WO2023242622A1

WO2023242622A1 - Electrosurgical power connector

Info

Publication number: WO2023242622A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dennis Fowler; Aarathi CHOLKERI-SINGH; Neda GHAFFARI; Robert Evans; Judith HOLZER; Robin Merz; Daniel Notheis; Daniel Kärcher
Original assignee: Karl Storz Se & Co Kg
Priority date: 2022-06-13
Filing date: 2022-07-21
Publication date: 2023-12-21

Abstract

An electrosurgical power connector (40) for transmitting electrical power to a handling device (20) of an electrosurgical instrument (10) includes a proximal end (42) connectable or connected to a flexible conduit (90) for supplying electrical power from a power source (100), a distal end (46), a power interface (50) at the distal end (46) of the electrosurgical power connector (40) directly mechanically and electrically releasably connectable to a corresponding power interface (30) of the handling device (20) of the electrosurgical instrument (10) for transmitting electrical power to the electrosurgical instrument (10), and a manually operable user interface (60, 70) for controlling the provision of electrical power at the power interface (50). The power interface (50) and the user interface (60) are arranged in a single unit.

Description

Electrosurgical power connector

The present invention is related to an electrosurgical power connector and an electrosurgical power cable for transmitting electrical power to a handling device of an electrosurgical instrument .

The control of electrosurgical procedures , in particular the activation of the high-frequency AC voltage required for electrocautery, is often accomplished by means of a foot switch . However , actuation of a foot switch requires the discipline of medical personnel to hold at least one foot motionless in a predetermined position relative to the foot switch for actuation of the foot switch, for example , immediately in front of , adj acent to , or on top of the foot switch . If this cannot be accomplished, a tactile search of the foot switch is required prior to actuation of the foot switch . Alternatively, the gaze is released from the surgical cite or monitor and directed to the floor . Both interrupt the sequence and represent a potential source of error .

Some electrosurgical instruments include one or more buttons on the handling device . Furthermore , Aesculap (Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany) , offers a cable for supplying electrical power to the handling device of an electrosurgical instrument , which also has an actuating device that can be attached to the handling device . In all existing solutions , one challenge is to arrange and design actuation devices in a way that is also ergonomically favorable for medical personnel regardless of having particularly large or particularly small hands , and ergonomic for both left-handed and right-handed users . Another challenge is compatibility with existing systems , for example cables and handling devices intended for actuation by means of a foot switch .

An obj ect of the present invention is to provide an improved electrosurgical power connector and an improved electrosurgical power cable for transmitting electrical power to a handling device of an electrosurgical instrument .

This tas k is solved by the obj ect of the independent claim .

Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims .

An electrosurgical power connector for transmitting electrical power to a handling device of an electrosurgical instrument includes a proximal end connectable or connected to a conduit for supplying electrical power from a power source , a distal end, a power interface at the distal end of the electrosurgical power connector, directly mechanically and electrically releasably connectable to a corresponding power interface of the handling means of the electrosurgical instrument for transmitting electrical power to the electrosurgical instrument , a manually operable user interface for controlling the provision of electrical power at the power interface , wherein the power interface and the user interface are arranged in a unit .

The electrosurgical power connector may be provided and configured for transmitting electrical power, generated by a power source and supplied to the electrosurgical power connector through the cable , to a laparoscopic or endoscopic or other electrosurgical instrument . The cable may be permanently connected to the proximal end of the electrosurgical power connector, that is , non-destructively separable therefrom at least without the use of tools . Alternatively, the cable may be non-destructively detachably connected to the proximal end of the electrosurgical power connector, for example via another power interface .

The power interface is , for example , a connector that can additionally be mechanically secured by a union nut , a swivel connection ( also known as a bayonet connection; similar to BNC connectors ) or a latch .

A control signal generated by the user interface is provided and designed to control the provision of electrical power - in particular as an alternating voltage with an amplitude of several hundred volts and a frequency of several tens of kHz - by the electrosurgical power source . For this purpose , the user interface is coupled to the electrosurgical power source in particular by an electrical or optical control signal line or by a radio link ( for example WLAN, Bluetooth) or optically ( for example IRDA) . By means of the control signal , in particular , the provision of electrical power by a high- frequency high-voltage generator of the electrosurgical power source is controlled . Alternatively, the control signal may control a power switch to electrically connect the high frequency high voltage generator to a power output of the electrosurgical power source .

Alternatively, a power switch - in particular designed as a pushbutton in the sense of the language of electrical engineering - can be part of the electrosurgical power connector and mechanically integrated into the electrosurgical power connector . The power switch may be partially or fully integrated with the user interface , for example similar to a light switch . Alternatively, the circuit breaker may be integrated with another electrosurgical power connector that is permanently or detachably connected or connectable to the electrosurgical power connector by a cable or conduit . Thus , the user interface is either integrated with the circuit breaker or coupled to the circuit breaker by a signal line for transmitting a control signal .

In particular , the power interface and the user interface are arranged in a mechanically rigid unit . This can both simplify manufacturing and improve the mechanical robustness of the electrosurgical power connector . Alternatively, although the user interface is permanently - i . e . , not non-destructively separable or not non-destructively separable without the use of tools - mechanically connected to the power interface , it is movable relative to the power interface , in particular rotatable or pivotable .

The arrangement of the power interface and the user interface in a mechanically rigid unit can significantly simplify handling , especially when assembling a functional system. It can also reduce manufacturing costs and/or improve mechanical robustness .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the user interface particularly includes a manually pivoted lever .

In particular , the lever can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a j oint . If the j oint is formed by surfaces sliding against each other , the pivot axis is in particular the axis of symmetry of the surfaces sliding against each other, which are rotationally symmetrical at least in sections . If the j oint is formed by surfaces rolling against each other - for example by a ball bearing - the pivot axis is in particular the axis of symmetry of one or more rotationally symmetrical surfaces . If the j oint is a solid-state j oint that allows the lever to move in a plane - for example , a foil j oint - the instantaneous pole of motion shifts slightly during pivoting , but remains within a small range . In this case , a straight line orthogonal to the plane through the small area can be considered the approximate pivot axis .

A lever as a user interface can improve ergonomics for hands of different sizes . Medical personnel with different sized hands or different gripping habits can touch and operate the lever in different places .

In particular , in an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the pivot axis of the lever is orthogonal to a mating direction of the power interface .

