US3905373A - Electrosurgical device - Google Patents

Electrosurgical device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3905373A
US3905373A US461983A US46198374A US3905373A US 3905373 A US3905373 A US 3905373A US 461983 A US461983 A US 461983A US 46198374 A US46198374 A US 46198374A US 3905373 A US3905373 A US 3905373A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
radio
frequency
relay
chassis ground
ground
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US461983A
Inventor
Donald I Gonser
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dentsply Research and Development Corp
Original Assignee
Dentsply Research and Development Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dentsply Research and Development Corp filed Critical Dentsply Research and Development Corp
Priority to US461983A priority Critical patent/US3905373A/en
Priority to US05/592,480 priority patent/US3987796A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3905373A publication Critical patent/US3905373A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/16Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding

Definitions

  • a radiofrequency electrosurgical device which in- UNITED STATES PATENTS cludes an active electrode means and a passive electrode coupled to a chassis ground of a radiofrequency 3,61 1,053 10/1971 ROWCII 317/18 B generator f the device. If the passive electrode is f g g connected from the chassis ground, a potential devel- 3766434 10/1973 s iiz 8 B ops between the chassis ground and a system ground. 3:783'340 H1974 317/18 B This potential is used to actuate a relay to disable the 3,812,858 5/1974 Oringer 128/303.14 radiofrequency generator if the Passive electrode comes disconnected.
  • a passive electrode having a broad face engaging a patient is used to link the patient to a chassis ground connection. It is essential that the connections linking the passive electrode to the chassis ground be unbroken to avoid danger to the patient by inadvertent alternate radiofrequency return paths from the patient. Such inadvertent alternate radio-frequency return paths can cause radio-frequency skin burns on the patient.
  • Various systems have been devised to monitor the integrity of a passive electrode radio-frequency return path grounding system using direct or low frequency interrogation currents which can conduct through the patient under some circumstances. However, such currents can be dangerous to the patient, and an object of this invention is to provide a monitoring system which does not require an unsafe interrogation monitoring current which, when present, may pass through the patient.
  • a radio-frequency potential is set up between the chassis ground and system ground if a small inductance is placed between the system ground and the chassis ground, and a further object of this invention is to provide a monitoring system which uses this potential to signal a passive electrode ground failure.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide such a monitoring system which shuts off the electrosurgical tial is setup. Other contacts of the relay actuate an 7 electrical hold-in circuit which prevents re-energizing of the radio-frequency active output lead until the generator device has been turned off.
  • the drawing is a schematic circuit diagram of a radio-frequency electrosurgical device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.
  • a radio-frequency electrosurgical device conto a chassis ground.
  • a ground symbol indicates chassis ground.
  • a radio-frequency potential is set up between the system ground 14 and the chassis ground, a potential is set up by a transformer secondary 18 between leads 23 and 24.
  • a power line fuse 118 is provided in the lead 11.
  • An interlock switch 119 is closed during operation of the device but can be arranged to open when a casing of the device (not shown) is opened.
  • Leads 121 and 122 are connected to poles 123 and 124, respectively; of a triple pole double throw on-off switch 126.
  • the leads 121 and 122 are connected to power a primary winding 127 of a transformer 128 to impress a low voltage such as 4 volts on a secondary winding 129 thereof.
  • the leads 121 and 122 are connected to a primary winding 1291 of a transformer 130 to power the transformer.
  • a panel light 131 is connected in parallel with the primary winding 1291 to indicate that the primary winding 1291 is powered.
  • a thermally activated circuit breaker 1292 in series with the primary winding 1291 protects the transformer 130.
  • a third pole 132 of the switch 126 when in the on position, connects leads 133 and 134 to connect one side of a heater electrode 135 of a tetrode main power amplifier tube 136 to one side of a first secondary winding 137 of the transformer 130, which can be constructed to produce approximately 6 volts AC to the heater electrode 135.
  • a capacitor 2135 is connected between the line 133 and ground to shunt any radio-frequency current from the heater electrode 135.
  • the other side of the first secondary winding 137 is connected to ground as is the opposite side of the heater electrode 135.
  • a fanmotor 1371 is also connected in parallel with the primary winding 1291 to drive a fan 1372 which blows air on the tetrode 136 and other components to cool the tetrode and other components.
  • the pole 132 connects the lead 133 to the secondary winding 129 of the transformer 128 so that the heater electrode 135 is heated not only when the on-off switch 126 is in the on'position but also when the on-off switch 126 is in the off position.
  • the secondary winding 129 of the transformer 128 can be arranged to deliver about four volts so that the heater electrode 135 is heated but at a lower temperature when the switch 126 is in the off position but is maintained at a sufficient temperature that the device will operate at once when the switch leads and 151.
  • the lead 150 is connected to ground as is a cathode 152 of the tetrode 136.
  • the lead 151 is connected through a plate choke 153 and a parasitic suppressor network 154 to a plate 156 of the tetrode 136 so that 2000 volts DC is impressed between the cathode 152 and the plate 156 of the tetrode 136.
  • a filter condenser 157 smooths out wave form ripple from the rectifier 149.
  • a tapped resistor 159 and a fixed resistor 159A are connected in series across the leads 150 and 151.
  • a lead 158 connected to the tap of the tapped resistor 159 supplies a positive potential through a resistor 161 and a lead 162 to a screen grid 1620 of the tetrode 136.
  • a voltage of approximately 380 volts can be taken off at the tap which is maintained on the screen grid
  • An appropriate resistance 164 bleeds off screen grid current to chassis ground.
  • a capacitor 166 connected between the screen grid lead 162 and ground removes or shunts out radio frequency from the screen grid.
  • Zener diodes 3000 and 3001 connected in series suppress voltage transients and regulate the maximum steady state voltage on the screen grid 1620.
  • a second 146A of the second secondary winding 146 of the transformer 130 is connected in parallel with a capacitor 146B to form a circuit tuned to a line input frequency, which can be 60 Hertz, to stabilize the secondary winding voltages to a variation of approximately il% with a change in input voltage of i% impressed on the primary winding 1291.
  • the transformer 130 is a substantially constant voltage transformer stabilizing all the circuitry of the device.
  • a bias voltage for a control grid 168 of the tetrode 136 is supplied by a third secondary winding 169 of the transformer 130.
  • a first lead 171 from the winding 169 is connected to chassis ground and a second lead 172 from the winding 169 is connected to a rectifier 173.
  • the rectifier 173 supplies a negative potential through a resistance 1741 and an inductance 1742 to a lead 174, which is connected to one end of a first series winding 176 of a transformer 1761.
  • the other end of the winding 176 is connected through a second series winding 1762 of the transformer 1761 to a lead 179 connected to the control grid 168 of the tetrode 136.
  • a condenser 181 which is connected between chassis ground and a junction 1743 smooths out the wave form of the potential from the rectifier 173.
  • a resistance 183 connected in parallel with the condenser 181 serves to discharge the'condenser 181 when the device is turned off.
  • the bias voltage can be approximately -120 volts.
  • Oscillator circuits 184 and 186 for the device are powered from a fourth secondary winding 187 of the transformer 130.
  • Leads 188, 189 and 190 from the winding 187 are connected through a single pole double'throw switch 191 to a full wave bridge rectifier 192 which supplies a DC voltage across leads 193 and 194.
  • a voltage of approximately 16 volts is supplied across the leads 193 and 194.
  • a voltage of approximately 25 volts is supplied across the leads 193 and 194.
  • a condenser 195 connected across leads 193 and 194 smooths ripple voltage.
  • a resistance 1961 connected across the leads 193 and 194 discharges the condenser 195 when the device is turned off.
  • the lead 193 is connected to chassis ground.
  • the lead 194 is a main power lead and normally is connected through normally closed contacts 311 and 312 of a relay 31 and a lead 321 to the pole of a single pole double throw switch 196.
  • the switch 196 When the switch 196 is in the position shown, the lead 321 is connected through a short lead 197 to the pole of a single pole double throw switch 198.
  • the switches 196 and 198 can be foot operated switches.
  • the switches 196 and 198 are shown in their normal positions. When the switch 196 is turned to its outer position, the main power lead 194 is connected to a lead 199. When the switch 198 is turned to its other position, while the switch 196 remains in the position shown, the main power lead 194 is connected to a lead 200.
  • the lead 194 is connected to the lead 199, and it is impossible to connect both the leads 199 and 200 to the lead 194 at the same time.
  • the lead 199 is connected to one side of a potentiometer 201.
  • the other side of the potentiometer 201 is connected to chassis ground through an adjustable resistor 202.
  • the lead 200 is connected to one side of a potentiometer 203.
  • the other side of the potentiometer 203 is connected to chassis ground through an adjustable resistor 204.
  • a voltage between zero and the selected voltage is impressed upon a lead 206 connected to the tap of the potentiometer 203 when the switch 198 is in its other position and the switch 196 is in the position shown.
  • the lead 206 is connected through an inductance or choke 207 to the collector of a transistor 208, which is a part of the oscillator circuit 186.
  • the emitter of the transistor 208 is connected to chassis ground.
  • the lead 206 is also connected through resistors 209 and 211 and a rectifier 212 to one side ofa tickler coil 213.
  • the rectifier 212 functions to reverse bias the base of the transistor 208 and is connected to one side of the tickler coil 213, which is excited by a tank circuit consisting of an inductance 214 and a condenser 216 coupled to the transistor 208 in which continuous oscillation is set up by the tank circuit.
  • the other side of the tickler coil 213 is connected to the base of the transistor 208.
  • the rectifier 212 establishes the reverse bias required by the base of the transistor 208 and is also connected to chassis ground through a condenser 217 which establishes the bias network circuitry.
  • a bias rectifier 2171 is connected between chassis ground and a junction between the resistors 209 and 211.
  • the tank circuit is connected with the collector of the transistor 208 through a coupling condenser 218.
  • a condenser 219 is connected between the emitter and the collector of the transistor 208 to shunt out radio frequency potentials.
  • a capacitor 777 acts to provide a bypass to ground shunt for attenuating radio frequency feedback into the line 206 when the oscillating circuit 186 is in operation.
