Auxiliary Transformer Stages for Surgical Generator Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical generator systems face challenges in efficiently delivering power to low-impedance tissue, leading to reduced output power and longer tissue sealing times, due to limited current output to protect generator hardware.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of auxiliary transformer stages with varying winding ratios to boost power delivery, allowing selective inclusion based on tissue impedance, and an accessory box with isolated ground plane to reduce patient leakage current, enhancing power adjustment and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator limits current output to protect hardware, then device reliability is improved, but power delivery to low-impedance tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between a first transformer stage and a second transformer stage based on real-time tissue impedance detection. When low impedance is detected, the system transitions to the second transformer stage which provides higher current output capability, thereby adapting the power delivery to match the actual tissue conditions while protecting the generator hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transformer winding ratio parameter by selecting between different transformer stages. The first transformer stage has a winding ratio suitable for normal impedance conditions, while the second transformer stage has a modified winding ratio that enables higher current output for low-impedance tissue, thus optimizing power delivery without compromising hardware safety.
2Reliability
If the generator limits current output to protect hardware, then device reliability is improved, but tissue sealing time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transformer stage selection based on real-time tissue impedance monitoring. When low impedance conditions are detected that would otherwise cause prolonged sealing times, the system switches to the second transformer stage to provide increased current output, thereby reducing sealing time while maintaining hardware protection through controlled switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs tissue impedance sensing with feedback control to determine when to switch between transformer stages. The impedance sensor continuously monitors tissue conditions and provides feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the transformer stage selection to optimize sealing performance while preventing hardware damage.
3Power
If the system uses multiple transformer stages with switching, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer system is segmented into distinct first and second transformer stages, each with specific winding ratios optimized for different tissue impedance conditions. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced power delivery capability for low-impedance tissue while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture through modular transformer design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the accessory box uses isolated ground plane, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory box introduces an isolated ground plane as an intermediary electrical reference that separates the RF circuit ground from the patient connection ground. This intermediary ground plane prevents leakage current paths while maintaining proper RF signal references, thereby improving patient safety through electrical isolation without significantly complicating the overall system architecture.
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
Significantly increases power delivery to low-impedance tissue, reduces power ramp-up times, and ensures patient safety by minimizing leakage current through isolated ground plane design.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary transformer having a primary coil that receives the first output and a secondary coil at which a second output is produced
Implementation Method 2
a switching element configured to switch between outputting the first output and outputting the second output
Implementation Method 3
The accessory box can have a ground plane that is isolated from the ground planes of the mains supply, the generator, and/or the surgical instrument to reduce or eliminate patient leakage current
Implementation Method 4
The electrical energy can be in the form of radio frequency ("RF") energy (e.g., in the frequency range of about 100 kHz to about 1 MHz). In operation, an electrosurgical instrument can transmit RF energy through tissue, which can cause ionic agitation, friction, and/or resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical generator systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary generator system can include one or more auxiliary transformer stages to boost the amount of power applied to low-impedance tissue, or to adjust the output voltage and current delivered to a surgical instrument. The auxiliary transformer stage(s) can be disposed in the generator, in the surgical instrument, and/or in an intermediate component. Exemplary generator systems can also include an accessory box disposed inline between a generator and a surgical instrument to provide expanded functionality to the system. The accessory box can have a ground plane that is isolated from the ground planes of the mains supply, the generator, and/or the surgical instrument to reduce or eliminate patient leakage current.