With Feed Back Control Patents (Class 606/38)
  • Patent number: 9099863
    Abstract: A surgical generator and related method for mitigating overcurrent conditions are provided. The surgical generator includes a power supply, a radio frequency output stage, an overcurrent detection circuit in operative communication with an interrupt circuit, and a processor. The power supply generates a power signal and supplies the power signal to the radio frequency output stage. The radio frequency output stage generates a radio frequency signal from the power signal. The overcurrent detection circuit detects an overcurrent of the power signal and/or an overcurrent of the radio frequency signal. The interrupt circuit provides an interrupt signal in response to a detected overcurrent. The processor receives the interrupt signal and supplies a pulse-width modulation signal to the power supply and incrementally decreases the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal in response to the interrupt signal. The radio frequency output stage may be disabled in response to the detected overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert B. Smith, Steven C. Rupp
  • Patent number: 9060776
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, methods for controlling electrical power provided to tissue via a surgical device may comprise providing a drive signal. A power of the drive signal may be proportional to a power provided to the tissue via the surgical device. The methods may also comprise periodically receiving indications of an impedance of the tissue and applying a first composite power curve to the tissue, wherein applying the first composite power curve to the tissue comprises. Applying the first composite power curve to the tissue may comprise modulating a first predetermined number of first composite power curve pulses on the drive signal; and for each of the first composite power curve pulses, determining a pulse power and a pulse width according to a first function of the impedance of the tissue The methods may also comprise applying a second composite power curve to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Scott B. Killinger, Mark A. Davison, Gavin M. Monson
  • Patent number: 9050093
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, methods to control electrical power provided to tissue via first and second electrodes may comprise providing a drive signal to the tissue via the first and second electrodes and modulating a power provided to the tissue via the drive signal based on a sensed tissue impedance according to a first power curve. The first power curve may define, for each of a plurality of potential sensed tissue impedances, a first corresponding power. The methods may also comprise monitoring a total energy provided to the tissue via the first and second electrodes. When the total energy reaches a first energy threshold, the methods may comprise determining whether an impedance of the tissue has reached a first impedance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Scott B. Killinger, Mark A. Davison
  • Patent number: 9039695
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, methods for controlling electrical power provided to tissue via a surgical device may comprise providing a drive signal to a surgical device; receiving an indication of an impedance of the tissue; calculating a rate of increase of the impedance of the tissue; and modulating the drive signal to hold the rate of increase of the impedance greater than or equal to a predetermined constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Giordano, Scott B. Killinger
  • Patent number: 9039696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-frequency surgical device for generating high-frequency energy for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue. The high-frequency surgical device comprises an application part being electrically connectable to an electrosurgical instrument having at least one activation switch, an intermediary power circuit galvanically separated from the application part, a DC power source which, in operation, provides in the application part at least one DC voltage, a with the DC voltage source electrically connected control signal generator which, in operation, generates in the application part (10) from the DC voltage an alternating control signal with a predetermined switching frequency, and a to the control signal generator electrically connected evaluation unit being electrically connectable to the activation switch of the instrument and which, when the activation switch is actuated, transmits a with the switching frequency oscillating activation signal to the input power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Ilja Assmus, Uwe Fischer, Andreas Karrasch, Lutz Kersten, Stefan Schiddel, Timo Strauss
  • Publication number: 20150141981
    Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes an end effector, a generator, and a controller. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and at least one electrode surface. The generator provides power to the end effector. The end effector applies ultrasonic energy to tissue via the blade or RF energy to tissue via the at least one electrode surface. The controller is configured to select between one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy, and thereby control the generator to provide the selected one or both of ultrasonic energy or RF energy at the end effector, based on a sensed operating condition of the end effector. The controller may select between ultrasonic energy and RF energy based on whether a clamp arm is in an open position relative to the blade, based on which button is being activated, and based on whether tissue is sensed at the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Benjamin D. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 9028482
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for performing electrosurgery is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument, such as an electrosurgical antenna, knife, forceps, suction coagulator, or vessel sealer. The disclosed system includes an impedance sensor, a controller, dynamic impedance matching network, and an electrosurgical energy generator. The dynamic impedance matching network includes a PIN diode switching array configured to selectively activate a plurality of reactive elements. The disclosed arrangement of reactive elements provides real-time impedance correction over a wide range of impedance mismatch conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: George J. Collins
