RF return pad current distribution system

• US 20070167942A1
• Filed: 01/18/2006
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Original Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Inventors: Rick, Kyle
• Application Number:
  US11/333,846
• Publication Number:
  US 20070167942A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/35
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1233 with circuits for assuring patient safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/16 Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0016 Energy applicators arranged in a two- or three dimensional array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00642 with feedback, i.e. closed loop control
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00755 Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00827 Current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00875 Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/165 Multiple indifferent electrodes

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electrosurgical return pad current detection system for use in monopolar surgery as well as a method of using the same. The detection system includes at least one conductive pad which includes a plurality of conductive elements. The detection system further includes at least one sensor configured to measure the current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm. A variable impedance controller is configured to adjust the variable impedance levels based upon output generated by the computer algorithm.

Claims

1. A return electrode current distribution system, comprising:

at least one conductive pad having a plurality of conductive elements, wherein each conductive element includes a pad contact impedance and a variable impedance;

at least one sensor configured to measure respective current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm;

a variable impedance controller, operable to regulate a variable impedance level based upon output generated by the computer algorithm.

2. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising an electrosurgical generator, operable to regulate an amount of power delivered to the system based upon the current sensed from each conductive pad.

3. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the variable impedance controller, sensor, and computer algorithm are housed within the electrosurgical generator.

4. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the electrosurgical generator is coupled to at least one of the variable impedance controller, sensor, and computer algorithm and operable to adjust the amount of current provided based upon a control signal from the variable impedance controller.

5. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 1, wherein each conductive element includes a plurality of variable impedances.

6. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the variable impedance controller is selectively adjustable to a predetermined level prior to delivery of current.

7. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the variable impedance is at least one of a rheostat or a potentiometer.

8. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the variable impedance controller utilizes proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control.

9. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the variable impedance controller utilizes digital control.

10. A method for performing monopolar surgery, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a return pad current detection system comprising;

at least one conductive pad having a plurality of conductive elements, wherein each conductive element includes a pad contact impedance and a variable impedance;

at least one sensor configured to measure the respective current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm; and

a variable impedance controller, operable to adjust a variable impedance level based upon output generated by the computer algorithm;

placing the return pad current detection system in contact with a patient, wherein the impedance levels are at some initial value;

generating electrosurgical energy via an electrosurgical generator;

supplying the electrosurgical energy to the patient via an active electrode;

measuring the current returning to each conductive element;

detecting imbalances in current by monitoring the current returning to each conductive element; and

controlling the current entering each element using the software program and variable impedance controller to vary impedances.

11. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

selecting an initial value of impedance to regulate the flow of current to and from tissue.

12. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, wherein the variable impedance controller utilizes at least one of a neural network and fuzzy logic algorithms.

13. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, wherein the variable impedance includes a rheostat or a potentiometer.

14. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

coupling the electrosurgical generator to at least one of the variable impedance controller, sensor, and software program, to regulate the amount of current based upon a control signal.

15. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

housing at least one of the variable impedance controller, sensor, and software program within the electrosurgical generator.

16. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

setting the variable impedance controller to predetermined levels prior to delivery of current, thereby allowing for more or less current to be directed towards certain conductive elements.

17. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, wherein the variable impedance controller utilizes proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control.

18. The method for performing monopolar surgery according to claim 10, wherein the variable impedance controller utilizes digital control.

19. A return electrode current distribution system, comprising:

a conductive pad having a plurality of conductive elements, wherein each conductive element includes a pad contact impedance and a variable impedance;

at least one sensor configured to measure respective current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm;

a variable impedance controller, operable to regulate a variable impedance level based upon output generated by the computer algorithm.

20. The return electrode current distribution system according to claim 19, wherein the conductive pad is either a capacitive or an inductive pad.