fig3 shows a surgical system 30 including a console 32 having a visual display screen 33 , a footswitch receiving port 34 , a handpiece receiving port 36 , an rf probe receiving port 38 and control console selectors . the visual display screen 33 displays devices connected to the receiving ports 36 , 38 . the display screen 33 is capable of displaying a plurality of modes for selection in response to actuation of selected ones of the console selectors . the footswitch receiving port 34 provides a connection to the control console 32 for a foot controller 40 . handpiece receiving port 36 receives the connection jack of a powered surgical handpiece 42 with a cutting element attached thereto , for instance a mechanical cutting tool or cutting element 43 , such as a burr . the powered surgical handpiece 42 can control oscillation or rotation speed of the mechanical cutting tool 43 secured thereto in response to actuation of the foot controller 40 . rf probe receiving port 38 receives a connecting jack of an rf or electrosurgical probe 44 having an electrode 46 . in some embodiments , control console selectors include push buttons that control or scroll through menus shown on the visual display screen 33 of the control console 32 . in some instances , one or more of the selectors select user preferences for particular operating modes of the surgical handpiece 42 with a mechanical cutting element 43 , such as a burr secured thereto or the electrosurgical probe 44 of the surgical system 30 . the handpiece 42 of the surgical system 30 includes a transceiver ( not shown ) and a non - volatile memory device ( not shown ). the transceiver acts as a reading device for reading cutter - specific data from the cutting element 43 . one embodiment of the rf probe structure generally corresponds to the probe structure illustrated in fig1 , except additional probe - specific data , described later herein , is provided on a one - wire memory 48 as shown in fig4 for reading by the control console 32 . the control console 32 includes a processing device 50 for processing the data received from the one - wire memory device 48 . the processing device 50 shown in fig4 controls an rf generator 52 that provides rf energy to the electrosurgical probe 44 to power the electrode 46 disposed at the distal end thereof . the foot controller 40 illustrated in fig3 - 5 is similar in structure to the remote console disclosed in u . s . patent publication no . 2006 / 0116667 , owned by the same assignee hereof , the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference . as shown in fig5 , the foot controller 40 includes a device selection actuator 56 , a power decrease actuator 58 and a power increase actuator 60 . the device selection actuator 56 chooses between a powered surgical handpiece 42 and an electrosurgical probe 44 that are connected to the control console 32 for operation thereof . further , the controller 40 includes a cutting power actuator 62 and a coagulation actuator 64 for operating the electrosurgical probe 44 when the probe is selected . in the fixed cutting mode , the actuator 62 acts as a switch that enables cutting by the electrosurgical probe 44 . in the variable cutting mode , the actuator 62 provides a changing output value depending on the total force applied thereto . detailed operation of the foot controller 40 for the surgical system 30 is discussed below . fig6 is a flow chart representing an electrosurgical probe routine 68 for a processing device 50 operating the rf generator 52 that supplies power to the electrosurgical probe 44 . in one embodiment of the invention , selectors of the control console 32 enable an operator to select between a variable mode and a fixed mode for operation of the electrosurgical probe 44 . the probe routine 68 illustrated in fig6 begins at start 70 . a user selects the variable mode or the fixed mode . further , other modes for selection , such as a device configuration mode are contemplated . in another embodiment , a user selects a menu entry that initializes settings of the surgical system 30 using the stored preference information for a particular user . in other embodiments , a selection switch is provided to select the operating mode . at step 72 , the processing device 50 determines if the variable mode or the fixed mode has been selected . if the variable mode is chosen by a user , the processing device advances to step 74 . when variable mode subroutine 74 is selected , the processing device 50 executes the variable subroutine illustrated in fig7 . from start 76 , the variable mode subroutine 74 advances to coagulation decision step 78 . if the coagulation actuator 64 provides a coagulation signal , the processing device 50 advances to step 80 and outputs a constant predetermined power value from the rf generator 52 . the rf generator 52 provides the constant predetermined coagulation power value to the electrosurgical probe 44 to coagulate tissue . the processing device 50 then returns to decision step 78 and determines if the coagulation actuator 64 continues to be pressed . in the instance when the coagulation actuator 64 is not depressed , the variable mode subroutine 74 of the processing device 50 advances to step 82 . at step 82 , the processing device 50 determines whether the dual purpose power actuator 62 is depressed , and if depressed , a measured force or control value from the dual purpose power actuator 62 is provided to the processing device 50 . at step 83 , depending on the amount of force applied to the actuator 62 , such as a foot pedal , the processing device 50 controls the rf generator 52 to output a discrete power level from the electrosurgical probe 44 that is proportional with respect to the measured force or sensed control value received from the actuator 62 . so long as the actuator 62 is depressed , at decision step 82 the routine advances to execute at step 83 and then returns to step 82 of the variable mode subroutine 74 and repeats same . when the actuator 62 is not depressed at decision step 82 , the variable mode subroutine 74 advances to return 84 and the variable mode subroutine ends . the variable mode enables an operator to select from the various power level outputs illustrated in fig8 while being capable of providing different power levels to the electrosurgical probe 44 without first discontinuing power to the probe . the pedal press or force applied to the actuator 62 provides essentially instantaneous variable power control of the power output from the rf generator 52 . as shown in the embodiment of fig8 , the percentage of applied pedal force / pressure or pedal travel extends from 0 % to 100 % and corresponds to eleven different discrete power levels or values that depend on the force applied to the actuator 62 . in another embodiment , the amount of movement of a pedal of the actuator 62 controls the power level provided by the rf generator 52 . returning to fig6 , when the power actuator 62 no longer receives at least a predetermined force , the processing device 50 advances to probe reset decision step 90 . at step 90 , the processing device 50 determines if a selector of the control console 32 has been operated to select the other electrosurgical probe operating mode , a configuration routine or other operating mode for execution by processing device 50 . if one of the electrosurgical probe mode subroutines 74 , 92 is or remains selected , the processing device 50 advances to step 72 . in one embodiment , the actuator 62 includes a hall effect sensor that determines the movement or position of a pedal of the actuator and controls the power levels as illustrated in fig8 . further , in some embodiments the actuator 62 is a force transducer or pressure transducer for sensing force applied thereto , without necessarily having significant movement of a foot pedal or other element thereof . in these embodiments the power level output can be linear with respect to the force applied to the pedal of the actuator 62 . in other embodiments the power level output is non - linear with respect to the force applied to the pedal . in some embodiments the actuator 62 is a position sensor including a series of position responsive switches actuated in response to the amount of movement of a pedal of the actuator to provide a linear increase in the power level with respect to movement of the pedal . in some embodiments the power level output is non - linear with respect to foot travel distance or movement of the actuator 62 . while fig8 shows eleven discrete power levels for the variable mode of operation , fewer or more power levels can be provided . for example , in some embodiments twenty or more power levels are correlated with the force applied to the actuator 62 and provided to processing device 50 to obtain a more precise output power level control . as discussed above , the variable mode results in less cutting delay and thus a less time consuming surgical procedure . in some embodiments , a default to the variable mode or to the fixed mode for the electrosurgical probe 44 is provided when the surgical system 30 is initially powered on . at decision step 72 in probe routine 68 shown in fig6 , if the variable mode is not indicated at decision step 72 , the processing device 50 advances to fixed mode subroutine 92 shown in fig9 . the fixed mode subroutine 92 shown in fig9 executes by advancing from start 94 to coagulation decision step 96 . in the fixed mode subroutine 92 , if the coagulation actuator 64 is depressed , the processing device 50 advances to step 98 . at step 98 , the processing device 50 operates to provide an essentially constant coagulation power value from the rf generator 52 to the electrosurgical probe 44 . as shown in fig9 , from step 98 , the processing device 50 returns to coagulation decision step 96 . at step 96 , if the coagulation actuator 64 is not actuated , the coagulation power value is no longer output and the processing device 50 advances to step 100 . at step 100 , the processing device determines if any of actuators 58 , 60 and 62 are depressed . if actuator 62 is depressed , the rf generator 52 provides power to the electrosurgical probe 44 at an initial power value or level provided at system start - up or at a power level previously set by a user operating the control console 32 . if the actuator 62 is depressed to enable power to the electrosurgical probe 44 , actuators 58 , 60 are disabled and do not function . thus the power level provided by the rf generator 52 to the electrosurgical probe 44 remains essentially constant . at step 100 , if power increase actuator 60 is depressed with actuator 62 not operative , the discrete power level to be output by the rf generator 52 is increased . in some embodiments , the power level increases in a manner corresponding to the various set points for discrete power level as shown in fig2 , for each actuation of actuator 60 that is sensed by foot controller 40 and provided to the processor device 50 . if the power decrease actuator 58 is operated at step 100 with actuator 62 not operative , the discrete power level value is decreased for each actuation thereof . the power level decreases in a manner generally corresponding to the various set points for discrete power level as illustrated , for example , in fig2 for each actuation of the actuator 58 . at return step 102 , the fixed mode subroutine 92 returns to the electrosurgical probe routine 68 shown in fig6 . fig1 is a flow chart directed to a tool / probe routine 108 for the processing device 50 . the routine 108 begins at start 110 and advances to a tool decision step 112 . when tool operation is selected at decision step 112 , the processing device 50 advances to tool routine 114 . tool routine 114 is a known method of operating the cutting element 43 mounted to the powered surgical handpiece 42 . u . s . patent publication no . 