Return Pad Identification Using NFC and Contact Quality Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating rooms are cluttered with multiple devices requiring unique techniques and interfaces, leading to inefficiencies and increased equipment footprint, as existing surgical systems are not modular or interconnected, hindering staff efficiency and procedural streamlining.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical platform with a grounding pad featuring non-active electrodes, conductive lines, and non-zero impedance for impedance measurement, along with a method for identifying the pad using a control circuit and transformer, integrated into a monopolar surgical system to streamline equipment and improve contact quality monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate capital equipment devices are used in the surgical system, then each device can perform its specific surgical task, but the equipment footprint and clutter in the operating room increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate capital equipment devices into a single integrated surgical system platform. The generator integrates electrosurgical RF energy delivery, ultrasonic energy delivery, bipolar energy delivery, and smoke evacuation control into one unified device, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment pieces and reducing operating room clutter while maintaining all necessary surgical functions
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical generator is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple surgical functions through different attachable instruments. The system can switch between monopolar electrosurgery, ultrasonic cutting, bipolar sealing, and smoke evacuation by connecting different surgical instruments to the same generator, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If each capital equipment has unique user interfaces and techniques, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but surgical staff efficiency decreases due to the need to learn and interact with multiple different interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a single unified user interface on the generator that controls all surgical modalities including electrosurgery, ultrasonic, bipolar, and smoke evacuation functions. The touchscreen display and control mechanisms remain consistent across different functions, allowing surgical staff to operate all features through one learned interface rather than mastering multiple different device interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The generator acts as an intermediary device that standardizes the interface between the surgical staff and various surgical instruments. All instruments communicate with the generator through standardized electrical and mechanical connections, with the generator's control system translating user inputs into the appropriate energy delivery or control actions for each specific instrument type
3Device complexity
If traditional grounding pads without impedance measurement are used, then the system is simpler, but the ability to identify pad type and monitor contact quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods with electrical impedance measurement to identify grounding pad type and monitor contact quality. The generator's control circuit measures impedance characteristics of the grounding pad to determine pad type (adult vs. pediatric) and assess contact quality, using electrical properties instead of mechanical switches or physical indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding pad incorporates an integrated impedance measurement circuit that automatically provides identification information to the generator without requiring manual input from the surgical staff. The pad's internal impedance network self-identifies its type and contact status by presenting distinct electrical characteristics that the generator's control circuit automatically detects and processes
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 reduces device interactions, enhances surgical staff efficiency, and decreases clutter by consolidating equipment interfaces, allowing for improved surgical procedures through modular integration and intelligent monitoring of the grounding pad.
Implementation Method 1
a non-zero impedance separating the first conductive line from the second conductive line; wherein the non-zero impedance provides an impedance measurement that provides defining information about what type of pad is the grounding pad
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the impedance by a transformer using a modulated signal
Implementation Method 3
systems and methods for identifying characteristics of a return pad in a monopolar electrosurgical system using contact quality monitoring (CQM) and near field communication (NFC) signals
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for systems and methods for identifying characteristics of a return pad in a monopolar electrosurgical system using contact quality monitoring (CQM) and near field communication (NFC) signals. In some aspects, resistance or impedance materials are sensed that may help identify what kind of return pad is being used, including what is the structure of the pad. In some aspects, NFC signals are used to identify characteristics of the return pad. In some aspects, the grounding or return pad may include two separate materials that form an interconnecting or interwoven mesh and both act as non-active electrodes when both contact the patient. A non-zero impedance may separate conductive lines connecting the two separate materials that may be analyzed to obtain a defining signature about that is linked to structural characteristics about the return pad.