cutting process are currently in progress; whether an in-progress tissue sealing process has completed; whether a successful tissue seal has been formed during a tissue sealing process;A0012857W001whether conditions are suitable for initiating a tissue sealing process; or whether conditions are suitable for initiating a cutting process, or the like.

[0048] Based on the determination, the controller module 150 then transmits a set of control signals 304 to the generator 110 for selectively supplying electrosurgical energy. In the nonlimiting example shown, the set of control signals 304 will be described in the context of the generator 110 selectively supplying electrosurgical energy to either or both of the first electrode 141 or the third electrode 143, with the second electrode 142 and return pad 108 configured as return paths to the generator 110. It will be understood that electrosurgical energy can be supplied by the generator 110 to any or all of the first electrode 141, the second electrode 142, or the third electrode 143 for tissue treatment. Additional electrodes or return paths not explicitly shown can nevertheless be provided. For instance, it is contemplated that the first electrode 141 or the second electrode 142 can be configured for monopolar cutting procedures.

[0049] In some examples, the set of control signals 304 can include a queue of sequential control signals, such as a first control signal to supply power to the first electrode 141 alone, and a subsequent control signal to supply power to the third electrode 143 alone. The set of control signals 304 can also include a control signal instructing simultaneous supply of power to multiple electrodes, e.g. the first and third electrodes 141, 143. Further still, the set of control signals 304 can include one or more specified energy properties, such as a modality (e.g., a monopolar energy modality or a bipolar energy modality), a type of energy (e.g., RF), or an energy characteristic (e.g., a frequency, a phase, an energy waveform, or the like). In some nonlimiting examples, the set of control signals 304 can include supplying a therapeutic energy burst at the beginning of a seal operation, or supplying a reduced energy burst near the end of the sealing operation as the tissue impedance reduces.

[0050] The generator 110 can receive the set of control signals 304 and selectively supply a first energy 305 to the first electrode 141 and a second energy 306 to the third electrode 143. For example, the first energy 305 can have energy properties suitable for tissue sealing, and the second energy 306 can have energy properties suitable for tissue dissection. In particular, the first energy 305 can have a first therapeutic power level, and the second energy 306 can have a second therapeutic power level. In some implementations, the second therapeutic power level can be greater than the first therapeutic power level. Furthermore, in some implementations, at least some properties of the first energy 305 or the second energy 306 can be predetermined by aA0012857W001user-selected setting on either or both of the generator 110 or the instrument 120 (FIG. 1). In some implementations, at least some properties of the first energy 305 or the second energy 306 can be predetermined or hardwired within the internal circuitry 123 (FIG. 2) including, but not limited to, a monopolar energy modality, a bipolar energy modalities, an energy type, a frequency range, a power range, a maximum power limit, a time duration, a waveform, or the like. It will be understood that the controller module 150 can also dynamically, in real time, select or determine energy properties for the generator 110 to supply during operation.

[0051] With general reference to FIGS. 1-3, the electrosurgical system 100 can also be configured for operation in one or more predetermined modes. Some examples of such predetermined modes are provided below, and it will be understood that the described examples are illustrative and do not limit the disclosure in any way.

[0052] Example 1: Automatic sealing and dissection

[0053] The electrosurgical system 100 can include an automatic sealing and cutting mode (also referred to herein as “auto mode”). The auto mode can be selected, in some examples, by activation of one of the generator switches 114, by connecting the cable 105 to a particular generator port 115, or by selection of a mode switch on the instrument 120. When in the auto mode, activating the first switch 121 leads to the generator 110 supplying the first energy 305 for tissue sealing via the first and second electrodes 141, 142, followed by automatically supplying the second energy 306 for tissue cutting via the cutting member 135 (e.g., the third electrode 143). Optionally, a short time delay can be present, such as 20-100 milliseconds in one example, between ceasing the supply of first energy 305 and initiating the supply of second energy 306. More specifically, upon activating the first switch 121 in auto mode, the controller module 150 receives an activation request for both tissue sealing and cutting procedures, and performs a determination of whether to allow initiation based on one or more operating conditions of the system 100. In this manner, activation of a single switch on the instrument 120 can lead to automatic performance of a tissue sealing procedure followed by a cutting or dissection procedure, without need of additional button presses or switch selection.

