Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6309386?dq=Martin-Electronics
Timestamp: 2015-03-02 20:51:19
Document Index: 729347986

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

Patent US6309386 - Linear power control with PSK regulation - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsIt is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-channel radio frequency (RF) power delivery and control system for applying energy to multiple electrodes of an RF tissue heating device. In a first embodiment of the invention an apparatus for controlling electrical cross-talk in an electro-surgical...http://www.google.com/patents/US6309386?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6309386 - Linear power control with PSK regulationAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6309386 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/167,412Publication dateOct 30, 2001Filing dateOct 6, 1998Priority dateOct 6, 1997Fee statusLapsedAlso published asUS6139546, US6165173, US6228079, US6231569, US6293941, WO1999017672A1Publication number09167412, 167412, US 6309386 B1, US 6309386B1, US-B1-6309386, US6309386 B1, US6309386B1InventorsRobin B. BekOriginal AssigneeSomnus Medical Technologies, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (105), Non-Patent Citations (7), Referenced by (14), Classifications (25), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetLinear power control with PSK regulation
US 6309386 B1Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-channel radio frequency (RF) power delivery and control system for applying energy to multiple electrodes of an RF tissue heating device.
In a first embodiment of the invention an apparatus for controlling electrical cross-talk in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a driver, a first electrode, a second electrode, a ground for delivery of power to a surgical site, a power measurement circuit and a waveform generator. The power measurement circuit computes differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the first electrode and the second electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power emanating from the first electrode and the second electrode. The waveform generator modulates a driver signal generated by the driver to increase and to decrease an integer number of whole wavelengths of the driver signal to produce a first oscillating signal measured at the first electrode and a second oscillating signal measured at the second electrode.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention a method for power control in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed.
What is claimed is: 1. A method for power control in an electro-surgical instrument including a driver, and at least one electrode and a ground for delivery of power in the form of a first oscillating signal to a surgical site, and the method for power control comprising the acts of:
computing differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the at least one electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power in the first oscillating signal; and modulating a driver signal generated by the driver to increase and to decrease an integer number of whole wavelengths of the driver signal to produce the first oscillating signal, responsive to said computing act. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said modulating act further comprises the act of:
switchable decoupling the at least one electrode from the driver signal to decrease by the integer number of the whole wavelengths the first oscillating signal. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said modulating act further comprises the act of:
establishing a control interval corresponding to a first integer number of characteristic wavelengths of the driver signal; implementing an active interval in the first oscillating signal in which the first oscillating signal corresponds with the driver signal; implementing a null interval in the first oscillating signal by decoupling the driver signal from the electrode. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoupling in said act of implementing a null interval results in said first oscillating signal exhibiting a null level.
5. A method for power control in an electro-surgical instrument including a driver, a first electrode and a second electrode and a ground for delivery of power to a surgical site, and the method for power control comprising the acts of:
computing differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the first electrode and the second electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power emanating from the first electrode and the second electrode; and modulating a driver signal generated by the driver to increase and to decrease an integer number of whole wavelengths of the driver signal to produce a first oscillating signal measured at the first electrode and a second oscillating signal measured at the second electrode, responsive to said computing act. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said modulating act further comprises the act of:
switchably decoupling the first electrode from the driver signal to decrease by the integer number of the whole wavelengths the first oscillating signal, to avoid an electrical crosstalk between the second electrode and the first electrode; and switchably decoupling the second electrode from the driver signal to decrease by the integer number of the whole wavelengths the second oscillating signal to avoid an electrical crosstalk between the first electrode and the second electrode. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said modulating act further comprises the act of:
establishing a control interval corresponding to a first integer number of characteristic wavelengths of the driver signal; implementing active intervals in the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal in which the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal correspond with the driver signal; and implementing null intervals in the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal by decoupling the driver signal from the electrode. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the decoupling in said act of implementing null intervals results in the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal exhibiting a null level.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the decoupling in said act of implementing null intervals reduces an electrical crosstalk between the first electrode and the second electrode.
10. The method of claim 5, wherein the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal are phase synchronous.
11. An apparatus for controlling electrical cross-talk in an electro-surgical instrument including a driver, a first electrode and a second electrode and a ground for delivery of power to a surgical site, and the apparatus for controlling cross-talk comprising:
a power measurement circuit for computing differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the first electrode and the second electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power emanating from the first electrode and the second electrode; and a waveform generator coupled to a power drive and an isolation switchs the waveform generator modulating a driver signal generated by the power drive to increase and to decrease an integer number of whole wavelengths of the driver signal to produce a first oscillating signal measured at the first electrode and a second oscillating signal measured at the second electrode. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the isolation switch decouples the first electrode from the driver signal to decrease by the integer number of the whole wavelengths the first oscillating signal, to avoid an electrical crosstalk between the second electrode and the first electrode;
and for switchably decoupling the second electrode from the driver signal to decrease by the integer number of the whole wavelengths the second oscillating signal to avoid an electrical crosstalk between the first electrode and the second electrode. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:
a timer for establishing a control interval corresponding to a first integer number of characteristic wavelengths of the driver signal; a logic unit for implementing active intervals in the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal in which the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal correspond with the driver signal; and implementing null intervals in the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal by decoupling the driver signal from the electrode. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the decoupling results in the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal exhibiting a null level.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the decoupling reduces an electrical crosstalk between the first electrode and the second electrode.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first oscillating signal and the second oscillating signal are phase synchronous.
