Electrosurgical generator and receptacle

Abstract

An electrosurgical generator and receptacle thereof are configured to receive a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument for delivery of electrosurgical energy. The receptacle includes an entrance aperture, a rear wall facing the entrance aperture, and an interior surface having a ramped portion to at least partially define a connector seat. A set of ports is also located in the rear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug.

Description

ELECTRO SURGICAL GENERATOR AND RECEPTACLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 775,874, filed March 21, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to electrosurgical systems, and more particularly to generators providing electrosurgical energy in such systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electrosurgery typically involves application of electric current to biological tissue by way of an electrosurgical system. 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). Treatment of the tissue can be controlled by sensing, monitoring, or controlling various parameters of the electrosurgical energy supplied to the tissue.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator includes a generator housing with at least one radio frequency (RF) source disposed therein and configured to generate electrosurgical energy, a controller having a processor and memory and configured to controllably operate the RF source, and at least one receptacle mounted to the generator housing and configured to receive a connector plug of anelectrosurgical instrument for delivery of the electrosurgical energy. The at least one receptacle include an entrance aperture, the connector plug being insertable through the entrance aperture in a first orientation and a second orientation, a rear wall facing the entrance aperture, and an interior surface extending between the entrance aperture and the rear wall and at least partially defining an entrance width of the entrance aperture, the interior surface comprising a ramped portion extending toward the rear wall to at least partially define a connector seat having a seat width smaller than the entrance width. The at least one receptacle also includes a set of ports located in the rear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation, and a locating rib disposed within the receptacle housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug to the set of ports when the connector plug is inserted in the second orientation.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a receptacle for an electrosurgical generator. The receptacle includes a receptacle housing configured to receive a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument and having an entrance aperture, the connector plug being insertable through the entrance aperture in a first orientation and a second orientation, a rear wall facing the entrance aperture, and an interior surface extending between the entrance aperture and the rear wall and at least partially defining an entrance width of the entrance aperture, the interior surface comprising a ramped portion extending toward the rear wall to at least partially define a connector seat having a seat width smaller than the entrance width. The receptacle also includes a set of ports located in the rear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation, and a locating rib disposed within the receptacle housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug to the set of ports when the connector plug is inserted in the second orientation.

[0007] 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

[0008] 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.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the electrosurgical system of FIG. 1 providing electrosurgical energy with an energy modality in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receptacle in the electrosurgical generator of FIG. 1 and configured to receive a connector plug for an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 3 along line IV-IV.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another receptacle in the electrosurgical generator of FIG. 1 and configured to receive another connector plug for an electrosurgical instrument in accordance with various aspects described herein.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 7.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Electrosurgical devices can be configured to perform a variety of treatments on tissue, such as tissue sealing, coagulation, dissection, or the like. Existing solutions typically include separate switches or triggers for activating different treatments, such as a sealing trigger for initiating a tissue sealing process, or a push button for initiating a dissection process. During a tissue treatment, electrosurgical energy can be delivered to tissue by way of an end effector, such as a pair of jaw members having electrodes and arranged to clamp onto a portion of tissue. For instance, a tissue sealing operation can include clamping onto the tissue until a pressure threshold is reached, or until a gap between the jaw members reduces to a predetermined size,and delivering electrosurgical energy for tissue sealing once suitably clamped. Such an end effector can also be configured for tissue cutting, such as dissection of sealed tissue, or for extended cutting by moving the end effector through a portion of tissue while delivering electrosurgical energy.

[0019] Electrosurgical instruments may be coupled to an electrosurgical generator by way of connector plugs receivable in a receptacle in the generator. Such connector plugs may have a variety of pin sizes or arrangements, as well as components such as identification tags, locking mechanisms, or the like, which the receptacle may be configured to receive. Aspects of the disclosure provide for a receptacle with guiding features for faster and easier coupling of the connector plug to the electrosurgical generator, including without need of visual sightlines to the receptacle. Aspects of the disclosure also provide for a receptacle with multiplexed pins that are configurable to provide power, data, or a combination to an electrosurgical instrument, including instruments carrying accessory components such as instrument controllers or auxiliary energy outputs. Aspects of the disclosure further provide for a receptacle with improved installation or maintenance features, including an offset mounting clip providing for a reduction in threaded fasteners in the electrosurgical generator.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” 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 may be used herein can refer to any number of elements, including only one element.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 describing aspects of an electrical circuit or circuit operations. Additionally, as used herein, components being “communicatively coupled,” “electrically connected,” or “electrically coupled” caninclude 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, Wi-Fi (e.g. 802.11 networks), Bluetooth, or the like.

