System and method for return electrode monitoring

A method for determining probability of tissue damage, the method comprising:

• coupling a plurality of return electrodes to a patient and to an electrosurgical generator that is configured to generate an electrosurgical current, wherein each of the plurality of return electrodes includes a current monitor and a switching component connected in series with each of the plurality of return electrodes;
• measuring the electrosurgical current passing through each of the plurality of return electrodes;
• determining a balance of a current load among the plurality of return electrodes, determining the balance of the current load including:
• determining a current threshold based on a tolerance value of the plurality of return electrodes and a summation of the electrosurgical current passing through each of the plurality of return electrodes;
• and
• determining whether the electrosurgical current passing through at least one of the plurality of return electrodes exceeds the determined current threshold;
• and
• controlling each of the switching components to adjust the electrosurgical current passing through each of the plurality of return electrodes to balance the current load.