[0054] Example 2: Manual tissue sealing and dissection

[0055] The electrosurgical system 100 can additionally include a manual tissue sealing and dissection mode (also referred to herein as “manual mode”). The manual mode can be selected, in some examples, by activation of one of the generator switches 114, by connecting the cableA0012857W001105 to a particular generator port 115, or by selection of a mode switch on the instrument 120, or combinations thereof. When in the manual mode, activating the first switch 121 leads to the generator 110 supplying the first energy 305 for tissue sealing via the first and second electrodes 141, 142. Upon completion of tissue sealing, the second switch 122 can optionally be activated for supplying the second energy 306 to the cutting member 135 for tissue dissection. If the second switch 122 is not activated after completion of tissue sealing, the first and second jaw members 131, 132 can be opened to release the sealed tissue without dissection.

[0056] Regardless of the particular mode in which the electrosurgical system 100 is operated, it can be appreciated that the controller module 150 can receive activation requests during time intervals where it may not be desirable to initiate the selected process. Some non-limiting examples of such requests include activating the second switch 122 for tissue dissection during an in-progress tissue sealing process, or a user performing multiple button presses or trigger pulls on the first or second switch 121, 122, or the like. The controller module 150 can be configured to receive switch activation requests and controllably operate the generator 110 to allow transmission of the first energy 305 or the second energy 306 only when certain conditions are met. For instance, in the manual mode, the controller module 150 can require discrete, time-separated activations of the first switch 121 and the second switch 122 in order to allow sequential transmission of the first energy 305 and the second energy 306.

[0057] Referring generally to FIGS. 4-7, some examples of methods are described below that can be implemented in the electrosurgical system 100. It will be understood that the described methods do not limit the disclosure in any way and can also be implemented in other systems. Additionally, the electrosurgical system 100 can be used to perform other methods not explicitly described herein.

[0058] Turning to FIG. 4, a method 400 is shown for queuing a requested cutting operation in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The method begins at operation 402, where a cutting switch (e.g., the second switch 122) is activated while the system 100 is in manual mode. The second switch 122 can be activated by a single press-and-release or by continuous depression of the second trigger 172 (FIG. 2). At operation 404, the controller module 150 can determine a status of a sealing operation, e.g. “complete” or “incomplete.” A status of “complete” can refer to the sealing operation ending with successful tissue seal formation, ending after a predetermined time interval corresponding to a standard or calibrated sealingA0012857W001operation, ending with an error code or alert code, or ending by early release of a sealing switch (e.g. the first switch 121), in some examples. A status of “incomplete” can refer to an in-progress sealing operation with the first energy 305 being supplied by the generator 110 (FIG. 3).

[0059] If the sealing status is incomplete, then the method 400 proceeds to operation 406 wherein the controller module 150 adds a requested cutting operation to a queue of operations, such as the set of control signals 304 (FIG. 3). If the sealing status is complete, the method 400 proceeds to operation 408 wherein the controller module 150 determines whether the sealing operation has completed successfully such that a suitable tissue seal is formed. More specifically, determination of successful seal formation can include sensing the impedance of the tissue between the first and second jaw members 131, 132 (FIG. 1). The tissue impedance reduces over time as the seal is formed. When the sensed impedance meets or drops below a predetermined threshold value, the controller module 150 can determine that a successful tissue seal has been formed. If successful seal formation has not occurred, the method proceeds to operation 410 wherein the requested cutting operation is removed from the queue. On determination of successful tissue sealing, the method proceeds to operation 412 wherein the cutting operation is retrieved from the queue and performed using the cutting member (e.g., the third electrode 143 of FIG. 1).