  • the tank circuit can be tuned to oscillate at a rate of approximately 1.8 megaHertz. The oscillation is picked up by the transformer winding 1762 and the voltage thereof is multiplied by the transformer winding and impressed by way of the lead 179 on the control grid 168 of the tetrode 136 to provide an amplified output by the tetrode 136 of that frequency.
  • the output of the tetrode 136 is impressed by way of a lead 220 on an output circuit which is coupled through condenser 221 to a tuned pie network which includes condensers 222 and 225 and inductances 223 and 226.
  • a tuned pie network which includes condensers 222 and 225 and inductances 223 and 226.
  • Right-hand ends of the inductances 223 and 226 are connected to chassis ground so that, if there should be failure of the condensers 221 and 222, the direct current output of the tetrode 136 would be drained off to chassis ground without danger to the patient.
  • a takeoff lead 224 which is connected between the condenser 222 and the inductance 223 extends to one side of the condenser 225.
  • the other side of the condenser 225 is connected to a central lead 63 of a coaxial cable 18 and through a cable end assembly 53 to one end of a driver coil 28.
  • the other end of the driver coil 28 is connected through a condenser 49 to chassis ground.
  • An annular conductor 68 of the coaxial cable 18 is connected to chassis ground.
  • a passive electrode 22 is connected by a lead 422 to one side of a condenser 227.
  • the other side of the condenser 227 is connected to chassis ground.
  • a continuous radio-frequency oscillating potential is set up in a driver coil 26 and in an electrode 19 and an electrosurgical operation can be performed when the electrode 19 is advanced to a patient 70 by the dashed line 72, the surgical table can be at system ground, and other items which can be connected to the patient can be at system ground providing unwanted alternate return paths to system ground.
  • a ra dio-frequency potential is developed between the system ground 14 and the chassis ground causing a radiofrequency potential to be set up in the transformer 17 between the leads 23 and 24.
  • This potential is rectified by a rectifier 74 to provide a direct current potential across the coil of the relay 31 to energize the relay 31.
  • a condenser 76 mounted in parallel with the relay coil 31 smooths out the current to the relay coil 31.
  • An adjustable resistor 77 which is connected in parallel with the relay coil 31, can be adjusted to determine the voltage at which the relay 31 is energized.
  • normally closed contacts 311 and 312 open and normally open contacts 312-313 close to disconnect the main low voltage direct current power lead 194 from the lead 321 to de-energize the switch 196 and to connect the main low voltage direct current power lead 194 to the coil of the, relay 31 to maintain the relay 31 energized through a resistor 431 to chassis ground.
  • normally open relay contacts 316-317 close to connect a buzzer horn 81 across the transformer leads 188 and 190 to cause the horn 81 to sound.
  • the relay 31 is reset automatically when the main on-off switch 126 is turned to the off position.
  • the on-off switch 126 When the on-off switch 126 is in its other or on position, the switch 198 is moved to its other position and the switch 196 remains in the position shown and a single pole double throw blend switch 2341 is in the off position shown, a continuous oscillation is impressed on the driver coil 28.
  • the oscillating circuit 184 is energized to produce an interrupted oscillation in the driver coil 28.
  • the oscillating circuit 184 is generally similar to the circuit 186 already described and includes a transistor 237, a tank circuit inductance 238, a tank circuit capacitor 239, and a tickler coil 240 and associated elements.
  • a lead 241 which is connected to the tap of the potentiometer 201, is connected through a choke 242 to the collector of the transistor 237. Moving of the switch 196 to its other position impresses a selected DC voltage across the potentiometer 201 and a DC voltage between zero and the selected voltage is impressed upon the lead or on position, moving of the switch 198 to its other I 241.
  • the emitter of the transistor 237 is connected to chassis ground.
  • the oscillating circuit 184 is set in operation to deliver an oscillator frequency of approximately 1.8 megaHertz on the control grid of the tetrode 136.
  • the lead 199 which is connected to the high side of the potentiometer 201, is also connected through the pole of the blend switch 2341 to a lead 245, which is connected to base leads of transistors 244 and 246, which form a multivibrator circuit, through resistors 247 and 248, respectively.
  • the collector lead of the transistor 244 is coupled through a condenser 249 to the base of the transistor 246 and the collector of the transistor 246 is coupled through a condenser 251 to the base of the transistor 244.
  • the collectors of the transistors 244 and 246 are connected to the lead 245 through resistors 2511 and 2512, respectively. Emitters of the transistors 244 and 246 are connected to chassis ground.
  • the multivibrator circuit can be arranged to oscillate at a rate of approximately 7000 Hertz.
  • a lead 252 from the collector of the transistor 244 is connected through a coupling condenser 253 and a rectifier 2531, and a resistor 2532 connected in parallel with the rectifier 2531, to the base of the transistor 237 so that the operation of the oscillating circuit 184 is interrupted at a rate of 7000 Hertz to put an interrupted oscillating potential on the control grid of the tetrode 136 and to supply an interrupted radio-frequency oscillating potential at the electrode 19.
  • the rectifier 2531 and the resistor 2532 connected in parallel with the rectifier 2531 forms a network which preserves the wave form generated by the multivibrator circuit as it is transmitted to the oscillator circuit 184.
  • An adjustable capacitor 1765 is connected between the lead 179 and chassis ground and can be adjusted so that it tunes with the transformer secondary coils 176 and 1762 and with the capacitor 2172 so that the grid input is tuned with the plate series tuned circuit 222, 223, 225, and 226. Both of these circuits are tuned with the driver input oscillating circuits 184 and 186 at approximately l.8 megal-lertz.
  • the oscillating circuit 186 is energized in the same manner as already described.
  • the lead 200 which is connected to the switch 198, is connected through a lead 256, a rectifier 257, the blend switch 2341, the lead 245, and an adjustable resistor 2572 to the lead 199, which is connected to the right hand end of the potentiometer 201.
  • the rectifier 257 prevents unwanted cross feed between the leads 199 and 200.
  • a rectifier 2570 provides full direct current voltage to the multivibrator circuit associated with the transistors 244 and 246 when the direct current voltage dropping resistor 2572 is switched into the circuit, blend position, to maintain a constant voltage on the multivibrator circuit to insure stable operation.
  • Both the oscillating circuit 184 and the oscillating circuit 186 are set in operation and an output is provided from the tetrode 136 for energizing the electrode 19 which combines the interrupted oscillation of the circuit 184 with the uninterrupted oscillation of the circuit 186.
  • the lead 245 of the multivibrator circuit is also connected to a sonic signalling device 271, which is constructed to produce a sound signal of a selected frequency, which can be 2900 Hz.
  • the sonic signalling de vice 271 is connected to chassis ground through a pole 2721 of an on-off switch 272 and a resistor 273.
  • the lead 200 which is connected to the high side of the potentiometer 203, is also connected to a second sonic signalling device 274, which is constructed to produce a sound signal of a second selected frequency, which can be 4500 Hz.
  • the sonic signalling device 274 is connected to ground through a pole 2722 of the onoff switch 272 and a resistor 276.
  • the sonic signalling device 271 sounds when the potentiometer 201 is energized to energize the oscillating circuit 184 to produce a sound signal which indicates to the user of the device that the oscillating circuit 184 is operating.
  • the sonic signalling device 274 similarly produces a sound signal when the oscillating circuit 186 is energized to indicate that the oscillating circuit 186 is operating.
  • both the oscillating circuits 184 and 186 are operating, i.e., when a blended current is being produced, a sound signal isproduced which is a blend of the selected frequencies.
  • the rectifier 2570 insures a direct current voltage on the sonic signalling device 271 when the switch 2341 is in the blend (other or on) position. If the user does not want sound signals, the on-off switch 272 can be opened.
  • the resistance values of the resistor 273 and 276 determines the loudness of the sound signals.
  • the condenser 227 through which the passive electrode 22 is coupled to chassis ground, permits passage of radiofrequency current to permit electrosurgical action but limits passage of lower frequency current which might shock the patient.
  • the condenser 49 through which the driver coil 28 is coupled to chassis ground, similarly permits passage of radiofrequency current but prevents passage of lower frequency current generated as a sub-harmonic of the radiofrequency current to isolate the coils 28 and 26 from such lower frequency current to eliminate the so-called faradic effect or involuntary muscle contraction effect.
  • a passive electrode coupled to the chassis ground, a system ground, a transformer, means including a primary winding of the transformer for connecting the system ground to the chassis ground, a relay connected to a secondary winding of the transformer to be actuated when there is a predetermined radio-frequency potential across said connecting means, and means actuated by the relay for disabling the generator from powering the active electrode when the potential across the connecting means exceeds the predetermined value.
  • a radio-frequency electrosurgical device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for coupling the passive electrode to the chassis ground includes capacitor means in series between the passive electrode and the chassis ground.
  • a radio-frequency electrosurgical device as in claim 1 which includes a variable resistance connected in parallel with the relay for determining the predetermined value of the potential across the connecting means at which the relay is actuated.
  • a radio-frequency electrosurgical device as in claim 1 wherein there is means actuated by the relay for producing an audible warning signal when the relay is actuated.
  • a radio-frequency electrosurgical device which includes a radio-frequency generator, powersource means for supplying power to the radio-frequency generator, circuit means connected to the radio-frequency generator for performing electrosurgery on a patient, said circuit means establishing'a first current return path from the patient to the radiofrequency generator when connected to the patient, means for establishing an alternate current return path for at least part of said first current return path from the patient to the radio-frequency generator, a moni-
  • the electrosurgical device described above and illustrated in the drawings is subject to structural modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the toring system means connected to the alternate current return path for sensing radio-frequency current passing in said alternate current return path, and means connected to the monitoring system means for disabling the power source means from powering the radiofrequency generator when the radio-frequency current level in the alternate current return path exceeds a-predetermined radio-frequency current level.