[0023] 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 or processor, and the controller or processor can determine a value, electrical characteristic, or the like representative of the sensed property.

[0024] 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 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 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 can further include a data storage component or memory accessible by the processor. The memory can be transient or non-transient, 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, EEPROM, 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 storagedevices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired content and which can be accessed by the processor.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, an electrosurgical system 100 is shown including an electrosurgical generator 110 (also referred to herein as “generator 110”), a first electrosurgical instrument 120 A (also referred to herein as “first instrument 120A”), and a second electrosurgical instrument 120B (also referred to herein as “second instrument 120B”). In the illustrated example, the first instrument 120A is in the form of a handheld vessel sealing and dissection device configured to perform tissue sealing procedures and tissue cutting procedures, and the second instrument 120B is in the form of an electrosurgical pencil configured to perform tissue cutting procedures. 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.

[0027] The generator 110 can include a generator housing 111, a display 112, one or more switches 114. A radio-frequency (RF) source 116 may be disposed within the generator housing 111 and configured to generate electrosurgical energy having selected 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 the selected energy type with one or more selected characteristics such as phases, frequencies, amplitudes, waveforms, time durations, or the like.

[0028] The generator 110 can be electrically coupled to the first and second instruments 120 A, 120B for supplying electrosurgical energy, for sending or receiving control signals or sensor data, or the like. As shown, the first instrument 120 A and the second instrument 120B are wired and include a respective first connector plug 106Aand a second connector plug 106B for power delivery or signal communication. The generator 110 may also be electrically coupled to the first instrument 120A or the second instrument 120B by a wireless connection, or by a network that may include combinations of wired and wireless connections, in some examples. The first and second connector plugs 106 A, 106B may further include a respective radiofrequency ID (RFID) tag 108 A, 108B. The RFID tags 108 A, 108B include a memory storing at least identification data for the respective first and second electrosurgical instruments 120A, 120B. Such identification data may include, but is not limited to, a model name, a model number, a serial number, a production year, an instrument category, or the like. The RFID tags 108A, 108B may also include configuration data for the respective first and second electrosurgical instruments 120 A, 120B, such as maximum or minimum power levels, data communication standards, procedure frequencies or time durations, or the like.

[0029] In the depicted example, the generator 110 includes one or more generator ports or receptacles configured to provide electrosurgical energy for the first and second instruments 120 A, 120B. A first receptacle 300 and a second receptacle 400 are illustrated and configured to couple with a selected connector plug (e.g., the connector plugs 106A, 106B). For instance, the first receptacle 300 can be configured to provide bipolar electrosurgical energy to the first instrument 120 A by way of the first connector plug 106A. The second receptacle 400 may be configured to provide monopolar electrosurgical energy to the second instrument 120B by way of the second connector plug 106B. In some implementations, the first receptacle 300 or the second receptacle 400 may be configured to provide both bipolar and monopolar energy modalities.

[0030] A controller 155 having a processor 156 and a memory 158 is also provided in the electrosurgical system 100. The controller 155 is configured to controllably operate components of the system 100, such as the generator 110 or the first instrument 120A. In the example depicted, the controller 155 is located within the generator 110. In some implementations, the controller 155 can be located within the first instrument 120A. In yet another example, the controller 155 can be located remotely from the generator 110 or the first instrument 120 A, suchas on a remote server, a mobile device, or the like. In still another example, the controller 155 can include multiple controllers, such as a first controller within the generator 110 and a second controller located within the first instrument 120 A. In such a case, it is contemplated that the multiple controllers can distribute or share functionality described herein for the controller 155 in the illustrated example.

[0031] The first instrument 120 A can include an instrument housing 124, an elongate shaft 126 extending from the instrument housing 124, and an end effector 128 coupled to a distal end of the shaft 126. The second instrument 120B can include an instrument housing 125 and an electrode 129.

