Energy Source Apparatus Impedance Feedback Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy source apparatuses for treatment tools with bipolar electrodes and heaters lack effective control over heater output based on the state of the treatment target, which affects the ability to seal and coagulate the target efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An energy source apparatus with a processor that detects the initial impedance of the treatment target, determines when it reaches a minimum value, and adjusts the output to the bipolar electrodes and heater accordingly, using acquired parameters to control the heater output and extend the time for sealing and coagulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the heater output is increased to seal and coagulate the treatment target faster, then the treatment time is reduced, but the ability to seal and coagulate the target is compromised because the water boils too quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment speedVSAvoidsealing and coagulation ability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the impedance of the treatment target and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the heater output. When impedance reaches a minimum value indicating water boiling, the system automatically reduces heater power to maintain optimal sealing conditions, ensuring reliable coagulation while preventing excessive water loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The heater output is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting based on the real-time state of the treatment target. The system transitions from a fixed power mode to a variable power mode that adapts to changing tissue conditions, optimizing both treatment speed and sealing reliability throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the heater output is decreased to maintain proper sealing and coagulation, then the sealing ability is improved, but the treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and coagulation abilityVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance monitoring system provides real-time feedback that enables the heater output to be optimized throughout the treatment process. By detecting impedance changes, the system knows when to adjust power levels, maintaining reliable sealing while minimizing unnecessary treatment time through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the heater based on detected tissue state. By monitoring impedance and adjusting power output accordingly, the system optimizes the thermal parameters to achieve reliable sealing in the minimum necessary time, adapting to tissue conditions rather than using fixed parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the heater output is continuously adjusted based on target state, then the sealing and coagulation ability is optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing and coagulation abilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses impedance monitoring as a simple yet effective feedback mechanism to control heater output. This feedback approach provides optimized sealing and coagulation without requiring complex control algorithms, as the impedance changes naturally indicate tissue state and appropriate power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment target itself provides the control signal through its impedance characteristics. The tissue's electrical properties automatically indicate its state (hydrated vs. dehydrated), allowing the system to self-regulate heater output without complex external sensing or control mechanisms, simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 seal and coagulate the treatment target by optimizing the heater output based on the target's state, increasing the time for effective treatment and improving energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

outputs high-frequency electric power to the bipolar electrodes so as to cause a high-frequency current to flow through a treatment target between the bipolar electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

outputs heater electric power to the heater so as to cause the heater to generate heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11439456B2Energy source apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.09.13 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • US11439456B2 patent drawing
  • US11439456B2 patent drawing
  • US11439456B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A treatment system includes a treatment tool and an energy source apparatus used to supply electrical energy to the treatment tool. The treatment tool includes a heater and bipolar electrodes to grip a treatment target. The energy source apparatus includes a processor to control the output to the bipolar electrodes and the heater, respectively. The processor directs the output to the bipolar electrodes and detects an initial value of the impedance of the treatment target. The processor determines whether or not the impedance has reached a minimum value and then retrieves a parameter that is detected before the minimum value of the impedance is detected. The processor performs a first process and/or a second process based on the acquired parameter after the minimum value is detected. The first process determines whether or not the output to the heater is required. The second process sets a target value.