Abstract

A radiofrequency electrosurgical device which includes an active electrode means and a passive electrode coupled to a chassis ground of a radiofrequency generator of the device. If the passive electrode is disconnected from the chassis ground, a potential develops between the chassis ground and a system ground. This potential is used to actuate a relay to disable the radiofrequency generator if the passive electrode becomes disconnected.

Description

United States Patent 1191 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS United Kingdom .1 128/303,]7
Gonser Sept. 16, 1975 [54] ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE 1,139,927 11/1962 Germany 128/303.l3
Inventor: Donald 1. Gonser, FOI'CSt Park, [73] Asslgnee: g r sfi? :1 ngvflopmem Wald et al Accidental Burns, JAMA, Aug. 16,
or 1 1971, vol. 217, No. 7, pp. 9l6921. [22] Filed: Apr. 18, 1974 2 App} NC 4 1 9 3 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant ExaminerLee S. Cohen Attorney, Agent, or Firm lames W. Pearce; Roy F. Schaeperklaus; J. William Berkstresser n [58] Field of Search..... l28/303.14, 303.13, 303.17,
l28/303 18, 2.1 P; 317/18 B [57] ABSTRACT [56] References Cited I A radiofrequency electrosurgical device which in- UNITED STATES PATENTS cludes an active electrode means and a passive electrode coupled to a chassis ground of a radiofrequency 3,61 1,053 10/1971 ROWCII 317/18 B generator f the device. If the passive electrode is f g g connected from the chassis ground, a potential devel- 3766434 10/1973 s iiz 8 B ops between the chassis ground and a system ground. 3:783'340 H1974 317/18 B This potential is used to actuate a relay to disable the 3,812,858 5/1974 Oringer 128/303.14 radiofrequency generator if the Passive electrode comes disconnected.
6 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure PATENTEU SEP 1 75 8 3m 3m mNN lwm ul ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE This invention relates to an electrosurgical device. The device of the invention represents an improvement in the type of device shown in my co-pending application Ser. No. 414,646 filed Nov. 12, 1973.
' In radiofrequency electrosurgical devices, a passive electrode having a broad face engaging a patient is used to link the patient to a chassis ground connection. It is essential that the connections linking the passive electrode to the chassis ground be unbroken to avoid danger to the patient by inadvertent alternate radiofrequency return paths from the patient. Such inadvertent alternate radio-frequency return paths can cause radio-frequency skin burns on the patient. Various systems have been devised to monitor the integrity of a passive electrode radio-frequency return path grounding system using direct or low frequency interrogation currents which can conduct through the patient under some circumstances. However, such currents can be dangerous to the patient, and an object of this invention is to provide a monitoring system which does not require an unsafe interrogation monitoring current which, when present, may pass through the patient.
It has been determined that, if a passive electrode is not properly linked to chassis ground in such a device,
a radio-frequency potential is set up between the chassis ground and system ground if a small inductance is placed between the system ground and the chassis ground, and a further object of this invention is to provide a monitoring system which uses this potential to signal a passive electrode ground failure.
A further object of this invention is to provide such a monitoring system which shuts off the electrosurgical tial is setup. Other contacts of the relay actuate an 7 electrical hold-in circuit which prevents re-energizing of the radio-frequency active output lead until the generator device has been turned off.
The above and other objects and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains from the followingdetailed description and the drawing which:
The drawing is a schematic circuit diagram of a radio-frequency electrosurgical device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.
In the following detailed description and the drawing, like reference characters indicate like parts.
In the drawing is shown schematically the wiring diagram of a radio-frequency electrosurgical device conto a chassis ground. In the drawing, a ground symbol indicates chassis ground. When a radio-frequency potential is set up between the system ground 14 and the chassis ground, a potential is set up by a transformer secondary 18 between leads 23 and 24. A power line fuse 118 is provided in the lead 11. An interlock switch 119 is closed during operation of the device but can be arranged to open when a casing of the device (not shown) is opened.
Leads 121 and 122 are connected to poles 123 and 124, respectively; of a triple pole double throw on-off switch 126. When the on-off switch 126 is in the position shown (off position), the leads 121 and 122 are connected to power a primary winding 127 of a transformer 128 to impress a low voltage such as 4 volts on a secondary winding 129 thereof. When the on-off switch 126 is in its other position (on position), the leads 121 and 122 are connected to a primary winding 1291 of a transformer 130 to power the transformer. A panel light 131 is connected in parallel with the primary winding 1291 to indicate that the primary winding 1291 is powered. A thermally activated circuit breaker 1292 in series with the primary winding 1291 protects the transformer 130. A third pole 132 of the switch 126, when in the on position, connects leads 133 and 134 to connect one side of a heater electrode 135 of a tetrode main power amplifier tube 136 to one side of a first secondary winding 137 of the transformer 130, which can be constructed to produce approximately 6 volts AC to the heater electrode 135. A capacitor 2135 is connected between the line 133 and ground to shunt any radio-frequency current from the heater electrode 135. The other side of the first secondary winding 137 is connected to ground as is the opposite side of the heater electrode 135. A fanmotor 1371 is also connected in parallel with the primary winding 1291 to drive a fan 1372 which blows air on the tetrode 136 and other components to cool the tetrode and other components. When the on-off switch 126 is.
swung to its off po sition, the pole 132 connects the lead 133 to the secondary winding 129 of the transformer 128 so that the heater electrode 135 is heated not only when the on-off switch 126 is in the on'position but also when the on-off switch 126 is in the off position. As already pointed out, the secondary winding 129 of the transformer 128 can be arranged to deliver about four volts so that the heater electrode 135 is heated but at a lower temperature when the switch 126 is in the off position but is maintained at a sufficient temperature that the device will operate at once when the switch leads and 151. The lead 150 is connected to ground as is a cathode 152 of the tetrode 136. The lead 151 is connected through a plate choke 153 and a parasitic suppressor network 154 to a plate 156 of the tetrode 136 so that 2000 volts DC is impressed between the cathode 152 and the plate 156 of the tetrode 136. A filter condenser 157 smooths out wave form ripple from the rectifier 149. A tapped resistor 159 and a fixed resistor 159A are connected in series across the leads 150 and 151. A lead 158 connected to the tap of the tapped resistor 159 supplies a positive potential through a resistor 161 and a lead 162 to a screen grid 1620 of the tetrode 136. A voltage of approximately 380 volts can be taken off at the tap which is maintained on the screen grid An appropriate resistance 164 bleeds off screen grid current to chassis ground. A capacitor 166 connected between the screen grid lead 162 and ground removes or shunts out radio frequency from the screen grid. Zener diodes 3000 and 3001 connected in series suppress voltage transients and regulate the maximum steady state voltage on the screen grid 1620.
A second 146A of the second secondary winding 146 of the transformer 130 is connected in parallel with a capacitor 146B to form a circuit tuned to a line input frequency, which can be 60 Hertz, to stabilize the secondary winding voltages to a variation of approximately il% with a change in input voltage of i% impressed on the primary winding 1291. Thus, the transformer 130 is a substantially constant voltage transformer stabilizing all the circuitry of the device.
