AU2012202002A1 - Electrosurgical pencil with drag sensing capability - Google Patents

Abstract

ELECTROSRUGICAL PENCIL WITH DRAG SENSING CAPABILITY An electrosurgical pencil (10) comprising an elongated housing (12) having a blade receptacle provided at a distal end thereof and an electrocautery blade (16) supported within the blade receptacle, the blade having a distal end extending distally from the housing and a proximal end extending into the housing. The electrosurgical pencil (10) 10 also includes an activation button (24) electrically coupled to the blade, a strain gauge (30) affixed to the electrocautery blade for measuring a displacement of the blade, wherein the strain gauge (30) is sensitive to a temperature change associated with the electrocautery blade (16) and a compensator resistor operatively connected to the strain gauge (30). The compensator resistor is configured to compensate for changes in is temperature of the electrocautery blade (16) that effect the strain gauge (30).

Description

S&F Ref: 705901D2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address Covidien AG, of Victor von Bruns-Strasse 19, 8212, of Applicant: Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland Actual Inventor(s): Thomas L. Buchman II Arian J. Reschke Ronald J. Podhajsky Address for Service: Spruson & Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 35 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Invention Title: Electrosurgical pencil with drag sensing capability The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 5845c(6182246_1) ELECTROSRUGICAL PENCIL WITH DRAG SENSING CAPABILITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 5 This application is a divisional application of Australian Application No. 2008212079, Australian Application No. 2008212079 is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2003254107, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/398,620 filed July 25, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/413,410 filed September 25, 2002, the entire io contents of which are incorporated by reference. The entire contents of Australian Patent Application No. 2008212079 and Australian Patent Application No. 2003254107 are further incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND is 1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to an electrosurgical instrument and, more particularly to an electrosurgical pencil having drag sensing capabilities. 2. Background of Related Art 20 Electrosurgical instruments have become widely used by surgeons in recent years. Accordingly, a need has developed for equipment that is easy to handle and operate, reliable and safe. By and large, most electrosurgical instruments typically include a hand held instrument, or pencil, which transfers radio-frequency (RF) electrical energy to a tissue site. The electrosurgical energy is returned to the electrosurgical source via a return 25 electrode pad positioned under a patient (i.e., a monopolar system configuration) or a smaller return electrode positionable in bodily contact with or immediately adjacent to the surgical site (i.e., a bipolar system configuration). The waveforms produced by the RF source yield a predetermined electrosurgical effect known generally as electrosurgical fulguration. 30 In particular, electrosurgical fulguration comprises the application of electric spark to biological tissue, for example, human flesh or the tissue of internal organs, without significant cutting. The spark is produced by bursts of radio-frequency electrical energy generated from an appropriate electrosurgical generator. Generally, fulguration is used to dehydrate, shrink, necrose or char the tissue. As a result, the instrument is primarily used to stop bleeding and oozing. These operations are generically embraced by the term "Coagulation". Meanwhile, electrosurgical cutting includes the use of the applied electric spark to tissue which produces a cutting effect. 5 Electrosurgical searing includes utilizing both electrosurgical energy and pressure to melt the tissue collagen into a fused mass. As used herein the term "electrosurgical pencil" is intended to include instruments which have a handpiece which is attached to an active electrode and are used to coagulate, cut and/or sear tissue. The pencil may be operated by a handswitch 10 or a foot switch. The active electrode is an electrically conducting element which is usually elongated and may be in the form of a thin flat blade with a pointed or rounded distal end. Alternatively, the active electrode may include an elongated narrow cylindrical needle which is solid or hollow with a flat, rounded, pointed or slanted distal end. Typically electrodes of this sort are known in the art as "blade", 15 "loop" or "snare", "needle" or "ball" electrodes. As mentioned above, the handpiece of the pencil is connected to a suitable electrosurgical source (i.e., generator) which produces the radio-frequency electrical energy necessary for the operation of the electrosurgical pencil. In general, when an operation is performed on a patient with an electrosurgical pencil, electrical energy 20 from the electrosurgical generator is conducted through the active electrode to the tissue at the site of the operation and then through the patient to a return electrode. The return electrode is typically placed at a convenient place on the patients body and is attached to the generator by a conductive material. When using electrosurgical instruments in an operation, the active electrode 25 may be rendered less efficient if the tissue distorts or encounters inconsistencies in the tissue. These instances are sensed as a change in the tension required to pass the electrode through the tissue (ie., "drag"). Also, when using electrosurgical instruments in an operation, the-tissue tends to char during the surgical procedure and adhere to the active electrode. When the 30 active electrode is an electrosurgical blade, the charred tissue can in some instances effect the overall performance of the electrosurgical blade. Performance degradation 2 of the blade may reduce the effectiveness of the instrument during the operation. For example, a build up of charred tissue on the active electrode may effect cutting efficiency of the blade. As a result, the surgeon may find it necessary to increase the electrical current to the electrosurgical blade in order to compensate for the degradation of the 5 cutting blade. This raises the possibility that the tissue will be more easily and rapidly charred when contacting the tissue. Another concern resulting from the build up of charred tissue on the active electrode is that the charred tissue can fracture and contaminate the surgical site which may delay the overall healing process. The build up of charred tissue on the active to electrode may also increase drag (i.e., the amount of resistance the body tissue exhibits during cutting). Drag may distort the tissue and consequently alter anatomical relationships which can effect proper suturing, possibly delay healing, and result in more visible scarring. Accordingly, the need exists for an electrosurgical pencil which includes drag is sensing capabilities to readily alert the operator when the drag force acting on the electrosurgical blade has surpassed a predetermined threshold level and/or the electrosurgical blade has been displaced beyond a predetermined acceptable level. Object of the Invention 20 It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention 25 There is disclosed herein an electrosurgical pencil, comprising: an elongated housing having a blade receptacle provided at a distal end thereof; an electrocautery blade supported within the blade receptacle, the blade having a distal end extending distally from the housing and a proximal end extending into the housing; 30 an activation button electrically coupled to the blade; a strain gauge affixed to the electrocautery blade for measuring a displacement of the blade, wherein the strain gauge is sensitive to a temperature change associated with the electrocautery blade; and a compensator resistor operatively connected to the strain gauge, wherein the compensator resistor is configured to compensate for changes in temperature of the electrocautery blade that effect the strain gauge. 5 There is further disclosed herein an electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending partially therefrom, the blade being coupled adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator which provides electrosurgical energy to the blade; 10 an activation switch coupled to the generator which permits selective activation of the electrocautery blade; a strain gauge in communication with the electrocautery blade for measuring a displacement of the electrocautery blade, wherein the strain gauge is sensitive to a temperature change associated with the electrocautery blade; and is a compensator resistor operatively connected to the strain gauge, wherein the compensator resistor is configured to compensate for changes in temperature of the electrocautery blade that effect the strain gauge. Preferably, the activation button is supported on the housing. Preferably, the strain gauge is affixed to a proximal end of the electrocautery blade. 20 Preferably, the electrosurgical pencil further comprises a meter which is at least one of electrically and optically connected to the strain gauge for monitoring at least one of a change in voltage, a change in electrical current and a change in optical wavelength. Preferably, the strain gauge is one of a wire, a foil, a semiconductor material and an optical transducer. 25 Preferably, the compensator resistor is also electrically coupled to a temperature compensated transducer, the compensator resistor being configured and adapted to compensate for displacement variations due to changes in temperature. Preferably, the semiconductor material is a piezoresistive material. Preferably, the electrosurgical pencil further comprises means for producing a 30 signal when the strain gauge measures a displacement of the blade which satisfies a predetermined level. Preferably, the means for producing a signal include a feedback system which produces at least one of an audible and a visible signal. In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge includes a temperature compensator resistor electrically coupled to the strain gauge or a temperature compensated transducer. The compensator resistor being configured and adapted to compensate for displacement variations due to changes in temperature. In a further preferred embodiment, the activation button is supported on the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the strain gauge is mechanically coupled 5 to a proximal end of the electrocautery blade. It is contemplated that the strain gauge mounted in the electrosurgical pencil is connected to an appropriate signal conditioner that monitors a change in voltage, a change in electrical current and/or a change in optical wavelength. It is contemplated that the electrosurgical pencil provide an indication of the 10 mechanical resistance of the blade passing through tissue in terms of strain gauge signal amplitude. This strain signal output provides sensor feedback in a control system that controls the wave form output of the electrosurgical generator. It is further contemplated that the electrosurgical pencil preferably include means for producing a signal when the strain gauge measures