Electrosurgical Control Allocation Between Handpiece and Footswitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical systems lack the ability to safely and effectively split control functions between multiple control devices, such as a handpiece and a footswitch, allowing users to customize their preferred control method based on experience and training.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a user interface that allows users to configure and assign control functions to both a handpiece and a footswitch, enabling exclusive control of specific functions to each device, with options for customization and safety features like full lockout of certain functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control functions are assigned to a single control device, then the system is simpler to operate, but the adaptability to different user preferences and surgical scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented and distributed across multiple control devices (handpiece and footswitch). The system allows splitting control functions such that the handpiece can control mechanical cutting while the footswitch controls RF electrosurgery, or vice versa, or both can control both functions. This segmentation enables users to customize control allocation based on their preferences and surgical needs, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control functions are split between multiple control devices, then the adaptability to user preferences is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical generator is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple control modes. The system can operate with either a single control device or multiple control devices, and can dynamically allocate control functions based on user configuration. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different user preferences without requiring completely different system architectures, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all control functions are available on all control devices, then the versatility is improved, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by allowing different control devices to have different control function allocations. Through the user interface, users can configure which functions are available on the handpiece versus the footswitch. For example, high-risk functions can be restricted to footswitch-only control, while less critical functions are available on the handpiece. This localized control allocation maintains versatility while reducing accidental activation risk by placing appropriate controls in appropriate locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical system for controlling an electrosurgical instrument and in particular, to an electrosurgical system which can be configured, by a user, to split control functions between a plurality of control devices such that each device is configured to exclusively control a function of an electrosurgical instrument.