Abstract: A surgical safety system for use in connection with a powered surgical instrument can be a standalone device or can be incorporated into existing electrosurgical instruments and generators. The system employs a controller connected to one or more sensors that are monitoring an aspect of a patient undergoing surgery. The controller is also in electrical communication with the powered surgical instrument and is configured to disable the instrument if movement or impending movement is detected.

Abstract: A surgical safety device for use in connection with a powered surgical instrument has a controller in electrical communication with a powered surgical instrument. The controller is connected to sensors that can provide information to allow the controller to determine that a patient's limb is about to move or has started to move unexpectedly. Upon making this determination, the controller can shut off the powered surgical instrument so that the patient is not injured.