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of operating the electrosurgical system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The method 500 begins at operation 502, wherein a manual-mode tissue sealing procedure has completed with the controller module 150 determining successful tissue seal formation as described above. At operation 504, the controller module 150 performs a check for whether the sealing switch (e.g., the first switch 121) has been released, or if it remains in a depressed state after completion of the sealing procedure. If the first switch 121 has been released, the controller module 150 can determine the cycle has ended at operation 506 and no cutting operation is placed in the queue. If the first switch 121 has not been released, the method 500 proceeds to operation 508 wherein the controller module performs a check for whether the cutting switch (e.g. the second switch 122) has been activated, such as by a single press or a press-and-hold motion. If the cutting switch has been activated, the method 500 proceeds to operation 510 wherein the controller module 150 initiates the requested cutting operation. If the cutting switch has not been activated, for instance within a predetermined time interval after successful tissue seal formation, the controller module 150 determines the cycle hasA0012857W001ended at operation 506.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates another method 600 of operating the electrosurgical system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The method begins at operation 602, wherein the system 100 is in auto mode and the controller module 150 has added a cutting operation to the queue, e.g. the set of control signals 304 (FIG. 3). At operation 604, a tissue sealing operation is initiated. At operation 606, the controller module 150 performs a check to determine whether the cutting switch (e.g. the second switch 142) has been activated during the sealing operation, such as by one or more discrete checks or continuous monitoring for cutting switch activation. If the cutting switch has not been activated during sealing, the method 600 proceeds to operation 608 wherein the controller module 150 leaves the cutting operation in the queue to be performed on completion of tissue sealing with a successful seal formation. If the cutting switch has been activated during sealing, the method 600 proceeds to operation 610 wherein the controller module 150 removes the cutting operation from the queue such that no cutting operation is performed on completion of tissue sealing.

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates another method 700 of operating the electrosurgical system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The method begins at operation 702, wherein the system 100 is in manual mode and a sealing operation has been completed. Completion of the sealing operation can include successful tissue seal formation, unsuccessful seal formation, an alert code, an error code, or the like as described above.

[0063] At operation 704, the controller module 150 determines that the sealing switch (e.g., the first switch 121) has been released after completion of the sealing cycle. At operation 706, the controller module 150 performs a check for whether the cutting switch (e.g., the second switch 122) has been activated, such as by a single button press or a press-and-hold motion. If the cutting switch is not activated, such as within a predetermined time interval after completion of tissue sealing, the method 500 proceeds to operation 708 wherein the controller module 150 determines the process has ended . If the cutting switch is activated, the method 500 proceeds to operation 710 and initiates a cutting operation wherein the second energy is supplied by the generator 110 (FIG. 3).

[0064] Turning to FIG. 8, another electrosurgical system is illustrated in the form of a robotic surgical system 1000 in accordance with various aspects described herein. The electrosurgical system 1000 is similar to the electrosurgical system 100 (FIG. 1). Aspects and features of theA0012857W001robotic surgical system 1000 not germane to the understanding of the present disclosure are omitted to avoid obscuring the aspects and features of the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

[0065] Robotic surgical system 1000 includes a plurality of robot arms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled with control device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include a display device 1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensional images and / or video images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a surgeon may be able to telemanipulate robot arms 1002, 1003. Robotic surgical instrument 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner. Robotic surgical system 1000 may further include a database 1014, in particular coupled to control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operative data from patient 1013 and / or anatomical atlases.

[0066] Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011, to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST” including an end effector assembly 1100. One end effector assembly 1100 may be similar to the end effector 128 (FIG. 1), although other suitable end effector assemblies for coupling to attaching device 1009 are also contemplated. The other end effector assembly 1100 may be any end effector assembly, e.g., of an endoscopic camera, other surgical tool, etc. Robot arms 1002, 1003 and end effector assemblies 1100 may be driven by electric drives, e.g., motors, that are connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004 (e.g., a computer) may be configured to activate the motors, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, their attaching devices 1009, 1011, and end effector assemblies 1100 execute a desired movement and / or function according to a corresponding input from manual input devices 1007, 1008, respectively. Control device 1004 may also be configured in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 1002, 1003 and / or of the motors.

[0067] Furthermore, the control device 1004 may be configured with either or both of the automatic sealing and dissection mode or with the manual tissue sealing and dissection mode described above. For instance, user operation of manual input devices 1007, 1008 can generate switch activation requests for the control device 1004 which may be utilized for the method 400A0012857W001(FIG. 4), the method 500 (FIG. 5), the method 600 (FIG. 6), or the method 700 (FIG. 7).