2006 / 0116667 discloses an arrangement wherein various elements are operated with one controller . thus , the tool routine 114 will not be discussed in detail herein . in tool routine 114 , the actuators on the foot controller 40 control the powered surgical handpiece 42 to power a cutting element 43 to cut tissue . after tool routine 114 , operation of the processing device 50 advances to decision step 116 . at step 116 , if a different device or mode is not selected , the processing device 50 returns to tool routine 114 and continues to operate the mechanical cutting tool or cutting element 43 that is mounted to the powered handpiece 42 . when a device reselection has been determined at step 116 , the processing device 50 returns to tool decision step 112 . at tool decision step 112 , if the tool is not selected , the processing device 50 advances to probe decision step 115 . if an electrosurgical probe operation is selected by the actuator 56 , the processing device 50 advances to electrosurgical probe routine 68 illustrated in fig6 . the probe routine 68 operates as discussed above until electrosurgical probe operation is discontinued as illustrated at step 120 in fig6 and can eventually return to the tool decision step 112 illustrated in fig1 . in fig1 , if the electrosurgical probe is not selected at decision step 115 , the processing device 50 can advance to select state 124 . the term “ select state ” references a state wherein a large number of additional modes can be operated , such as configuration modes or the like . one mode , as discussed in fig1 , includes reading of one - wire memory devices 48 or reading of rfid chips disposed in the electrosurgical probe 44 or in the powered surgical handpiece 42 . such data is received by the processing device 50 and stored therein to assist in operation thereof . for instance , data related to the operating parameters of the cutting element 43 mounted to the powered surgical handpiece 42 , or related to the electrosurgical probe 44 having an electrode 46 , may be stored by the processing device 50 to ensure proper operation thereof . in other embodiments , additional operating modes or subroutines enable control of both the cutting element 43 and electrode 46 simultaneously with actuators on at least one of the handpiece 42 , the electrosurgical probe 44 and the control console 32 , along with the controller 40 . fig1 is a flow chart representing a second embodiment of an electrosurgical probe routine . the electrosurgical probe routine 200 shown in fig1 is executed by processing device 50 to control the rf generator 52 that supplies power to the electrosurgical probe 44 . the electrosurgical probe routine 200 begins at start 202 . in one embodiment , at start 202 the processing device 50 already has stored therein available default preferences for a particular user with regard to pre - selection of the variable or fixed operating mode and properties of the particular electrosurgical probe 44 connected to the console . from start 202 , the routine 200 advances to coagulation decision step 204 . the processor 50 determines if the coagulation actuator 64 is enabled . if so , the processor 50 advances to step 206 . at step 206 , the processor 50 controls the rf generator 52 to supply coagulation power to the electrosurgical probe 44 so long as the actuator 64 is enabled . when the actuator 64 is disengaged , the processor 50 advances to return step 208 and returns to start 202 . returning to coagulation decision step 204 , when the processor 50 determines that the coagulation actuator 64 is not enabled , the probe routine 200 advances to increase power level decision step 210 . at decision step 210 , the processor 50 determines if the power increase actuator 60 is enabled . when the power increase actuator 60 is enabled , the routine 200 advances to step 212 . at step 212 , the stored power level value for the cutting operation is increased or incremented by a discrete power level value . in some embodiments , if the discrete power level is at a maximum value and thus cannot be further increased , enabling of the power increase actuator 60 selects the fixed cutting mode for operation instead of the variable cutting mode or maintains the fixed cutting mode . in other embodiments , the processor 50 changes the electrosurgical probe arrangement from the fixed cutting mode to the variable cutting mode , or remains in the variable cutting mode , when the power increase actuator 60 is enabled while at the maximum power level value . after the power increase actuator 60 is disengaged , the processor 50 advances to return step 214 and returns to start 202 . returning to decision step 210 shown in fig1 , when the processor 50 determines that the power increase actuator 60 is not enabled , the routine 200 advances to decrease power level decision step 216 . at decision step 216 , the processor 50 determines if the power decrease actuator 56 is enabled . when the power decrease actuator 56 is enabled , the probe routine 200 advances to step 218 . at step 218 , the power level value for the cutting operation is decreased by a discrete power level value . when the decrease actuator 56 is disabled , the routine 200 advances to return step 220 and then returns to start step 202 . returning to decision step 216 , when the power decrease actuator 56 is not enabled , the electrosurgical probe routine 200 advances to cutting subroutine 230 shown in fig1 . the cutting subroutine 230 begins at block 232 shown in fig1 which represents a no output from decision step 216 of the electrosurgical probe routine 200 shown in fig1 . in the cutting subroutine 230 , the processor 50 advances from block 232 to cutting decision step 234 . at decision step 234 , the processor 50 determines if the cutting actuator 62 is enabled . when the cutting actuator 62 is not enabled , the processor 50 advances to return step 236 and returns to start step 202 illustrated in fig1 . when the cutting actuator 62 is actuated , the processor 50 advances from cutting decision step 234 , to variable mode decision step 238 . at decision step 238 , the processor 50 determines if the electrosurgical probe arrangement is set in the variable operating mode . in some embodiments , variable mode is preset for the console as a user preference at start up of the control console 32 . as discussed above , in some embodiments the power increase actuator 60 selects the variable mode . in other embodiments , a separate actuator ( not shown ) selects between the variable and fixed operating mode for the electrosurgical probe 44 . at the variable mode decision step 238 , when the processor 50 determines that the variable mode has been set or selected , the cutting subroutine 230 advances to variable cut step 240 to provide a variable power output from the rf generator 52 to the electrosurgical probe 44 so long as the cutting actuator 62 is operated . as discussed in the first embodiment shown in fig6 , 7 and 9 , the cutting power actuator 62 can vary the power from a low value to a maximum value based upon measurement of the force applied thereto . in another embodiment , movement of the actuator 62 against a biasing device , such as a spring element , controls the amount of power supplied from the rf generator 52 to the electrosurgical probe 44 . in some embodiments , the power decrease actuator 58 and the power increase actuator 60 can select a maximum power value for use during variable operation of the electrosurgical probe 44 . when the cutting power actuator 62 is disabled , power output by the re generator 52 is discontinued and the processor 50 advances to return step 242 . at step 242 , the cutting subroutine 230 returns to start block 202 of the probe routine 200 illustrated in fig1 . returning to decision step 238 , when the processor 50 determines the electrosurgical arrangement is not in the variable mode , the processor 50 advances to constant power level cutting step 244 . at cutting step 244 , the rf generator 52 provides the pre - selected constant power level to the electrosurgical probe 44 until the cutting power actuator 62 is deactivated . after deactivation , the rf generator 52 stops providing power and the processor 50 advances to return step 246 . at step 246 , the cutting subroutine 230 returns to start step 202 of the probe routine 200 illustrated in fig1 . while the above embodiments disclose a specific control pattern or function for each of the actuators 56 , 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 on the controller 40 , which in this embodiment is a foot controller , other embodiments of actuators provided on a controller 40 are contemplated . in some embodiments , the actuators are repositioned or the functions of specific individual actuators on a foot controller can be changed . as set forth above , the actuator 62 enables power to the electrosurgical probe 44 in both a variable mode and a fixed mode . thus , the actuator 62 may be considered a variable / fixed mode power actuator . in some embodiments , other actuators provide the same , different , or multiple functions . while fig4 and 5 only show a foot operated controller 40 , other embodiments are contemplated . for instance , the electrosurgical probe 44 illustrated in fig3 may have a grouping of three or more actuators disposed thereon that perform essentially the same functions as the actuators on the foot controller 40 . further , in another embodiment , the actuators illustrated in fig5 are provided as control buttons on the control console 32 as illustrated in fig3 . in some embodiments , various actuators disposed on the controller 40 or disposed on the electrosurgical probe 44 may perform similar functions or share control of the electrosurgical probe . in one embodiment , an operator utilizes the foot controller 40 to select a variable power cutting mode or a fixed power cutting mode . then , one of the actuators on the electrosurgical probe 44 shown in fig3 is operated to provide various discrete power levels to the electrode 46 in a similar manner as the actuators disposed on the foot controller 40 . in some embodiments the control console 32 provides an audible and / or visual indication of the selected device and the selected mode . while fig2 and 8 disclose power values at various settings , in some embodiments a power value corresponds to an output voltage value that essentially remains constant regardless of the output resistance or load of the electrosurgical probe 44 and the electrode 46 . thus , throughout the instant specification and claims , terms such as discrete power level , power value , fixed power , variable power and the like are intended to include predetermined voltage values or voltage levels output by the rf generator 52 . the routines and subroutines illustrated in fig6 , 7 and 9 - 12 are for purposes of describing various embodiments of the invention . additional embodiments of the invention are contemplated wherein the routines and subroutines operate in a different order and / or have additional steps that provide similar operating results as the specific routines and subroutines disclosed herein . although particular preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes , it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus , including the rearrangements of parts , lie within the scope of the present invention .
an electrosurgical system is capable of selectively varying the power applied to an electrosurgical probe , without interruption or discontinuity , in a variable mode or providing a constant coagulation power value to the probe . in a fixed mode , power to the electrosurgical probe must be discontinued to change the power level output by the probe . a single controller is capable of operating the probe in the variable mode and the fixed mode . the controller includes an actuator for stopping the cutting operation and then switching to a constant coagulation output during either of the variable mode or the fixed mode . the controller of the system may selectively control a separate surgical tool .