[0032] The instrument housing 124 of the first instrument 120A can optionally include a handle 121 as shown. The instrument housing 124 may also include one or more switches, illustrated as a switch 122, for user control or operation of the first instrument 120A. As shown, the switch 122 is in the form of a push button that transmits an initiation request upon activation which can be received by the controller 155. It is also contemplated that the handle 121 can include or actuate a second switch for transmitting additional initiation requests to the controller 155. Any number of switches can be provided on the first instrument 120A. User activation of the 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 first instrument 120A may be configured to request multiple types or characteristics of electrosurgical energy to be supplied by the generator 110.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The end effector 128 further includes a set of electrodes 140 carried by the set of jaw members 130 for conducting electrosurgical energy to grasped tissue. In the non-limiting example shown, the set of electrodes 140 includes a first electrode 141 disposed on the first jawmember 131, and a second electrode 142 disposed on the second jaw member 132. Any number of electrodes can be provided, including only one, or three or more. In some implementations the first and second electrodes 141, 142 may be disposed on a single jaw member (e.g., the second jaw member 132). In another non-limiting example, the first jaw member 131 can include a first sealing electrode, and the second jaw member 132 can include a second sealing electrode and an additional cutting electrode for treating tissue. Other electrodes may be included in the system 100, externally of the first instrument 120A. For instance, in the depicted example a return electrode or a return pad 108 is also provided having a dedicated path to the generator 110.

[0035] A set of sensors 150 can also be provided and communicatively coupled to the controller 155. As shown, the set of sensors 150 includes a first sensor 151 within the first instrument 120 A, and a second sensor 152 within the generator 110. Any number of sensors can be provided, including only one, such as the first sensor 151. Furthermore, while the first and second sensors 151, 152 are shown within the respective housings 124, 111, it will be understood that the first or second sensor 151, 152 can be positioned in any suitable location, including being disposed on the first jaw member 131 or the second jaw member 132.

[0036] The set of sensors 150 can include any suitable sensor for sensing or detecting various operating conditions of the system 100, such as position sensors, impedance sensors, force sensors, angle sensors, thermal sensors, acoustic sensors, light sensors, encoders, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, or the like, in non-limiting examples. For instance, either or both of the first sensor 151 or the second sensor 152 can provide output signals indicative of impedance measurements, 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 150 can include one or more sensors disposed in the first or second jaw members 131, 132 for sensing an impedance of clamped tissue.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 2, a flow diagram 200 illustrates interaction between components of the electrosurgical system 100 during one example of operation for delivering bipolar electrosurgical energy to the first instrument 120 A. Aspects of the flow diagram 200 are also applicable to other examples of operation, including for delivery of monopolar electrosurgical energy, such as to the second instrument 120B.

[0038] The flow diagram 200 schematically illustrates the switch 122, the controller 155, the set of sensors 150, the generator 110, the first electrode 141, and the second electrode 142.Tissue may be disposed or grasped between the first and second electrodes 141, 142.

[0039] As shown, activation of the switch 122 prompts an initiation request 201 for transmission to the controller 155, such as for initiating a tissue sealing operation, a coagulating operation, or a tissue cutting operation, in some examples. The initiation request 201 can be transmitted directly from the switch 122 to the controller 155 in some implementations.Additionally, or alternatively, activation of the switch 122 can generate an output signal, and the controller 155 can receive the output signal and determine the initiation request 201 based thereon. In still another example, activation of the switch 122 can generate an output signal, and an additional component (e.g., a second controller, a microcontroller, or an external processor) can receive the output signal, generate the initiation request 201, and transmit the initiation request 201 to the controller 155.

[0040] In response to the initiation request 201, the controller 155 transmits a set of control signals 205 to the generator 110 for supplying electrosurgical energy 207 to the set of electrodes 140. In addition, the set of sensors 150 can provide sensor signals 203 which may be used by the controller 155 for determining the set of control signals 205. In some examples, the set of control signals 205 can include instructions for supplying power to one or more specified electrodes, e.g. the first electrode 141. Further still, the set of control signals 205 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 non-limiting examples, the set of control signals 205 can include supplying an initial therapeutic energy burst at the beginning of a treatment process, or supplying a later energy burst near the end of the treatment process as the tissue impedance reduces.

[0041] In the non-limiting example shown, the set of control signals 205 will be described in the context of the generator 110 selectively supplying the electrosurgical energy 207 to the first electrode 141, and with the second electrode 142 configured as a return path 209 to the generator 110. It will be understood that the electrosurgical energy 207 can be supplied by the generator 110 to either or both of the first electrode 141 or the second electrode 142 for tissue treatment. Additional electrodes or return paths not explicitly shown can nevertheless be provided.

