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Electrosurgical generator and electrode

  • US 5,830,212 A
  • Filed: 10/21/1996
  • Issued: 11/03/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/21/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures, comprising:

  • an electrosurgical generator having an active electrode output connector and a return current connector, said generator providing an electrosurgical current at said active electrode output connector, said generator including a fault detection circuit for monitoring the proper operation of said generator;

    an active electrode connected to said active electrode output connector for receiving said electrosurgical current from said generator and applying said electrosurgical current to a patient;

    a patient return electrode, said patient return electrode providing capacitive coupling with the skin of a patient;

    a patient return electrode cable, electrically connected to said patient return electrode; and

    an interface module electrically connected to said return current connector of said generator and to said patient return electrode cable for permitting return of said electrosurgical current from said patient to said generator via said patient return electrode and said patient return electrode cable, said interface module electrically simulating to said fault detection circuit of said electrosurgical generator a fault condition when the patient return electrode does not provide sufficient contact with the skin of a patient, whereby operation of said electrosurgical generator is terminated.

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