CPC A61B 18/1206 (2013.01) [A61B 18/14 (2013.01); A61B 18/1815 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00577 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00589 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00601 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00613 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00702 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00761 (2013.01); A61B 2018/128 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1273 (2013.01); A61B 2018/1823 (2013.01)] | 14 Claims |
1. An electrosurgical generator comprising:
an electromagnetic signal supply unit for generating radiofrequency (RF) or microwave energy, wherein the electromagnetic signal supply unit comprises:
a radiofrequency (RF) signal generator for generating RF electromagnetic (EM) radiation having a first frequency;
a microwave signal generator for generating microwave EM radiation having a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency;
an output port configured to be connectable to a coaxial transmission line to convey the RF or microwave energy to a probe for delivering the RF or microwave energy from a distal end thereof;
a feed structure for conveying the RF or microwave energy to the output port; and
an electroporation waveform supply unit arranged to generate energy having an electroporation waveform for causing reversible or irreversible electroporation (IRE) of biological tissue,
wherein the electroporation waveform supply unit comprises:
a DC power supply that is independent of the electromagnetic signal supply unit for generating radiofrequency (RF) or microwave energy; and
a pulse generator connected to the DC power supply and configured to output one or more pulses of DC power as the electroporation waveform,
wherein the electroporation waveform supply unit is connected to the feed structure to convey the electroporation waveform to the output port for delivery to the probe, and
wherein the feed structure comprises a common signal pathway for conveying the electroporation waveform and the RF or microwave energy to the output port, and
wherein the electrosurgical generator further comprises a waveguide isolator connected to isolate the electroporation waveform supply unit from the microwave signal generator.
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