Optimizing RF power spatial distribution using frequency control
US8211097B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00851
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electro-surgical system actively maintains an optimal heating profile at the electrode-patient contact surface under varying load resistivity, thereby reducing the risk of burns and maximizing patient comfort at a given power level. A set of temperature sensors is integrated within the electrode assembly of the electrosurgical system. The sensors are located both at the center and the edges of the electrode. The sensors are thermally coupled to the electrode-patient contact surface and have a time response that is short compared to the thermal time constraints of the tissue. Some degree of signal processing may take place at the sensor, inside the transducer assembly. As RF power is applied, a control loop monitors the temperature at the center and edges of the electrode. If the edge temperature of the electrode is high compared to its center temperature, then the control loop increases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the center of the electrode. Conversely, if the edge temperature of the electrode is low compared to its center temperature, then the control loop decreases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the edges of the electro…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.