Dual-Output Electrosurgical Generator With Working Current Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical generators with dual outputs face challenges in minimizing interference between high-voltage outputs, leading to cross-currents that hamper proper control of currents and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical generator with a first and second HF generation unit producing high-frequency alternating voltages of different frequencies, a central control unit, and an observer unit that calculates working currents indirectly from measured total currents, allowing for improved control of energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate electrosurgical generators are used for each instrument to enable dual activation, then operational versatility is improved, but interference between outputs occurs causing cross-currents and control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple HF generation units into a single electrosurgical generator system with a shared control unit. This merging approach enables dual activation of instruments while maintaining centralized control through the common control unit that coordinates both HF generation units, thereby preventing interference and cross-currents that would occur with completely separate generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to manage both HF generation units simultaneously. It can selectively control each unit independently while also providing integrated monitoring and coordination, allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes (single or dual instrument activation) without requiring separate dedicated control systems.
2Device complexity
If a single electrosurgical generator with dual inverters is employed to allow dual activation, then device complexity is reduced, but unwanted interference between outputs still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the operational state of both HF generation units and the connected instruments. By continuously monitoring output parameters and detecting potential interference conditions, the control unit can adjust operating parameters in real-time to minimize cross-currents and prevent harmful interference between the dual outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the control unit can selectively activate or deactivate specific HF generation units based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration - operating as a single-unit system when one instrument is used, or switching to dual-unit operation when both instruments are needed, thereby minimizing interference in each operational mode.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power measurement is performed over both outputs to monitor energy delivery, then energy control is improved, but true power distribution between outputs remains unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and control system is segmented to independently monitor each HF generation unit and its corresponding output. The control unit separately tracks the power delivery, current, and operational parameters of each channel, enabling precise determination of individual power distribution while maintaining overall energy control for the entire system.
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 solution enables precise determination of working currents for both outputs, enhancing control of energy delivery, improving operational safety, and reducing risks associated with cross-currents and over-currents.
Implementation Method 1
a first HF generation unit supplying a first high-frequency alternating voltage having a first frequency to a first output, a second HF generation unit supplying a second high-frequency alternating voltage having a second frequency which is different from the first frequency to a second output
Implementation Method 2
an observer unit being configured for an indirect determination of the first and second working currents based on measured values obtained by a dual measurement of the first and second total current
Data Source
AI summary
Electrosurgical generator provides a HF alternating voltage to electrosurgical instruments, including a first/second HF generation unit supplying a first/second HF alternating voltage having a first/second frequency to a first/second output which are configured for connection of a first/second electrosurgical instrument. Upon activation a first current flows to the first electrosurgical instrument and simultaneously a second current flows to the second electrosurgical instrument. That portion of these currents being actually delivered from the electrosurgical instruments to the tissue to be worked on are working currents. They are important for safe operation but cannot be measured directly. An observer unit is configured for indirect determination of said working currents based on measured values of the total currents. The so determined working currents are used as input signals for an inverter controller, achieving improved control of the electrosurgical generator.