In an electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, the
generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having three or more
output connections, one or more sources of output power coupled to the
output stage, and a controller operable to cause the generator to supply
a first cutting RF waveform to the output connections or a second
coagulating RF waveform to the output connections. In a combined mode,
the controller causes the generator to deliver both first and second RF
waveforms, the controller including means for feeding the waveforms to
the output connections such that the first RF waveform is delivered
between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF
waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections.
The combined mode is adjustable between various settings, each setting
having a different proportion of the first and second RF waveforms. In
response to a operator-actuated input signal, the controller causes the
generator to supply an output waveform starting at a predetermined start
setting, ending at a predetermined end setting, and changing between the
start and end settings according to a predetermined progression.