Oratec Interventions, Inc.

Vidamed, Inc.

Donald P Kannenberg

Duane W Marion

Scott Powers Huntley

Andrew I Lisiecki

John N Hendrick

A thermal energy controller system useful in medical procedures includes a controller coupled to a probe, and a thermal element to vary probe temperature. The controller includes memory storing a non-continuous algorithm that permits user-selectable settings for various probe types such that controller operation is self-modifying in response to the selected probe setting. Probe output power Pout is constant in one mode to rapidly enable probe temperature to come within a threshold of a target temperature. The controller can then vary Pout dynamically using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm Pout=Kp&#xb7;P+Ki&#xb7;I+Kd&#xb7;D, where feedback loop coefficients Kp, Ki, Kd can vary dynamically depending upon magnitude of an error function e(t) representing the difference between a user-set desired target temperature and sensed probe temperature. Advantageously, target temperature can be rapidly attained without overshoot, allowing the probe system to be especially effective in arthroscopic tissue treatment.

Method and apparatus for controlling a temperature-controlled probe

A method and apparatus to control a power output of a probe connected to a controller in a thermal energy controller system to maintain a target temperature. The system includes a probe, a controller/generator and a means for connecting the probe to the controller. The probe has a thermal element and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor provides a sensed temperature. The method and apparatus allow the controller to more effectively accommodate different types of probes by providing selectable probe settings for the probes. The controller modifies its operation in response to the selected probe setting. In this way, the power output of each type of probe can be more effectively controlled to better maintain the selected target temperature.

A radio frequency tissue ablation apparatus for use on a horizontal support surface in connection with a medical procedure on a patient. A portable carrying case having a carrying handle is provided and is adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface. The portable carrying case has a cover with an inner surface and is movable between a generally vertical open position and a generally horizontal closed position when the portable carrying case is resting on the horizontal support surface. The portable carrying case has a keyboard and a primary display panel disposed adjacent the keyboard under the cover when the cover is in a closed position and is accessible visually and physically when the cover is in an open position. The primary display panel includes a plurality of groups of numerical indicia and a plurality of switches associated with at least certain of the groups of numerical indicia for establishing criteria for those certain groups of numerical indicia. The primary display panel includes an additional switch for selecting automatic or manual operation. A graphic display panel is carried by the inner surface of the cover. Electrical circuitry, including a radio frequency generator and a control computer, is disposed within the portable carrying case and is coupled to the keyboard, the primary display panel and the graphic display panel. The portable carrying case has a plurality of ports accessible externally in communication with the electrical circuitry in the portable carrying case. A probe is coupled to one of the ports carrying an electrode and is adapted to penetrate tissue.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Donald P Kannenberg