[0042] The generator 110 can receive the set of control signals 205 and supply the electrosurgical energy 207 to the first electrode 141. The electrosurgical energy 207 can includeselected energy properties including, but not limited to, a bipolar energy modality, an energy type, a frequency range, a power range, a maximum power limit, a time duration, a waveform, or the like. At least some energy properties of the electrosurgical energy 207 can be predetermined by any or all of: a user-selected setting on either or both of the generator 110 or the first instrument 120 A; hardwired within the internal circuitry 123; stored within the memory 158 (FIG. 1); or stored within the RFID tags 108 A, 108B (FIG. 1). It will be understood that the controller 155 can also dynamically, in real time, select or determine energy properties for the generator 110 to supply during operation. For example, the controller 155 can receive one or more signals from the set of sensors 150, and determine one or more energy properties to supply to the first instrument 120A based on the one or more signals. Such a determination can include comparing the one or more signals with a threshold value in some implementations.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the first receptacle 300 is illustrated in one non-limiting implementation. The first receptacle 300 can be configured to provide at least bipolar electrosurgical energy to a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument. Aspects of the first receptacle 300 will be described with respect to the first connector plug 106 A of the first electrosurgical instrument 120A (FIG. 1), with it being understood that any suitable connector plug may be utilized with the first receptacle 300.

[0044] The first receptacle 300 include a receptacle housing 301 with a rear wall 302 and one or more longitudinal walls defining an interior surface 303. In the depicted example (e.g., FIGS.3-6), the receptacle housing 301 has a rectangular profile with a top wall 304, a bottom wall 305, and spaced sidewalls 306, 307 at least partially defining the interior surface 303. The receptacle housing 301 may also include a rounded, cylindrical, asymmetric, or irregular geometric profile in non-limiting examples. Additionally, an antenna 350 may be secured to an outer surface of the receptacle housing 301. As shown in FIG. 5, the antenna 350 can be secured to an exterior surface of the bottom wall 305 and extend in a direction at least partially toward the entrance aperture (e.g., forward). Such positioning can provide for improved signal strength compared to a rear-mounted antenna.

[0045] The receptacle housing 301 can further include one or more mounting clips configured for insertion into, e.g., a mounting rail of the generator housing 111 (FIG. 1). As shown (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 6), a first mounting clip 331 and a second mounting clip 332 are provided on a top portion of the receptacle housing 301. The mounting clips 331 can include anysuitable clip, e.g. an offset clip, a dovetail connector, or the like. A mounting tab 333 is also provided on a bottom portion of the receptacle housing 301 and may be used with a threaded fastener to secure the receptacle housing 301 to the generator housing 111. Such an arrangement can provide for increased efficiency in assembly or maintenance, as the receptacle housing 301 may be easily secured or removed compared to a housing secured by multiple threaded fasteners.

[0046] An entrance aperture 310 is defined in the receptacle housing 301 as shown (e.g., FIG. 3). The first connector plug 106Amay be insertable through the entrance aperture 310 in a first orientation (e.g., upright) and a second orientation (e.g., inverted). In addition, the interior surface 303 can at least partially define the entrance aperture 310 and include a ramped portion 315 extending toward the rear wall 302. In the depicted example, multiple ramped portions 315 are shown on the interior surface 303, including the top wall 304 and the bottom wall 305. In some implementations, ramped portions 315 may be provided on either or both of the sidewalls 306, 307. In an alternate example, a single ramped portion 315 may be provided.

[0047] The ramped portion 315 at least partially defines a connector seat 320 at the rear wall 302. The connector seat 320 can define a seat width 321 that is smaller than the entrance width 311. For instance, the entrance width 311 can be 1.5-2.5 times larger than the seat width 321 in a non-limiting example. In this manner, the ramped portion 315 can be configured to guide the first connector plug 106A from the entrance aperture 310 toward the connector seat 320.

[0048] The rear wall 302 may include a set of ports 308 configured to couple to the first connector plug 106A. For instance, with reference to FIG. 6, the set of ports 308 can include a power port 324 located in the rear wall 302 and including a power pin 325 disposed therein. Two power ports 324 are shown in the depicted example, and any number can be utilized. The power port(s) 324 can be configured to provide electrosurgical power, e.g., bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical energy, to the first connector plug 106A (FIG. 1). One or more additional ports 326 in the set of ports 308 may also be located in the rear wall 302, with each including a pin 327 disposed therein. Any number of ports may be provided in the set of ports 308.

