Electrosurgical systems and methods

An engagement detection system (“EDS”) adapted to be positioned between, and in electrical communication with, an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument, the EDS adapted to electronically detect that the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into a cannula of a trocar, and thereafter deliver electrosurgical energy to the instrument, the EDS comprising

• (a) a first connector for operably connecting the EDS to the electrosurgical instrument;
• (b) a second connector for operably connecting the EDS to the electrosurgical generator;
• (c) a first switch mediating electrical communication between the first connector and the second connector;
• and
• (d) a control circuit adapted to receive a first signal indicative of the electrosurgical instrument being inserted into the cannula of the trocar and generate a switch signal for controlling operation of said first switch, said first signal received from the electrosurgical instrument or the trocar;
• wherein the EDS is configured such that the electrosurgical energy can only be transmitted from the electrosurgical generator to the electrosurgical instrument when the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into the cannula of the trocar;
• further comprising a second switch, wherein said control circuit is further adapted to receive a switching signal from a switching device and, in response to said switching signal, cause an actuation signal to be supplied to the electrosurgical generator for controlling the electrosurgical energy supplied by the generator to the instrument;
• wherein said first switch comprises a first relay;
• wherein said control circuit comprises a microprocessor, and
• further comprising a DC-to-DC converter located between the microprocessor and said first relay such that, upon determining that the electrosurgical instrument is inserted in the trocar cannula, the microprocessor provides a closure signal to said first relay through the DC-to-DC converter.

An electrosurgical system comprising,

• an engagement detection system (“EDS”) adapted to be positioned between, and in electrical communication with, an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument having a shaft, the EDS adapted to electronically detect that the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into a cannula of a trocar, and thereafter deliver electrosurgical energy to the instrument;
• and a modular signal interface system (“MSIS”) for providing electrical communication between the EDS and the electrosurgical instrument when the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into the cannula of the trocar;
• wherein said MSIS comprises:
• (a) a signal interface adapter provided on, or adapted to be mounted on the trocar, the signal interface adapter having a central aperture extending therethrough and a plurality of conductive contacts;
• and
• (b) an instrument connector provided on, or adapted to be mounted on the shaft of the surgical instrument, the instrument connector having a central aperture extending therethrough and a plurality of conductive contacts, the instrument connector adapted for providing electrical communication between one or more of said contacts and the surgical instrument on which the instrument connector is provided or adapted to be mounted;
• wherein the signal interface adapter and the instrument connector are adapted for mating engagement such that, when matingly engaged, said central apertures are axially aligned and one or more of the plurality of contacts of the signal interface adapter are in conductive contact with one or more of the plurality of contacts of the instrument connector.