This application claims the benefit of prior filed copending Provisional Application No. 60/061,193, filed on Oct. 6, 1997, entitled Linear Power Control With PSK Regulation, Provisional Application No. 60/062,458, filed on Oct. 6, 1997, entitled Linear Power Control With Digital Phase Lock, Provisional Application, Provisional Application No. 60/061,197, filed on Oct. 6, 1997, entitled Memory for Regulating Device Utilization and Behavior, Provisional Application No. 60/061,714, filed on Oct. 6, 1997, entitled Dual Processor Architecture For Electro Generator, Provisional Application No. 60/062,543, filed on Oct. 6, 1997, entitled Method And Apparatus For Power Measurement In Radio Frequency Electro-Surgical Generators, and Provisional Application No. 60/061,213, filed on Oct. 6, 1997, entitled Method And Apparatus for Impedance Measurement In A Multi-Channel Electro-Surgical Generator.
The present application is related to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,217, filed Oct. 6, 1998, entitled Linear Power Control With Digital Phase Lock, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,222, filed Oct. 6, 1998, entitled Memory for Regulating Device Utilization and Behavior, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,508, filed Oct. 6, 1998, entitled Dual Processor Architecture For Electro Generator, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,505, filed Oct. 6, 1998, entitled Method And Apparatus For Power Measurement In Radio Frequency Electro-Surgical Generators, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,215, filed Oct. 6, 1998, entitled Method And Apparatus for Impedance Measurement In A Multi-Channel Electro-Surgical Generator, International Application No. PCT/U.S. 98/21065, filed Oct. 6, 1998, entitled Linear Power Control With Digital Phase Lock, and International Application No. PCT/4598/21065, filed October 1998, entitled Dual Processor Architecture For Electro Generator.
Application of RF electric currents emanating from electrode tips offers the advantage of greater localization of the energy deposition since the electrode tip is nearly a point source. However, these devices require consideration and accurate monitoring of the time rate of energy transfer to the tissue. Since the electric energy flux is localized, the electrical dissipation and storage characteristics of the tissue carrying the current may vary with time as a result of the current-induced heating. Thus, the power absorbed by the tissue could vary over the time of treatment due to changing values of the tissue's electrical properties.
The localization of energy flux in an RF electro-surgical device may require a number of electrodes to be included in the surgical probe to provide adequate area coverage. This may result in the electric power being delivered across several current paths. With multiple electrodes in a surgical probe, each probe electrode may or may not be at the same electric potential at each instant due to amplitude, frequency, or phase variations in their RF oscillations. If each probe electrode is at the same potential, then a current will flow between the probe electrode and the ground pad. This mode of operation is termed monopolar. If, however, each probe electrode is not an identical potential, current will flow between the probe electrodes. This mode of operation is termed multipolar. If there are potential differences between the probe electrodes and there is a ground pad, then there are currents between the probe electrodes as well as currents between the probe electrodes and the grounding pad. This model of operation is a combination of monopolar and multipolar modes. It is noteworthy that in the case of multipolar operation, the probe electrodes are electrically coupled by the currents flowing between them. The extent of the coupling is primarily determined by the difference in electric potential between the probe electrodes and the electrical properties of the tissue between the electrodes. This coupling can confuse monitoring of applied power and tissue response.
Power control is critical in an RF electro-surgical device since it is directly related to the intended medical effects. As described, the power absorbed by the tissue can vary over the time of treatment due to changing values of the tissue's electrical properties. This variation is due to a relation well-known to those skilled in the art in which the instantaneous power delivered to the tissue load is proportional to the square of the electrode voltage and inversely proportional to the tissue electrical impedance. Thus, to achieve equal power delivery, two surgical probe electrodes may have to be at different electric potentials (voltages) because of Joule heating effects on the tissue electrical impedance, or because of impedance gradients in the tissue. When the surgical probe electrodes are at different electric potentials, a current will flow between the electrodes. This electrode coupling is commonly referred to as cross-talk. Cross-talk confuses accurate power determination in most RF electro-surgical devices and thus there is a need for improved methods to control power delivery.
