Methods and apparatus for dispersing current flow in electrosurgery
First Claim
1. A high-frequency power supply, comprising:
- an electrical energy source;
an active electrode connector for removably attaching an active electrode to the energy source;
a plurality of dispersive connectors for removably connecting a plurality of dispersive electrodes to the energy source; and
current balancing circuitry capable of balancing current from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes,wherein the current balancing circuitry comprises;
a current controlled resistor (CCR) for each of the dispersive electrodes; and
a computer for transmitting signals to each CCR to vary the resistance to the respective dispersive electrode.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for delivering, monitoring, balancing, and/or dispersing high-frequency current flow in monopolar electrosurgery. The methods generally include positioning an active electrode in or on target tissue, positioning at least two dispersive electrodes on tissue remote from the target tissue, establishing electrical current flow from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes, and individually adjusting the current through at least one of the dispersive electrodes to balance the current through the dispersive electrodes. By adjusting and balancing the current through two or more dispersive electrodes, safety of electrosurgical systems may be enhanced by preventing unwanted patient burns.
32 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A high-frequency power supply, comprising:
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an electrical energy source; an active electrode connector for removably attaching an active electrode to the energy source; a plurality of dispersive connectors for removably connecting a plurality of dispersive electrodes to the energy source; and current balancing circuitry capable of balancing current from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes, wherein the current balancing circuitry comprises; a current controlled resistor (CCR) for each of the dispersive electrodes; and a computer for transmitting signals to each CCR to vary the resistance to the respective dispersive electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An electrosurgical system comprising:
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an active electrode; a plurality of dispersive electrodes; and a high-frequency power supply including an electrical energy source coupled between the active electrode and the dispersive electrodes, and current balancing circuitry capable of balancing current from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes, wherein the current balancing circuitry comprises; a current controlled resistor (CCR) for each of the dispersive electrodes; and a computer for transmitting signals to each CCR to vary the resistance to the respective dispersive electrode. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification