High-frequency surgical apparatus

• US 4,171,700 A
• Filed: 10/13/1977
• Issued: 10/23/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH (C. Erbe GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH (C. Erbe GmbH)
• Inventors: Farin, Gunter
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Application Number:
  US05/841,983
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 128/303.13, 128/303.14, 128/303.15, 128/303.17, 128/303.18
• US Class Current: 606/35
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1233 with circuits for assuring patient safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00178 Electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1273 including multiple generators in one device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/128 generating two or more frequencies

Abstract

In a high-frequency surgical apparatus having a number of electrode-connections for a neutral electrode and a number of electrodes, respectively, for monopolar and bipolar operation, two high-frequency generators are connected to a single voltage source, so that the second generator may serve exclusively for supplying a high-frequency current to the electrode-connections for bipolar electrodes. A warning signal is produced only if a switch is closed for a monopolar use, even if the neutral electrode is not properly connected. Therefore the bipolar high-frequency generator may be actuated independently of whether a natural electrode is connected to the apparatus or not. In this manner unintended injuries or damages by a contact with an electrode are avoided. In an alternate embodiment of the invention only a single high-frequency generator is provided in combination with a switch-over device for switching over between bipolar and monopolar use, so that in the case of bipolar use the protective circuit is disabled. Examples for the field of use of such electrosurgery units are Dermatology, Gynaecology, Opthalmology, Dental Surgery, ENT and Cosmetic Surgery.

Claims

1. High-frequency electrical surgical apparatus for use with manipulable electrodes through electrode-connections of the apparatus and having electrode-connections respectively, for a neutral electrode, at least one electrode for monopolar operation, and at least two electrodes for bipolar operation, the apparatus having a first high-frequency generator, an electric power source connected to the input circuit of the first high-frequency generator for powering the same and being provided with protective circuit means responsive to interruption of the electrically conducting connection between the neutral electrode and its connection at the apparatus for interrupting the energy supply provided by the first high-frequency generator to said at least one electrode and for producing an alarm signal indicative of said first-mentioned interruption, having the improvement which consists in that:

a second high-frequency generator is provided parallel to said first high-frequency generator;

a switch connecting the input circuit of the second high-frequency generator with the electric power source of the first high-frequency generator, said second high-frequency generator being connectable independently of the first high-frequency generator to the electric power source by closing of said switch;

said second high-frequency generator is exclusively provided, and connected, for supplying of high-frequency current to the electrode-connections for said bipolar electrodes; and

said protective circuit means includes means to disable at least its producing of said alarm signal except when said first high-frequency generator is in use.