Hf Surgical Device With Time-Multiplexed Generators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HF surgical devices struggle to allow simultaneous operation of multiple surgeons with different operating modes without causing neuromuscular stimulation due to uneven power distribution and lack of independent current regulation, particularly when using a single neutral electrode.
Innovation Solution
The HF surgical device employs multiple independent HF generators, a single neutral electrode arrangement, and a switching device that controls the generators to alternate treatment current delivery, ensuring each generator operates individually for short times with defined time windows to prevent overlap and neuromuscular stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HF generators operate simultaneously with a single neutral electrode, then each instrument can be operated in different operating modes, but neuromuscular stimulation occurs due to beat effects from overlapping currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-multiplexed operation where HF generators are activated in alternating time windows rather than simultaneously. The control unit assigns specific time intervals (T_on1, T_on2) to different generators, ensuring that only one generator operates at any given moment. This periodic switching eliminates beat effects and neuromuscular stimulation while preserving the ability to operate multiple instruments in different modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each HF generator based on time-multiplexed control signals. The control unit continuously manages the activation and deactivation of generators, creating a dynamic time-sharing arrangement. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt between different operating modes for different instruments while preventing harmful simultaneous operation through real-time switching.
2Device complexity
If a single HF generator supplies multiple instruments in parallel, then device complexity is reduced, but power distribution becomes uneven and current regulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HF generation function by providing separate HF generators for different instruments rather than using a single generator for all instruments. Each generator can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific instrument's requirements. This segmentation enables independent current regulation for each instrument while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple HF generators. It receives operational requirements from different instruments and manages the time-multiplexed activation of generators accordingly. This intermediary control mechanism ensures that each generator operates with appropriate current settings for its designated instrument while preventing simultaneous operation that would cause interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two independent HF surgical devices are used for each instrument, then independent performance settings are achieved, but neuromuscular stimulation occurs when neutral electrodes are unfavorably arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple HF generators into a single integrated system controlled by a common control unit. While each generator maintains independent performance settings for its designated instrument, the control unit coordinates their operation to prevent simultaneous activation. This merging approach preserves independent instrument control while eliminating the neuromuscular stimulation problem that occurs with completely independent devices using unfavorably arranged neutral electrodes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An RF surgical apparatus and method for operating such an apparatus. The RF surgical apparatus comprises at least two RF generators and at least one neutral electrode output for one neutral electrode. At least two outputs for connecting RF surgical instruments for applying treatment currents to the surgical instruments are provided. Furthermore, a switching device is provided. To enable a simultaneous operation of several RF surgical apparatuses, and not generate any neuromuscular stimulation, a separate generator is provided for each RF surgical instrument and a single neutral electrode is provided for all of the instruments and generators. The switching device is adapted to be arranged in a controlling connection with the RF generators such that the RF generators will never generate, and output to the instruments, any treatment currents at the same time (that is, they output only sequentially).