ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING ENHANCED TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT

摘要

Electrosurgical systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. A controller automatically suspends energy delivery for one or more periods of time while the temperature is monitored.

主权项

1. An electrosurgical system for treating tissue at a target site with an electrosurgical probe, the probe comprising a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, an active electrode terminal disposed near the distal end, said system comprising:
a high frequency power supply for delivery of high frequency energy to said active electrode terminal, the high frequency power supply coupled to the active electrode terminal and a return electrode; a controller for receiving a temperature signal from a temperature sensor positioned in an electrically conductive fluid located at the target site and wherein the electrically conductive fluid provides a current path between the active electrode terminal and the return electrode and wherein the controller is operable to automatically suspend delivery of the high frequency energy to said active electrode terminal for at least one suspension period, and said controller further being operable to monitor the temperature signal during the at least one suspension period and wherein said controller is adapted to determine a measured temperature of said electrically conductive fluid located at the target site based on said temperature signal being monitored.