a displacement of the 15 blade which satisfies a predetermined level and, more preferably a feedback system which produces an audible and/or a visible signal when the predetermined level is met In an alternative embodiment, electrosurgical instrument includes a control circuit electrically coupled between the electrocautery blade and the electrosurgical 20 generator. The control circuit is configured and adapted to control power supplied to electrocautery blade based on the displacement measured by the strain gauge. Preferably, the control circuit is configured and adapted to increase the power supplied to the electrocautery blade when the displacement of the electrocautery blade, measured by the strain gauge, is greater than a preset value and decreases the 25 power supplied to the electrocautery blade when the displacement of the electrocautery blade, measured by the strain gauge, is less than a preset value. These and other objects will be more clearly illustrated below by the description of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of 4 this specification, luustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. I is a partially broken away side elevational view of an embodiment of an 5 electrosurgical pencil in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a partially broken away side elevational view of another embodiment of an electrosurgical pencil in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a partial broken away side elevational view of yet another embodiment of an electrosurgical pencil in accordance with the present disclosure 10 illustrating a control circuit for automated control of an electrosurgical generator output; FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart of the electrosurgical generator used in connection with the electrosurgical pencil of FIG. 3; and FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of a drag evaluation circuit of the control 15 circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed electrosurgical pencil will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference 20 numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to that portion which is further from the user while the term "proximal" refers to that portion which is closer to the user. FIG. I sets forth a partially broken away side elevational view of an electrosurgical pencil constructed in accordance with the present invention and 25 generally referenced by numeral 10. While the following description will be directed towards an electrosurgical pencil it is envisioned that the inventive features of the present disclosure can be applied to any electrosurgical type instrument Electrosurgical pencil 10 includes an elongated housing 12 configured and adapted to support a blade receptacle 14 at a distal end thereof which, in tun, receives a 30 replaceable electrocautery blade 16 therethrough. A distal portion 17 of blade 16 extends distally from receptacle 14 and a proximal portion 15 of blade 16 is retained 5 within the distal end of housing 12. It is coniempiatea ihat electrocautery blade 16 may be fabricated from a conductive type material, i.e., stainless steel or coated with an electrically conductive material. As shown, electrosurgical pencil 10 is coupled to a conventional 5 electrosurgical generator 18 via connecting wire 20. Connecting wire 20 includes a current wire 22 which electrically interconnects electrosurgical generator 18 and the proximal end of blade 16 and a coating 21 which electrically insulates and encapsulates current wire 22 to protect the operator from stray electrical currents. By way of example only, electrosurgical generator 18 may be any one the following, or 10 equivalents thereof: the "FORCE FX", "FORCE 2" or "FORCE 4" generators manufactured by Valleylab, Inc of Boulder, Co. Ideally, the electrosurgical generator can be preset to selectively provide an appropriate first predetermined RF signal (e.g., I to 300 watts) for tissue cutting and an appropriate second predetermined RF signal (e.g., I to 120 watts) for tissue coagulation. 15 Electrosurgical pencil 10 further includes an activation button 24 supported on an outer surface of housing 12. Activation button 24 is operable to control a depressible switch 26 which is used to control the RF electrical energy supplied to blade 16. It is contemplated that electrosurgical pencil 10 further includes an electrical control circuit (not shown) which is electrically coupled between current 20 wire 22 and activation button 24. In one embodiment the control circuit includes conventional on/off connection capabilities as well as high/low power capabilities utilizing a conventional resistive matrix. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that virtually any control circuit may be utilized which regulates/monitors the electrical energy passing through current wire 22 between depressible switch 26 and 25 blade receptacle 14. In accordance with the present invention, electrosurgical pencil 10 further includes a strain gauge 30 (i.e., a device used to measure mechanical displacement/deflection) mounted to the surface of the proximal end 15 of blade 16. Strain gauge 30 includes a pair of signal wires 32 electrically or a pair of optical fibers 30 33 (see FIG. 2) optically interconnecting strain gauge 30 to electrosurgical generator 18. Signal wires 32 and/or optical fibers 33 extend from strain gauge 30, through 6 housing 12 and connech'ng wire zu, to a meter 36 provided on generator 18. in operation, strain gauge 30 converts small mechanical displacements of blade 16 to electrical or optical signals. The electrical signals reflect the resistance of the meter during displacement, i.e., when a metal is stretched its resistance increases