Methods and apparatus for power delivery and control in electro-surgery are fundamental to the intended medical benefits. During tissue heating, any electrode coupling confuses interpretation of power measurements by providing multiple current paths from electrodes. This coupling is commonly referred to as cross-talk or multi-pole behavior. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-channel radio frequency (RF) power delivery and control system for applying energy to multiple electrodes of an RF tissue heating device with independent control of the amplitude, frequency, inter-electrode phase and time duration of the energy applied to each electrode. This results in accurate, controlled heating of the target tissue.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention a method for power control in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The electro-surgical instrument includes a driver, and at least one electrode and a ground for delivery of power in the form of a first oscillating signal to a surgical site. The method for power control comprises the acts of:
In another embodiment of the invention a method for power control in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The method comprises the acts of:
computing differences between a target power and an actual power delivered to the first electrode and the second electrode to establish an amount by which to increase and to decrease the power emanating from the first electrode and the second electrode; and
modulating a driver signal generated by the driver to increase and to decrease an integer number of whole wavelengths of the driver signal to produce a first oscillating signal measured at the first electrode and a second oscillating signal measured at the second electrode, responsive to said computing act.
FIG. 3A shows electrode voltage versus time for an electrode at a lower than reference impedance, illustrating the use of null cycles for controlling multi-pole operation.
FIG. 3B shows electrode voltage versus time for an electrode at a reference impedance.
FIG. 4 illustrates the monopolar, multipolar and combined monopolar/multipolar modes of operation.
FIGS. 5A-B show process flow diagrams for alternate embodiments of the method for multi-electrode power delivery of the present invention.
This invention utilizes a novel method to control power delivery and inter-electrode coupling in a multi-electrode RF electro-surgical device. While the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the electrode voltages are adjustable in the system, the power delivery and inter-electrode cross-talk is controlled by introducing null intervals into the electrode's RF voltage wave train by means of switching.
The RF power supply 100 converts the low frequency electrical energy supplied by a wall connection (not shown) into the high frequency or RF energy necessary for surgery. The user input and display panel 102 displays relevant parameters and provides buttons and switches for user input to the control systems. The foot switch 104 connected to the power supply provides means for switching off the unit should there be an emergency. The surgical handset 106 is also connected to the power supply and is the means for delivering the RF energy to the surgical probe 108. The probe has one or more electrodes. The electrical grounding pad 110 is also connected to the power supply. Other embodiments have no grounding pad.
FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the surgical handset 106 and surgical probe 108. As shown, the surgical probe 108 includes a flexible catheter 111 which is attached to a control unit 106 by a connector 114. The flexible catheter 111 includes a distal tip 116 having two stylets 118, 119, which extend outward from stylet ports 120, 121. Each stylet has a probe electrode 126A-B. The surgical handset 106 includes an RF power connector 122 and a thermocouple connector 124.
FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a stylet such as 118 or 119. Each stylet includes a probe electrode 126A-B enclosed within a retractable insulating sleeve 128. The stylets are described in detail in the copending application Ser. No. 08/012,370 filed Feb. 2, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,675. As shown in FIG. 1C, the insulating sleeve 128 has a tapered tip 130. The probe electrode 126 is disposed in the center portion 138 of the insulating sleeve 128 such that it can slide within the sleeve. A thermocouple 142 is mounted near the tapered tip 130 of the insulating sleeve 128 for measuring the temperature of a target tissue as it is heated.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram showing elements of the system hardware architecture of an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the RF power supply 100, surgical probe 108 and grounding pad 110. Within the power supply, the user input and display panel 102, micro-controller 202, first and second electrode channels 204 and 206, tissue temperature measurement system 208, memory unit 210, memory files 212, control parameter schedule 214, and RF oscillator 203 are indicated. Electrode channels 204 and 206 are identical, each comprising a control system 220A-B, waveform generator 222A-B, an isolation switch 224A-B, a power drive 226A-B, a transformer 228A-B, a filter 230A-B, current and voltage sensors 232A-B, and power measurement system 234A-B.
In FIG. 2, the user input and display panel 102 is connected to the micro-controller 202 which is connected to the memory unit 210 including memory files 212, including a control parameter schedule 214. Exemplary control parameters are power and tissue temperature at the surgical site. Other control parameters are apparent to persons skilled in the art. The micro-controller is connected with the identical electrode channels 204 and 206 and also to the tissue temperature measurement system 208 and the RF oscillator 203. Within each electrode channel, the control systems 220A-B are connected to the micro-controller as well as to the RF oscillator and the tissue temperature measurement system. The control system also connects to the waveform generators 222A-B. The waveform generators are connected to the power drive 226A-B through the isolation switch 224A-B. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the isolation switch 224A-B may be located elsewhere than shown in FIG. 2. It is equally obvious that the function of the isolation switch can be performed by other elements in FIG. 2 such as the microcontroller, control system, waveform generator, power drive, filter or electrode. The RF signals from the transformer 228A-B feed into filter 230A-B. The current and voltage sensors 232A-B connect to the filter, grounding pad 110, surgical probe 108 and the power measurement systems 234A-B.