[0049] The ports 326 can be configured to provide any or all of one-way or two-way signal communication, high-voltage power, or low- voltage power to the first connector plug 106A. The ports 326 may be single-function or dedicated ports, e.g., dedicated data input or output ports, or a dedicated return port, or the like. The ports 326 may also be configurable to enable multiple functions or outputs based on a type of electrosurgical instrument connected thereto. Forinstance, in a non-limiting example, the pin 327 may be multiplexed or a multi-use pin to provide a first output (e.g., low-voltage power) when connected to a first surgical instrument, and to provide a second output (e.g., data communication) when connected to a second surgical instrument having an accessory controller. In this manner, the set of ports 308 may be configurable for operation with a wide variety of surgical instruments, including power or data functionality for accessory components that may be present with a given surgical instrument.

[0050] The first receptacle 300 may further include a locating rib 316 disposed within the receptacle housing 301. In the non-limiting example shown, two locating ribs 316 are arranged projecting from the interior surface 303 (e.g., the bottom wall 305) and at least partially define the connector seat 320. It is contemplated that the locating rib(s) 316 may be provided at any suitable location, including on multiple interior walls of the receptacle housing 301. Additionally, when the first connector plug 106A is inserted in the second orientation, the locating rib 316 may be configured to inhibit or prevent coupling of the first connector plug 106A to the set of ports 308. The locating rib 316 may also be configured to allow or guide the coupling of the first connector plug 106Ato the set of ports 308 when inserted in the first orientation (e.g., upright). For instance, the first connector plug 106A may have a surface geometry that is complementary to the connector seat 320 and locating rib(s) 316 in the first orientation alone, such that insertion into the connector seat 320 is blocked when the first connector plug 106A is in the second orientation.

[0051] A switch 340 is also provided and disposed on the rear wall 302. The switch 340 may be actuatable by abutting contact with the first connector plug 106A when inserted in the first orientation and seated in the connector seat 320. The switch 340 may also be configured to initiate a query of the first connector plug 106 A to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument. For instance, actuation of the switch 340 may cause the controller 155 of the electrosurgical generator 110 to initiate a query of the first RFID tag 108A and receive an identification for the first electrosurgical instrument 120A (FIG. 1). The controller 155 may also receive configuration data from the first RFID tag 108 A and configure the set of ports 308 in accordance with the configuration data for operation of the first electrosurgical instrument 120A.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the second receptacle 400 is illustrated in one nonlimiting implementation. The second receptacle is similar to the first receptacle 400. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that thedescription of the like parts of the first receptacle 300 applies to the second receptacle 400, except where noted.

[0053] The second receptacle 400 can be configured to provide monopolar electrosurgical energy to a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument. Aspects of the second receptacle 400 will be described with respect to the second connector plug 106B of the second electrosurgical instrument 120B (FIG. 1), with it being understood that any suitable connector plug may be utilized with the second receptacle 400.

[0054] The second receptacle 400 includes a receptacle housing 401 with a rear wall 402 and one or more longitudinal walls defining an interior surface 403. In the depicted example (e.g., FIG. 9), the receptacle housing 401 has a rectangular profile with a top wall 404, a bottom wall 405, and spaced sidewalls 406, 407 at least partially defining the interior surface 403.

[0055] The receptacle housing 401 can further include one or more mounting clips configured for insertion into, e.g., a mounting rail of the generator housing 111 (FIG. 1). As shown (e.g., FIG. 7), a first mounting clip 431 and a second mounting clip 432 are provided on a top portion of the receptacle housing 401, and a mounting tab 433 is also provided which may be used with a threaded fastener to secure the receptacle housing 401 to the generator housing 111.

[0056] An entrance aperture 410 is defined in the receptacle housing 401. The second connector plug 106B may be insertable through the entrance aperture 410 in a first orientation (e.g., upright) and a second orientation (e.g., inverted). In addition, the interior surface 403 can at least partially define the entrance aperture 410 and include a ramped portion 415 extending toward the rear wall 402. The ramped portion 415 at least partially defines a connector seat 420 at the rear wall 402. The connector seat 420 can define a seat width 421 that is smaller than the entrance width 411, such that second connector plug 106B may be guided from the entrance aperture 410 toward the connector seat 420.

[0057] The rear wall 402 may include a set of ports 408 configured to couple to the second connector plug 106B. The set of ports 408 can include a power port 424 with a power pin 425 and located in the rear wall 402. The power port 424 can be configured to provide electrosurgical power, e.g., monopolar electrosurgical energy, to the second connector plug 106B (FIG. 1). One or more additional ports 426 in the set of ports 408 may also be located in the rear wall 402, with each including a pin 427 disposed therein. The ports 426 may be single-function or dedicated ports, e.g., dedicated data input or output ports, or a dedicated return port, or the like. The ports426 may also be configurable, e.g., with multiplexed pins 427, to enable multiple functions or outputs based on a type of electrosurgical instrument connected thereto.