The plug-in direction is the direction in which the power interface at the distal end of the electrosurgical power connector can be connected to a corresponding power interface on the handling device of the electrosurgical instrument . In the case of one or more contact pins , the mating direction is particularly the direction in which the contact pins extend . In the case of securing by means of a coupling nut or bayonet , the mating direction is typically simultaneously the screw axis or the axis about which the swivel connection is rotated . In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the user interface particularly includes at least either a manually operable tactile plate or a touch-sensitive surface .

The manually operated touch plate can be held in a predetermined rest position by one or more springs or other elastic or magnetic restoring devices . The rest position may be defined by one or more mechanical stops . The manually operable key plate may be guided by a scissor mechanism similar to a key on a typical high quality computer keyboard . The manually actuatable key plate may be actuated by moving it from its rest position to an actuation position against the resilient restoring force . One or more electrical probes or other sensors may detect actuation of the manually actuatable key plate , i . e . , its movement to the actuation position .

For example , the touch-sensitive surface may include one or more capacitive surfaces that detect approach or touch by one or more fingers of a hand .

In particular , in an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the lever or sensing plate extends substantially parallel to a mating direction of the power interface .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the user interface is particularly elongated and extends substantially parallel to a mating direction of the power interface .

The user interface is elongated if , for example , it is rectangular or substantially rectangular and the ratio between its length and its width is at least 3 : 2 or at least 2 : 1 or at least 3 : 1 or at least 4 : 1 . Further , the user interface is elongated if , for example , it is elliptical or substantially elliptical and the ratio between the maj or semi-axis and the minor semi-axis is at least 3 : 2 or at least 2 : 1 or at least 3 : 1 or at least 4 : 1 .

In particular , the user interface , for example the lever or the touch plate , extends substantially parallel to the mating direction when the angle between the main direction of extension of the user interface - for example the long sides of the rectangle or the maj or semi-axis of the ellipse - and the mating direction is no greater than 20 ° or no greater than 10 ° or no greater than 5 ° .

The extension of the user interface substantially parallel to the mating direction may allow for a slim and ergonomically advantageous design of the electrosurgical power connector .

In particular , in an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the power interface is substantially rotationally symmetric about an axis of symmetry, with the user interface being elongated and extending substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the power interface .

In particular , the user interface , for example the lever or the touch plate , extends substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry of the power interface when an angle between the main direction of extension of the user interface and the axis of symmetry of the power interface is not greater than 20 ° or not greater than 10 ° or not greater than 5 ° .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, a distal end of the user interface is particularly disposed near the distal end of the electrosurgical power connector or forms the most distal point of the distal end of the electrosurgical power connector .

The distal end of the user interface - for example , the free end of the lever facing away from the pivot axis of the lever - is arranged close to the distal end of the electrosurgical power connector , in particular, if the distance between the distal end of the user interface and the distal end of the electrosurgical power connector is not more than half or not more than one third or not more than one fifth of the greatest extension of the user interface - or , for example , of the distance between the free end of the lever and the pivot axis of the lever

Extending the user interface , for example the lever or the touch plate or the touch-sensitive surface , as far distally as possible and thus as close as possible to a central region of the handling device of the electrosurgical instrument where the index finger or the middle finger of the hand comes to rest can be ergonomically advantageous . In particular , it may simplify operation of the user interface .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the power interface is mechanically and electrically connectable to a corresponding power interface of the handling device of the electrosurgical instrument , particularly in a plurality of different angular positions .

The different angular positions differ in particular by a rotation about a plug-in direction or an axis of symmetry of the power interface by a predetermined angle . If , for example , two different angular positions differ by 180 ° - as in the case of a power interface comprising two identical and parallel plug contacts - the manually operable user interface can be arranged at opposite locations at the different angular positions , for example once on the left and once on the right of the handling device . This can enable ergonomically advantageous operation by both left-handed and right-handed users .

For example , in the case of a rotationally symmetrical power interface with coaxially arranged contacts , any number of different angular positions may be possible within a predetermined angular range or ranges .

In particular , an electrosurgical power connector as described herein is rotatable about an axis in a configuration mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding power interface of the handling device .

In particular , the electrosurgical power connector is rotatable about the axis within one or more predetermined angular ranges . The axis corresponds in particular to the mating direction and symmetry axis of the power interface .

In the case of a mechanical rigid unit of power interface and user interface , connectivity of the power interface of the electrosurgical power connector to a corresponding power interface of the handling device of the electrosurgical instrument in several different angular positions may allow the user interface to be arranged in several different positions relative to the handling device . This is particularly true when the electrosurgical power connector is rotatable about an axis in a configuration mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding power interface of the handling device . If the power interface and the user interface do not form a mechanically rigid unit , the user interface may in particular be pivotable about an axis which may, for example , be parallel to or identical with the plug-in direction of the power interface , to enable the user interface to be arranged at different positions .

In particular , an electrosurgical power connector as described herein further comprises a resetter mechanically coupled to or integrated with the user interface for generating a resetting force for resetting the user interface to an initial configuration assumed without an actuation force , wherein actuation of the user interface requires overcoming a reset force of the resetter, the reset force of the resetter being such that actuation of the user interface is not possible solely by a weight force of the electrosurgical power connector and an electrosurgical instrument mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrosurgical power connector .

In particular , the resetter comprises a spring or a silicone or elastomeric buffer or other resilient device having one end connected to the user interface , such as the lever , and the other end connected to or abutting a rigid portion of the electrosurgical power connector . Alternatively, the resetter may comprise , for example , a pair of mutually attractive or repulsive magnets , one of which is disposed, in particular , on the user interface , such as the lever, and the other of which is disposed on a mechanically rigid portion of the electrosurgical power connector . If the user interface comprises one or more solid-state j oints , the solid-state j oint or j oints in particular simultaneously form one or more restorers by virtue of their elastic restoring forces . In particular , the restoring force generated by the resetting device is so great that actuation of the user interface is not possible solely by the weight force of the electrosurgical power connector . Alternatively, the restoring force generated by the resettor is in particular so great that actuation of the user interface is not possible solely by the weight force of the electrosurgical power connector and of any electrosurgical instrument mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrosurgical power connector for which the electrosurgical power connector has approval under medical device law .

In particular , an electrosurgical power connector as described herein includes a frame surrounding and protruding from the user interface .

In particular , the frame protrudes against the actuation direction of the user interface , i . e . , against the direction in which one or more fingers are approached to the user interface and the user interface is moved if necessary . The protruding frame may reduce the risk of accidental actuation .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the user interface is particularly configured to control the provision of electrical power to the power interface only when the user interface is actuated in accordance with a predetermined pattern .

