Return path monitoring system

• US 5,766,165 A
• Filed: 09/22/1995
• Issued: 06/16/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ernesto G. Sevilla, John S. Gentelia
• Original Assignee: Ernesto G. Sevilla, John S. Gentelia
• Inventors: Gentelia, John S., Sevilla, Ernesto G.
• Primary Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US08/532,143
• Time in Patent Office: 998 Days
• Field of Search: 606/32-35, 606/37-42, 606/45-50
• US Class Current: 606/35
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1233 with circuits for assuring patient safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00291 using suction

Abstract

A controlled return path monitoring system is used in combination with an electrosurgical generator unit employing an active electrode for performing electrosurgery. The system includes internal electrode which is disposed, in use, within the body of a patient in proximity to the active electrode and is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator unit so as to provide a preferred current return path back to the electrosurgical generator unit, and an external electrode which is disposed, in use, on the body of the patient and is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator unit so as to provide a safety current return path back to the electrosurgical generator unit. A detector monitors the return current flow from the two electrodes back to the electrosurgical generator unit and controls the unit in accordance with the monitored return current flow, e.g., shuts off the unit when the flow exceeds a predetermined level.

Claims

1. A controlled return path monitoring system in combination with an electrosurgical generator unit including an active electrode for performing electrosurgery, said system comprising:

a first, internal electrode disposed, in use, within the body of a patient in proximity to the active electrode and electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator unit so as to provide a preferred current return path providing a substantial current flow back to the electrosurgical generator unit under normal operating conditions;

a second, external electrode disposed, in use, on the body of the patient and electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator unit so as to provide a safety current return path providing a further current flow, back to the electrosurgical generator unit, which, under said normal operating conditions, is less than the current flow in said preferred current flow path; and

monitoring means for monitoring the return current flow from said first and second electrodes back to the electrosurgical generator unit and for controlling the unit in accordance with the monitored return current flow.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said monitoring means comprises means for monitoring the current levels in the preferred return path and the safety return path.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said monitoring means comprises means for comparing the current levels in the preferred return path and the safety return path, and for shutting off the electrosurgical generator unit when a predetermined relative change between said levels is detected.