A bias voltage for a control grid 168 of the tetrode 136 is supplied by a third secondary winding 169 of the transformer 130. A first lead 171 from the winding 169 is connected to chassis ground and a second lead 172 from the winding 169 is connected to a rectifier 173. The rectifier 173 supplies a negative potential through a resistance 1741 and an inductance 1742 to a lead 174, which is connected to one end of a first series winding 176 of a transformer 1761. The other end of the winding 176 is connected through a second series winding 1762 of the transformer 1761 to a lead 179 connected to the control grid 168 of the tetrode 136. A condenser 181 which is connected between chassis ground and a junction 1743 smooths out the wave form of the potential from the rectifier 173. A resistance 183 connected in parallel with the condenser 181 serves to discharge the'condenser 181 when the device is turned off. The bias voltage can be approximately -120 volts.
Oscillator circuits 184 and 186 for the device are powered from a fourth secondary winding 187 of the transformer 130. Leads 188, 189 and 190 from the winding 187 are connected through a single pole double'throw switch 191 to a full wave bridge rectifier 192 which supplies a DC voltage across leads 193 and 194. When the switch 191 is in the position shown, a voltage of approximately 16 volts is supplied across the leads 193 and 194. When the switch 191 is in its other position, a voltage of approximately 25 volts is supplied across the leads 193 and 194. A condenser 195 connected across leads 193 and 194 smooths ripple voltage. A resistance 1961 connected across the leads 193 and 194 discharges the condenser 195 when the device is turned off. The lead 193 is connected to chassis ground. The lead 194 is a main power lead and normally is connected through normally closed contacts 311 and 312 of a relay 31 and a lead 321 to the pole of a single pole double throw switch 196. When the switch 196 is in the position shown, the lead 321 is connected through a short lead 197 to the pole of a single pole double throw switch 198. The switches 196 and 198 can be foot operated switches. The switches 196 and 198 are shown in their normal positions. When the switch 196 is turned to its outer position, the main power lead 194 is connected to a lead 199. When the switch 198 is turned to its other position, while the switch 196 remains in the position shown, the main power lead 194 is connected to a lead 200. If the switches 196 and 198 are both turned to their other position, the lead 194 is connected to the lead 199, and it is impossible to connect both the leads 199 and 200 to the lead 194 at the same time. The lead 199 is connected to one side of a potentiometer 201. The other side of the potentiometer 201 is connected to chassis ground through an adjustable resistor 202. In a similar manner, the lead 200 is connected to one side of a potentiometer 203. The other side of the potentiometer 203 is connected to chassis ground through an adjustable resistor 204. Thus, when the switch 196 is advanced to its other position, a selected DC voltage is impressed across the potentiometer 201 and when the switch 198 is advanced to its other position while the switch 196 remains in the position shown, a selected DC voltage is impressed across the potentiometer 203.
A voltage between zero and the selected voltage is impressed upon a lead 206 connected to the tap of the potentiometer 203 when the switch 198 is in its other position and the switch 196 is in the position shown. The lead 206 is connected through an inductance or choke 207 to the collector of a transistor 208, which is a part of the oscillator circuit 186. The emitter of the transistor 208 is connected to chassis ground. The lead 206 is also connected through resistors 209 and 211 and a rectifier 212 to one side ofa tickler coil 213. The rectifier 212 functions to reverse bias the base of the transistor 208 and is connected to one side of the tickler coil 213, which is excited by a tank circuit consisting of an inductance 214 and a condenser 216 coupled to the transistor 208 in which continuous oscillation is set up by the tank circuit. The other side of the tickler coil 213 is connected to the base of the transistor 208. The rectifier 212 establishes the reverse bias required by the base of the transistor 208 and is also connected to chassis ground through a condenser 217 which establishes the bias network circuitry. A bias rectifier 2171 is connected between chassis ground and a junction between the resistors 209 and 211. The tank circuit is connected with the collector of the transistor 208 through a coupling condenser 218. A condenser 219 is connected between the emitter and the collector of the transistor 208 to shunt out radio frequency potentials. A capacitor 777 acts to provide a bypass to ground shunt for attenuating radio frequency feedback into the line 206 when the oscillating circuit 186 is in operation. The tank circuit can be tuned to oscillate at a rate of approximately 1.8 megaHertz. The oscillation is picked up by the transformer winding 1762 and the voltage thereof is multiplied by the transformer winding and impressed by way of the lead 179 on the control grid 168 of the tetrode 136 to provide an amplified output by the tetrode 136 of that frequency. The output of the tetrode 136 is impressed by way of a lead 220 on an output circuit which is coupled through condenser 221 to a tuned pie network which includes condensers 222 and 225 and inductances 223 and 226. Right-hand ends of the inductances 223 and 226 are connected to chassis ground so that, if there should be failure of the condensers 221 and 222, the direct current output of the tetrode 136 would be drained off to chassis ground without danger to the patient. A takeoff lead 224 which is connected between the condenser 222 and the inductance 223 extends to one side of the condenser 225. The other side of the condenser 225 is connected to a central lead 63 of a coaxial cable 18 and through a cable end assembly 53 to one end of a driver coil 28. The other end of the driver coil 28 is connected through a condenser 49 to chassis ground. An annular conductor 68 of the coaxial cable 18 is connected to chassis ground. A passive electrode 22 is connected by a lead 422 to one side of a condenser 227. The other side of the condenser 227 is connected to chassis ground. Thus, a continuous radio-frequency oscillating potential is set up in a driver coil 26 and in an electrode 19 and an electrosurgical operation can be performed when the electrode 19 is advanced to a patient 70 by the dashed line 72, the surgical table can be at system ground, and other items which can be connected to the patient can be at system ground providing unwanted alternate return paths to system ground. A ra dio-frequency potential is developed between the system ground 14 and the chassis ground causing a radiofrequency potential to be set up in the transformer 17 between the leads 23 and 24. This potential is rectified by a rectifier 74 to provide a direct current potential across the coil of the relay 31 to energize the relay 31. A condenser 76 mounted in parallel with the relay coil 31 smooths out the current to the relay coil 31. An adjustable resistor 77, which is connected in parallel with the relay coil 31, can be adjusted to determine the voltage at which the relay 31 is energized. When the relay 31 is energized, normally closed contacts 311 and 312 open and normally open contacts 312-313 close to disconnect the main low voltage direct current power lead 194 from the lead 321 to de-energize the switch 196 and to connect the main low voltage direct current power lead 194 to the coil of the, relay 31 to maintain the relay 31 energized through a resistor 431 to chassis ground. At the same time, normally open relay contacts 316-317 close to connect a buzzer horn 81 across the transformer leads 188 and 190 to cause the horn 81 to sound. The relay 31 is reset automatically when the main on-off switch 126 is turned to the off position.