[0068] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to block diagrams and / or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to aspects of the disclosure. The functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved.

[0069] The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed disclosure. The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate aspects falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0070] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the functionality of the above-described operations are merely illustrative. The functionality of multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, and / or the functionality of a single operation may be distributed in additional operations. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be altered in various other embodiments.

[0071] Although the disclosure provides specific examples, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described hereinA0012857W001with regard to a specific example are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

[0072] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the following clauses:

[0073] An electrosurgical system, comprising: an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy; an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

[0074] An electrosurgical system, comprising: an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy; an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cuttingA0012857W001operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0075] An electrosurgical system, comprising: an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy; an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

[0076] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical generator.

[0077] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical instrument.

[0078] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation.

[0079] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the set of electrodes comprises a first electrode on the first jaw member and a second electrode on the second jaw member, and configured to deliver the first energy for the tissue sealing operation.A0012857W001

[0080] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the first energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a first therapeutic power level.

[0081] The electrosurgical system as described herein, further comprising a third electrode disposed on one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member and configured to deliver the second energy for the tissue cutting operation.

[0082] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the second energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a second therapeutic power level greater than the first therapeutic power level.

[0083] The electrosurgical system as described herein, further comprising a return pad having a return electrode coupled to the generator and configured for operation with the third electrode.

[0084] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the controller is further configured to prevent electrosurgical energy from being provided to the third electrode when the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0085] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein the second switch is activatable to generate the second initiation request by at least one of pressing and holding the second switch, or pressing and releasing the second switch.

[0086] The electrosurgical system as described herein, wherein activating the second switch to generate the second initiation request comprises activating the second switch during the tissue sealing operation.

[0087] An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy, and a first switch and a second switch being activatable to generate a respective first initiation request and a second initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received whileA0012857W001the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

[0088] An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy, and a first switch and a second switch being activatable to generate a respective first initiation request and a second initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

[0089] An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for a tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for a tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0090] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical generator.

[0091] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical instrument.

[0092] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation.A0012857W001

[0093] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the first energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a first therapeutic power level.

[0094] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the second energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a second therapeutic power level greater than the first therapeutic power level.

[0095] The following examples are illustrative of the techniques described herein.

[0096] Example 1. An electrosurgical system, comprising: an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy; an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

[0097] Example 2. The electrosurgical system of example 1 , wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical generator.

[0098] Example 3. The electrosurgical system of example 1, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical instrument.

[0099] Example 4. The electrosurgical system of example 1 , wherein the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation.

[0100] Example 5. The electrosurgical system of example 1, wherein the set of electrodesA0012857W001comprises a first electrode on the first jaw member and a second electrode on the second jaw member, and configured to deliver the first energy for the tissue sealing operation.

[0101] Example 6. The electrosurgical system of example 5, wherein the first energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a first therapeutic power level.

[0102] Example 7. The electrosurgical system of example 6, further comprising a third electrode disposed on one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member and configured to deliver the second energy for the tissue cutting operation.

[0103] Example 8. The electrosurgical system of example 7, wherein the second energy is radio-frequency electrosurgical energy having a second therapeutic power level greater than the first therapeutic power level.

[0104] Example 9. The electrosurgical system of example 7, further comprising a return pad having a return electrode coupled to the generator and configured for operation with the third electrode.

[0105] Example 10. The electrosurgical system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to prevent electrosurgical energy from being provided to the third electrode when the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0106] Example 11. The electrosurgical system of example 1, wherein the second switch is activatable to generate the second initiation request by at least one of pressing and holding the second switch, or pressing and releasing the second switch.

[0107] Example 12. The electrosurgical system of example 11, wherein activating the second switch to generate the second initiation request comprises activating the second switch during the tissue sealing operation.

[0108] Example 13. An electrosurgical system, comprising: an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy; an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operationA0012857W001with a second energy; and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0109] Example 14. An electrosurgical system, comprising: an electrosurgical generator with a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy; an electrosurgical instrument with an input coupled to the generator output for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument comprising: an end effector comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a set of electrodes configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, with the end effector configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy; a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; and a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

[0110] Example 15. An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy and a first switch being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a firstA0012857W001energy for a tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for a tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; upon completion of the tissue sealing operation, determine that a suitable tissue seal has not been formed; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations based on the determination that the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

[0111] Example 16. The electrosurgical generator of example 15, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical generator.