The micro-controller 202 implements control programs and logic contained in memory files 212, providing the principal intelligence of the control system including the selection of values for time scales and power levels. In other embodiments, control is accomplished by analog hardware in control system 220A-B. In this alternate embodiment the micro-controller downloads new target values to the control system 220A-B. The control system 220A-B uses these new values as well as power measurements performed by the power measurement system 234A-B to adjust the drive level to the waveform generators 222A-B so as to minimize the error between target power and actual power delivered by the channels. To act as a means for control, the micro-controller is in two way communication with the user through user input and display panel 102 as well as receives input from the RF oscillator 203, and power and tissue temperature measurement systems 234A-B, 208A-B. Control variables are passed to control systems 220A-B and filters 230A-B to achieve the desired amplitude, frequency, and phase of the electrode potentials. The RF oscillator and waveform generator 222A-B generate RF oscillations, termed a driver signal. The driver signal, or a modulated driver signal incorporating on-off switching with the driver signal, drives the output of the power drive 226A-B. The modulation of the driver signal is determined by the micro-controller. It is obvious to persons skilled in the art that switch 224A-B may be located in a variety of positions other than shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Power is coupled through transformer 228A-B by the principle of induction, isolating the patient from direct current (DC). Further frequency filtering is accomplished by filter 230A-B. Current and voltage sensors 232A-B provide required signals for the power measurement systems 234A-B to determine the actual, aka true power or nonreactive, power transferred to the tissue by the current passing between the surgical probe 108 to grounding pad 110.
Micro-controller 202 can differentially control the voltage waveforms of each electrode in the surgical probe 108. By altering the amplitude or frequency, as well as by introducing null intervals to the voltage applied to each electrode tip, the electric power transferred to the tissue in the face of changing tissue electrical impedance can be controlled over the time of the surgical procedure. In other embodiments, this is accomplished by analog hardware in control system 220A-B. In this alternate embodiment the micro-controller downloads new target values to the control system 220A-B. The control system 220A-B uses these new values as well as power measurements performed by the power measurement system 234A-B to adjust the power so as to minimize the error between target power and actual power delivered by the channels.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show the electrode voltage (monopolar mode) versus time for two electrodes illustrating the novel use of null intervals to control power delivery and multi-pole operation. The electrode of FIG. 3B delivers power across tissue with a given reference electrical impedance. The electrode of FIG. 3A delivers power across tissue with a comparatively smaller impedance. RF voltage wavetrain 300, and voltage wavelets 304A-E oscillate about null crossing 302A-B. By removing wave cycles by means of switch 224A-B (see FIG. 2) at the lower impedance electrode, the electric power delivered to the tissues (equal to the electrode voltage squared divided by the impedance) at both sites can be matched over tissue heating time scales.
In another embodiment, a constant voltage source can be used. Since the voltage is constant in this embodiment, the use of a voltage sensor is not required
FIG. 4 illustrates the monopolar, multipolar and combined monopolar/multipolar modes of operation. Two probe electrodes 126A-B are shown. In monopolar operation, current 450 flows due differences in electric potential between the electrodes 126A-B and the floating ground provided by either the grounding pad or other electrode (not shown). There is no inter-electrode current. It is obvious to persons skilled in the art that elements other than the grounding pad can be substituted equivalently, for example an electrode connected to a floating ground. In the bipolar mode of operation, the ground pad is removed from the circuit either physically or effectively by connecting it to an extremely large impedance. In bipolar operation, current 460 flows between the probe electrodes 126A-B due to the differences in electric potential. There is no current flow to the ground pad. Multipolar operation is an extension of bipolar operation with more than two probe electrodes. Combined monopolar and bipolar operation occurs when potential differences drive currents both to the floating ground 480 and between the electrodes 470. Note that the extent of the treatment zone is affected by the mode of operation.
A significant advantage of the present invention is the availability of a combined monopolar and bipolar mode of operation in addition to a purely monopolar mode. In the monopolar mode, the same RF voltage signal is applied to each probe electrode 126A-B (see FIG. 1B) and current flows from the electrodes to an indifferent ground pad electrode placed in contact with the patient. Since the control system maintains the two probe electrodes 126A-B at the same potential, no current flows between them. Current only flows between each electrode and the electrical ground pad. However, by changing the amplitude, frequency or phase of one of the RF signals, a potential difference is created across the probe electrodes 126A-B and current flows between them. This provides combined monopolar and bipolar operation. Combined monopolar and bipolar operation allows a larger tissue volume to be heated as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show flowcharts for the RF wave cycles adjustment process for a two electrode embodiment. The processes shown in FIGS. 5A-B is implemented by the micro controller 202 (see FIG. 2). In FIG. 5A, the process begins in block 502 where an initial value for the target power is obtained from either the user input and display panel 102 or memory unit 210. Control then passes to block 504 where electric power is applied to the tissue through the electrodes. Control then passes to decision block 510 where a determination is made whether the tissue temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum. If the maximum tissue temperature is exceeded, RF power is cut off in process block 514. If the tissue temperature is not exceeded, control passes to process block 512 where the power delivered to the tissue is determined by power measurement system 234A-B (see FIG. 2). Control then passes to process block 516 where an updated target value for the power corresponding to the surgical time is obtained from memory unit 210. Control then passes to control sequence 520A where the null periods are determined, thereby altering the applied power. In the preferred embodiment, the null intervals are applied at every other wave cycle when nulling is required. The thermal lag of the tissue response integrates the effect of this quantized (full on-half nulled-full off) range.
