RF return pad current distribution system
AssigneeSherwood Services AG
InventorKyle Rick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an electrosurgical return pad current detection system for use in monopolar surgery as well as a method of using the same. The detection system includes at least one conductive pad which includes a plurality of conductive elements. The detection system further includes at least one sensor configured to measure the current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm. A variable impedance controller is configured to adjust the variable impedance levels based upon output generated by the computer algorithm.
Claims20
A return electrode current distribution system, comprising:
- at least one conductive pad having a plurality of conductive elements, wherein each conductive element includes a pad contact impedance and a variable impedance;
- at least one sensor configured to measure respective current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm;
- a variable impedance controller, operable to regulate a variable impedance level based upon output generated by the computer algorithm.
A method for performing monopolar surgery, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a return pad current detection system comprising:
- at least one conductive pad having a plurality of conductive elements, wherein each conductive element includes a pad contact impedance and a variable impedance;
- at least one sensor configured to measure the respective current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm;
- and
- a variable impedance controller, operable to adjust a variable impedance level based upon output generated by the computer algorithm;
- placing the return pad current detection system in contact with a patient, wherein the impedance levels are at some initial value;
- generating electrosurgical energy via an electrosurgical generator;
- supplying the electrosurgical energy to the patient via an active electrode;
- measuring the current returning to each conductive element;
- detecting imbalances in current by monitoring the current returning to each conductive element;
- and
- controlling the current entering each element using the software program and variable impedance controller to vary impedances.
A return electrode current distribution system, comprising:
- a conductive pad having a plurality of conductive elements, wherein each conductive element includes a pad contact impedance and a variable impedance;
- at least one sensor configured to measure respective current levels returning to each conductive element, the current levels being input into a computer algorithm;
- a variable impedance controller, operable to regulate a variable impedance level based upon output generated by the computer algorithm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.