Adaptive, return electrode monitoring system
AssigneeValleylab, Inc.
InventorsDavid W. Newton, William G. Paterson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A return electrode monitoring system for use with a split patient return electrode having two, electrically isolated electrode elements adapted for contacting a patient, the system comprising means responsive to the impedance between the two electrode elements for producing a signal which is a function of the impedance; means for establishing a desired range having an upper limit and a lower limit for the impedance when the patient is in contact with the electrode elements; determining means responsive to the signal for determining whether the impedance is within the desired range; and adjusting means for adjusting the upper limit to adapt the system to the particular impedance of the patient in response to the particular impedance occurring within the desired range.
Claims26
A return electrode monitoring system for use with a split patient return electrode having two, electrically isolated electrode elements adapted for contacting a patient, said system comprising
- means responsive to the impedance between said two electrode elements for producing a signal which is a function of said impedance;
- means for establishing a desired range having an upper limit and a lower limit for said impedance when the patient is in contact with the electrode elements;
- determining means responsive to said signal for determining whether said impedance is within said desired range;
- and
- adjusting means for automatically adjusting said upper limit to adapt said system to the particular impedance of said patient in response to said particular impedance occurring within the desired range.
A return electrode monitoring system for use with a common foil, patient return electrode adapted for contacting a patient, said electrode having two, spaced apart conductors attached thereto for connecting the electrode to a generator of electrosurgical current, said system comprising
- microprocessor means for monitoring the continuity of the circuit including said electrode, said conductors, and said generator including
- means responsive to the impedance between said two conductors for producing a signal which is a function of said impedance;
- means for establishing a desired upper limit for said impedance;
- determining means responsive to said signal for determining whether said impedance is below said desired upper limit;
- and
- transition detecting means for detecting a transition of said impedance from a value less than said upper limit to a value greater than said upper limit and means for decreasing the value of the upper limit to a lower value in response to said transition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.