By a predetermined pattern is meant a predetermined nontrivial pattern that goes beyond a single actuation of a single simple actuating element , for example , a single push of a button in a single direction or a single pivot of a lever about a single axis or a single movement of an actuating element along a straight path . A predetermined pattern includes , for example , multiple actuations and/or actuation of multiple elements and/or simultaneous or sequential application of multiple forces of different magnitude and/or different directions .

The user interface may mechanically discriminate an actuation according to the predetermined pattern, for example , by means of a gate or similar to a ballpoint pen . Alternatively, the user interface may discriminate an actuation corresponding to the predetermined pattern from another actuation, for example , by means of an electrical or electronic analog or digital circuit .

The predetermined pattern may be selectable from a plurality of predetermined patterns and/or freely configurable . Furthermore , it may be selectable whether the provision of electrical power should be controlled only when the user interface is actuated according to the predetermined pattern or when it is actuated trivially - for example , simply pressing or pushing or swiveling or touching once .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the predetermined pattern particularly includes simultaneous or sequential actuation of multiple actuation regions of the user interface .

For example , simultaneous or sequential touching , pressing , or moving of multiple levers , buttons , sliders , or other actuation areas using two or more fingers may correspond to the predetermined pattern . In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the predetermined pattern particularly includes applying forces simultaneously or sequentially to the user interface at a plurality of different predetermined amounts and in a plurality of different predetermined directions .

For example , the predetermined pattern includes sequentially applying forces of different amounts and/or different directions to the same actuation area or actuation element . Alternatively, or simultaneously, the predetermined pattern may comprise , for example , simultaneously applying forces of equal or different amounts and equal or different directions to multiple actuation areas or multiple actuation elements of the user interface .

An example is a flipping or tilting of a protective cap or a pivoting of a safety lever or a pushing of a safety latch with a subsequent pushing , turning , pivoting , pushing , pulling, or other movement of another actuating element that triggers the transmission of electrical power . Another example is a movement of a lever or other actuating element along a nontrivial path, such as one defined by a gate , that includes sections with different directions of movement .

In particular , an electrosurgical power connector as described herein further comprises a sensor for sensing actuation of the user interface and a controller for controlling the provision of electrical power to the power interface based on whether the actuation of the user interface sensed by the sensor corresponds to a predetermined pattern .

The control may be partially mechanical , and may include , for example , a gate or mechanically implemented logic . Alternatively, the control may comprise , for example , an analog or digital electrical or electronic circuit . The predetermined pattern is a non-trivial pattern as described above . The sensor and the controller may be partially or fully integrated .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the predetermined pattern particularly includes actuation twice within a time interval of predetermined duration .

The predetermined pattern may thus resemble a double-click known from controlling numerous computer programs using a computer mouse . The predetermined pattern may comprise two or more actuations of different duration and/or different force and/or different time intervals .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the controller is particularly provided and configured for generating a control signal for a power source in response to actuation of the user interface .

For this purpose , the controller is particularly designed to transmit a control signal to a power source via an electrical or optical line or a radio link or other wireless signal path .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the power interface is particularly provided and configured for solely mechanically and electrically connecting the electrosurgical power connector to the electrosurgical instrument handling device .

Thus , in addition to the power interface , the electrosurgical power connector does not have any other means for mechanical or electrical connection to the handling device of the electrosurgical instrument . In particular , an electrosurgical power connector as described herein further comprises another power interface at the proximal end of the electrosurgical power connector for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to a distal end of a flexible line and for receiving electrical power from a power source through the flexible line .

In an electrosurgical power connector as described herein, the power interface at the distal end and the further power interface at the proximal end of the electrosurgical power connector are configured to correspond, particularly mechanically and electrically .

The power interface at the distal end and the further power interface at the proximal end of the electrosurgical power connector are then designed to correspond mechanically and electrically, if , in the case of two completely identical electrosurgical power connectors , the power interface at the distal end of one electrosurgical power connector can be mechanically and electrically connected to the further power interface at the proximal end of the other electrosurgical power connector and, furthermore , the further power interface at the proximal end of one electrosurgical power connector can be mechanically and electrically connected to the power interface at the distal end of the other electrosurgical power connector .

The corresponding design of the power interface at the distal end and the further power interface at the proximal end allows the electrosurgical power connector to be interposed between the handling device of the electrosurgical instrument and a distal end of a power cable , which are conventionally connected directly to each other . Thus , by simply inserting the electrosurgical power connector into an otherwise unmodified electrosurgical system, additional functionality can be added, namely manual power control via the user interface directly on the electrosurgical instrument handling device .

An electrosurgical power cable includes a flexible conduit having a proximal end mechanically and electrically connectable or connected to a power source , and an electrosurgical power connector as described herein at a distal end of the conduit .

The electrosurgical power cable can replace a conventional power cable without user interface and without the possibility of power transmission control .

In particular , an electrosurgical power cable as described herein has a Y-shaped topology, wherein a further electrosurgical power connector for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to a power output of an electrosurgical power source forms a first proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable , and wherein a control signal output for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to a control signal input of the electrosurgical power source forms a second proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable .

Some electrosurgical power sources have a control signal input that is conventionally connected to , for example , a pedal that allows control of the power source with the foot . The electrosurgical power cable allows control of such a conventional electrosurgical power source by means of the user interface on the distal power connector and thus with the same hand with which medical personnel hold the handling device . In particular , in an electrosurgical power cable as described herein, at least either the controller or the circuit breaker is disposed in a further power connector at the proximal end of the flexible cable .

In this case , in addition to electrical conductors for transmitting the power required for the electrosurgical effect , the line also comprises , in particular, one or more electrical or optical conductors for electrically or optically transmitting a control signal from the user interface on the electrosurgical power connector at the distal end of the line to the controller in the further power connector at the proximal end of the line . Alternatively, for example , a radio link may be provided for transmitting a control signal from the user interface of the electrosurgical power connector at the distal end of the flexible line to the controller in the further power connector at the proximal end of the flexible line .

Alternatively, the controller and/or circuit breaker may be located in a power source .

An electrosurgical power source for providing electrical power for an electrosurgical procedure includes a control signal input for receiving a control signal , a high voltage generator for generating electrical power, a controller coupled to the control signal input and to the high voltage generator for controlling the high voltage generator in response to a control signal received at the control signal input , and a power output connected to the high voltage generator and connectable to an electrosurgical instrument by an electrosurgical power cable for providing electrical power , wherein the controller is adapted to control the high voltage generator depending on whether an actuation of the user interface represented by the control signal corresponds to a predetermined pattern .

