Universal self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode
Inventors
Ehninger, Michael D. • Borgmeier, Paul R. • Greep, Darcy W. • Millis, Roger • Fischer, Melissa K.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11464560-B2
Publication Date
2022-10-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a universal safety electrosurgical return electrode for monopolar electrosurgery. The electrode includes a conductive element with pads positioned on opposing sides to provide two reversible working surfaces. It is configured to self-limit electrical current density and corresponding tissue temperature rise to safe thresholds by tailoring bulk impedance and capacitive coupling so that current distribution becomes non-uniform across an effective contact area.
The conductive element is configured with one or more structural surface features that render non-uniform electrical current density. These structural surface features are arranged in first and second structural surface feature distribution areas having different densities. The first density transfers electrical current between the conductive element and a patient at a first electrical current density for a first predetermined category, and the second density transfers electrical current at a second electrical current density for a second predetermined category.
Multiple embodiments use structural and geometric configurations to create region-dependent coupling for different IEC weight categories. Conductive elements include apertures with different aperture densities or protrusions with different protrusion densities, including non-planar conductive geometries such as wavy or arched configurations. Optional visual indicators identify the different regions of the return electrode corresponding to the patient categories, and the electrode is described as eliminating reliance on external contact-quality monitoring circuits.
Claims Coverage
The partial content contains two independent claims, each directed to a universal safety electrosurgical return electrode with patient-category-based electrode areas and pads on opposing major surfaces. Across the independent claims, at least two inventive feature themes are present: non-uniform current density via structural surface feature distribution areas with different densities, and designated return-electrode areas for different predetermined patient categories with visual indicators.
Non-uniform current density via structural surface feature distribution areas
A conductive element configured to conduct electrical current, where the conductive element has one or more structural surface features arranged in first and second structural surface feature distribution areas, with the first distribution area comprising structural surface features configured in a first density and the second distribution area comprising structural surface features configured in a second density different from the first density, the first density transferring electrical current at a first electrical current density for a first predetermined patient category and the second density transferring electrical current at a second electrical current density for a second predetermined patient category.
Universal designated patient-category areas with pads and visual indicators
A conductive element configured to conduct electrical current and having opposing first and second major surfaces, where the conductive element includes a first area specifically configured and designated for use with patients from a first predetermined category and a second area specifically configured and designated for use with patients from a second predetermined category, a first pad positioned adjacent the first major surface, a second pad positioned adjacent the second major surface, and one or more visual indicators identifying the first and second areas for the respective patient categories.
Both independent claims cover universal safety electrosurgical return electrodes that provide different electrode regions for different predetermined patient categories. Claim coverage includes non-uniform current density generated by first and second structural surface feature distribution areas having different densities, and designated patient-category areas with pads on opposing major surfaces and visual indicators identifying the designated areas.
Stated Advantages
Self-limits electrical current density and corresponding tissue temperature rise to safe thresholds.
Provides safe use across substantially any patient size/weight without adjusting ESU power settings.
Eliminates reliance on external contact-quality monitoring circuits.
Provides two reversible working surfaces via pads on opposing sides of the conductive element.
Documented Applications
Monopolar electrosurgical systems using radio frequency (RF) energy, employing the universal safety electrosurgical return electrode for different predetermined patient categories.
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