Temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system

摘要

A temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system for use in monopolar surgery, includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed on its surface. The PTC material responds to local increases in temperature by increasing local resistance. This quality decreases the probability of a patient burn as a result of monopolar surgery. The return electrode monitoring system includes a generator for generating current; an active electrode coupled to the generator for supplying the current to a patient; and a return electrode coupled to the generator with a surface for receiving the current from the patient and returning the current to the generator. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is disposed on the return electrode for regulating the temperature over the surface of the return electrode.

主权项

1. An electrosurgical return electrode for use in monopolar surgery comprising:
a conductive pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is disposed on the conductive pad such that the PTC material entirely encompasses the conductive pad, the PTC material configured to spread temperature substantially uniformly over the entire top and bottom surfaces by responding to increases in localized temperature with a local increase in resistance.