In control sequence 520, a determination is made at decision block 522 whether the target value for the power exceeds the power actually delivered to the surgical site, as determined by the power measurement system 234A-B (see FIG. 2). In the case that the actual power delivered to the surgical site is less than the target value, null periods are removed to increase the applied power. In the case that the actual power delivered to the surgical site is greater than the target value, null intervals are added to decrease the applied power in process block 524. If necessary, null intervals are removed in process block 526. Control then passes to decision block 550 where a determination is made whether the surgical time is expired. If the surgery continues, control passes to decision block 510 where the measured tissue temperature is again compared to a predetermined value. If the surgery is finished, process block 552 stops the operation.
FIG. 5B shows detail of control sequence 520B where the null intervals are implemented. The process flow is as described in FIG. 5A up to block 516. In process block 530 micro controller 202 (see FIG.2) computes the difference between the target value of power and that actually delivered relative to the actually delivered power. Control then passes to process block 532 where the relative error calculated in block 530 is used to correct the number of voltage wavelets 304A-E per unit time that are passed to the tissue. This integer value is stored in a wavelet down counter in micro controller 202 (see FIG. 2). Control then passes to block 534 that begins a control time interval over which RF wavelets are counted. The preferred interval is an integer multiple of the inverse RF frequency and is approximately one second in duration. Control then passes to block 536 where the wavelet down counter decrements after each time period corresponding to the inverse RF frequency. Control then passes to decision block 538 where a determination is made whether the down counter has reached zero, indicating a null interval is to commence. If a null interval 306A-D (see FIG. 3A) is to commence, the electrode to be nulled has voltage removed and is switched to a extremely large impedance circuit element to prevent any current flow in process block 540. If the down counter indicates by a nonzero value that a null interval is not desired, the electrode remains active in an active interval. Control then passes to decision block 542 where a determination is made whether the control time interval is finished. Control then passes to decision block 550 where a determination is made whether the surgical time is expired. If the surgery continues, control passes to decision block 510 where the measured tissue temperature is again compared to a predetermined value. If the surgury is finished, process block 552 stops the operation.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention represents a significant advance in the field of RF electro-surgical devices. Although several preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent that other adaptations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the following claims.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS1798902Nov 5, 1928Mar 31, 1931Raney Edwin MSurgical instrumentUS3901241May 31, 1973Aug 26, 1975Al Corp DuDisposable cryosurgical instrumentUS4011872Mar 28, 1975Mar 15, 1977Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Electrical apparatus for treating affected part in a coelomaUS4196724Jan 31, 1978Apr 8, 1980Frecker William HTongue locking deviceUS4411266Sep 24, 1980Oct 25, 1983Cosman Eric RThermocouple radio frequency lesion electrodeUS4423812Sep 15, 1981Jan 3, 1984Olympus Optical Company LimitedCassette receptacle deviceUS4532924Apr 30, 1982Aug 6, 1985American Hospital Supply CorporationFor use in the treatment of tissueUS4565200May 4, 1982Jan 21, 1986Cosman Eric RUniversal lesion and recording electrode systemUS4727874 *Sep 10, 1984Mar 1, 1988C. R. Bard, Inc.Electrosurgical generator with high-frequency pulse width modulated feedback power controlUS4901737Apr 13, 1987Feb 20, 1990Toone Kent JMethod and therapeutic apparatus for reducing snoringUS4906203Oct 24, 1988Mar 6, 1990General Motors CorporationElectrical connector with shorting clipUS4907589Apr 29, 1988Mar 13, 1990Cosman Eric RAutomatic over-temperature control apparatus for a therapeutic heating deviceUS4943290Apr 27, 1989Jul 24, 1990Concept Inc.Electrolyte purging electrode tipUS4947842Feb 13, 1989Aug 14, 1990Medical Engineering And Development Institute, Inc.Method and apparatus for treating tissue with first and second modalitiesUS4966597Nov 4, 1988Oct 30, 