Temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system

A system for eliminating patient burns during monopolar surgery, comprising:

• a generator configured to generate current;
• an active electrode adapted to couple to the generator and being configured to supply the current to a patient;
• and
• a return electrode adapted to couple to the generator having a surface configured to receive the current from the patient and return the current to the generator, wherein a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is disposed on the return electrode and is configured to regulate the temperature over the surface of the return electrode.

A method for eliminating patient burns while performing monopolar surgery, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing a return electrode with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material in contact with a patient;
• generating electrosurgical energy;
• and
• supplying the electrosurgical energy to the patient via an active electrode;
• wherein the PTC material on the return electrode regulates the temperature over the return electrode by responding to increases in localized temperature with a local increase in resistance, thereby spreading the temperature over the surface of the electrode.