Electrical return connections for electrosurgical systems
Inventors
Frampton, Chad S. • Greep, Darcy W.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12064171-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrosurgical system comprises a return electrode that includes a conductive element and a return conductor that forms a capacitive electrical connection with the conductive element. The conductive element is completely encompassed by one or more pads so that the conductive element is not exposed and so that the return electrode does not include an externally exposed electrical connection.
Core Innovation
The document describes an electrosurgical system using a return electrode that includes a conductive element completely encompassed by one or more non-conductive or insulative pads. The return electrode is configured to draw electrical current from a surgical electrode while being devoid of an external electric plug, and the system forms the electrical return without a hard-wired plug connection by using capacitive electrical connection structures.
A return conductor is configured for forming a capacitive electrical connection with the conductive element of the return electrode. The return conductor carries the electrical current from the return electrode to an electrical power generator or a common ground, and the capacitive connection is positioned and maintained based on mechanical and structural configurations described in the document.
The document further describes return electrode and return conductor configurations that enable repositionability or orientation flexibility of the capacitive connection anywhere on the return electrode. It also describes structural and material/layer design considerations affecting capacitive coupling and self-limiting return electrode behavior, including magnetic coupling, spring-biased clips, removable adhesives, and hook-and-loop material configurations.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims, sharing the core concept of a plug-free return electrode with a completely encapsulated conductive element and a return conductor forming a capacitive electrical connection to carry current to an electrical power generator or common ground. The main differences among the independent claims relate to the inclusion of an electrical power generator and return cable, and additional structural details such as pad geometry, return conductor structure, and selective securing features.
Capacitive plug-free return electrode with encapsulated conductive element
An electrosurgical system comprising a return electrode with a conductive element completely encompassed by one or more non-conductive or insulative pads, the return electrode being configured to draw electrical current from a surgical electrode; and a return conductor configured for forming a capacitive electrical connection with the conductive element, the return conductor being configured to carry the electrical current from the return electrode to an electrical power generator or a common ground, wherein the return electrode is devoid of an external electric plug.
Capacitive plug-free return cable and capacitive connection to encapsulated conductive element
An electrosurgical system comprising an electrical power generator; a surgical electrode electrically connectable to the electrical power generator; a return electrode comprising a conductive element completely encompassed by one or more non-conductive or insulative pads, the return electrode being configured to draw electrical current from the surgical electrode, the return electrode being devoid of an external electric plug; a return cable configured to carry electrical current from the return electrode to the electrical power generator or a common ground; and a return conductor configured to form a capacitive connection between the return cable and the conductive element of the return electrode.
Upper and lower encapsulating pads with conductive plate return conductor removably secured to maintain capacitive connection
An electrosurgical system comprising a return electrode configured to draw electrical current from a surgical electrode, comprising an upper pad, a lower pad, and a conductive element disposed between the upper and lower pads, wherein the upper and lower pads extend beyond an outer perimeter of the conductive element such that the conductive element is completely encompassed by the pads, the return electrode is devoid of an external electric plug; a return conductor comprising a conductive plate, the return conductor being configured to be removably secured to the return electrode such that the conductive plate is capacitively connected to the conductive element of the return electrode to carry the electrical current from the return electrode to an electrical power generator or a common ground; and one or more attachment features configured to selectively secure the return conductor to the return electrode in a manner that maintains the capacitive connection between the return conductor and the return electrode.
Across the independent claims, the shared inventive concept is a return electrode with an encapsulated conductive element and no external electric plug, with current return achieved via a return conductor that forms a capacitive electrical connection to the encapsulated conductive element and carries electrical current to an electrical power generator or common ground. Additional claim coverage specifies an electrosurgical system including a return cable and power generator, and further structural details such as upper/lower pad geometry and a removably secured conductive plate return conductor with attachment features that maintain the capacitive connection.
Stated Advantages
Reduced short-circuit risk from fluids in the connection area.
Improved cleaning and sterilization because there are no hard-to-reach plug contours.
Reduced corrosion and wear of exposed contacts.
Repositionability or orientation flexibility of the capacitive connection anywhere on the return electrode.
Documented Applications
Use in an electrosurgical system, including monopolar electrosurgery, where the return electrode draws current from a surgical electrode and returns current to an electrical power generator or common ground.
Integration with an operating table, including embodiments where a return conductor is integrally formed with a top surface of an operating table.
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