  • Patent number: 9028481
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes an RF output stage, a DC blocking capacitor, a measuring circuit, and a sensor circuit. The RF output stage generates electrosurgical energy for application to an active electrode. The DC blocking capacitor is electrically coupled between the RF output stage and the active electrode. The measuring circuit is coupled to the DC blocking capacitor and measures the voltage across the DC blocking capacitor. The sensor circuit determines the current of the electrosurgical energy as a function of the voltage across the DC blocking capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Robert J. Behnke, II
  • Patent number: 8986302
    Abstract: A surgical device control circuit. The control circuit may comprise a first circuit portion comprising at least one first switch. The first circuit portion may communicate with a surgical generator over a conductor pair. The control circuit may also comprise a second circuit portion comprising a data circuit element. The data circuit element may be disposed in an instrument of the surgical device and transmit or receive data. The data circuit element may implement data communications with the surgical generator over at least one conductor of the conductor pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Eitan T. Wiener, James R. Giordano
  • Patent number: 8968298
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes a housing. An outer shaft extends from the housing. The outer shaft includes a bifurcated distal end having a pair of first spaced-apart members with an elongated slot extending therebetween. The pair of first spaced-apart members configured to receive tissue therebetween. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes a bifurcated distal end having a pair of second spaced-apart members with an elongated slot extending therebetween. The pair of second spaced-apart members is configured to receive tissue therebetween. Each of the pairs of the first and second spaced apart members includes one or more electrodes thereon. The inner shaft is rotatable from an initial configuration for positioning tissue between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members to a subsequent configuration for compressing the tissue disposed between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: John R. Twomey
  • Patent number: 8968297
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for performing electrosurgery is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument, such as an electrosurgical antenna, knife, forceps, suction coagulator, or vessel sealer. The disclosed system includes an impedance sensor, a controller, dynamic impedance matching network, and an electrosurgical energy generator. The dynamic impedance matching network includes a PIN diode switching array configured to selectively activate a plurality of reactive elements. The disclosed arrangement of reactive elements provides real-time impedance correction over a wide range of impedance mismatch conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: George J. Collins
  • Patent number: 8968295
    Abstract: A circuit for controlling the discharging of stored energy in an electrosurgical generator includes a pulse modulator which controls an output of a power supply. At least one comparator is configured to provide an error signal to the pulse modulator based on a comparison between an output signal generated by the power supply and a feedback signal generated in response to the application of energy to tissue. A discharge circuit is configured to control the discharge of the output of the power supply to an inductive load disposed in parallel with the output of the power supply based on the comparison between the output signal and the feedback signal. The discharge circuit provides a rapid response and time rate control of the delivered electrosurgical energy by controlling the power supply and delivered RF energy in real time, based on a feedback signal generated in response to the application of energy to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James H. Orszulak
  • Patent number: 8956347
    Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Lorang, Matthew E. Mitchell, Karen Drucker, Kobi Iki
  • Patent number: 8945115
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator, a power source configured to deliver power to at least one load connected to the generator, a master configured to generate an initial pulse, the initial pulse cooperating with a first floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between at least one first load and the power source, and a plurality of slaves connected in series to the master, wherein a first slave is configured to generate a subsequent pulse based on the initial pulse, the subsequent pulse cooperating with a second floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between at least one second load and the power source, the subsequent pulse configured to cause an ensuing slave to generate an additional pulse, the additional pulse cooperating with a corresponding floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between at least one additional load and the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James A. Gilbert, Calvin S. Bromfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8945114
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and a system that may be used to provide feedback regarding the flow of fluid during ablation therapy. The system includes a generator that generates energy to ablate at least a portion of a target tissue, a needle that delivers the energy to the target tissue, a return electrode that receives energy dispersed from the needle, a catheter that houses at least a portion of the needle, a pump that delivers a fluid to the target tissue via the catheter, a sensor that detects a fluid parameter indicative of at least one of flow or pressure of the fluid, and a processor that analyzes the fluid parameter detected by the sensor. The sensor may be located between the pump and the target tissue. The fluid parameter detected by the system may be pressure or flow. The system may be used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elmouelhi, Paul S. Kratoska