The electrosurgical power source is provided and configured to form an electrosurgical system with an electrosurgical power cable and an electrosurgical instrument . In particular, a power interface at a distal end of the electrosurgical power cable is connected to a corresponding power interface at a handling device of the electrosurgical instrument . The control signal input of the electrosurgical power source may be integrated with the power output of the electrosurgical power source , for example in a common connector . In this case , a corresponding connector is provided at a proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable that integrates a power input for receiving power provided by the electrosurgical power source and a control signal output for transmitting a control signal generated at a user interface to the electrosurgical power source . Alternatively, the power output and control signal input are formed separately on the electrosurgical power source , for example as two separate , spatially spaced connectors . In this case , the electrosurgical power cable has , in particular , a Y-shaped topology, wherein a power input for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to the power output of the electrosurgical power source forms a first proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable , and a control signal output for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to a control signal input of the electrosurgical power source forms a second proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable . In particular, the electrosurgical power cable is an electrosurgical power cable as described herein or includes an electrosurgical power connector at its distal end as described herein .

Brief description of the figures

In the following, embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures . They show :

Figure la schematic diagram of an electrosurgical system with an electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical power connector;

Figure 2 an enlarged schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device and the electrosurgical power connector of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 an additional enlarged schematic view of a section through the portion of the handling device and the electrosurgical power connector of Figures 2 and 3 ;

Figure 4 an additional enlarged schematic representation of the portion of the handling device and electrosurgical power connector shown in Figures 2 and 3 ;

Figure 5 a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device of Figures 1 to 4 and another electrosurgical power connector;

Figure 6 another schematic representation of the partial area of the handling device from Figures 1 to 5 and the electrosurgical power connector from Figure 5 ;

Figure 7 a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device of Figures 1 to 6 and another electrosurgical power connector; Figure 8 a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device of Figures 1 to 7 and another electrosurgical power connector;

Figure 9 a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device of Figures 1 to 8 and another electrosurgical power connector;

Figure 10 a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device of Figures 1 through 9 and another electrosurgical power connector;

Figure 11 a schematic diagram of another electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical instrument , an electrosurgical power cable , and an electrosurgical power source ; and

Figure 12 a schematic diagram of another electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical instrument , an electrosurgical power cable , and an electrosurgical power source .

Description of embodiments

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical instrument 10 . The electrosurgical instrument 10 has a proximal end 12 , a shaft 14 , and a distal end 16 . In Figure 1 , the distal end 16 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 is exemplified in the form of two j aws pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to the drawing plane of Figure 1 . The longitudinal and symmetrical axis 18 of the shaft 14 is also referred to as the maj or axis of the electrosurgical instrument 10 . The proximal end 12 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 is formed by a handling device 20 . A distal end 22 of the handling device 20 may be permanently connected to the shaft 14 , more specifically to the proximal end thereof , that is , in particular , non-destructively detachable at least without the use of tools . Alternatively, the distal end 22 of the handling device 20 may be non-destructively detachable from the proximal end of the shaft 14 without the use of tools . In the example shown, the distal end 22 of the handling device 20 is indicated as a wheel that can be manually rotated to rotate the shaft 14 , and thus the distal end 16 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 , relative to the handling device 20 about the longitudinal and symmetrical axis 18 of the shaft 14 .

The handling device 20 further comprises a fixed eye 24 , which can be penetrated by one or more fingers of a hand, and a manually movable eye 26 , which is provided for insertion of the thumb, for example . The manually movable eye 26 is pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the drawing plane of Figure 1 . In particular, the manually movable eye 26 is mechanically coupled to the tool at the distal end 16 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 such that movement of the manually movable eye 26 relative to the remainder of the handling device 20 is accompanied by an operative movement of the tool , for example an opening or closing movement of one or two j aws .

The handling device 20 has a power interface 30 in the form of a connector . If the electrosurgical instrument is a monopolar instrument , the power interface 30 particularly comprises only one electrical contact . When the electrosurgical instrument 10 is a bipolar instrument , the power interface 30 particularly comprises two electrical contacts , which may be arranged, for example , side by side or coaxially . Additionally, the power interface 30 may have one or more contacts or optical interfaces for electrical or optical transmission of power or of a control signal for a status display or a camera or of an image signal from a camera or for other signal .

Figure 1 further illustrates an electrosurgical power connector 40 , a flexible conduit 90 , for example a power cable , and an electrosurgical power source 100 . A proximal end 92 of the flexible conduit 90 is mechanically and more importantly electrically connected to the electrosurgical power source 100 to receive electrical power from the electrosurgical power source 100 . A distal end 96 of the flexible conduit 90 is mechanically and electrically connected to a proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 . In the illustrated example , the electrosurgical power connector 40 and the flexible conduit 90 form a single unit , namely an electrosurgical power cable for transmitting electrical power from the power source 100 to the electrosurgical instrument 10 . In this regard, the distal end 96 of the flexible conduit 90 is permanently, that is , non- destructively or non-destructively detachably connected to the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 only with the use of tools .

The distal end of the electrosurgical power connector 40 is not visible in Figure 1 , but is hidden within the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 .

Figure 2 shows an enlarged schematic view of a section through a portion of the electrosurgical instrument and through the electrosurgical power connector 40 of Figure 1 . In addition to the entire electrosurgical power connector 40 , the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 is shown . The power interface 30 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 are shown in section along a section plane parallel to the drawing plane of Figure 1 . The section plane includes the axis of symmetry 38 of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 .

In the example shown, the power interface 30 is coaxial and includes an outer tubular first contact 32 and a pin-shaped inner second contact 34 , both of which are rotationally symmetrical about the aforementioned axis of symmetry 38 of the power interface 30 . The contacts 32 , 34 are electrically conductively connected, for example via the shaft tube on the one hand and a pull rod in the shaft tube of the shaft 14 ( cf . Figure 1 ) on the other hand, to the two j aw parts at the distal end 16 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 .

The outer, first contact 32 of the power interface 30 is surrounded at a distance by a tubular and likewise coaxially arranged outer insulation region 36 . This outer insulation region 36 forms the part of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 that is visible from the outside and thus also in the representation of Figure 1 . The tubular insulation region 36 proj ects beyond the contacts 32 , 34 clearly in the direction of the electrosurgical power connector 40 .

