Seal and separate algorithm

Abstract

A method for controlling delivery of energy to seal and divide tissue includes applying energy to tissue in a first phase through an electrosurgical forceps having at least one electrically energizable electrode. The method also includes detecting a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase. The method also includes applying energy to tissue during a second phase upon detection of the predetermined condition and providing tension to the tissue during the second phase to separate the tissue.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An electrosurgical system, comprising:
 electrosurgical forceps having a first electrically energizable electrode and a second electrically energizable electrode; and   an electrosurgical generator configured to supply energy to tissue in a first phase and a second phase through the first and second electrically energizable electrodes,   wherein the first and second electrically energizable electrodes are configured to be manipulated relative to the tissue to provide tension on the tissue during the second phase to separate tissue.   
     
     
         22 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 21 , wherein the electrosurgical generator is further configured to detect a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase. 
     
     
         23 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 22 , wherein the electrosurgical generator is further configured to apply energy to tissue during the second phase in response to a detection of the predetermined condition. 
     
     
         24 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 23 , wherein the electrosurgical generator is further configured to detect a predetermined change in the energy applied to the tissue during the second phase, the predetermined change being indicative of tissue separation. 
     
     
         25 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 24 , wherein the electrosurgical generator is further configured to terminate the second phase upon in response to a of the predetermined change. 
     
     
         26 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 21 , wherein the electrosurgical generator includes a generator module configured to supply energy to tissue in a first phase and a second phase through the first and second electrically energizable electrodes and a control system configured to control the energy supplied by the generator module. 
     
     
         27 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 21 , wherein the electrosurgical generator includes a sensor module configured to measure at least one energy property. 
     
     
         28 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the energy property is selected from the group consisting of voltage phase, current phase, and power. 
     
     
         29 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the sensor module is further configured to measure at least one tissue property. 
     
     
         30 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 29 , wherein the tissue property is selected from the group consisting of impedance and temperature. 
     
     
         31 . An electrosurgical system, comprising:
 electrosurgical forceps having a first electrically energizable electrode and a second electrically energizable electrode;   an electrosurgical generator including:
 a generator module configured to supply energy to tissue in a first phase and a second phase through the first and second electrically energizable electrodes; and 
 a control system configured to control the energy supplied by the generator module, 
   wherein the first and second electrically energizable electrodes are configured to be manipulated relative to the tissue to provide tension on the tissue during the second phase to separate tissue.   
     
     
         32 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 31 , wherein the control system is further configured to detect a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase. 
     
     
         33 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 32 , wherein the generator module is further configured to apply energy to tissue during the second phase in response to a detection of the predetermined condition. 
     
     
         34 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 33 , wherein the control system is further configured to detect a predetermined change in the energy applied to the tissue during the second phase, the predetermined change being indicative of tissue separation. 
     
     
         35 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 34 , wherein the control system is further configured to terminate the second phase in response to a detection of the predetermined change. 
     
     
         36 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 31 , wherein the electrosurgical generator further includes a sensor module configured to measure at least one energy property and at least one tissue property. 
     
     
         37 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 36 , wherein the tissue property is selected from the group consisting of impedance and temperature. 
     
     
         38 . The electrosurgical system of  claim 36 , wherein the energy property is selected from the group consisting of voltage phase, current phase, and power.