[0058] The second receptacle 400 may further include a locating rib 416 disposed within the receptacle housing 401. In the non-limiting example shown, the locating rib 416 is located within a recess in the rear wall 402 and at least partially defines the connector seat 420. When the second connector plug 106B is inserted in the second orientation, the locating rib 416 may be configured to inhibit or prevent coupling of the second connector plug 106B to the set of ports 408. The locating rib 416 may also be configured to allow or guide the coupling of the second connector plug 106B to the set of ports 408 when inserted in the first orientation (e.g., upright).

[0059] A switch 440 is also provided and disposed on the rear wall 402. The switch 440 may be actuatable by abutting contact with the second connector plug 106B when inserted in the first orientation and seated in the connector seat 420. The switch 440 may also be configured to initiate a query of the second connector plug 106B to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument. For instance, actuation of the switch 440 may cause the controller 155 of the electrosurgical generator 110 to initiate a query of the second RFID tag 108B and receive an identification for the second electrosurgical instrument 120B (FIG. 1). The controller 155 may also receive configuration data from the second RFID tag 108B and configure the set of ports 308 in accordance with the configuration data for operation of the second electrosurgical instrument 120B.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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, thevarious 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 herein with 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.

[0064] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the following clauses:

[0065] An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator housing with at least one radio frequency (RF) source disposed therein and configured to generate electrosurgical energy; a controller having a processor and memory and configured to controllably operate the RF source; and at least one receptacle mounted to the generator housing and configured to receive a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument for delivery of the electrosurgical energy, the at least one receptacle comprising: an entrance aperture, the connector plug being insertable through the entrance aperture in a first orientation and a second orientation; a rear wall facing the entrance aperture; and an interior surface extending between the entrance aperture and the rear wall and at least partially defining an entrance width of the entrance aperture, the interior surface comprising a ramped portion extending toward the rear wall to at least partially define a connector seat having a seat width smaller than the entrance width; a set of ports located in therear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation; and a locating rib disposed within the receptacle housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug to the set of ports when the connector plug is inserted in the second orientation.

[0066] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the set of ports comprises a power port with a power pin disposed therein and configured to provide main electrosurgical power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0067] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, further comprising a switch disposed on the rear wall and actuatable by abutting contact with the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation, the switch configured to initiate a query of the connector plug by the controller to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0068] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the set of ports further comprises a multi-use port with a multi-use pin disposed therein, the multi-use pin configured to provide at least one of one-way data communication, two-way data communication, high-voltage power, or low-voltage power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0069] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the controller is further configured to receive configuration data from the connector plug relating to the electrosurgical instrument, and to configure the multi-use pin based on the configuration data.

[0070] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the locating rib projects from the interior surface and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0071] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the locating rib projects from the rear wall and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0072] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the receptacle housing further comprises one or more mounting clips configured for insertion within a mounting rail of the generator housing.

[0073] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, further comprising an antenna secured to an outer surface of the receptacle housing and extending in a direction at least partially toward the entrance aperture.

[0074] The electrosurgical generator as described herein, wherein the at least one receptacle comprises a first receptacle configured to output bipolar electrosurgical energy, and a second receptacle configured to output monopolar electrosurgical energy.

[0075] A receptacle for an electrosurgical generator, comprising: a receptacle housingconfigured to receive a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument and comprising: an entrance aperture, the connector plug being insertable through the entrance aperture in a first orientation and a second orientation; a rear wall facing the entrance aperture; and an interior surface extending between the entrance aperture and the rear wall and at least partially defining an entrance width of the entrance aperture, the interior surface comprising a ramped portion extending toward the rear wall to at least partially define a connector seat having a seat width smaller than the entrance width; a set of ports located in the rear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation; and a locating rib disposed within the receptacle housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug to the set of ports when the connector plug is inserted in the second orientation.

[0076] The receptacle as described herein, further comprising a switch disposed on the rear wall and actuatable by abutting contact with the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation, the switch configured to initiate a query of the connector plug to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0077] The receptacle as described herein, wherein the set of ports comprises a power port with a power pin disposed therein and configured to provide main power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0078] The receptacle as described herein, wherein the set of ports further comprises a multiuse port with a multi-use pin disposed therein.

