Multilevel Inverter Electrosurgical Generator for Dual Frequency Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical generators require two separate devices or a bulky, expensive combined generator to supply both ultrasound and radiofrequency energy, leading to space inefficiencies and synchronization challenges, especially for hybrid instruments.
Innovation Solution
A single multilevel inverter electrosurgical generator that uses a modulation unit to combine low and high-frequency reference signals, allowing for simultaneous generation and delivery of dual frequency power outputs, reducing bulkiness and cost while enhancing electromagnetic shielding and filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate electrosurgical generators are used to supply ultrasound and radiofrequency energy, then each generator can be optimized for its specific frequency range, but the total space required increases and synchronization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electrosurgical generators into a single integrated device that can simultaneously generate both ultrasound frequency energy (20-200 kHz) and radiofrequency energy (200-4000 kHz). The system uses a single housing with integrated power supplies, control units, and output circuits for both frequency ranges, eliminating the need for two separate devices and reducing the total space occupied while maintaining the reliability of dedicated energy supply for each frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical generator is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple functions: it can supply ultrasound energy to ultrasound instruments, radiofrequency energy to electrosurgical instruments, and simultaneously power hybrid instruments that require both types of energy. The system includes multiple output sockets and configurable control units that adapt to different instrument types, making a single device replaceable by multiple specialized generators
2Adaptability or versatility
If a combined generator with two energy supplying devices is used, then both ultrasound and radiofrequency energy can be supplied, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The combined generator is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first power supply unit for ultrasound frequency generation, a second power supply unit for radiofrequency generation, separate control units for each frequency range, and independent output circuits. This modular segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while sharing common housing and control infrastructure, reducing overall complexity compared to a fully integrated monolithic design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two separate energy supplying devices into a single compact unit by integrating their power supplies, control units, and output circuits within one housing. The system shares common structural elements, control processors, and user interfaces, reducing the overall device complexity and cost while maintaining dual energy supply capability for both ultrasound and radiofrequency instruments
3Manufacturing precision
If two separate generators are employed, then each can be optimized for its frequency range, but synchronization issues arise for hybrid instruments requiring both energies
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated electrosurgical generator incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control units monitor and coordinate the operation of both ultrasound and radiofrequency power supply units. The system detects the operational state of connected instruments and automatically adjusts energy delivery timing and levels to ensure proper synchronization, particularly for hybrid instruments that require coordinated input from both energy types, eliminating the manual synchronization problems of separate generators
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the control functions of two separate generators into a single integrated control system, the patent enables automatic coordination of ultrasound and radiofrequency energy delivery. The unified control unit processes instrument type detection, energy level settings, and timing synchronization in one centralized system, ensuring precise coordination of dual energy output for hybrid instruments without the synchronization difficulties inherent in using two independent generators
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
The solution enables efficient, precise, and cost-effective generation and delivery of both frequencies, minimizing unwanted harmonics and synchronization issues, and simplifies cable connections, improving the handling and effectiveness of electrosurgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a modulation unit configured for forming a modulated combined reference signal by modulating the low frequency reference signal onto the high frequency reference signal
Implementation Method 2
an inverter unit configured to simultaneously generating said dual frequency power output
Implementation Method 3
Providing said energy results in local heating of the tissue
Implementation Method 4
the high frequency energy is higher and typically provided in the radiofrequency range
Implementation Method 5
a transducer which converts the energy in the ultrasound frequency range to corresponding movements of an actuating element
Implementation Method 6
the tissue is cut or severed by heating, and the tissue is removed by thermal resection
Implementation Method 7
bleeding can be stopped at the same time as the cutting is made by closing the affected vessels, thereby achieving a coagulation effect
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5A~8B
AI summary
Electrosurgical generator for providing a dual frequency power output in a low and a high frequency range to an output socket (16) for an electrosurgical instrument (19), comprising an inverter unit configured to simultaneously generate said dual frequency power output. The inverter unit is a multilevel inverter (3) comprising a low frequency driving unit (41) configured for forming a low frequency reference signal, a high frequency driving unit (42) configured for forming a HF reference signal, and a modulation unit (6) configured for forming a modulated combined reference signal by modulating the low frequency reference signal onto the high frequency reference signal. The modulated combined reference signal is supplied to the multilevel inverter for generating the dual frequency power output. Thereby, an efficient way for providing highfrequency energy in the low frequency (ultrasound) band as well as the high frequency (radiofrequency) band by means of a single inverter is formed.