The distal end 46 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 is formed by a power interface 50 . The power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 is formed to correspond to the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 and, in the situation shown in Figure 2 , is mechanically and electrically connected thereto . Corresponding to the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 , the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 comprises an outer , tubular first contact 52 and a sleeve-shaped, inner second contact 54 , which are rotationally symmetrical or largely rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry 58 . Deviations from rotational symmetry with respect to the axis of symmetry 58 relate , for example , to longitudinal slots that allow elasticity of the contacts 52 , 54 . The outer, first contact 52 of the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 corresponds to the tubular first contact 32 of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 and lies flat thereagainst . The sleeve-shaped second contact 54 of the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 corresponds to the pin-shaped second contact 34 of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 and lies flat against the latter .

The outer, first contact 52 of the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 is surrounded by a tubular and likewise coaxially arranged outer insulation area 56 . This outer insulation region 56 forms the part of the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 that is visible from the outside and thus also in the representation of Figure 1 . The outer insulation region 56 proj ects beyond the contacts 52 , 54 distally, i . e . towards the handling device 20 .

In the mechanically and electrically connected configuration shown in Figure 2 , the axis of symmetry 58 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 corresponds to the axis of symmetry 38 of the power interface of the handling device 20 . The axes of symmetry 38 , 58 of the power interfaces 30 , 50 simultaneously define the plug-in direction in which the power interfaces 30 , 50 can be connected and also disconnected again in the opposite direction . The rotational symmetry of both power interfaces 30 , 50 enables rotation of the electrosurgical power connector 40 relative to the handling device 20 about the symmetry axis 38 , 58 in the configuration shown in Figure 2 , in which the power connector 40 and the handling device 20 are mechanically and electrically connected .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 includes a lever 60 as a manually operable user interface . The lever 60 is pivotable about a j oint 62 defining a pivot axis 68 orthogonal to the sectional plane of Figure 2 . The main direction of extension 64 of the lever 60 is substantially parallel to the axes of symmetry 38 , 58 and the direction of insertion of the corresponding power interfaces 30 , 50 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 .

The free end 66 of the lever 60 facing away from the j oint 62 overlaps the power interfaces 30 , 50 . In the example shown, the free end 66 of the lever 60 actually extends distally beyond the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 , that is , toward the handling device 20 , thereby forming the most distal point of the electrosurgical power connector 40 .

The free end 66 of the lever 60 extends sufficiently distally to allow the lever 60 to be pivoted about the pivot axis 68 from its initial or rest position, shown in solid lines in Figure 2 , to the actuated position, shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 , without contacting the handling device 20 . Alternatively, and in deviation from the illustration in Figure 2 , the lever 60 , in particular its free end 66 in the actuated position shown in Figure 2 in dotted lines , can be in point , linear or flat contact with one or more outer surface areas of the handling device 20 .

A spring 72 is provided between the lever 60 and the rest of the electrosurgical power connector 40 to act as a restoring force . The elastic restoring force of the biased spring 72 urges the lever 60 to the initial or rest position shown in solid lines in Figure 2 and defined by a stop not shown . The lever 60 can be pivoted against the elastic return force of the spring 72 to the actuated position shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 .

The resilient return force of the spring 72 is such that even if the medical instrument with the electrosurgical power connector 40 is carelessly placed on the lever 60 , the weight force of the electrosurgical instrument and the electrosurgical power connector 40 is insufficient to pivot the lever 60 to its actuated position .

In the example shown, the lever 60 is directly mechanically coupled to a switch 86 as a sensor , which is connected via control signal lines to a control signal input of the electrosurgical power source 100 ( cf . Figure 1 ) and is thus in particular part of a control circuit . The closing and opening, switching status of the switch 86 generates a control signal that controls the provision of electrical power to the electrosurgical instrument 10 in the electrosurgical power source 100 . Specifically, electrical power is provided when switch 86 is closed and no electrical power is provided when switch 86 is open . In the example shown, the lever 60 and the switch 86 form a pushbutton, in the sense of electrical engineering terminology, which closes the circuit only as long as the lever 60 is manually operated and pivoted against the elastic return force of the spring 72 to the position shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 .

Deviating from the illustration in Figure 2 , the spring 72 and the circuit breaker 86 may be partially or fully integrated . For example , the spring 72 can be designed as a leaf spring which is also part of the circuit and whose free end is designed as a switching contact .

Figure 3 shows another schematic representation of a section through the portion of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 2 . The section plane of Figure 3 corresponds to the section plane of Figure 2 . The representation in Figure 3 differs from the representation in Figure 2 in that the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 and the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 are mechanically and electrically separated . Some features of the power interfaces 30 , 50 are thus more readily identifiable and can be more easily associated with the handling device 20 or the electrosurgical power connector 40 .

Figure 4 shows a further schematic representation of the partial area of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 already shown in Figure 2 . In contrast to Figures 2 and 3 , however, a plan view is shown rather than a sectional view . The drawing plane of Figure 4 is parallel to the sectional planes of Figures 2 and 3 . The configuration shown in Figure 4 is similar to the configuration shown in Figure 2 , in which the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 is mechanically and electrically connected to the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 . The configuration shown in Figure 4 differs from the configuration shown by reference to Figure 2 in that the electrosurgical power connector 40 is rotated relative to the handling device 20 through an angle of about 90 ° about the axes of symmetry 38 , 58 of the power interfaces 30 , 50 . The pivot axis 68 of the lever 60 is therefore parallel to the drawing plane of Figure 4 , and the lever 60 is positioned laterally of the power interfaces 30 , 50 and thus laterally of the handling device 20 . The planar, elongated rectangular shape of the lever 60 in the example shown can be seen .

For example , while the lever 60 in the configuration shown in Figure 2 can be operated with the index finger of one hand gripping around the power interfaces 30 , 50 , the lever 60 in the configuration shown in Figure 4 can be operated with the thumb of the right hand or the index finger of the left hand . The rotatability of the electrosurgical power connector 40 relative to the handling device 20 allows for appropriate configurations for medical personnel with different sized hands and/or different habits and preferences with respect to operating a user interface , and for both right-handed and left-handed users .