[0079] The receptacle as described herein, wherein the multi-use port is configured to provide at least one of one-way data communication, two-way data communication, high-voltage power, or low-voltage power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0080] The receptacle as described herein, wherein the locating rib projects from the interior surface and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0081] The receptacle of claim 11, wherein the locating rib projects from the rear wall and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0082] The receptacle as described herein, wherein the receptacle housing further comprises one or more mounting clips configured for insertion within a mounting rail of the generator housing.

[0083] The receptacle as described herein, further comprising an antenna secured to an outer surface of the receptacle housing and extending in a direction at least partially toward theentrance aperture.

[0084] The receptacle as described herein, wherein the interior surface comprises multiple ramped portions at least partially defining the connector seat.

[0085] The following examples are illustrative of the techniques described herein.

[0086] Example 1. An electrosurgical generator, comprising: a generator housing with at least one radio frequency (RF) source disposed therein and configured to generate electrosurgical energy; a controller having a processor and memory and configured to controllably operate the RF source; and at least one receptacle mounted to the generator housing and configured to receive a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument for delivery of the electrosurgical energy, the at least one receptacle comprising: an entrance aperture, the connector plug being insertable through the entrance aperture in a first orientation and a second orientation; a rear wall facing the entrance aperture; and an interior surface extending between the entrance aperture and the rear wall and at least partially defining an entrance width of the entrance aperture, the interior surface comprising a ramped portion extending toward the rear wall to at least partially define a connector seat having a seat width smaller than the entrance width; a set of ports located in the rear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation; and a locating rib disposed within the receptacle housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug to the set of ports when the connector plug is inserted in the second orientation.

[0087] Example 2. The electrosurgical generator of example 1, wherein the set of ports comprises a power port with a power pin disposed therein and configured to provide electrosurgical power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0088] Example 3. The electrosurgical generator of example 1, further comprising a switch disposed on the rear wall and actuatable by abutting contact with the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation, the switch configured to initiate a query of the connector plug by the controller to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0089] Example 4. The electrosurgical generator of example 3, wherein the set of ports further comprises a multi-use port with a multi-use pin disposed therein, the multi-use pin configured to provide at least one of one-way data communication, two-way data communication, high-voltage power, or low-voltage power to the connector plug when insertedin the first orientation.

[0090] Example 5. The electrosurgical generator of example 4, wherein the controller is further configured to receive configuration data from the connector plug relating to the electrosurgical instrument, and to configure the multi-use pin based on the configuration data.

[0091] Example 6. The electrosurgical generator of example 1, wherein the locating rib projects from the interior surface and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0092] Example 7. The electrosurgical generator of example 1, wherein the locating rib projects from the rear wall and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0093] Example 8. The electrosurgical generator of example 1, wherein the receptacle housing further comprises one or more mounting clips configured for insertion within a mounting rail of the generator housing.

[0094] Example 9. The electrosurgical generator of example 1 , further comprising an antenna secured to an outer surface of the receptacle housing and extending in a direction at least partially toward the entrance aperture.

[0095] Example 10. The electrosurgical generator of example 1, wherein the at least one receptacle comprises a first receptacle configured to output bipolar electrosurgical energy, and a second receptacle configured to output monopolar electrosurgical energy.

[0096] Example 11. A receptacle for an electrosurgical generator, comprising: a receptacle housing configured to receive a connector plug of an electrosurgical instrument and comprising: an entrance aperture, the connector plug being insertable through the entrance aperture in a first orientation and a second orientation; a rear wall facing the entrance aperture; and an interior surface extending between the entrance aperture and the rear wall and at least partially defining an entrance width of the entrance aperture, the interior surface comprising a ramped portion extending toward the rear wall to at least partially define a connector seat having a seat width smaller than the entrance width; a set of ports located in the rear wall and configured to couple to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation; and a locating rib disposed within the receptacle housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug to the set of ports when the connector plug is inserted in the second orientation.

[0097] Example 12. The receptacle of example 11, further comprising a switchdisposed on the rear wall and actuatable by abutting contact with the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation, the switch configured to initiate a query of the connector plug to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument.

[0098] Example 13. The receptacle of example 11, wherein the set of ports comprises a power port with a power pin disposed therein and configured to provide main power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0099] Example 14. The receptacle of example 13, wherein the set of ports further comprises a multi-use port with a multi-use pin disposed therein.

