Electrosurgical generator

Abstract

This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process. The graphic display gives the clinician an instantaneous and intuitive feeling for the dynamics and stability of the ablation process for safety and control. This invention relates to monitoring and controlling multiple ground pads to optimally carry return currents during high-frequency tissue ablation, and to prevent of ground-pad skin burns. This invention relates to the use of ultrasound imaging intraoperatively during a tissue ablation procedure. This invention relates to the use of nerve stimulation and blocking during a tissue ablation procedure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A system for tissue ablation that includes a radiofrequency generator and an ablation electrode; wherein the radiofrequency generator is configured to deliver a radiofrequency signal to bodily tissue via the electrode; wherein the generator is adapted to control a parameter of the signal from the list of current, voltage, and power; wherein the generator includes a measurement system adapted to measure in real time the signal impedance and the controlled parameter; wherein the generator automatically decreases the controlled parameter as the impedance increases; wherein the generator automatically increases the controlled parameter up to a target level as the impedance decreases; and wherein the generator includes a computer graphic display adapted to plot in real time, on the same time axis, both the controlled parameter and the impedance. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47  and further including a cooling system to cool the ablation electrode.