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and an alternative embodiment of the electrosurgical power connector 40 . The section plane of Figure 10 corresponds to the section planes of Figures 2 and 3 . The configuration shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the configuration shown in Figure 3 in which the power interfaces 30 , 50 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 are mechanically and electrically separated and spaced apart , but oriented so that they can be mechanically and electrically connected by a straight line translational approach .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 5 is similar in some features , characteristics , and functions to the electrosurgical power connector illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 4 .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 5 differs from the electrosurgical power connector shown in Figures 1 to 4 in particular in that the lever 60 , in particular its free end 66 , is surrounded in a U-shape by a frame 76 . The frame 76 is designed to be flexurally rigid and is mechanically rigidly connected to the rest of the electrosurgical power connector 40 , in particular being formed integrally or even monolithically with a housing of the power interface 50 . The frame 76 protrudes with respect to the lever 60 against the direction in which the lever 60 is pivoted for actuation . Thus , the frame 76 largely protects the lever 60 from inadvertent actuation and makes such actuation less likely . In particular, lever 60 cannot be actuated by merely placing electrosurgical power connector 40 , even in a configuration mechanically connected to an electrosurgical instrument 10 , on a flat surface .

Figure 6 shows a further schematic representation of the partial area of the handling device 20 shown in Figures 2 to 5 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 shown on the basis of Figure 5 . In contrast to Figures 5 , however, a plan view is shown rather than a sectional view . The drawing plane of Figure 6 is parallel to the sectional planes of Figures 2 , 3 and 5 .

Unlike that shown in Figure 5 , and similar to that shown in Figure 4 , Figure 6 shows a configuration in which the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 is mechanically and electrically connected to the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 . The configuration shown in Figure 6 further differs from the configuration shown with reference to Figure 5 in that the electrosurgical power connector 40 is rotated relative to the handling device 20 through an angle of approximately 90 ° about the axes of symmetry 38 , 58 of the power interfaces 30 , 50 . The pivot axis 68 of the lever 60 is therefore parallel to the drawing plane of Figure 6 , and the lever 60 is positioned laterally of the power interfaces 30 , 50 and thus laterally of the handling device 20 . The U-shaped configuration of the frame 76 surrounding the lever 60 with a small clearance can be seen .

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and another alternative embodiment of the electrosurgical power connector 40 . The section plane of Figure 7 corresponds to the section planes of Figures 2 , 3 and 5 . The configuration shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the configuration shown in Figures 3 and 5 in which the power interfaces 30 , 50 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 are mechanically and electrically separated and spaced apart , but oriented so that they can be mechanically and electrically connected by a straight line translational approach . The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 7 is similar in some features , characteristics , and functions to the electrosurgical power connectors illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 6 .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 7 differs from the electrosurgical power connectors shown in Figures 1 to 6 in particular in that the j oint 62 of the lever 60 is designed as a solid-state j oint . In the example illustrated, this solid-state j oint 62 is formed as a narrow strip-shaped thin region extending orthogonally to the sectional plane of Figure 7 , and is thus elastic in bending . With an infinitesimally narrow and thin configuration of the solid-state j oint 62 and an ideally rigid configuration of the remaining lever 60 , the solid-state j oint 62 simultaneously defines the pivot axis about which the free end 66 of the lever 60 is pivotable . The wider the solid j oint 62 is formed and/or the less the bending elasticity of the rest of the lever 60 can be neglected with respect to the solid j oint 62 , the less precisely the kinematics of the lever 60 is defined by a pivot axis . Instead, an instantaneous pole can be defined in each angular position of the lever 60 , which, however, is also localized in the region of the solid j oint 62 or close to it .

In the example shown, unlike the examples illustrated with reference to Figures 2 to 6 , no spring is provided . The solid- state j oint 62 generates a ( largely) elastic restoring force and thus simultaneously acts as a restorer 72 . Lever 60 , j oint 62 and restorer 72 are thus integrated into one component . A frame , as described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 , is also optional in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and is therefore indicated by dashed contours .

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and another alternative embodiment of the electrosurgical power connector 40 . The section plane of Figure 8 corresponds to the section planes of Figures 2 , 3 , 5 and 7 . The configuration shown in Figure 8 corresponds to the configuration shown with reference to Figures 3 , 5 and 7 in which the power interfaces 30 , 50 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 are mechanically and electrically separated and spaced apart , but oriented such that they can be mechanically and electrically connected by a straight line translational approach .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 8 is similar in some features , characteristics , and functions to the electrosurgical power connectors illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 7 .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 8 differs from the electrosurgical power connectors shown by reference to Figures 1 through 7 , in particular, in that a sensing plate 70 is provided in place of a lever . The sensing plate 70 is disposed in a flat and open housing, the edge of which forms a frame 76 completely surrounding the sensing plate 70 . Springs 72 form restraints which hold the touch plate 70 in the rest position shown in Figure 8 and defined in particular by mechanical stops not shown in Figure 8 , as long as no further force is applied to the touch plate 70 . Manual pressure can overcome the elastic restoring forces of the springs 72 and actuate the sensing plate 70 , namely move it toward the power interface 50 . Switches 86 , electrically connected in parallel , detect actuation of the touch plate by closing a control circuit .

Figure 8 shows two springs 72 . Alternatively, only one or more than two springs 72 may be provided . Two switches 86 are shown in Figure 8 . Alternatively, only one or more than two switches 86 may be provided . Alternatively, the switches 86 may be connected in series to close the control circuit only when the entire touch plate is fully moved .

Deviating from the illustration in Figure 8 , the springs 72 may be integrated with the touch plate 70or and/or the housing surrounding it and forming the frame 76 , in particular formed integrally . Alternatively or additionally, the switches 86 may be partially or fully integrated with the springs 72 .

Furthermore , in deviation from the illustration in Figure 8 , a scissor mechanism may be provided, for example , to ensure a parallel displacement of the entire touch plate 70 when actuated .

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and another alternative embodiment of the electrosurgical power connector 40 . The section plane of Figure 9 corresponds to the section planes of Figures 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 and 8 . The configuration shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the configuration shown with reference to Figures 3 , 5 , 7 and 8 in which the power interfaces 30 , 50 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 are mechanically and electrically separated and spaced apart , but oriented so that they can be mechanically and electrically connected by a straight line translational approach .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 9 is similar in some features , characteristics , and functions to the electrosurgical power connectors illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 8 .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 9 differs from the electrosurgical power connectors shown in Figures 1 to 8 in particular in that a switch 86 directly mechanically coupled to the lever 60 is designed as a power switch . Depending on the position of the lever 60 , the switch 86 interrupts or enables transmission of electrical power from the power source 100 ( cf . Figure 1 ) through the flexible conduit 90 to the power interface 50 of the electrosurgical power connector 40 and thus to the handling device 20 . At the initial or rest position of the lever 60 shown in solid lines in Figure 2 , the power switch 86 interrupts the transmission of power . At the actuated position of the lever 60 shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 , the circuit breaker 86 transmits electrical power .