  • Patent number: 8915910
    Abstract: Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Zoran Falkenstein, Christopher J. Cappello, Gary M. Johnson, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Olivia J. Tran, Matthew A. Wixey, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Haruyasu Yawata, Matthew M. Becerra, John R. Brustad, Adam J. Cohen, Nabil Hilal, Edward D. Pingleton, Said S. Hilal, Charles C. Hart, Chris R. Wikoff
  • Patent number: 8900226
    Abstract: An HF surgical device with an autostart function for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue with HF current. The device comprises an HF generator for generating HF current, a selected output for connecting a monopolar/bipolar electrode to the HF surgical device, a first measurement device assigned to the output for measuring a first measured value for an impedance of the electrode connected to the output, a first comparator for comparing the first measured value with a first setpoint, for switching-off the first measurement devices and for switching-on a second measurement device if the first measured value is lower than the first setpoint, for measuring a second measured value for the impedance of the connected electrode and a second comparator for comparing the second measured value with a second setpoint and for switching-on the HF current for the output if the second measured value is lower than the second setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: ERBE Electromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Selig, Martin Fritz
  • Patent number: 8892259
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system for performing a surgical procedure within the body of a subject includes an elongate surgical instrument, a robotic controller configured to control the motion of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument, and a mechanomyography feedback system in communication with the robotic controller. The mechanomyography feedback system includes an elongate sphincter contraction sensor configured to monitor a physical response of a sphincter of the subject and to provide a mechanomyography signal corresponding to the monitored response. Additionally, the feedback system includes a processor configured to receive the mechanomyography signal, to determine if the received signal is indicative of an induced sphincter response, and to provide a control signal to the robotic controller if an induced sphincter response is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Surgical Solutions, LLC.
    Inventors: Stephen Bartol, Christopher Wybo
  • Patent number: 8876816
    Abstract: In an electrosurgical system having a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power and an electrosurgical instrument, the instrument includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of finite non-zero value identifying the instrument. The generator has a sensing circuit with a second electrical component, a signal source providing a voltage step-change, and a signal detector for detecting a transient response of the combination of the identification component and the second electrical component, the detector output signal being representative of the parameter value thereby allowing automatic identification of the instrument when it is connected to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Gyrus Medical Limited
    Inventor: John R Hosier
  • Patent number: 8864760
    Abstract: This invention relates to medical methods, instruments and systems for creating a controlled lesion using temperature to control the growth of the lesion. The treatment can be used in any tissue area and is particularly useful in or around a vertebral body. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of soft or hard tissue including bone or hard tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Dfine, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Kramer, Kirti P. Kamdar, Andrew Kohm, Robert Poser, Aaron Germain
  • Patent number: 8855822
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system for performing a surgical procedure within the body of a subject includes an elongate surgical instrument, a robotic controller configured to control the motion of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument, and a mechanomyography feedback system in communication with the robotic controller. The mechanomyography feedback system includes a mechanical sensor configured to monitor a physical motion of a muscle and to provide a mechanomyography signal corresponding to the monitored physical motion. Additionally, the feedback system includes a processor configured to receive the mechanomyography signal, to determine if the received signal is indicative of an induced muscle response, and to provide a control signal to the robotic controller if an induced muscle response is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Surgical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Bartol, Christopher Wybo
  • Patent number: 8845634
    Abstract: A method of sensing gases during medical procedures that includes electronically altering a gas-identification sensor, coupled with an electronic medical device, to selectively detect at least one of a plurality of gases, receiving the at least one of the plurality of gases in the electronic medical device, the electronic medical device having an energy output, transferring the at least one of the plurality of gases to the gas-identification sensor for identification, and then reducing an amount of energy emitted from the energy output upon identification of the at least one of the plurality of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sparkoff, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Martin Deutscher, Frank Anthony Vassallo, II
  • Publication number: 20140236142
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes an electrosurgical energy output configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to a bipolar end effector assembly in a conductive fluid environment for treating tissue. A controller having a processor is configured to control a waveform of the electrosurgical energy such that the waveform oscillates between a cut phase for initiating and sustaining tissue cutting, wherein the waveform includes a cut energy greater than the energy needed to create and sustain arcing, and a hemostasis phase, for desiccating/coagulating tissue, wherein the waveform includes a hemostasis energy less than the energy needed to sustain arcing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: ARLEN K. WARD, JOE D. SARTOR, ROBERT H. WHAM
