Multi-Frequency Electrosurgical Generator With Band-Stop Channel Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical generators struggle to efficiently deliver microwave energy at multiple frequencies through narrow and elongated lumens of surgical scopes, leading to interference and inefficiencies in tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical generator with a signal combiner that includes band stop filter modules for each microwave channel, blocking unwanted frequencies and ensuring minimal leakage, allowing separate or simultaneous delivery of microwave energy at different frequencies through a common feed cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microwave energy is delivered through a common feed cable in a narrow lumen, then the device can be introduced through surgical scope, but frequency interference and energy leakage occur between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The feed cable is segmented into separate microwave channels, each carrying a specific frequency. Band stop filter modules are placed at the distal end of each channel to block unwanted frequencies. This segmentation allows multiple frequencies to be delivered simultaneously through the same narrow lumen without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between minimal invasiveness and frequency isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Band stop filter modules serve as intermediary components between the microwave sources and the tissue treatment site. These filters act as mediators that selectively block unwanted frequencies from leaking into other channels while allowing the desired frequency to pass through, enabling reliable frequency isolation in a shared transmission path.
2Productivity
If multiple microwave channels are combined in a signal combiner, then energy delivery efficiency is improved, but leakage into other channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The band stop filter modules convert the potentially harmful effect of frequency interference into a beneficial selective blocking mechanism. By designing the filters to block specific unwanted frequencies, the system turns what would be energy leakage into a controlled frequency separation mechanism, allowing efficient energy delivery while preventing leakage into other channels.
3Device complexity
If RF energy and microwave energy are delivered through the same path, then device complexity is reduced, but energy interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery path is segmented into separate RF and microwave channels, with the microwave channels further divided by frequency. This segmentation allows both RF and microwave energies to be delivered through the same overall path without interfering with each other, as each frequency band is isolated by band stop filter modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the transmission path are assigned different local qualities - the RF channel carries radiofrequency energy while microwave channels carry microwave frequencies at different bands. The band stop filters provide local frequency selectivity, allowing the system to maintain simple single-path delivery while preventing energy interference through localized frequency separation.
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 precise and efficient delivery of microwave energy at multiple frequencies, minimizing interference and enhancing treatment efficacy in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a band stop filter module disposed at a distal end of each of the plurality of microwave channels, wherein the band stop filter module for each microwave channel is configured to block microwave energy at the frequency conveyed on the other microwave channels
Implementation Method 2
a signal combiner configured to connect the plurality of microwave channels to the output port
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic signal supply unit for generating microwave energy to be conveyed on each of a plurality of microwave channels
Implementation Method 4
an output port configured to be connectable to a probe for delivering microwave energy from the plurality of microwave channels
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrosurgical system for delivering electromagnetic energy at a plurality of frequencies to cause different effects on biological tissue at a treatment site, and in particular to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator comprises an electromagnetic signal supply unit for generating microwave energy to be conveyed on each of a plurality of microwave channels, wherein each of the plurality of microwave channels is arranged to convey microwave energy at a different frequency; an output port configured to be connectable to a probe for delivering microwave energy from the plurality of microwave channels; and a signal combiner configured to connect the plurality of microwave channels to the output port, wherein the signal combiner comprises a band stop filter module disposed at a distal end of each of the plurality of microwave channels, wherein the band stop filter module for each microwave channel is configured to block microwave energy at the frequency conveyed on the other microwave channels; and a common signal pathway extending between the output port and a junction at which the plurality of microwave channels are connected.