# US 12,178,491 B2 · Control circuit for controlling an energy module output

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- Number: US 12,178,491 B2
- Document ID: US12178491B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/131,130
- Filed: 2023-04-05
- Published: 2023-12-14
- Granted: 2024-12-31
- Earliest claimed: 2018-09-07
- Assignees: Cilag GmbH International
- Applicants: Cilag GmbH International
- Inventors: Joshua M. Henderson; Joshua P. Morgan; Eitan T. Wiener; John E. Hein; James R. Hoch; Gregory J. Bakos
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12178491B2

## CPC

- A61B 18/00: Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body (eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00)
- A61B 17/072: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
- A61B 17/320068: {using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic (A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745)}
- A61B 17/320092: {with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw}
- A61B 18/12: by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B 18/1206: {Generators therefor}
- A61B 18/1233: {with circuits for assuring patient safety}
- A61B 18/14: Probes or electrodes therefor
- A61B 18/1442: {Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps}
- A61B 18/1445: {at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod}
- A61B 18/16: Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding
- A61B 34/20: Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
- A61B 34/25: {User interfaces for surgical systems}
- A61B 34/35: for telesurgery
- A61B 34/74: {Manipulators with manual electric input means}
- A61B 50/13: Trolleys{, e.g. carts}
- A61B 50/22: Racks
- A61B 90/361: {Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras}
- A61B 90/90: Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
- A61B 90/98: using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
- G06F 8/65: Updates (security arrangements therefor G06F21/57)
- G16H 20/40: relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
- G16H 40/63: for local operation
- H01R 43/26: for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device (structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629)
- H04B 5/72: for local intradevice communication
- H04L 49/25: Routing or path finding in a switch fabric
- H04L 63/0227: {Filtering policies (mail message filtering H04L51/212)}
- H04L 63/0245: {Filtering by information in the payload}
- H04L 67/10: in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network (software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46)
- H04L 67/12: specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
- H04L 67/52: specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
- H04M 1/72406: by software upgrading or downloading
- H05K 5/30: Side-by-side or stacked arrangements
- A61B 5/021: Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B 17/00: Surgical instruments, devices or methods (A61B18/00 takes precedence; dental tools A61C3/00; eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/20)
- A61B 17/07207: {the staples being applied sequentially}
- A61B 34/30: Surgical robots
- A61B 34/37: Leader-follower robots (A61B34/35 takes precedence)
- A61B 34/76: {Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback}
- A61B 50/24: Stands (Mayo stands A61B50/15)
- A61B 90/30: Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B 90/37: {Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation}
- A61B 2017/00017: {Electrical control of surgical instruments}
- A61B 2017/00026: {Conductivity or impedance, e.g. of tissue}
- A61B 2017/00119: {alarm; indicating an abnormal situation}
- A61B 2017/00123: {and automatic shutdown}
- A61B 2017/00194: {Means for setting or varying the repetition rate}
- A61B 2017/00199: {with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display}
- A61B 2017/00221: {with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves}
- A61B 2017/00225: {Systems for controlling multiple different instruments, e.g. microsurgical systems}
- A61B 2017/00367: {Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like}
- A61B 2017/00398: {using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids}
- A61B 2017/00477: {Coupling (A61B2017/0046 takes precedence)}
- A61B 2017/00482: {with a code}
- A61B 2017/00526: {Methods of manufacturing}
- A61B 2017/00734: {battery operated}
- A61B 2017/00973: {pedal-operated}
- A61B 2017/07257: {characterised by its anvil}
- A61B 2017/07271: {characterised by its cartridge}
- A61B 2017/07285: {characterised by its cutter}