In the illustrated example of a bipolar electrosurgical instrument , both poles can be switched, in deviation from the illustration in Figure 9 . Furthermore , in deviation from the embodiment in Figure 9 , similar to the examples illustrated with reference to Figures 5 to 8 , a frame 76 may be provided to protect against unintentional actuation . Alternatively or additionally deviating from the illustration in Figure 9 , similar to the example illustrated with reference to Figure 7 , the j oint 62 may be formed as a solid-state j oint . Alternatively or additionally deviating from the illustration in Figure 9 , similar to the example illustrated with reference to Figure 8 , a touch plate may be provided instead of the lever 60 .

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a section through a portion of the handling device 20 shown by reference to Figures 1 and 2 and another alternative embodiment of the electrosurgical power connector 40 . The section plane of Figure 10 corresponds to the section planes of Figures 2 , 3 , 5 and 7 to 9 . The configuration shown in Figure 10 corresponds to that illustrated with reference to Figures 3 , 5 and 7 to 9 in which the power interfaces 30 , 50 of the handling device 20 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 are mechanically and electrically separated and spaced apart but oriented so that they can be mechanically and electrically connected by a straight line translational approach .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 10 is similar in some features , characteristics , and functions to the electrosurgical power connectors illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 9 .

The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 10 differs from the electrosurgical power connectors shown in Figures 1 to 9 , in particular , in that instead of a spring or other elastic device , two mutually repelling magnets 74 are provided as restoring means for the lever 60 . One of the two magnets 74 is mechanically rigidly connected to the lever 60 , and the other magnet 74 is mechanically rigidly connected to the remainder of the electrosurgical power connector 40 , namely its outer insulation region 56 . The electrosurgical power connector 40 shown in Figure 10 further differs from the electrosurgical power connector illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 9 in that a switch 86 mechanically coupled to the lever 60 as a sensor for sensing actuation of the lever 60 is not directly connected to the power source 100 via control signal lines . Instead, the switch 86 is connected to a controller 88 . Instead of the switch 86 shown in Figure 5 , for example , a Hall sensor that detects the magnitude and/or direction of a magnetic field generated by a magnet 74 on the lever 60 may be provided as a sensor, wherein the magnet 74 may simultaneously be part of the reset device as indicated in Figure 10 . The controller 88 84 is exemplarily indicated as a microprocessor . The controller 88 receives the sensor signal and generates a control signal for the electrosurgical power source . The controller 88 may be configured to trigger the provision of electrical power by the power source not every time the lever 60 is actuated, but only when the actuation of the lever 60 corresponds to a predetermined pattern . For example , the predetermined pattern includes two separate actuations of the lever within a time interval of predetermined duration .

The sensor 82 , controller 88 , and circuit breaker 86 may be partially or fully integrated, for example , in a single component or on a single semiconductor crystal ( die ) .

Both modifications described in Figure 10 can be implemented independently of each other on an electrosurgical power connector . The electrosurgical power connectors shown in Figures 1 through 9 may also have a pair of repulsive magnets 74 as the reset mechanism . Similarly, in an electrosurgical power connector that otherwise corresponds to one of those illustrated with reference to Figures 1 through 9 , a controller 88 may be provided that receives a sensor signal from a switch 86 or other sensor and generates a control signal for a power source based on, for example , whether actuation of the user interface 60 , 70 corresponds to a predetermined pattern .

In a departure from the embodiment shown in Figure 10 , the controller 88 may control one or more circuit breakers , which may be integrated into either the electrosurgical power connector 40 or a conduit connected to the electrosurgical power connector 40 or another electrosurgical power connector at a proximal end thereof .

Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of parts of another electrosurgical system similar in some properties , features and functions to the system shown by reference to Figure 1 , The electrosurgical system shown in Figure 11 comprises in particular an electrosurgical instrument not shown in Figure 11 having a handling device at its proximal end, an electrosurgical power connector 40 as described by reference to any of Figures 2 to 8 and 10 , a flexible conduit 90 and a power source . The flexible conduit 90 has a proximal end 92 that is particularly configured as a connector and, in the illustrated example , is directly connected to a corresponding connector of the power source 100 .

The power source 100 of the electrosurgical system shown in Figure 11 includes a high voltage generator 104 and a controller 108 . In particular , the controller includes a microprocessor . The controller 108 receives the control signal generated by the switch 86 or other sensor for sensing actuation of a user interface via the flexible conduit 90 and the connector at the proximal end 92 thereof and controls the high voltage generator 104 . Controlled by the controller 108 , the high voltage generator 104 provides electrical power in the form of high frequency alternating voltage having a frequency of tens of kHz and an amplitude of several hundred volts . This electrical power is transmitted to the electrosurgical instrument through the flexible conduit 90 and the electrosurgical power connector 40 at the distal end 96 thereof .

The controller may be configured to trigger the provision of electrical power by the high voltage generator not every time the user interface on the electrosurgical power connector 40 is actuated, but only when the actuation corresponds to a predetermined pattern . Such a predetermined pattern corresponds , for example , to actuation twice within a time interval of predetermined duration . The power source 100 may enable selection of the predetermined pattern from a plurality of predetermined patterns or configuration of the predetermined pattern by medical personnel . To this end, the power source may include , for example , a user interface or be coupled to an external user interface .

The flexible conduit 90 with the electrosurgical power connector 40 at its distal end forms an electrosurgical power cable .

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of parts of another electrosurgical system similar in some properties , features and functions to the system shown by Figure 1 and especially to the system shown by Figure 11 , The electrosurgical system shown in Figure 12 differs from the electrosurgical system illustrated by reference to Figure 11 , in particular , in that the control signal generated by the user interface at the electrosurgical power connector 40 and transmitted through the flexible conduit 90 and the electrical power generated by the high voltage generator 104 are not transmitted through a common connector integrating contacts for both . Instead, the electrosurgical power source has a power output 102 at which the electrical power is provided and, separately, a control signal input 106 at which the control signal is received, particularly in two different and spaced apart connectors . Many conventional electrosurgical power sources have these two distinct and spaced connectors , with the control signal input 106 conventionally often connected to a foot pedal to control the delivery of electrical power with the foot .