1990Cosman Eric RThermometric cardiac tissue ablation electrode with ultra-sensitive temperature detectionUS4976711Apr 13, 1989Dec 11, 1990Everest Medical CorporationAblation catheter with selectively deployable electrodesUS5046512Aug 30, 1989Sep 10, 1991Murchie John AMethod and apparatus for treatment of snoringUS5057107Feb 19, 1991Oct 15, 1991Everest Medical CorporationAblation catheter with selectively deployable electrodesUS5078717Sep 10, 1990Jan 7, 1992Everest Medical CorporationAblation catheter with selectively deployable electrodesUS5083565Aug 3, 1990Jan 28, 1992Everest Medical CorporationElectrosurgical instrument for ablating endocardial tissueUS5094233Jan 11, 1991Mar 10, 1992Brennan Louis GPost-operative separation; nasal septumUS5100423Aug 21, 1990Mar 31, 1992Medical Engineering & Development Institute, Inc.Ablation catheterUS5122137Apr 27, 1990Jun 16, 1992Boston Scientific CorporationTemperature controlled rf coagulationUS5125928Feb 19, 1991Jun 30, 1992Everest Medical CorporationAblation catheter with selectively deployable electrodesUS5190541Oct 17, 1990Mar 2, 1993Boston Scientific CorporationSurgical instrument and methodUS5197963Dec 2, 1991Mar 30, 1993Everest Medical CorporationElectrosurgical instrument with extendable sheath for irrigation and aspirationUS5197964Nov 12, 1991Mar 30, 1993Everest Medical CorporationBipolar instrument utilizing one stationary electrode and one movable electrodeUS5215103Sep 13, 1989Jun 1, 1993Desai Jawahar MCatheter for mapping and ablation and method thereforUS5233515Jun 8, 1990Aug 3, 1993Cosman Eric RReal-time graphic display of heat lesioning parameters in a clinical lesion generator systemUS5256138Oct 4, 1990Oct 26, 1993The Birtcher CorporationElectrosurgical handpiece incorporating blade and conductive gas functionalityUS5257451Nov 8, 1991Nov 2, 1993Ep Technologies, Inc.Method of making durable sleeve for enclosing a bendable electrode tip assemblyUS5275162Nov 25, 1992Jan 4, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Valve mapping catheterUS5277201May 1, 1992Jan 11, 1994Vesta Medical, Inc.Endometrial ablation apparatus and methodUS5281216Mar 31, 1992Jan 25, 1994Valleylab, Inc.Electrosurgical bipolar treating apparatusUS5281217Apr 13, 1992Jan 25, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Steerable antenna systems for cardiac ablation that minimize tissue damage and blood coagulation due to conductive heating patternsUS5281218Jun 5, 1992Jan 25, 1994Cardiac Pathways CorporationCatheter having needle electrode for radiofrequency ablationUS5290286Dec 9, 1992Mar 1, 1994Everest Medical CorporationBipolar instrument utilizing one stationary electrode and one movable electrodeUS5293869Sep 25, 1992Mar 15, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Cardiac probe with dynamic support for maintaining constant surface contact during heart systole and diastoleUS5309910Sep 25, 1992May 10, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Cardiac mapping and ablation systemsUS5313943Sep 25, 1992May 24, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Catheters and methods for performing cardiac diagnosis and treatmentUS5314466Apr 13, 1992May 24, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Articulated unidirectional microwave antenna systems for cardiac ablationUS5316020Sep 30, 1991May 31, 1994Ernest TrufferSnoring prevention deviceUS5328467Nov 8, 1991Jul 12, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Catheter having a torque transmitting sleeveUS5334196Oct 5, 1992Aug 2, 1994United States Surgical CorporationEndoscopic fastener removerUS5348554Dec 1, 1992Sep 20, 1994Cardiac Pathways CorporationCatheter for RF ablation with cooled electrodeUS5363861Nov 8, 1991Nov 15, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Electrode tip assembly with variable resistance to bendingUS5365926Oct 13, 1992Nov 22, 1994Desai Jawahar MCatheter for mapping and ablation and method thereforUS5365945Apr 13, 1993Nov 22, 1994Halstrom Leonard WAdjustable dental applicance for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apneaUS5366490Dec 22, 1993Nov 22, 1994Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device and methodUS5368557May 5, 1993Nov 29, 1994Baxter International Inc.Ultrasonic ablation catheter device having multiple ultrasound transmission membersUS5368592Sep 23, 1993Nov 29, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Articulated systems for cardiac ablationUS5370675Feb 2, 1993Dec 6, 1994Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device and methodUS5370678Dec 7, 1993Dec 6, 1994Ep Technologies, Inc.Steerable microwave antenna systems for cardiac ablation that minimize tissue damage and blood coagulation due to