- A61B 2017/320074: {blade}
- A61B 2018/00178: {Electrical connectors}
- A61B 2018/00208: {actively driven, e.g. by a motor}
- A61B 2018/00589: {Coagulation}
- A61B 2018/00601: {Cutting}
- A61B 2018/00613: {Irreversible electroporation}
- A61B 2018/00619: {Welding}
- A61B 2018/0063: {Sealing}
- A61B 2018/00642: {with feedback, i.e. closed loop control}
- A61B 2018/00672: {lower}
- A61B 2018/00702: {Power or energy}
- A61B 2018/00708: {switching the power on or off}
- A61B 2018/0072: {Current}
- A61B 2018/00732: {Frequency}
- A61B 2018/00755: {Resistance or impedance}
- A61B 2018/00767: {Voltage}
- A61B 2018/00779: {Power or energy}
- A61B 2018/00827: {Current}
- A61B 2018/00839: {Bioelectrical parameters, e.g. ECG, EEG}
- A61B 2018/00845: {Frequency}
- A61B 2018/00875: {Resistance or impedance}
- A61B 2018/00892: {Voltage}
- A61B 2018/00898: {Alarms or notifications created in response to an abnormal condition}
- A61B 2018/00916: {with means for switching or controlling the main function of the instrument or device}
- A61B 2018/0094: {Types of switches or controllers}
- A61B 2018/00958: {for switching between different working modes of the main function}
- A61B 2018/00994: {combining two or more different kinds of non-mechanical energy or combining one or more non-mechanical energies with ultrasound}
- A61B 2018/1226: {powered by a battery}
- A61B 2018/124: {switching the output to different electrodes, e.g. sequentially}
- A61B 2018/1253: {monopolar}
- A61B 2018/126: {bipolar}
- A61B 2018/1266: {with DC current output}
- A61B 2018/1273: {including multiple generators in one device}
- A61B 2018/128: {generating two or more frequencies}
- A61B 2018/1286: {having a specific transformer}
- A61B 2018/1293: {having means to prevent interference}
- A61B 2018/1452: {including means for cutting (A61B2018/146 takes precedence)}
- A61B 2018/1455: {having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws}
- A61B 2018/165: {Multiple indifferent electrodes}
- A61B 2034/2046: {Tracking techniques}
- A61B 2034/2048: {using an accelerometer or inertia sensor}
- A61B 2034/2051: {Electromagnetic tracking systems}
- A61B 2034/2055: {Optical tracking systems}
- A61B 2034/2059: {Mechanical position encoders}
- A61B 2034/256: {having a database of accessory information, e.g. including context sensitive help or scientific articles}
- A61B 2034/301: {for introducing or steering flexible instruments inserted into the body, e.g. catheters or endoscopes}
- A61B 2034/302: {specifically adapted for manipulations within body cavities, e.g. within abdominal or thoracic cavities}
- A61B 2034/305: {Details of wrist mechanisms at distal ends of robotic arms}
- A61B 2034/742: {Joysticks}
- A61B 2034/743: {Keyboards}
- A61B 2034/744: {Mouse}
- A61B 2090/061: {for measuring dimensions, e.g. length}
- A61B 2090/064: {for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension}
- A61B 2090/065: {for measuring contact or contact pressure}
- A61B 2090/066: {for measuring torque}
- A61B 2090/0804: {Counting number of instruments used; Instrument detectors}
- A61B 2090/0805: {automatically, e.g. by means of magnetic, optical or photoelectric detectors}
- A61B 2090/0818: {Redundant systems, e.g. using two independent measuring systems and comparing the signals}
- A61B 2090/371: {with simultaneous use of two cameras}
- A61B 2090/378: {using ultrasound}
- A61B 2217/005: with suction drainage system
- A61B 2217/007: with irrigation system
- A61B 2218/002: Irrigation
- A61B 2218/006: for smoke evacuation
- A61B 2218/007: Aspiration
- A61B 2218/008: for smoke evacuation
- A61B 2560/0443: Modular apparatus
- A61B 2560/0456: Apparatus provided with a docking unit
- H01R 2201/12: for medicine and surgery
- H04L 27/04: Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
- H05K 5/0026: {provided with connectors and printed circuit boards [PCB], e.g. automotive electronic control units}
- H05K 5/0065: {wherein modules are associated together, e.g. electromechanical assemblies, modular structures}
- H05K 7/023: {Stackable modules}
- Y02D 30/70: in wireless communication networks
- Y04S 40/18: Network protocols supporting networked applications, e.g. including control of end-device applications over a network
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- G16H: HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H04B: TRANSMISSION
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08)
- H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- Y02D: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
- Y04S: SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS

## Abstract

A method for controlling an output of an energy module of a modular energy system. The energy module can comprise a plurality of amplifiers configured to generate a drive signal at a frequency range and a plurality of ports coupled to the plurality of amplifiers. The method includes determining to which port of the plurality of ports the surgical instrument is connected, selectively coupling an amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers to the port of the plurality of ports to which the surgical instrument is connected, and controlling the amplifier to deliver the drive signal for driving the energy modality to the surgical instrument through the port.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An energy module comprising:
an amplifier to generate a drive signal at a frequency range;
a plurality of ports comprising:
a first port;
a second port; and
a third port;
a selection relay coupled to the plurality of ports and the amplifier and comprising a plurality of outputs, the selection relay comprising:
a first relay to selectively couple the amplifier to the first port;
a second relay to selectively couple the amplifier to the second port; and
a third relay to selectively couple the amplifier to the third port;
wherein the selection relay is to receive the drive signal from the amplifier and to output the drive signal through one of the first, second, or third relays to the corresponding first, second, or third port, wherein each of the plurality of ports is to drive an energy modality according to each drive signal; and
a control circuit coupled to the amplifier and the selection relay, the control circuit is to:
set the drive signal of the amplifier; and
selectively couple one of the relays of the selection relay to the corresponding port.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The energy module of claim 1, wherein the first port is a combination energy port to output different energy modalities to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The energy module of claim 2, wherein the combination energy port comprises a bipolar energy mode, a monopolar energy mode, and an ultrasonic energy mode.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The energy module of claim 1, wherein the second port is a bipolar energy port to output bipolar RF energy to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The energy module of claim 1, wherein the third port is a monopolar energy port to output monopolar RF energy to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The energy module of claim 1, each of the plurality of ports couples to the control circuit to provide a feedback signal to the control circuit.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The energy module of claim 1, wherein the amplifier is a wideband RF power amplifier.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The energy module of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is to determine a surgical instrument is connected to one of the plurality of ports.

### Claim 9

An energy module comprising:
an amplifier to generate a drive signal at a frequency range;
a plurality of ports comprising:
a first port;
a second port; and
a third port;
a selection relay coupled to the plurality of ports and the amplifier and comprising a plurality of outputs, the selection relay comprising:
a first relay to selectively couple the amplifier to the first port;
a second relay to selectively couple the amplifier to the second port; and
a third relay to selectively couple the amplifier to the third port;
wherein the selection relay is to receive the drive signal from the amplifier and to output the drive signal through one of the first, second, or third relays to the corresponding first, second, or third port, wherein each of the plurality of ports is to drive an energy modality according to each drive signal; and
a control circuit coupled to the amplifier and the selection relay, the control circuit is to:
set the drive signal of the amplifier; and
switch between a plurality of states of the selection relay.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein in a first state, the control circuit selectively couples the amplifier to the first port to transmit the drive signal of the amplifier to the first port.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein in a second state, the control circuit selectively couples the amplifier to the second port to transmit the drive signal of the amplifier to the second port.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein in a third state, the control circuit selectively couples the amplifier to the third port to transmit the drive signal of the amplifier to the third port.

### Claim 13 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein the first port is a combination energy port to output different energy modalities to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The energy module of claim 13, wherein the combination energy port comprises a bipolar energy mode, a monopolar energy mode, and an ultrasonic energy mode.

### Claim 15 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein the second port is a bipolar energy port to output bipolar RF energy to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 16 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein the third port is a monopolar energy port to output monopolar RF energy to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 17 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, each of the plurality of ports couples to the control circuit to provide a feedback signal to the control circuit.

### Claim 18 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein the amplifier is a wideband RF power amplifier.

### Claim 19 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein the control circuit is to determine a surgical instrument is connected to one of the plurality of ports.

### Claim 20 (depends on 9)

The energy module of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of ports comprises a leakage current detection circuit.