The flexible conduit 90 has a Y-shaped topology with two proximal ends 92 , 94 . One proximal end 92 of the flexible conduit 90 is configured as a power input (particularly in the form of a connector ) and is mechanically and electrically connected to the power output 102 of the electrosurgical power source 100 . The other proximal end 94 of the flexible conduit 90 is configured as a control signal output (particularly in the form of a connector ) and is connected to the control signal input 106 of the electrosurgical power source 100 .

The flexible conduit 90 having the electrosurgical power connector 40 at its distal end, the power input at one proximal end 92 , and a control signal output at the other proximal end 94 forms an electrosurgical power cable having a Y-shaped topology . This electrosurgical power cable , when used with a conventional power source intended to be controlled by a pedal and a handling device , also conventional , on an electrosurgical instrument , allows control of the provision of electrical power by means of a user interface near the handling device .

Reference sign electrosurgical instrument proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument 10 Shaft of the electrosurgical instrument 10 distal end of the electrosurgical instrument 10 Longitudinal and symmetrical axis of shaft 14 and maj or axis of electrosurgical instrument 10 Handling device of the electrosurgical instrument 10 distal end of the handling device 20 fixed eye of the handling device 20 manually movable eye of the handling device 20 Power interface of the handling device 20 first contact of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 second contact of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 tubular outer insulation area of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 .

Symmetry axis and plug-in direction of the power interface 30 of the handling device 20 electrosurgical power connector for the electrosurgical instrument 10 proximal end of the electrosurgical power connector 40 distal end of the electrosurgical power connector 40 Power interface at distal end 46 of electrosurgical power connector 40 first contact of power interface 50 at distal end 46 of electrosurgical power connector 40 second contact of power interface 50 at distal end 46 of electrosurgical power connector 40 outer tubular isolation region of power interface 50 at distal end 46 of electrosurgical power connector 40 Symmetry axis and plug-in direction of the electrosurgical power connector 40

Lever as manually operable user interface of the electrosurgical power connector 40

Joint of the lever 60

Main extension direction of lever 60

Free end of lever 60

Swivel axis of lever 60 defined by j oint 62

Touch plate

Spring as resetter mutually repulsive magnets as resets

Frame around the lever 60

Sensor for detecting the position or a movement of the lever 60

Switch

Processor as control flexible conduit for transmitting electrical power from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument 10 proximal end of flexible conduit 90 in the form of a connector as a power input . proximal end of flexible conduit 90 in the form of a connector as control signal output distal end of flexible conduit 90 electrosurgical power source

Power interface as power output of the electrosurgical power source 100

High voltage generator of electrosurgical power source 100 Control signal input of the electrosurgical power source 100 Control of the electrosurgical power source 100 , in particular processor

Claims

Claims An electrosurgical power connector (40) for transmitting electrical power to a handling device (20) of an electrosurgical instrument (10) , comprising: a proximal end (42) connectable or connected to a conduit (90) for supplying electrical power from a power source (100) ; a distal end (46) ; a power interface (50) at the distal end (46) of the electrosurgical power connector (40) , directly mechanically and electrically releasably connectable to a corresponding power interface (30) of the handling device (20) of the electrosurgical instrument (10) , for transmitting electrical power to the electrosurgical instrument (10) ; and a manually operable user interface (60, 70) for controlling the provision of electrical power at the power interface (50) , wherein the power interface (50) and the user interface (60) are arranged in a unit. An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein. the user interface comprises a manually pivotable lever (60) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to claim 1, wherein. the user interface comprises at least one of a manually operable touch plate (70) and a touch sensitive surface. An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to the preceding claim, in which the user interface (60, 70) is elongated and extends substantially parallel to a mating direction (58) of the power interface (50) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the power interface (50) is substantially rotationally symmetric about an axis of symmetry (58) , the user interface (60, 70) is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry (58) of the power interface (50) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein a distal end (66) of the user interface (60, 70) is located near or forms the most distal point of the distal end (46) of the electrosurgical power connector (40) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power interface (50) is mechanically and electrically connectable in a plurality of different angular positions to a corresponding power interface (30) of the handling device (20) of the electrosurgical instrument (10) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrosurgical power connector (40) is rotatable about an axis (38, 58) in a configuration mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding power interface (30) of the handling device (20) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a resetter (72; 74) mechanically coupled to or integrated with the user interface (60, 70) for generating a resetting force for resetting the user interface (60, 70) to an initial configuration assumed without actuation force, wherein actuation of the user interface (60, 70) requires overcoming a restoring force of the resetting device (72; 74) , wherein the restoring force of the restorer (72; 74) is such that actuation of the user interface (60, 70) is not possible solely by a weight force of the electrosurgical power connector (40) and an electrosurgical instrument (10) mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrosurgical power connector (40) . An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (60) is configured to control the provision of electrical power to the power interface (50) only upon actuation of the user interface according to a predetermined pattern. An electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power interface (50) is provided and configured for solely mechanically and electrically connecting the electrosurgical power connector (40) to the handling device (20) of the electrosurgical instrument (10) . An electrosurgical power cable (90) comprising: a flexible conduit (90) having a proximal end (92) mechanically and electrically connectable or connected to a power source (100) ; an electrosurgical power connector (40) according to any one of the preceding claims at a distal end (94) of the conduit ( 90 ) . An electrosurgical power cable (90) , according to the preceding claim, in which the power cable (90) has a Y-shaped topology, a further electrosurgical power connector (92) for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to a power output (102) of an electrosurgical power source (100) forming a first proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable (90) a control signal output (94) for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to a control signal input (106) of the electrosurgical power source (100) forms a second proximal end of the electrosurgical power cable (90) . An electrosurgical power cable (90) according to the preceding claim with reference back to claim 10, wherein at least one of a controller (88) and a power switch (86) is disposed in a further power connector at the proximal end (94) of the flexible cable (90) . An electrosurgical power source (100) for providing electrical power for an electrosurgical procedure, comprising :

A control signal input (106) for receiving a control signal ; a high voltage generator (104) for generating electrical power; a controller (108) coupled to the control signal input (106) and to the high voltage generator (104) for controlling the high voltage generator (104) in response to a control signal received at the control signal input (106) ; and a power output (102) coupled to the high voltage generator (104) and connectable to an electrosurgical instrument (10) by an electrosurgical power cable (90) for providing electrical power, wherein the controller (108) is configured to control the high voltage generator (104) based on whether an actuation of the user interface (60) represented by the control signal corresponds to a predetermined pattern.