When the on-off switch 126 is in its other or on position, the switch 198 is moved to its other position and the switch 196 remains in the position shown and a single pole double throw blend switch 2341 is in the off position shown, a continuous oscillation is impressed on the driver coil 28. When the switch 196 is moved to its other position and while the single pole double throw blend switch 2341 is in the off position shown, the oscillating circuit 184 is energized to produce an interrupted oscillation in the driver coil 28. The oscillating circuit 184 is generally similar to the circuit 186 already described and includes a transistor 237, a tank circuit inductance 238, a tank circuit capacitor 239, and a tickler coil 240 and associated elements. A lead 241, which is connected to the tap of the potentiometer 201, is connected through a choke 242 to the collector of the transistor 237. Moving of the switch 196 to its other position impresses a selected DC voltage across the potentiometer 201 and a DC voltage between zero and the selected voltage is impressed upon the lead or on position, moving of the switch 198 to its other I 241. The emitter of the transistor 237 is connected to chassis ground. The oscillating circuit 184 is set in operation to deliver an oscillator frequency of approximately 1.8 megaHertz on the control grid of the tetrode 136. The lead 199, which is connected to the high side of the potentiometer 201, is also connected through the pole of the blend switch 2341 to a lead 245, which is connected to base leads of transistors 244 and 246, which form a multivibrator circuit, through resistors 247 and 248, respectively. The collector lead of the transistor 244 is coupled through a condenser 249 to the base of the transistor 246 and the collector of the transistor 246 is coupled through a condenser 251 to the base of the transistor 244. The collectors of the transistors 244 and 246 are connected to the lead 245 through resistors 2511 and 2512, respectively. Emitters of the transistors 244 and 246 are connected to chassis ground. The multivibrator circuit can be arranged to oscillate at a rate of approximately 7000 Hertz. A lead 252 from the collector of the transistor 244 is connected through a coupling condenser 253 and a rectifier 2531, and a resistor 2532 connected in parallel with the rectifier 2531, to the base of the transistor 237 so that the operation of the oscillating circuit 184 is interrupted at a rate of 7000 Hertz to put an interrupted oscillating potential on the control grid of the tetrode 136 and to supply an interrupted radio-frequency oscillating potential at the electrode 19. The rectifier 2531 and the resistor 2532 connected in parallel with the rectifier 2531 forms a network which preserves the wave form generated by the multivibrator circuit as it is transmitted to the oscillator circuit 184.
An adjustable capacitor 1765 is connected between the lead 179 and chassis ground and can be adjusted so that it tunes with the transformer secondary coils 176 and 1762 and with the capacitor 2172 so that the grid input is tuned with the plate series tuned circuit 222, 223, 225, and 226. Both of these circuits are tuned with the driver input oscillating circuits 184 and 186 at approximately l.8 megal-lertz.
When the blend switch 2341 is disposed in its other position while the switch 196 is in the position shown energizes both of the oscillating circuits 184 and 186. The oscillating circuit 186 is energized in the same manner as already described. The lead 200, which is connected to the switch 198, is connected through a lead 256, a rectifier 257, the blend switch 2341, the lead 245, and an adjustable resistor 2572 to the lead 199, which is connected to the right hand end of the potentiometer 201. The rectifier 257 prevents unwanted cross feed between the leads 199 and 200. A rectifier 2570 provides full direct current voltage to the multivibrator circuit associated with the transistors 244 and 246 when the direct current voltage dropping resistor 2572 is switched into the circuit, blend position, to maintain a constant voltage on the multivibrator circuit to insure stable operation. Both the oscillating circuit 184 and the oscillating circuit 186 are set in operation and an output is provided from the tetrode 136 for energizing the electrode 19 which combines the interrupted oscillation of the circuit 184 with the uninterrupted oscillation of the circuit 186.
The lead 245 of the multivibrator circuit is also connected to a sonic signalling device 271, which is constructed to produce a sound signal of a selected frequency, which can be 2900 Hz. The sonic signalling de vice 271 is connected to chassis ground through a pole 2721 of an on-off switch 272 and a resistor 273. Similarly, the lead 200, which is connected to the high side of the potentiometer 203, is also connected to a second sonic signalling device 274, which is constructed to produce a sound signal of a second selected frequency, which can be 4500 Hz. The sonic signalling device 274 is connected to ground through a pole 2722 of the onoff switch 272 and a resistor 276. The sonic signalling device 271 sounds when the potentiometer 201 is energized to energize the oscillating circuit 184 to produce a sound signal which indicates to the user of the device that the oscillating circuit 184 is operating. The sonic signalling device 274 similarly produces a sound signal when the oscillating circuit 186 is energized to indicate that the oscillating circuit 186 is operating. When both the oscillating circuits 184 and 186 are operating, i.e., when a blended current is being produced, a sound signal isproduced which is a blend of the selected frequencies. The rectifier 2570 insures a direct current voltage on the sonic signalling device 271 when the switch 2341 is in the blend (other or on) position. If the user does not want sound signals, the on-off switch 272 can be opened. The resistance values of the resistor 273 and 276 determines the loudness of the sound signals.
The condenser 227, through which the passive electrode 22 is coupled to chassis ground, permits passage of radiofrequency current to permit electrosurgical action but limits passage of lower frequency current which might shock the patient. The condenser 49, through which the driver coil 28 is coupled to chassis ground, similarly permits passage of radiofrequency current but prevents passage of lower frequency current generated as a sub-harmonic of the radiofrequency current to isolate the coils 28 and 26 from such lower frequency current to eliminate the so-called faradic effect or involuntary muscle contraction effect.
structed to power the active electrode means, a passive electrode coupled to the chassis ground, a system ground, a transformer, means including a primary winding of the transformer for connecting the system ground to the chassis ground, a relay connected to a secondary winding of the transformer to be actuated when there is a predetermined radio-frequency potential across said connecting means, and means actuated by the relay for disabling the generator from powering the active electrode when the potential across the connecting means exceeds the predetermined value.
2. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for coupling the passive electrode to the chassis ground includes capacitor means in series between the passive electrode and the chassis ground.
3. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device as in claim 1 which includes a variable resistance connected in parallel with the relay for determining the predetermined value of the potential across the connecting means at which the relay is actuated.
4. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device as in claim 1 wherein there is means actuated by the relay for producing an audible warning signal when the relay is actuated.
5. In combination with a radio-frequency electrosurgical device which includes a radio-frequency generator, powersource means for supplying power to the radio-frequency generator, circuit means connected to the radio-frequency generator for performing electrosurgery on a patient, said circuit means establishing'a first current return path from the patient to the radiofrequency generator when connected to the patient, means for establishing an alternate current return path for at least part of said first current return path from the patient to the radio-frequency generator, a moni- The electrosurgical device described above and illustrated in the drawings is subject to structural modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the toring system means connected to the alternate current return path for sensing radio-frequency current passing in said alternate current return path, and means connected to the monitoring system means for disabling the power source means from powering the radiofrequency generator when the radio-frequency current level in the alternate current return path exceeds a-predetermined radio-frequency current level.
6. A combination as in claim 5 wherein the alternate current return path is between asystem ground and chassis ground.