conductive heating patternsUS5383876Mar 22, 1994Jan 24, 1995American Cardiac Ablation Co., Inc.Fluid cooled electrosurgical probe for cutting and cauterizing tissueUS5383917Jul 5, 1991Jan 24, 1995Jawahar M. DesaiDevice and method for multi-phase radio-frequency ablationUS5385544May 14, 1993Jan 31, 1995Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device for medical treatment of the prostateUS5397339May 7, 1993Mar 14, 1995Desai; Jawahar M.Catheter for mapping and ablation and method thereforUS5398683Jul 16, 1993Mar 21, 1995Ep Technologies, Inc.Combination monophasic action potential/ablation catheter and high-performance filter systemUS5401272Feb 16, 1994Mar 28, 1995Envision Surgical Systems, Inc.Multimodality probe with extendable bipolar electrodesUS5403311Mar 29, 1993Apr 4, 1995Boston Scientific CorporationElectro-coagulation and ablation and other electrotherapeutic treatments of body tissueUS5409453Aug 19, 1993Apr 25, 1995Vidamed, Inc.Steerable medical probe with styletsUS5421819May 13, 1993Jun 6, 1995Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe deviceUS5423808Nov 29, 1993Jun 13, 1995Ep Technologies, Inc.Systems and methods for radiofrequency ablation with phase sensitive power detectionUS5423811Mar 16, 1994Jun 13, 1995Cardiac Pathways CorporationMethod for RF ablation using cooled electrodeUS5423812Jan 31, 1994Jun 13, 1995Ellman; Alan G.Electrosurgical stripping electrode for palatopharynx tissueUS5433739Nov 2, 1993Jul 18, 1995Sluijter; Menno E.Method and apparatus for heating an intervertebral disc for relief of back painUS5435805May 13, 1993Jul 25, 1995Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device with optical viewing capabilityUS5441499Jul 13, 1994Aug 15, 1995Dekna Elektro-U. Medizinische Apparatebau Gesellschaft MbhBipolar radio-frequency surgical instrumentUS5456662May 9, 1994Oct 10, 1995Edwards; Stuart D.Method for medical ablation of tissueUS5456682Feb 2, 1994Oct 10, 1995Ep Technologies, Inc.Electrode and associated systems using thermally insulated temperature sensing elementsUS5458596May 6, 1994Oct 17, 1995Dorsal Orthopedic CorporationMethod and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissueUS5458597Nov 8, 1993Oct 17, 1995Zomed InternationalFor delivering chemotherapeutic agents in a tissue treatment siteUS5470308Nov 19, 1993Nov 28, 1995Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe with biopsy styletUS5471982Sep 29, 1992Dec 5, 1995Ep Technologies, Inc.Cardiac mapping and ablation systemsUS5472441Mar 11, 1994Dec 5, 1995Zomed InternationalDevice for treating cancer and non-malignant tumors and methodsUS5484400 *Mar 23, 1994Jan 16, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Dual channel RF delivery systemUS5486161Nov 8, 1993Jan 23, 1996Zomed InternationalMedical probe device and methodUS5505728Jan 9, 1995Apr 9, 1996Ellman; Alan G.Electrosurgical stripping electrode for palatopharynx tissueUS5505730Jun 24, 1994Apr 9, 1996Stuart D. EdwardsThin layer ablation apparatusUS5507743Aug 16, 1994Apr 16, 1996Zomed InternationalCoiled RF electrode treatment apparatusUS5509419Dec 16, 1993Apr 23, 1996Ep Technologies, Inc.Cardiac mapping and ablation systemsUS5514130Oct 11, 1994May 7, 1996Dorsal Med InternationalRF apparatus for controlled depth ablation of soft tissueUS5514131Sep 23, 1994May 7, 1996Stuart D. EdwardsMethod for the ablation treatment of the uvulaUS5520684Aug 3, 1994May 28, 1996Imran; Mir A.Transurethral radio frequency apparatus for ablation of the prostate gland and methodUS5531676Sep 27, 1994Jul 2, 1996Vidamed, Inc.For treatment of a prostateUS5531677Apr 11, 1995Jul 2, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Steerable medical probe with styletsUS5536240Sep 27, 1994Jul 16, 1996Vidamed, Inc.For the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy of the prostateUS5536267Aug 12, 1994Jul 16, 1996Zomed InternationalMultiple electrode ablation apparatusUS5540655Jan 5, 1995Jul 30, 1996Vidamed, Inc.For treatment by radio frequency of a target tissue mass of a prostateUS5542915Jan 12, 1994Aug 6, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Thermal mapping catheter with ultrasound probeUS5542916 *Sep 28, 1994Aug 6, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Dual-channel RF power delivery systemUS5545161Oct 7, 1994Aug 13, 1996Cardiac Pathways CorporationCatheter for RF ablation having cooled electrode with electrically insulated sleeveUS5545171Sep 22, 1994Aug 13, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe deviceUS5545193Aug 22, 1995Aug 13, 1996Ep Technologies, Inc.Helically wound radio-frequency emitting electrodes for creating lesions in body tissueUS5545434Nov 8, 1994Aug 13, 1996Huarng; HermesMethod of making