  • Patent number: 8801704
    Abstract: This disclosure describes impedance computation techniques that may reduce the effect of crosstalk, thus generating more accurate impedance measurements. In particular, an ablation system models the electrical interaction among the active electrodes and a common return electrode using a star-configuration resistor model. The ablation system computes one or more parameters of the star-configuration resistor model and adjusts the therapy based on at least the computed parameters of the star-configuration resistor model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikhil Bhushan, Thomas R. Skwarek, Graham Spall, Keith S. Bosacker
  • Patent number: 8801703
    Abstract: A system for determining probability of tissue damage is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to an electrosurgical generator configured to generate an electrosurgical current. The system also includes a current monitor and a switching component connected in series with each of the plurality of the return electrodes. The current monitor being configured to measure the electrosurgical current passing therethrough. The system further includes a processor coupled to each of the current monitors and the switching components. The processor is configured to determine the balance of a current load among the plurality of the return electrodes and configured to control each of the switching components to adjust the current passing through each of the return electrodes to balance the current load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: William N. Gregg, Kyle R. Rick
  • Patent number: 8777941
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes at least one electrosurgical electrode having a resistive element and a capacitive element configured in series. The electrosurgical system also including an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy having a first frequency which generates a first impedance in the at least one electrode due to capacitive reactance of the capacitive element in series. The generator is further configured to adjust the first frequency to at least one other frequency to generate a different impedance in the at least one electrode due to capacitive reactance of the capacitive element in series, thereby adjusting the temperature of at least one electrosurgical electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John Carlton, Darren Odom
  • Patent number: 8758337
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a user interface that may be used to control ablation therapy and monitor ablation therapy progress in systems that utilize wet electrode ablation techniques. The user interface presents a virtual electrode depth icon to a user that indicates the size of a lesion that may be created with the selected virtual electrode depth. The virtual electrode depth may be changed by the user according to the ablation therapy most appropriate for a patient, and the user may interact with the user interface to define the virtual electrode depth. In this manner, the user interface may be a touchscreen or other input device such as a mouse, pointing device, or keyboard. The user interface may also provide a thermometer icon that represents a patient temperature, a timer icon that represents a remaining time for therapy, and other representations of therapy progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Skwarek, William K. Wenger, Keith S. Bosacker
  • Patent number: 8715278
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for endometrial ablation. In accordance with a method, a working end of an RF ablation device is positioned in a patient uterus to contact endometrial tissue, the working end comprising a dielectric. Radiofrequency energy is applied for a first interval of time at constant power, the power being sufficient to capacitively couple current across the dielectric to the contacted endometrial tissue. A voltage parameter measured within the first interval, and radiofrequency energy is applied at a constant voltage over a second, treatment interval to ablate endometrial tissue, the constant voltage being related to the recorded voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Minerva Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Akos Toth, Csaba Truckai
  • Patent number: 8685016
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Publication number: 20140066925
    Abstract: A vibrating erogenic stimulator glove has an elastic textured surface with a geometric pattern of raised bumps, ridges or other protrusions. A vibration system is embedded within the elastic glove, and an electrical switch controls the electrical connection between a battery and the vibration motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Rheynard HOWARD
  • Patent number: 8652125
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an output stage configured to generate a waveform, a first input configured to adjust a cut setting representative of a cutting effect of the waveform, and a second input configured to adjust a hemostasis setting representative of a hemostasis effect of the waveform. The generator also includes a controller configured to receive cut and hemostasis settings and to adjust one of a duty cycle, a crest factor and a power level of the waveform to achieve a combined cutting and hemostasis effect based on the cut and hemostasis settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Craig A. Keller
  • Patent number: 8652128
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy and a sensor. The sensor is coupled to the electrosurgical generator and senses aerosol and/or smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generates data in response to the sensed aerosol and/or smoke and communicates the data to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator generates the electrosurgical energy as a function of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Arlen K. Ward
  • Patent number: 8652126