Claims (6)

1. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device which comprises a radio-frequency generator having a chassis ground, an active electrode means connected to the radio-frequency generator, the generator being constructed to power the active electrode means, a passive electrode coupled to the chassis ground, a system ground, a transformer, means including a primary winding of the transformer for connecting the system ground to the chassis ground, a relay connected to a secondary winding of the transformer to be actuated when there is a predetermined radio-frequency potential across said connecting means, and means actuated by the relay for disabling the generator from powering the active electrode when the potential across the connecting means exceeds the predetermined value.
2. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for coupling the passive electrode to the chassis ground includes capacitor means in series between the passive electrode and the chassis ground.
3. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device as in claim 1 which includes a variable resistance connected in parallel with the relay for determining the predetermined value of the potential across the connecting means at which the relay is actuated.
4. A radio-frequency electrosurgical device as in claim 1 wherein there is means actuated by the relay for producing an audible warning signal when the relay is actuated.
5. In combination with a radio-frequency electrosurgical device which includes a radio-frequency generator, power source means for supplying power to the radio-frequency generator, circuit means connected to the radio-frequency generator for performing electrosurgery on a patient, said circuit means establishing a first current return path from the patient to the radio-frequency generator when connected to the patient, means for establishing an alternate current return path for at least part of said first current return path from the patient to the radio-frequency generator, a monitoring system means connected to the alternate current return path for sensing radio-frequency current passing in said alternate current return path, and means connected to the monitoring system means for disabling the power source means from powering the radio-frequency generator when the radio-frequency current level in the alternate current return path exceeds a predetermined radio-frequency current level.
6. A combination as in claim 5 wherein the alternate current return path is between a system ground and a chassis ground.
US461983A 1974-04-18 1974-04-18 Electrosurgical device Expired - Lifetime US3905373A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US461983A US3905373A (en) 1974-04-18 1974-04-18 Electrosurgical device
US05/592,480 US3987796A (en) 1974-04-18 1975-07-02 Electrosurgical device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US461983A US3905373A (en) 1974-04-18 1974-04-18 Electrosurgical device

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US05/592,480 Division US3987796A (en) 1974-04-18 1975-07-02 Electrosurgical device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3905373A true US3905373A (en) 1975-09-16

Family

ID=23834748

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US461983A Expired - Lifetime US3905373A (en) 1974-04-18 1974-04-18 Electrosurgical device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3905373A (en)

Cited By (67)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2298342A1 (en) * 1975-01-23 1976-08-20 Dentsply Int Inc HIGH FREQUENCY ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE
US4114622A (en) * 1975-07-02 1978-09-19 Dentsply Research And Development Corporation Electrosurgical device
US4122854A (en) * 1973-08-23 1978-10-31 Matburn (Holdings) Limited Electrosurgical apparatus
US4184492A (en) * 1975-08-07 1980-01-22 Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. Safety circuitry for high frequency cutting and coagulating devices
US4200105A (en) * 1978-05-26 1980-04-29 Dentsply Research & Development Corp. Electrosurgical safety circuit
US4231372A (en) * 1974-11-04 1980-11-04 Valleylab, Inc. Safety monitoring circuit for electrosurgical unit
JPS5653869A (en) * 1979-10-05 1981-05-13 Hitachi Cable Ltd Continuous soldering method of copper tape
US4303073A (en) * 1980-01-17 1981-12-01 Medical Plastics, Inc. Electrosurgery safety monitor
US4415944A (en) * 1977-06-23 1983-11-15 The Boots Company Plc Electrical apparatus
US4494541A (en) * 1980-01-17 1985-01-22 Medical Plastics, Inc. Electrosurgery safety monitor
US4580566A (en) * 1982-04-22 1986-04-08 Hsu John J Acupuncture needle and needle guide assembly
US5688269A (en) * 1991-07-10 1997-11-18 Electroscope, Inc. Electrosurgical apparatus for laparoscopic and like procedures
US5769841A (en) * 1995-06-13 1998-06-23 Electroscope, Inc. Electrosurgical apparatus for laparoscopic and like procedures
US20060041253A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Newton David W System and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure
US20060041251A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Odell Roger C Electrosurgical system and method
US20060041252A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Odell Roger C System and method for monitoring electrosurgical instruments
US20060074411A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2006-04-06 Granite Advisory Services Biomedical dispersive electrode
US7044948B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2006-05-16 Sherwood Services Ag Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator
US7131860B2 (en) 2003-11-20 2006-11-07 Sherwood Services Ag Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US7137980B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2006-11-21 Sherwood Services Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7255694B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2007-08-14 Sherwood Services Ag Variable output crest factor electrosurgical generator
US7300435B2 (en) 2003-11-21 2007-11-27 Sherwood Services Ag Automatic control system for an electrosurgical generator
US7303557B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2007-12-04 Sherwood Services Ag Vessel sealing system
US20080071263A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-20 Sherwood Services Ag System and method for return electrode monitoring
US7364577B2 (en) 2002-02-11 2008-04-29 Sherwood Services Ag Vessel sealing system
USRE40388E1 (en) 1997-04-09 2008-06-17 Covidien Ag Electrosurgical generator with adaptive power control
US7396336B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2008-07-08 Sherwood Services Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US7513896B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-04-07 Covidien Ag Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling
US20090112204A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Encision, Inc. Multiple Parameter Fault Detection in Electrosurgical Instrument Shields
US7628786B2 (en) 2004-10-13 2009-12-08 Covidien Ag Universal foot switch contact port
US7648499B2 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-01-19 Covidien Ag System and method for generating radio frequency energy
US7651492B2 (en) 2006-04-24 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag Arc based adaptive control system for an electrosurgical unit
US7651493B2 (en) 2006-03-03 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US7722601B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2010-05-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US7731717B2 (en) 2006-08-08 2010-06-08 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling RF output during tissue sealing
US7749217B2 (en) 2002-05-06 2010-07-06 Covidien Ag Method and system for optically detecting blood and controlling a generator during electrosurgery
US7766905B2 (en) 2004-02-12 2010-08-03 Covidien Ag Method and system for continuity testing of medical electrodes
US7780662B2 (en) 2004-03-02 2010-08-24 Covidien Ag Vessel sealing system using capacitive RF dielectric heating
US7794457B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2010-09-14 Covidien Ag Transformer for RF voltage sensing
US7834484B2 (en) 2007-07-16 2010-11-16 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Connection cable and method for activating a voltage-controlled generator
US7901400B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2011-03-08 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7927328B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2011-04-19 Covidien Ag System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
US7947039B2 (en) 2005-12-12 2011-05-24 Covidien Ag Laparoscopic apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures
US7972328B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2011-07-05 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8007494B1 (en) 2006-04-27 2011-08-30 Encision, Inc. Device and method to prevent surgical burns
US8034049B2 (en) 2006-08-08 2011-10-11 Covidien Ag System and method for measuring initial tissue impedance
US8104956B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2012-01-31 Covidien Ag Thermocouple measurement circuit
US8147485B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-04-03 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8216223B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-07-10 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8216220B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2012-07-10 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp System and method for transmission of combined data stream
US8226639B2 (en) 2008-06-10 2012-07-24 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp System and method for output control of electrosurgical generator
US8251989B1 (en) 2006-06-13 2012-08-28 Encision, Inc. Combined bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical instrument and method
US8486061B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2013-07-16 Covidien Lp Imaginary impedance process monitoring and intelligent shut-off
US8512332B2 (en) 2007-09-21 2013-08-20 Covidien Lp Real-time arc control in electrosurgical generators
US8663214B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2014-03-04 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling an output of a radio-frequency medical generator having an impedance based control algorithm
US8685016B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2014-04-01 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8734438B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2014-05-27 Covidien Ag Circuit and method for reducing stored energy in an electrosurgical generator
US8753334B2 (en) 2006-05-10 2014-06-17 Covidien Ag System and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator
US8777941B2 (en) 2007-05-10 2014-07-15 Covidien Lp Adjustable impedance electrosurgical electrodes
US8808161B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2014-08-19 Covidien Ag Redundant temperature monitoring in electrosurgical systems for safety mitigation
US9186200B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2015-11-17 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US9314294B2 (en) 2008-08-18 2016-04-19 Encision, Inc. Enhanced control systems including flexible shielding and support systems for electrosurgical applications
US9474564B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2016-10-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for compensating for external impedance of an energy carrying component when controlling an electrosurgical generator
US9636165B2 (en) 2013-07-29 2017-05-02 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for measuring tissue impedance through an electrosurgical cable
US9833281B2 (en) 2008-08-18 2017-12-05 Encision Inc. Enhanced control systems including flexible shielding and support systems for electrosurgical applications
US9872719B2 (en) 2013-07-24 2018-01-23 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for generating electrosurgical energy using a multistage power converter
US9888954B2 (en) 2012-08-10 2018-02-13 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Plasma resection electrode

