Electrosurgical Generator Impulse Control for Component Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical generators have limited capabilities in creating varied oscillation and voltage shapes, which restricts the type of tissue effects that can be achieved during electrical surgery, and they often suffer from stress on components and cooling power needs due to high power output.
Innovation Solution
A generator comprising multiple impulse generators with control inputs and outputs, coordinated by a control device to produce impulse sequences of varying strength and timing, distributing power to minimize component stress and avoid resonance effects, allowing for a wide range of voltage and current shapes to be created.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single high-power oscillation circuit is used to generate electrosurgical voltage, then the required power output is achieved, but the component stress and cooling power need increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single high-power oscillation circuit into multiple parallel oscillation circuits (first, second, and third oscillation circuits). Each circuit operates at a lower power level individually, reducing component stress and cooling requirements, while their combined output achieves the required total power for electrosurgical applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single oscillation circuit is used, then the generator structure is simpler, but the capability to create varied oscillation and voltage shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple parallel oscillation circuits that can be independently controlled to generate different oscillation patterns and voltage shapes. By selectively activating and coordinating these separate circuits, the system achieves versatile voltage waveform capabilities while maintaining a modular structure that is more manageable than a single complex circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of the oscillation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) for each parallel circuit. This dynamic coordination enables the generation of varied voltage shapes and oscillation patterns, enhancing adaptability for different surgical applications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If resonance circuits are used in impulse generators, then oscillation can be maintained, but post-pulse oscillations occur that reduce control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes resonance circuits from the impulse generator design, extracting the oscillation maintenance function to the dedicated parallel oscillation circuits. This separation allows the impulse generators to focus solely on precise impulse delivery without the unwanted post-pulse oscillations that would otherwise compromise control precision.
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 provides improved control over voltage shapes and power output to electrosurgical instruments, enabling more flexible surgical effects while reducing component stress and cooling needs, and preventing post-pulse oscillations.
Implementation Method 1
the impulse generators are configured such that it provides an output impulse upon receipt of a control impulse
Data Source
AI summary
A generator includes a number of impulse generators that are individually controlled by means of a control device in a timely flexible manner. The RF voltage required for supply of a surgical instrument is thus composed of individual impulses. The same applies for the current flowing at the electrode of the instrument. Due to omitting resonance effects in the impulse generators and omitting of energy storage in a system that is able to oscillate (system of second order), the user has an increased degree of control of the wave forms of the voltage supplied to the instrument and the current flowing to the instrument.