or when an 5 optical transducer is stretched its optical properties change. The measurement of the change in the resistance of the metal in the strain gauge enables the user to readily determine the degree of displacement which corresponds to the change in blade 16. Many different electrical devices may be employed to measure the electrical signal generated from the strain gauge, e.g., voltage meter, amp meter, etc. 10 It is contemplated that strain gauge 30 be made of wire, foil or semiconductor material. Wire and foil strain gauges are typically constructed by cementing a high resistance metal to a backing of paper or epoxy, which is then cemented to the structural element (i.e., the proximal end 15 of blade 16). It is contemplated that in order to obtain a higher resistance, the wire or foil making up the strain gauge is often 15 folded in a zig-zag pattern on the backing. As is known in the art, many of the wires and foils which have desirable characteristics as strain gauge materials are also sensitive to changes in temperature. In other words, changes in temperature will alter the resistance of the wire. Thus, in the present instance, wherein changes in temperature in blade 16 are likely, it is contemplated that strain gauge 30 be provided 20 with a compensator resistor 34, placed in close proximity to the strain gauge. Preferably, resistor 34 is configured to compensate for the changes in temperature experienced by blade 16 which are measured by strain gauge 30. It is further contemplated that a semiconductor strain gauge made up of piezoresistive material, usually silicone, be used. In operation, when pressure (i.e., resistance due to drag) is 25 applied to the underlying substrate (i.e., blade 16), the resistance of the metal making up the strain gauge is altered and typically a change in the output voltage and/or electrical current can be monitored. Alternatively, strain gauge 30 could be an optical transducer. As seen in particular in FIG. 2, strain gauge 30 of electrosurgical pencil 10 30 includes a pair of optical fibers 33 optically interconnecting strain gauge 30 to electrosurgical generator 18. Optical fibers 33 extend from strain gauge 30, through 7 housing iz and connecting wire ZO, to a meter 36 provided on generator iS. ft is further contemplated, that instead of a finger actuated activation button 24, that electrosurgical pencil 10 include a foot switch 25 electrically coupled thereto via electrosurgical generator 18 for controlling the RF electrical energy supplied to blade 5 16. As used in the present invention, as the drag acting against the distal end 17 of blade 16 increases, due to the pressure applied by the operator and/or the build up of charred tissue on blade 16, the deflection and/or displacement of the proximal end 15 of blade 16 will also increase. The displacement of the proximal end 15 of blade 16 is 10 measured by strain gauge 30 which, in turn, converts this displacement into an electrical or optical signal which can be monitored on generator 18. Accordingly, as the operator uses pencil 10 to cut or coagulate, the operator continually monitors meter 36 for any significant changes which surpass a predetermined threshold level. These changes alert the operator that either: 1) the advancement of blade 16 through 15 the tissue site is too fast which may result in the tissue becoming distorted; or 2) that the build up of charred tissue on blade 16 is approaching a level at which continued advancement of electrosurgical pencil 10 may cause the tissue to become distorted. It is contemplated that electrosurgical pencil 10 may be provided with a feedback system, as will be described in greater detail below, connected to the 20 electrosurgical generator. The feedback of the sensed drag would contribute an input to a control circuit in the generator that modulates the generator output waveform. For example, increased drag would indicate the need for increasing the output current to the active electrode. It is further contemplated that electrosurgical pencil 10 may be provided with 25 an audible or visible (i.e., light) feedback system (not shown) which would indicate to the operator when the drag acting on the distal end of blade 16 is approaching, has equaled or has surpassed the predetermined threshold level. For example, feedback system can include a buzzer and/or light which are set to be activated when the level on meter 36 reaches a certain predetermined number or range level. In this manner, 30 the operator does not have to actively monitor meter 36. Instead, the operator can focus on the target tissue site and be alerted either by the sound of a buzzer, by the 8 flashing of a light, or by both when the resistance acting against fne advancement oi the distal end of blade 16 has become greater than the predetermined threshold level. Over time, it is envisioned that the operator of electrosurgical pencil 10 will condition himself or herself to tactily recognize when the resistance on the distal end of blade 16 5 is becoming too great. Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, an electrosurgical pencil 100 having a control circuit 110 configured and adapted for the automated control of an electrosurgical generator 118 is disclosed. As seen in FIG. 3, electrosurgical pencil 100 includes an elongated housing 112 configured and adapted to support a blade receptacle 114 at a 10 distal end thereof 'which, in turn, receives a replaceable electrocautery blade 116 therethrough. A distal portion 117 of blade 116 extends distally from receptacle 114 and a proximal portion 115 of blade 116 is retained within the distal end of housing 112. As shown, electrosurgical pencil 100 is coupled to a conventional 15 electrosurgical generator 118 via connecting wire 120. Connecting wire 120 includes a current wire 122 which electrically interconnects electrosurgical generator 118 and the proximal end of blade 116 and a coating 121 which electrically insulates and encapsulates current wire 122 to protect the operator from stray electrical current. Electrosurgical pencil 100 further includes an activation button 124 supported on an 20 outer surface of housing 112. Activation button 124 is operable to control a depressible switch 126 which is used to control the RF electrical energy supplied to blade 116. It is contemplated that electrosurgical pencil 100 further includes an electrical control circuit 110 which is electrically coupled between current wire 122 and activation button 124. In one embodiment, control circuit 110 includes 25 conventional on/off connection capabilities as well as high/low power capabilities utilizing a conventional resistive matrix. As seen in FIG. 3, electrosurgical pencil 100 further includes a strain gauge' 130 mounted to the surface of the proximal end 115 of blade 116. Strain gauge 130 includes a pair of signal wires 132 electrically interconnecting strain gauge 130 to 30 electrosurgical generator 118. Signal wires 132 extend from strain gauge 130, through housing 112 and connecting wire 120, to electrical control circuit 110 of generator 9 118. One mode of operation of electrical control circuit 110 is best illustrated with reference to FIG. 4. As seen in FIG. 4, strain measuring device or strain gauge 130 converts a small mechanical displacement of blade 116 to an electrical signal which 5 electrical signal is transmitted through signal wires 132 to a drag evaluation circuit 140 of control circuit 110. It is envisioned that drag evaluation circuit 140 is configured and adapted to receive the electrical signal from strain gauge 130 and evaluate or compare the electrical signal against a preset or know value. Drag evaluation circuit 140 then transmits an evaluation signal to a feedback correction 10 circuit 142 of control circuit 110 which in turn transmits a feedback control signal to an RF energy output circuit 144 of electrosurgical generator 118. RF energy output circuit 144 instructs electrosurgical generator 118 of the change in power, current or voltage to be supplied to blade 116. Operation of control circuit 110 will now be described in detail with reference 15 to FIG. 5. Electrosurgical pencil 100 and electrosurgical generator 118 are initialized such that strain gauge 130 of blade 116 is calibrated to produce an initial drag value of zero. The surgeon then sets electrosurgical pencil to a desired "drag value" and activates electrosurgical pencil 100 by depressing activation switch 124 thus permitting energy (i.e., electrical current, voltage, etc.) to flow to blade 116. The 20 surgeon then commences the electrosurgical procedure by touching blade 116 to the target surgical site (i.e., body tissue, skin, organ, etc.) at which time blade 116 begins to displace due to the drag sensed thereon. The displacement due to the drag in turn causes strain gauge 130 to produce a drag signal which is transmitted to control circuit 110 of electrosurgical generator 118. Drag evaluation circuit 142 of control circuit 25 110 receives the measured drag signal and evaluates or compares the measured drag signal against the preset "drag value." If the measured drag signal is above the preset "drag value", drag evaluation circuit 142 transmits a signal to feedback correction circuit 144 which in turn instructs electrosurgical generator 118 to increase the energy output to blade 116. In addition, 30 feedback correction circuit 144 resets the "drag value" to the value of the higher measured drag signal. If tlIe measured drag signal is not above the preset "drag 10 value , drag evaluation circuit 142 evaluales-to see it ne measured drag signal is below the preset "drag value." If the measured drag signal is below the preset "drag value", drag evaluation circuit 142 transmits a signal to feedback correction circuit 144 which in turn instructs electrosurgical generator 118 to decrease the energy output 5 to blade 116. In addition, feedback correction circuit 144 resets the "drag value" to the value of the lower measured drag signal. If the measured drag signal is not below the preset "drag value" the evaluation process repeats from the beginning. This evaluation process is continually ongoing so long as electrosurgical pencil 100 is activated. Preferably, the evaluation process occurs on the order of 100 times 10 per second. In this manner, the power delivered to blade 116 is constantly monitored and adjusted in order to ensure that minimal trauma to the target site occurs. It is envisioned that the evaluation rate can be adjusted as needed. For example, a higher rate of evaluation may be desired for more delicate target surgical sites while a reduced rate of evaluation may be desired for hardier target sites. 15 It is envisioned that control circuit 110 can be provided with a cut-off control circuit (not shown). Cut-off control circuit would prevent the power being delivered to blade 116 from exceeding a threshold value in order to prevent electrosurgical pencil 100 from transmitting a damaging amount of energy to the target surgical site. While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with 20 reference to the preferred embodiments thereof; it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as discussed above, while the present invention has been described as being used in connection with an electrosurgical pencil, it is envisioned that the present invention 25 can be used in connection with any electrocautery device. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 11

