Circuitry for processing requests made from the sterile field of a surgicalprocedure to change the output power level of an electrosurgical generator

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An electrosurgical generating system including an electrosurgical generator; a handpiece including an active electrode connected to the generator for applying electrosurgical current from the generator to a patient; and an initializing device or circuit for making an initial determination as to whether the handpiece includes power changing switches for changing the level of the output power delivered from the generator to the patient. Assuming the handpiece does include such switches, circuitry is also disclosed for limiting the amount the power can be increased or decreased from the handpiece. Also circuitry is disclosed for effecting the power increase or decrease in incremental steps.