Patent ID: 8298226
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical system comprising an electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power at a generator operating frequency and an electrosurgical instrument coupled to the generator, wherein the generator comprises a multiple-phase RF output stage having at least three outputs for coupling to respective electrodes of the electrosurgical instrument for delivering RF power to the electrodes, wherein the electrosurgical instrument is a forceps instrument comprising first and second jaws coupled to first and second generator outputs, the first and second jaws being adapted to coagulate tissue grasped therebetween, the forceps instrument also including a cutting electrode coupled to a third generator output, the cutting electrode being adapted to cut tissue grasped between the jaws, and wherein the configuration of the output stage of the generator is such that respective RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered across each pair of said three outputs at the operating frequency, each such waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the waveforms delivered across the respective other pairs of the three outputs, such that the forceps instrument is capable of the simultaneous coagulation and cutting of tissue.