[0112] Example 17. The electrosurgical generator of example 15, wherein the controller module is located within the electrosurgical instrument.

[0113] Example 18. The electrosurgical generator of example 15, wherein the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a second switch being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation.

[0114] Example 19. The electrosurgical generator of example 18, wherein the first energy is radio-frequency electrosurgical energy having a first therapeutic power level.

[0115] 20. The electrosurgical generator of example 19, wherein the second energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a second therapeutic power level greater than the first therapeutic power level.

[0116] Example 21. An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator output configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy, and a first switch and a second switch being activatable to generate a respective first initiation request and a second initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for the tissue sealing operation; generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for the tissue cutting operation; add the second control signal to a queue of operations; and remove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

[0117] Example 22. An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator outputA0012857W001configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical instrument for tissue treatment, the electrosurgical instrument comprising a set of electrodes for delivering the electrosurgical energy, and a first switch and a second switch being activatable to generate a respective first initiation request and a second initiation request; and a controller module having a processor and memory and configured to: upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a first energy for the tissue sealing operation; upon receiving the second initiation request, generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator to provide a second energy for the tissue cutting operation; determine that the second initiation request was received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress; and add the second control signal to a queue of operations.

Claims

1. A0012857W001WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electrosurgical system (100, 1000), comprising:an electrosurgical generator (110) with a generator output (115) configured to provide electrosurgical energy;an electrosurgical instrument (120) with an input (125) coupled to the generator output (115) for receiving the electrosurgical energy, the electrosurgical instrument (120) comprising:an end effector (128, 1100) comprising a first jaw member (131), a second jaw member (132), and a set of electrodes (140) configured to conduct energy to treat clamped tissue between the first jaw member (131) and the second jaw member (132), with the end effector (128, 1100) configured to perform a tissue sealing operation with a first energy, and to perform a tissue cutting operation with a second energy;a first switch (121) being activatable to generate at least a first initiation request for the tissue sealing operation; anda second switch (122) being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation; anda controller module (150) having a processor (152) and memory (154) and configured to:upon receiving the first initiation request, transmit a first control signal for the electrosurgical generator (110) to provide the first energy for the tissue sealing operation;generate a second control signal for the electrosurgical generator (110) to provide the second energy for the tissue cutting operation;add the second control signal to a queue of operations; andremove the second control signal from the queue of operations when the second initiation request is received while the tissue sealing operation is in progress.

2. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 1, wherein the controller module (150) is located within the electrosurgical generator (110).A0012857W0013. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 1, wherein the controller module (150) is located within the electrosurgical instrument (120).

4. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 1, wherein the electrosurgical instrument (120) further comprises a second switch (122) being activatable to generate a second initiation request for the tissue cutting operation.

5. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of any of claims 1-4, wherein the set of electrodes (140) comprises a first electrode (141) on the first jaw member (131) and a second electrode (142) on the second jaw member (132), and configured to deliver the first energy for the tissue sealing operation.

6. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 5, wherein the first energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a first therapeutic power level.

7. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 6, further comprising a third electrode (143) disposed on one of the first jaw member (131) or the second jaw member (132) and configured to deliver the second energy for the tissue cutting operation.

8. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 7, wherein the second energy is radiofrequency electrosurgical energy having a second therapeutic power level greater than the first therapeutic power level.

9. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 7, further comprising a return electrode (108) coupled to the generator (110) and configured for operation with the third electrode (143).A0012857W00110. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 7, wherein the controller module (150) is further configured to prevent electrosurgical energy from being provided to the third electrode (143) when the suitable tissue seal has not been formed.

11. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of any of claims 1-10, wherein the second switch (122) is activatable to generate the second initiation request by at least one of pressing and holding the second switch (122), or pressing and releasing the second switch (122).

12. The electrosurgical system (100, 1000) of claim 11, wherein activating the second switch (122) to generate the second initiation request comprises activating the second switch (122) during the tissue sealing operation.

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