#$%^&*AU2010206104B220131017.pdf#####POWER LEVEL TRANSITIONING IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT Abstract An electrosurgical system and method are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator (20) adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The generator is further adapted to supply an electrosurgical signal at a variable power level. The generator includes sensor circuitry (22) adapted to sense tissue impedance and/or an electrosurgical signal zero crossing. The generator also includes a controller (24), which may include a microprocessor (25), that is adapted to receive a tissue impedance signal and/or a waveform zero crossing signal. The controller is configured to monitor tissue impedance, and in response to a threshold value of impedance being reached, to cause a power level of the electrosurgical energy to transition from a first power level to a second power level. The slew rate of the power transition may be in accordance with a transition function, such as a cosine function. The power transition may additionally or alternatively be performed during, or correlated with, an electrosurgical signal zero crossing. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument (10) including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue for treatment. 2877309-1