    Abstract: A mechanism for authenticating a physiological sensor is disclosed. When a sensor is connected to a monitor, the monitor examines whether a first sensor-specific usage identifier of the connected sensor is consistent with a second sensor-specific usage identifier thereof. The first and second sensor-specific usage identifiers are indicative of the cumulative usage of the connected sensor, but may nevertheless be unequal. The first sensor-specific usage identifier is maintained in the sensor and the second sensor-specific usage identifier in a host memory external to the sensor. The use of the connected sensor is allowed when the examining indicates that the said two identifiers of the connected sensor are consistent, and rejected when the identifiers are inconsistent. The two identifiers are further updated in response to the use of the connected sensor in the patient monitor, thereby to keep the said identifiers consistent and updated for a subsequent use attempt of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Borje Rantala
  • Patent number: 8636730
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is contemplated by the present disclosure. The method includes applying an electrosurgical waveform to tissue through an electrode. The electrosurgical waveform includes one or more positive half-cycles one or more negative half-cycles. The method also includes measuring voltage and current of the electrosurgical waveform to detect a peak voltage of each of the positive half-cycles and the negative half-cycles and comparing the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles to determine generation of electrical discharges. The method further includes adjusting the current of the electrosurgical waveform to regulate the generation of the electrical discharges based on a comparison of the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David S. Keppel
  • Patent number: 8623006
    Abstract: An actuation system is disclosed for actuating an ablation instrument for an ablation process in a tissue volume. In at least one embodiment, the actuation system includes: an input interface for image data of the tissue volume; an identification unit for identifying a target tissue using the image data; a model production unit for producing process models and/or refined fine process models of expected ablation developments, which is linked to a value derivation unit for deriving model measured values from a process model and/or to a value determination unit for determining measured values representing the ablation progress; a command derivation unit for deriving control commands on the basis of process models and/or for deriving refined control commands on the basis of fine process models; a comparator for comparing measured values and an instrument interface for transmitting control commands and/or refined control commands to the ablation instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Matthias Niethammer
  • Patent number: 8603082
    Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Lorang, Kobi Iki, Mathew Mitchell, Karen Drucker
  • Patent number: 8597287
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is capable of selectively varying the power applied to an electrosurgical probe, without interruption or discontinuity, in a variable mode or providing a constant coagulation power value to the probe. In a fixed mode, power to the electrosurgical probe must be discontinued to change the power level output by the probe. A single controller is capable of operating the probe in the variable mode and the fixed mode. The controller includes an actuator for stopping the cutting operation and then switching to a constant coagulation output during either of the variable mode or the fixed mode. The controller of the system may selectively control a separate surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steffan A. Benamou, Brannon P. Wells, Saheel B. Sutaria
  • Patent number: 8591507
    Abstract: This invention relates to medical methods, instruments and systems for creating a controlled lesion using temperature to control the growth of the lesion. The treatment can be used in any tissue area and is particularly useful in or around a vertebral body. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of soft or hard tissue including bone or hard tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dfine, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Kramer, Kirti P. Kamdar, Andrew Kohm, Robert Poser, Aaron Germain
  • Patent number: 8568400
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided which includes a housing and an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally. The housing has a treatment portion attached and defining a chamber therein for retaining an activation circuit and a control circuit. The activation circuit is operably coupled to at least one activation element that is activatable to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy from a generator to tissue proximate the treatment portion. The control circuit includes a microprocessor to enable bidirectional communication between the electrosurgical instrument and the generator relating to usage information of the electrosurgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8556892
    Abstract: A method of applying ablation energy to achieve transmurality including applying ablation energy at a starting power to a tissue site and monitoring the impedance of the tissue site. A power applied to the tissue site can be reduced as a function of a rate of an increase in impedance according to some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinback Hong, David E. Francischelli, Mark T. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8545493
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Darion Peterson, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Richard A. Willyard
  • Patent number: 8512332
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage configured to generate a radio frequency waveform and a sensor circuit configured to measure a property of the radio frequency waveform during a predetermined sampling period to determine whether an arc event has occurred. The generator also includes a controller configured to determine a total charge and/or total energy deposited by the radio frequency waveform during the predetermined sampling period associated with the arc event. The controller is further configured to adjust the output of the electrosurgical generator based on at least one parameter to limit arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Covidien LP, Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: George J. Collins, Cameron A. Moore, Arlen K. Ward