[0100] Example 15. The receptacle of example 14, wherein the multi-use port is configured to provide at least one of one-way data communication, two-way data communication, high-voltage power, or low-voltage power to the connector plug when inserted in the first orientation.

[0101] Example 16. The receptacle of example 11, wherein the locating rib projects from the interior surface and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0102] Example 17. The receptacle of example 11, wherein the locating rib projects from the rear wall and at least partially defines the connector seat.

[0103] Example 18. The receptacle of example 11, wherein the receptacle housing further comprises one or more mounting clips configured for insertion within a mounting rail of the generator housing.

[0104] Example 19. The receptacle of example 11, further comprising an antenna secured to an outer surface of the receptacle housing and extending in a direction at least partially toward the entrance aperture.

[0105] Example 20. The receptacle of example 11, wherein the interior surface comprises multiple ramped portions at least partially defining the connector seat.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An electrosurgical generator (110), comprising:a generator housing (111) with at least one radio frequency (RF) source (116) disposed therein and configured to generate electrosurgical energy;a controller (155) having a processor (156) and memory (158) and configured to controllably operate the RF source (116); andat least one receptacle (300, 400) mounted to the generator housing (111) and configured to receive a connector plug (106A, 106B) of an electrosurgical instrument (120 A, 120B) for delivery of the electrosurgical energy, the at least one receptacle (300, 400) comprising:an entrance aperture (310), the connector plug (106A, 106B) being insertable through the entrance aperture (310) in a first orientation and a second orientation;a rear wall (302) facing the entrance aperture (310); andan interior surface (303) extending between the entrance aperture (310) and the rear wall (302) and at least partially defining an entrance width (311) of the entrance aperture (310), the interior surface (303) comprising a ramped portion (315) extending toward the rear wall (302) to at least partially define a connector seat (320) having a seat width (321) smaller than the entrance width (311);a set of ports (308) located in the rear wall (302) and configured to couple to the connector plug (106A, 106B) when inserted in the first orientation; anda locating rib (316) disposed within the receptacle (300, 400) housing and arranged to inhibit coupling of the connector plug (106A, 106B) to the set of ports (308) when the connector plug (106A, 106B) is inserted in the second orientation.

2. The electrosurgical generator (110) of claim 1, wherein the set of ports (308) comprises a power port (324) with a power pin (325) disposed therein and configured to provide electrosurgical power to the connector plug (106 A, 106B) when inserted in the first orientation.

3. The electrosurgical generator (110) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a switch disposed on the rear wall (302) and actuatable by abutting contact with the connector plug (106 A, 106B) when inserted in the first orientation.

4. The electrosurgical generator (110) of claim 3, wherein the switch is configured to initiate a query of the connector plug (106A, 106B) by the controller (155) to determine at least an identification of the electrosurgical instrument (120 A, 120B).

5. The electrosurgical generator (110) of any of claims 1-4, wherein the set of ports (308) further comprises a multi-use port (326) with a multi-use pin (327) disposed therein.

6. The electrosurgical generator (110) of claim 5, wherein the multi-use pin (327) is configured to provide at least one of one-way data communication, two-way data communication, high-voltage power, or low- voltage power to the connector plug (106 A, 106B) when inserted in the first orientation.

7. The electrosurgical generator (110) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller (155) is further configured to receive configuration data from the connector plug (106 A, 106B) relating to the electrosurgical instrument (120A, 120B), and to configure the multi-use pin (327) based on the configuration data.

8. The electrosurgical generator (110) of any of claims 1-7, wherein the locating rib (316) projects from the interior surface (303) and at least partially defines the connector seat (320).

9. The electrosurgical generator (110) of any of claims 1-7, wherein the locating rib (316) projects from the rear wall (302) and at least partially defines the connector seat (320).

10. The electrosurgical generator (110) of any of claims 1-9, wherein the receptacle (300, 400) housing further comprises one or more mounting clips (431, 432) configured for insertion within a mounting rail of the generator housing (111).

11. The electrosurgical generator (110) of any of claims 1-10, further comprising an antenna (350) secured to an outer surface of the receptacle (300, 400) housing and extending in a direction at least partially toward the entrance aperture (310).

12. The electrosurgical generator (110) of any of claims 1-11, wherein the at least one receptacle (300, 400) comprises a first receptacle (300) configured to output bipolar electrosurgical energy, and a second receptacle (400) configured to output monopolar electrosurgical energy.

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