Bipolar Electrosurgical Impedance Sensing With Remote Return Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar electrosurgical devices face challenges in detecting tissue impedance accurately due to the presence of conductive fluids like saline, which introduce parallel electrical loads and noise, affecting the ability to adjust power effectively during thermal treatment.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a bipolar electrosurgical device with an active electrode and a first return electrode at the treatment site, coupled with a second return electrode at a remote site, measuring impedance between these electrodes to detect thermal effects accurately, using a method that includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium to control a processor for adjusting treatment based on impedance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bipolar electrosurgical devices are used with conductive fluids like saline, then tissue sealing and hemostasis effectiveness is improved, but impedance measurement accuracy deteriorates due to parallel electrical loads and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the impedance measurement function by introducing a dedicated measurement circuit separate from the power delivery path. The measurement circuit includes a measurement current source and voltage sensing components that operate independently from the bipolar RF power delivery system, allowing accurate impedance measurement without interference from the conductive fluid's parallel electrical loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement circuit that acts as a mediator between the bipolar electrosurgical device and the control system. This measurement circuit uses a measurement current source to inject a separate test current through the tissue, and voltage sensing elements to detect the resulting voltage drop, thereby measuring impedance without being affected by the main power delivery path's parallel loads
2Productivity
If bipolar RF power is delivered through conductive fluid, then tissue treatment effectiveness is improved, but detection of tissue impedance changes becomes difficult due to noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power delivery function from the measurement function by using distinct circuits. The bipolar RF power delivery circuit treats tissue effectively while the separate measurement circuit detects impedance changes through voltage sensing elements that measure the potential difference caused by tissue impedance changes without being overwhelmed by noise from the power delivery path
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement circuit provides continuous feedback about tissue impedance changes to the control system. The voltage sensing elements detect changes in tissue impedance in real-time, and this information is fed back to allow dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters, enabling precise control of the tissue treatment process despite the presence of conductive fluids
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the ability to detect tissue impedance changes, allowing precise power adjustment and improving the effectiveness of thermal treatment by minimizing noise interference from conductive fluids.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices apply radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy and electrically conductive fluid to provide for sealing of soft tissues and bone
Implementation Method 2
Electrosurgical devices can also cut tissue through the use of plasma formed on the electrode. Tissue that contacts the plasma experiences a rapid vaporization of cellular fluid to produce a cutting effect
Implementation Method 3
measuring impedance between these electrodes to detect thermal effects accurately
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, such as an electrosurgical unit, and method for use with an active electrode and a plurality of return electrodes are disclosure. An electrosurgical treatment is provided to tissue via the active electrode at a treatment site and a first return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at the treatment site. An impedance measurement is received or determined of an impedance in the tissue between the active electrode at the treatment site and a second return electrode of the plurality of return electrodes at a site remote from the treatment site.