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3611053A (en) * 1969-10-10 1971-10-05 Farmer Electric Products Co In Intrinsically safe circuit
US3683923A (en) * 1970-09-25 1972-08-15 Valleylab Inc Electrosurgery safety circuit
US3699967A (en) * 1971-04-30 1972-10-24 Valleylab Inc Electrosurgical generator
US3766434A (en) * 1971-08-09 1973-10-16 S Sherman Safety power distribution system
US3783340A (en) * 1972-09-07 1974-01-01 Biotek Instr Inc Ground safe system
US3812858A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-05-28 Sybron Corp Dental electrosurgical unit

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3611053A (en) * 1969-10-10 1971-10-05 Farmer Electric Products Co In Intrinsically safe circuit
US3683923A (en) * 1970-09-25 1972-08-15 Valleylab Inc Electrosurgery safety circuit
US3699967A (en) * 1971-04-30 1972-10-24 Valleylab Inc Electrosurgical generator
US3766434A (en) * 1971-08-09 1973-10-16 S Sherman Safety power distribution system
US3783340A (en) * 1972-09-07 1974-01-01 Biotek Instr Inc Ground safe system
US3812858A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-05-28 Sybron Corp Dental electrosurgical unit

Cited By (115)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4122854A (en) * 1973-08-23 1978-10-31 Matburn (Holdings) Limited Electrosurgical apparatus
US4231372A (en) * 1974-11-04 1980-11-04 Valleylab, Inc. Safety monitoring circuit for electrosurgical unit
FR2298342A1 (en) * 1975-01-23 1976-08-20 Dentsply Int Inc HIGH FREQUENCY ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE
US4237887A (en) * 1975-01-23 1980-12-09 Valleylab, Inc. Electrosurgical device
US4114622A (en) * 1975-07-02 1978-09-19 Dentsply Research And Development Corporation Electrosurgical device
US4184492A (en) * 1975-08-07 1980-01-22 Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. Safety circuitry for high frequency cutting and coagulating devices
US4415944A (en) * 1977-06-23 1983-11-15 The Boots Company Plc Electrical apparatus
US4200105A (en) * 1978-05-26 1980-04-29 Dentsply Research & Development Corp. Electrosurgical safety circuit
JPS5653869A (en) * 1979-10-05 1981-05-13 Hitachi Cable Ltd Continuous soldering method of copper tape
JPS6246271B2 (en) * 1979-10-05 1987-10-01 Hitachi Cable
US4303073A (en) * 1980-01-17 1981-12-01 Medical Plastics, Inc. Electrosurgery safety monitor
US4494541A (en) * 1980-01-17 1985-01-22 Medical Plastics, Inc. Electrosurgery safety monitor
US4580566A (en) * 1982-04-22 1986-04-08 Hsu John J Acupuncture needle and needle guide assembly
US5688269A (en) * 1991-07-10 1997-11-18 Electroscope, Inc. Electrosurgical apparatus for laparoscopic and like procedures
US5769841A (en) * 1995-06-13 1998-06-23 Electroscope, Inc. Electrosurgical apparatus for laparoscopic and like procedures
USRE40388E1 (en) 1997-04-09 2008-06-17 Covidien Ag Electrosurgical generator with adaptive power control
US8287528B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2012-10-16 Covidien Ag Vessel sealing system
US9113900B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2015-08-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US8105323B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2012-01-31 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US9168089B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2015-10-27 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7901400B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2011-03-08 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7137980B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2006-11-21 Sherwood Services Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7303557B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2007-12-04 Sherwood Services Ag Vessel sealing system
US7364577B2 (en) 2002-02-11 2008-04-29 Sherwood Services Ag Vessel sealing system
US7749217B2 (en) 2002-05-06 2010-07-06 Covidien Ag Method and system for optically detecting blood and controlling a generator during electrosurgery
US7824400B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2010-11-02 Covidien Ag Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator
US8523855B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2013-09-03 Covidien Ag Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator
US7255694B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2007-08-14 Sherwood Services Ag Variable output crest factor electrosurgical generator
US7044948B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2006-05-16 Sherwood Services Ag Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator
US8012150B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2011-09-06 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US8080008B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2011-12-20 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US8298223B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2012-10-30 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US8303580B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2012-11-06 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US8267929B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2012-09-18 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US7722601B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2010-05-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US8104956B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2012-01-31 Covidien Ag Thermocouple measurement circuit
US8808161B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2014-08-19 Covidien Ag Redundant temperature monitoring in electrosurgical systems for safety mitigation
US8647340B2 (en) 2003-10-23 2014-02-11 Covidien Ag Thermocouple measurement system
US7396336B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2008-07-08 Sherwood Services Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US8485993B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2013-07-16 Covidien Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US8966981B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2015-03-03 Covidien Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US8113057B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2012-02-14 Covidien Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US8096961B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2012-01-17 Covidien Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US9768373B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2017-09-19 Covidien Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US7416437B2 (en) 2003-11-20 2008-08-26 Sherwood Services Ag Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US7766693B2 (en) 2003-11-20 2010-08-03 Covidien Ag Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US7131860B2 (en) 2003-11-20 2006-11-07 Sherwood Services Ag Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US7300435B2 (en) 2003-11-21 2007-11-27 Sherwood Services Ag Automatic control system for an electrosurgical generator
US7766905B2 (en) 2004-02-12 2010-08-03 Covidien Ag Method and system for continuity testing of medical electrodes
US7780662B2 (en) 2004-03-02 2010-08-24 Covidien Ag Vessel sealing system using capacitive RF dielectric heating
US7422589B2 (en) 2004-08-17 2008-09-09 Encision, Inc. System and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure
US8758336B2 (en) 2004-08-17 2014-06-24 Encision, Inc. System and method for monitoring electrosurgical systems
US7465302B2 (en) 2004-08-17 2008-12-16 Encision, Inc. System and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure
US20060041251A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Odell Roger C Electrosurgical system and method
US20060041253A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Newton David W System and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure
US20060041252A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Odell Roger C System and method for monitoring electrosurgical instruments
US20100292683A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2010-11-18 Granite Advisory Services, Inc. Biomedical dispersive electrode
US20060074411A1 (en) * 2004-10-05 2006-04-06 Granite Advisory Services Biomedical dispersive electrode
US7771419B2 (en) * 2004-10-05 2010-08-10 Granite Advisory Services, Inc. Biomedical dispersive electrode
US8025660B2 (en) 2004-10-13 2011-09-27 Covidien Ag Universal foot switch contact port
US7628786B2 (en) 2004-10-13 2009-12-08 Covidien Ag Universal foot switch contact port
US9474564B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2016-10-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for compensating for external impedance of an energy carrying component when controlling an electrosurgical generator
US11013548B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2021-05-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for compensating for external impedance of energy carrying component when controlling electrosurgical generator