  • Patent number: 8486061
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for supplying electrosurgical energy to tissue is disclosed. The generator includes sensor circuitry configured to measure an imaginary impedance and/or a rate of change of the imaginary impedance of tissue. The generator also includes a controller configured to regulate output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured imaginary impedance and/or the rate of change of the imaginary impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Patent number: 8486060
    Abstract: A method for tissue ablation is described. An RF applicator including an electrode carrier with one or more bipolar electrodes thereon is positioned at a target tissue site for tissue ablation. A current at an initial current level is passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the target tissue site to apply an initial power density to destroy tissue for an initial time period. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the RF applicator is employed to remove moisture generated during ablation away from the target tissue site. After the initial time period, the power density is ramped up by increasing the current passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the target tissue site for a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Kotmel, Russel M. Sampson, Scott Dennis Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130172791
    Abstract: A method for a sexual stimulation aid such as a vibrator with at list one sensor connecting to a computerized or electronic operator, wherein, the sensors designated to imitates male pin physiologic behaviors, wherein, one implementation of the method enabling by an appropriate sensors, connected to the vibrator mechanism, fitted to detect wetness, or moistness, or touch, or combination of some of these sensors, wherein, when the sensor detecting the condition, the reading passes to the vibrator mechanism that change the vibrator position from “fallen condition” to “stand still condition” as in the method of the present invention. A strap extension to the vibration unit is optional in the method scope of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Shoham Golan
  • Patent number: 8430874
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes one or more radio frequency (RF) power sources and an output stage including at least two output lines for connection to an electrosurgical instrument. The generator includes means for measuring a parameter associated with the electrosurgical procedure, such as the impedance measured across two of the output lines. A controller controls the generator such that it delivers a first RF waveform (such as a cutting signal) or a second RF waveform (such as a coagulating signal) to the output lines, and, in a combined mode, both first and second waveforms. The controller automatically adjusts at least one aspect of one or both waveforms in the combined mode, in response to the measured parameter associated with the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Gyrus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Michael D. Newton, Richard J. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8414508
    Abstract: A tissue ablation method for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises locating an ostium of a pulmonary vein and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the ostium. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the ostium is located and tissue around the ostium is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a contiguous lesion circumscribing the ostium. The lesion blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the tissue so as to reduce or eliminate the atrial fibrillation. The ablating is modified so as to avoid ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: VytronUS, Inc.
    Inventors: Hira V. Thapliyal, David A. Gallup, James W. Arenson
  • Patent number: 8409186
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical generator which includes a controller configured to generate a first pulse train having at least one first control pulse and at least one first reset pulse. The controller also includes a second pulse train having at least one second control pulse and at least one second reset pulse. The first control pulse(s) and the second control pulse(s) are asynchronous and the reset pulse(s) are synchronous. The electrosurgical generator also includes an RF output stage which includes a first switching element and a second switching element. The control pulses are configured to activate the first switching element and second switching elements, respectively, in an asynchronous fashion to generate a non-continuous RF waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert J. Behnke, Robert H. Wham
  • Patent number: 8382751
    Abstract: A method for minimizing current draw on a power source for an electrosurgical system includes the step of generating a first pulse signal from a master device to electrically cooperate with a first floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between one or more first loads and a power supply. The method also includes the step of triggering an ensuing pulse signal from a slave device based on the first pulse signal to electrically cooperate with a subsequent floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between one or more subsequent loads and the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James A. Gilbert, Calvin S. Bromfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8377053
    Abstract: A circuit for controlling the discharging of stored energy in an electrosurgical generator includes a pulse modulator which controls an output of a power supply. At least one comparator is configured to provide an error signal to the pulse modulator based on a comparison between an output signal generated by the power supply and a feedback signal generated in response to the application of energy to tissue. A discharge circuit is configured to control the discharge of the output of the power supply to an inductive load disposed in parallel with the output of the power supply based on the comparison between the output signal and the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: James H. Orszulak