irregularly porous clothUS5549108Jun 1, 1994Aug 27, 1996Ep Technologies, Inc.Cardiac mapping and ablation systemsUS5549644Feb 2, 1994Aug 27, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Transurethral needle ablation device with cystoscope and method for treatment of the prostateUS5554110Jan 12, 1994Sep 10, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Medical ablation apparatusUS5556377Dec 22, 1993Sep 17, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe apparatus with laser and/or microwave monolithic integrated circuit probeUS5558672Aug 4, 1994Sep 24, 1996Vidacare, Inc.Thin layer ablation apparatusUS5558673Sep 30, 1994Sep 24, 1996Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device and method having a flexible resilient tape styletUS5599345Aug 24, 1994Feb 4, 1997Zomed International, Inc.RF treatment apparatusUS5609151Sep 8, 1994Mar 11, 1997Medtronic, Inc.Method of mapping cardiac tissueUS5817093 *Nov 4, 1996Oct 6, 1998Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Impedance feedback monitor with query electrode for electrosurgical instrumentUS5931836 *Jul 21, 1997Aug 3, 1999Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Electrosurgery apparatus and medical apparatus combined with the same* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1Kaneko, et al., Physiological Laryngeal Pacemaker, May 1985, Trans Am Soc Artif Intern Organs , vol. XXXI, pp. 293-296.2Mugica, et al., Direct Diaphragm Stimulation, Jan., 1987, PACE, vol. 10, pp. 252-256.3Mugica, et al., Neurostimulation: An Overview, Chapter 21, Preliminary Test of a Muscular Diaphragm Pacing System on Human Patients, 1985, pp. 263-279.4Nochomovitz, et al., Electrical Activation of the Diaphragm, Jun. 1988, Clinics in Chest Medicine, vol. 9, No. 2,, pp.349-358.5Prior, et al., Treatment of Menorrhagia by Radiofrequency Heating, 1991, Int. J. Hyperthermia, vol. 7, pp, 213-220.6Rice et al., Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery, Chapter 6, Total Endoscopic Sphenoethmoidectomy, The Technique of Wigand, Raven Press, 1988, pp.105-125.7Rice, et al., Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery, Chapter 5, Functional Endoscopic Paranasal Sinus Surgery, The Technique of Messerklinger, Raven Press, 1988, pp.75-104.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6488678 *Jan 10, 2001Dec 3, 2002Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.RF ablation apparatus and method using unipolar and bipolar techniquesUS6663623 *Mar 13, 2000Dec 16, 2003Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Electric surgical operation apparatusUS6875210Nov 19, 2002Apr 5, 2005Conmed CorporationElectrosurgical generator and method for cross-checking mode functionalityUS6948503Nov 19, 2002Sep 27, 2005Conmed CorporationElectrosurgical generator and method for cross-checking output powerUS7258688Apr 16, 2002Aug 21, 2007Baylis Medical Company Inc.Computerized electrical signal generatorUS7942872 *Feb 27, 2006May 17, 2011Moshe Ein-GalBlended monopolar and bipolar application of RF energyUS7972329Aug 5, 2005Jul 5, 2011Conmed CorporationElectrosurgical generator and method for cross-checking output powerUS8568404Feb 19, 2010Oct 29, 2013Covidien LpBipolar electrode probe for ablation monitoringUS8685015Sep 24, 2009Apr 1, 2014Covidien LpSystem and method for multi-pole phase-shifted radio frequency applicationUS8882759Dec 18, 2009Nov 11, 2014Covidien LpMicrowave ablation system with dielectric temperature probeUS8936594Jun 13, 2012Jan 20, 2015Aerin Medical Inc.Methods and devices to treat nasal airwaysEP1334699A1 *Feb 11, 2002Aug 13, 2003Led S.p.A.Apparatus for electrosurgeryWO2003068094A1 *Feb 11, 2003Aug 21, 2003Led S P AApparatus for electrosurgeryWO2010059886A2 *Nov 20, 2009May 27, 2010Smith & NephewReducing cross-talk effects in an rf electrosurgical device* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification606/34, 606/48, 607/101, 606/46International ClassificationA61B18/14, A61B18/00, A61B18/12Cooperative ClassificationY10S128/923, A61B18/1206, A61B2018/00892, A61B2017/00482, A61B2018/00791, A61B18/1402, A61B2018/00178, A61B2018/00702, A61B2018/00875, A61B2018/00779, A61B2018/00988, A61B2018/1273, A61B18/14, A61B2018/00827, A61B2018/0075, A61B2018/00642European ClassificationA61B18/14, A61B18/12GLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionDec 27, 2005FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20051030Oct 31, 2005LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesDec 28, 1998ASAssignmentOwner name: SOMNUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BEK, ROBIN;REEL/FRAME:009679/0598Effective date: 19981203RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services