US9522032B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2016-12-20 Covidien Ag Circuit and method for reducing stored energy in an electrosurgical generator
US8734438B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2014-05-27 Covidien Ag Circuit and method for reducing stored energy in an electrosurgical generator
US8241278B2 (en) 2005-12-12 2012-08-14 Covidien Ag Laparoscopic apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures
US7947039B2 (en) 2005-12-12 2011-05-24 Covidien Ag Laparoscopic apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures
US8663214B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2014-03-04 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling an output of a radio-frequency medical generator having an impedance based control algorithm
US9186200B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2015-11-17 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US9642665B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2017-05-09 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling an output of a radio-frequency medical generator having an impedance based control algorithm
US8267928B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-09-18 Covidien Ag System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
US8685016B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2014-04-01 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US7972328B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2011-07-05 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8216223B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-07-10 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8202271B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-06-19 Covidien Ag Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling
US7927328B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2011-04-19 Covidien Ag System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
US10582964B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2020-03-10 Covidien Lp Method and system for controlling an output of a radio-frequency medical generator having an impedance based control algorithm
US7513896B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-04-07 Covidien Ag Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling
US8187262B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-05-29 Covidien Ag Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling
US8147485B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-04-03 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8475447B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2013-07-02 Covidien Ag System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
US7972332B2 (en) 2006-03-03 2011-07-05 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US7651493B2 (en) 2006-03-03 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US7648499B2 (en) 2006-03-21 2010-01-19 Covidien Ag System and method for generating radio frequency energy
US8556890B2 (en) 2006-04-24 2013-10-15 Covidien Ag Arc based adaptive control system for an electrosurgical unit
US7651492B2 (en) 2006-04-24 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag Arc based adaptive control system for an electrosurgical unit
US9119624B2 (en) 2006-04-24 2015-09-01 Covidien Ag ARC based adaptive control system for an electrosurgical unit
US8007494B1 (en) 2006-04-27 2011-08-30 Encision, Inc. Device and method to prevent surgical burns
US8753334B2 (en) 2006-05-10 2014-06-17 Covidien Ag System and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator
US8251989B1 (en) 2006-06-13 2012-08-28 Encision, Inc. Combined bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical instrument and method
US8034049B2 (en) 2006-08-08 2011-10-11 Covidien Ag System and method for measuring initial tissue impedance
US7731717B2 (en) 2006-08-08 2010-06-08 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling RF output during tissue sealing
US7637907B2 (en) 2006-09-19 2009-12-29 Covidien Ag System and method for return electrode monitoring
US20080071263A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-20 Sherwood Services Ag System and method for return electrode monitoring
US7794457B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2010-09-14 Covidien Ag Transformer for RF voltage sensing
US8231616B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2012-07-31 Covidien Ag Transformer for RF voltage sensing
US8777941B2 (en) 2007-05-10 2014-07-15 Covidien Lp Adjustable impedance electrosurgical electrodes
US7834484B2 (en) 2007-07-16 2010-11-16 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Connection cable and method for activating a voltage-controlled generator
US8353905B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2013-01-15 Covidien Lp System and method for transmission of combined data stream
US8216220B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2012-07-10 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp System and method for transmission of combined data stream
US8512332B2 (en) 2007-09-21 2013-08-20 Covidien Lp Real-time arc control in electrosurgical generators
US9271790B2 (en) 2007-09-21 2016-03-01 Coviden Lp Real-time arc control in electrosurgical generators
US9254165B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2016-02-09 Encision, Inc. Multiple parameter fault detection in electrosurgical instrument shields
US9757183B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2017-09-12 Encision Inc. Multiple parameter fault detection in electrosurgical instrument shields
US20090112204A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Encision, Inc. Multiple Parameter Fault Detection in Electrosurgical Instrument Shields
US8460284B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2013-06-11 Encision, Inc. Multiple parameter fault detection in electrosurgical instrument shields
US8226639B2 (en) 2008-06-10 2012-07-24 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp System and method for output control of electrosurgical generator
US9314294B2 (en) 2008-08-18 2016-04-19 Encision, Inc. Enhanced control systems including flexible shielding and support systems for electrosurgical applications
US9833281B2 (en) 2008-08-18 2017-12-05 Encision Inc. Enhanced control systems including flexible shielding and support systems for electrosurgical applications
US8486061B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2013-07-16 Covidien Lp Imaginary impedance process monitoring and intelligent shut-off
US9888954B2 (en) 2012-08-10 2018-02-13 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Plasma resection electrode
US9872719B2 (en) 2013-07-24 2018-01-23 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for generating electrosurgical energy using a multistage power converter
US11135001B2 (en) 2013-07-24 2021-10-05 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for generating electrosurgical energy using a multistage power converter
US9636165B2 (en) 2013-07-29 2017-05-02 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for measuring tissue impedance through an electrosurgical cable
US9655670B2 (en) 2013-07-29 2017-05-23 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for measuring tissue impedance through an electrosurgical cable

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3905373A (en) Electrosurgical device
US4237887A (en) Electrosurgical device
US4331149A (en) Electrosurgical device
US4114622A (en) Electrosurgical device
US3987796A (en) Electrosurgical device
US4662369A (en) Electrosurgical apparatus having a safety circuit
US3913583A (en) Control circuit for electrosurgical units
US3699967A (en) Electrosurgical generator
EP0332307B1 (en) Return electrode contact monitor for a HF surgical apparatus
US4658815A (en) High-frequency electrosurgical unit with timed safety shut down interlock
US4051855A (en) Electrosurgical unit
US4092986A (en) Constant output electrosurgical unit
US3964487A (en) Uncomplicated load-adapting electrosurgical cutting generator
US4378801A (en) Electrosurgical generator
US3675655A (en) Method and apparatus for high frequency electric surgery
US4024467A (en) Method for controlling power during electrosurgery
EP1087691B1 (en) Radiofrequency electrosurgical generator with current control
US6238388B1 (en) Low-voltage electrosurgical apparatus
US3923063A (en) Pulse control circuit for electrosurgical units
US3897788A (en) Transformer coupled power transmitting and isolated switching circuit
US3801800A (en) Isolating switching circuit for an electrosurgical generator
US3730188A (en) Electrosurgical apparatus for dental use
US5352868A (en) Resistance feedback controlled power supply
US4473075A (en) Electrosurgical generator with improved rapid start capability
US3804096A (en) Electrosurgical device