Claims (18)

1. An electrosurgical pencil, comprising: an elongated housing having a blade receptacle provided at a distal end thereof; an electrocautery blade supported within the blade receptacle, the blade having a 5 distal end extending distally from the housing and a proximal end extending into the housing; an activation button electrically coupled to the blade; a strain gauge affixed to the electrocautery blade for measuring a displacement of the blade, wherein the strain gauge is sensitive to a temperature change associated with io the electrocautery blade; and a compensator resistor operatively connected to the strain gauge, wherein the compensator resistor is configured to compensate for changes in temperature of the electrocautery blade that effect the strain gauge.

2. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 1, wherein the activation is button is supported on the housing.

3. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 1, wherein the strain gauge is affixed to a proximal end of the electrocautery blade.

4. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 1, further comprising: a meter which is at least one of electrically and optically connected to the strain 20 gauge for monitoring at least one of a change in voltage, a change in electrical current and a change in optical wavelength.

5. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 4, wherein the strain gauge is one of a wire, a foil, a semiconductor material and an optical transducer.

6. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 5, wherein the compensator 25 resistor is also electrically coupled to a temperature compensated transducer, the compensator resistor being configured and adapted to compensate for displacement variations due to changes in temperature.

7. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 5, wherein the semiconductor material is a piezoresistive material. 30

8. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 1, further comprising: means for producing a signal when the strain gauge measures a displacement of the blade which satisfies a predetermined level.

9. An electrosurgical pencil according to claim 8, wherein the means for producing a signal include a feedback system which produces at least one of an audible 35 and a visible signal. 12

10. An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a housing; an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending partially therefrom, the blade adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator which provides s electrosurgical energy to the blade; an activation switch coupled to the generator which permits selective activation of the electrocautery blade; a strain gauge in communication with the electrocautery blade for measuring a displacement of the electrocautery blade, wherein the strain gauge is sensitive to a 10 temperature change associated with the electrocautery blade; and a compensator resistor operatively connected to the strain gauge, wherein the compensator resistor is configured to compensate for changes in temperature of the electrocautery blade that effect the strain gauge.

11. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 10, further comprising IS means for monitoring at least one of a voltage, an electrical current and an optical wavelength passing through the strain gauge.

12. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 10, further comprising means for monitoring at least one of a change in voltage, a change in electrical current and an optical transducer. 20

13. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the strain gauge is one of a wire, a foil, a semiconductor material and an optical transducer.

14. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 10, further comprising: means for producing a signal when the strain gauge measures a displacement of 25 the blade which satisfies a predetermined level.

15. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the electrosurgical instrument is an electrosurgical pencil having an elongate housing.

16. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 10, further comprising: 30 a signal producing device configured and adapted to produce a signal when the strain gauge measures a displacement of the electrocautery blade, the electrocautery blade providing a sensory input to the a control circuit of the electrosurgical generator which in turn modifies the generator output waveform.

17. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein the 35 control circuit is electrically coupled between the electrocautery blade and the 13 electrosurgical generator, the control circuit being configured and adapted to control power supplied to electrocautery blade based on the displacement measured by the strain gauge.

18. An electrosurgical instrument according to claim 17, wherein the 5 control circuit increases the power supplied to the electrocautery blade when the displacement of the electrocautery blade measured by the strain gauge is greater than a preset value and decreases the power supplied to the electrocautery blade when the displacement of the electrocautery blade measured by the strain gauge is less than a preset value. 10 Dated this 5th Day of April, 2012 Covidien AG is Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON 14