Electrosurgical Generator Controller for Multi-Probe Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical systems face challenges in efficiently controlling energy delivery to multiple energy delivery devices, particularly in ensuring safe and effective treatment with varying tissue conditions and probe configurations, often requiring manual adjustments and lacking automatic detection of connected devices.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a generator that includes a controller, measurement interface, and switching means, allowing independent control of energy delivery to multiple probes via a single energy source, automatic detection of connected devices, and adjustable duty cycles based on real-time tissue parameter feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are required for energy delivery control, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the number of connected probes and adjusts energy delivery parameters without requiring manual user input. The controller autonomously manages duty cycle allocation and energy distribution based on detected probe configurations, eliminating the need for manual adjustments while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors probe connections and tissue parameters, using this feedback to dynamically adjust energy delivery. The controller receives real-time information about probe status and automatically modifies operating parameters to optimize treatment while ensuring safety, creating a closed-loop control system
2Ease of operation
If automatic detection of connected devices is implemented, then device complexity increases, but ease of operation improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic probe detection and configuration without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously identifies the number of connected probes, determines appropriate operating modes, and configures energy delivery parameters based on the detected configuration, making the system self-configuring and user-friendly
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes operating parameters such as duty cycle, power level, and energy distribution based on the detected probe configuration. The controller adjusts these parameters dynamically to match the number and type of connected probes, enabling adaptive operation without manual reconfiguration
3Productivity
If independent control of energy delivery to multiple probes is implemented, then device complexity increases, but productivity improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy delivery control into independent channels, with each probe receiving dedicated control through its own duty cycle assignment. The controller manages multiple independent energy delivery paths simultaneously, allowing each probe to be controlled separately while sharing a common energy source, thereby enabling multi-site treatment with independent parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses duty cycle modulation to control energy delivery to multiple probes, switching between different probe configurations in periodic cycles. The controller assigns specific time intervals and duty cycles to each probe, enabling independent energy delivery control through time-division multiplexing while maintaining efficient use of the shared energy source
4Reliability
If adjustable duty cycles based on real-time feedback are used, then device complexity increases, but reliability improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tissue parameters and probe status, using this real-time feedback to adjust duty cycles and energy delivery. The controller receives feedback signals and dynamically modifies operating parameters to maintain safe and effective treatment conditions, ensuring reliable operation across varying tissue conditions and probe configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static to dynamic control of energy delivery parameters. The duty cycles and power levels are continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback rather than remaining fixed, allowing the system to adapt to changing treatment conditions and maintain optimal performance throughout the procedure
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a system and method are described for delivering energy to a body of a human or animal through a plurality of energy delivery devices. In some embodiments, a plurality of energy delivery devices are coupled to a generator and the number of energy delivery devices is automatically detectable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the amount of energy delivered through the energy delivery devices is controlled, at least in part, by dynamically varying the amount of time that each energy delivery device is delivering energy.