ELECTROSURGICAL GENERATOR

摘要

This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process. The graphic display gives the clinician an instantaneous and intuitive feeling for the dynamics and stability of the ablation process for safety and control. This invention relates to monitoring and controlling multiple ground pads to optimally carry return currents during high-frequency tissue ablation, and to prevent of ground-pad skin burns. This invention relates to the use of ultrasound imaging intraoperatively during a tissue ablation procedure. This invention relates to the use of nerve stimulation and blocking during a tissue ablation procedure.

主权项

1. A system for tissue ablation that includes a radiofrequency signal generator, a controller, an ablation electrode, and at least two ground pads; wherein the controller automatically generates a sequence of at least two configurations; wherein, in a first configuration having a first duration, both a first ground pad and a second ground pad are connected to the radiofrequency signal generator, and current generated by the radiofrequency signal generator flows from the ablation electrode to both the first ground pad and the second ground pad through a living body; wherein, in a second configuration having a second duration, the first ground pad is disconnected from the radiofrequency signal generator, the second ground pad is connected to the radiofrequency signal generator, current generated by the radiofrequency signal generator flows from the ablation electrode to the second ground pad through the living body, and current from the radiofrequency signal generator does not flow substantially through the first ground pad; the identity of the first ground pad is not predetermined.