Multi-Phase RF Generator for Simultaneous Tissue Cutting and Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical generators lack the ability to simultaneously deliver phase-displaced RF output voltage waveforms across multiple electrodes for effective tissue cutting and coagulation, limiting their versatility and efficiency in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage that delivers phase-displaced RF output voltage waveforms across at least three electrodes, allowing for simultaneous tissue cutting and coagulation by varying the voltage between different electrode pairs, and optionally incorporating a remote return pad for monopolar coagulation, with a transformer core using ferrite material for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a generator delivers cutting and coagulating waveforms by alternating between different voltage threshold values, then blended cutting and coagulation is achieved, but the waveforms cannot be delivered simultaneously across multiple electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the RF output into multiple independent phases (first phase to second phase, first phase to third phase, second phase to third phase), allowing each electrode pair to receive independently controlled waveforms. This segmentation enables simultaneous cutting and coagulation across different electrode pairs without requiring complex alternating waveform switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed to deliver multiple waveform types (cutting waveform with higher voltage threshold and coagulating waveform with lower voltage threshold) simultaneously across different electrode pairs. Each electrode pair can be configured for different functions, making the system universally applicable for both cutting and coagulation operations without requiring separate devices or complex temporal switching.
2Power
If RF output voltage is increased to cause tissue vaporisation for cutting, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but the voltage may be excessive for coagulation purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different voltage levels locally to different electrode pairs: the first phase to second phase pair receives a first RF output voltage waveform suitable for cutting, while the second phase to third phase pair receives a second RF output voltage waveform suitable for coagulation. This local differentiation allows each electrode pair to operate at the optimal voltage level for its specific function without affecting other pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the RF output into multiple phases with independent voltage control, the system can deliver high voltage for cutting across one electrode pair while simultaneously delivering lower voltage for coagulation across another electrode pair, eliminating the need to compromise cutting effectiveness or risk excessive voltage for coagulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a generator provides different RF output waveforms for cutting and coagulation by alternating waveforms, then waveform differentiation is achieved, but simultaneous delivery across multiple electrodes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The RF output is segmented into multiple independent phases, each capable of delivering different waveform types simultaneously. The first phase to second phase pair can deliver cutting waveforms while the second phase to third phase pair delivers coagulating waveforms at the same time, eliminating the need for alternating waveform delivery and enabling simultaneous multi-function treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed to universally deliver multiple waveform types across multiple electrode pairs simultaneously, allowing the system to perform cutting, coagulation, and blended operations in parallel without requiring temporal alternation, thereby significantly improving productivity and treatment efficiency.
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
Enables simultaneous and efficient tissue cutting and coagulation with adjustable proportions of bipolar and monopolar coagulation, improving surgical precision and versatility by ensuring effective energy delivery across multiple electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
the generator comprises a multiple-phase RF output stage having at least three outputs for coupling to respective electrodes of an electrosurgical instrument for delivering RF power to the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
with a transformer core using ferrite material for efficient energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporisation at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment. Also disclosed is an electrosurgical generator in combination with an instrument having both bipolar coagulation electrodes and a remote return pad, the generator including means for varying the RF voltage outputs to vary the relative preponderance of bipolar and monopolar coagulation.