System and method for reducing patient return electrode current concentrations

• US 20070244478A1
• Filed: 04/18/2006
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Original Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Inventors: Bahney, Timothy
• Application Number:
  US11/406,012
• Publication Number:
  US 20070244478A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/32
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1233 with circuits for assuring patient safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/16 Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00026 Conductivity or impedance, e.g. of tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00767 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00827 Current

Abstract

A return electrode for use in an electrosurgical system is provided. The return electrode includes a non-conductive pad; and a plurality of concentric, electrically isolated conductive elements coupled to a surface of the non-conductive pad. Each conductive element defines a leading edge located in close proximity to a source of electrosurgical energy. Each conductive element is independently electrically connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy.

Claims

1. A return electrode for use in an electrosurgical system, the return electrode comprising:

a non-conductive pad; and

a plurality of concentric, electrically isolated conductive elements coupled to a surface of the non-conductive pad, wherein each conductive element defines a leading edge located in relatively close proximity to a source of electrosurgical energy, wherein each conductive element is independently electrically connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy.

2. The return electrode according to claim 1, further comprising a current detection system coupled to each conductive element.

3. The return electrode according to claim 2, wherein the current detection system includes at least one current sensor coupled to a respective leading edge of each conductive element.

4. The return electrode according to claim 2, wherein the current detection system includes at least one current sensor coupled to a respective conductive element.

5. The return electrode according to claim 4, wherein the at least one current sensor is coupled to the leading edge of the respective conductive element.

6. An electrosurgical system, comprising:

an electrosurgical generator; and

a return electrode selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator, the return electrode including a plurality of concentric, electrically isolated conductive elements, wherein each conductive element defines a leading edge located in relative close proximity to the electrosurgical generator, wherein each conductive element is independently electrically connectable to the electrosurgical generator.

7. The electrosurgical system according to claim 6, further comprising a current detection system coupled to each conductive element of the return electrode.

8. The electrosurgical system according to claim 7, wherein the current detection system includes at least one current sensor coupled to a respective conductive element.

9. The electrosurgical system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one current sensor is coupled to the leading edge of the respective conductive element.

10. The electrosurgical system according to claim 6, further comprising a connection device for connecting the return electrode to the electrosurgical generator.

11. The electrosurgical system according to claim 6, wherein the return electrode includes a non-conductive pad for supporting the conductive elements.

12. The electrosurgical system according to claim 9, further comprising a computer electrically connected to each conductive element.

13. The electrosurgical system according to claim 12, wherein the computer is configured to independently switch each conductive element into and out-of an electrical circuit.

14. The electrosurgical system according to claim 12, wherein the computer is configured to switch a conductive element out-of the electrical circuit when a current density of the respective leading edge of the conductive element reaches a predetermined threshold level.

15. The electrosurgical system according to claim 12, wherein the computer is configured to sequentially independently switch each conductive element into and out-of the electrical circuit.

16. A method of performing monopolar surgery comprising the steps of:

providing an electrosurgical system including;

an electrosurgical generator; and

a return electrode connected to the electrosurgical generator, the return electrode including a plurality of concentric, electrically isolated conductive elements, wherein each conductive element defines a leading edge located in close proximity to the electrosurgical generator, wherein each conductive element is independently electrically connectable to the electrosurgical generator;

placing the return electrode into contact with a patient;

generating electrosurgical energy via the electrosurgical generator;

transmitting electrosurgical energy between an active electrode and the return electrode via the patient;

measuring the current along the leading edge of each conductive element; and

switching a respective conductive element out-of a circuit when the measured current along the leading edge of the respective conductive element exceeds a predetermined threshold current level.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the electrosurgical system further includes a current detection system coupled to each conductive element of the return electrode.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the current sensors are coupled to the leading edge of the conductive elements.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the electrosurgical system further includes a computer electrically connected to each conductive element.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the computer is configured to independently switch each conductive element into and out-of an electrical circuit when a current density of the respective leading edge of the conductive element reaches a predetermined threshold level.