Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for systems and methods for identifying characteristics of a return pad in a monopolar electrosurgical system using contact quality monitoring (CQM) and near field communication (NFC) signals. In some aspects, resistance or impedance materials are sensed that may help identify what kind of return pad is being used, including what is the structure of the pad. In some aspects, NFC signals are used to identify characteristics of the return pad. In some aspects, the grounding or return pad may include two separate materials that form an interconnecting or interwoven mesh and both act as non-active electrodes when both contact the patient. A non-zero impedance may separate conductive lines connecting the two separate materials that may be analyzed to obtain a defining signature about that is linked to structural characteristics about the return pad.

Abstract: Methods for detecting tubing in a pump assembly of a pump system are provided. For example, a method comprises connecting a power supply to each of a plurality of pump motors of the pump system. Each pump motor of the plurality of pump motors has a power supply cable configured to connect to the power supply and drives a pump head of a plurality of pump heads of the pump system. The method also comprises sensing a motor current from each of the power supply cables, determining whether tubing is loaded in each pump head, and, if tubing is not loaded in a pump head, then disconnecting from the power supply the power supply cable of the pump motor associated with the pump head in which tubing is not loaded. Systems for detecting the presence of tubing within a pump head of a plurality of pump heads also are provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are directed to controlling distribution of electrical energy moving from an ablation electrode at a treatment site within a patient to a plurality of return electrodes on skin of the patient. Control over the distribution of electrical energy moving from the ablation electrode to the plurality of return electrodes can reduce or eliminate the need for manual intervention (e.g., repositioning the plurality of return electrodes on the skin of the patient, repositioning the patient, etc.) to achieve a suitable distribution of the electrical energy. Additionally, or alternatively, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can respond rapidly and automatically to changes in distribution of the electrical energy to reduce the likelihood and magnitude of inadvertent changes in the distribution of electrical energy over the course of a medical procedure.

Abstract: A dual cooled radiofrequency ablation probe assembly optimized for treatment of a patient's knee joint includes at least two cooled radiofrequency ablation probes. Each cooled radiofrequency ablation probe includes an electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device for delivering electrical or radiofrequency treatment to the patient. The probe assembly further includes cooling fluid tubing for supplying the at least two cooled radiofrequency ablation probes with cooling fluid, and an electrical cable for supplying the at least two cooled radiofrequency ablation probes with electrical energy. The at least two probes are tethered together by the cooling fluid tubing and the electrical cable.

Abstract: During an ablation procedure, such as ablation of the left ventricle of the heart, thermal damage to adjacent structures is avoided by this method. An ultrasound probe is placed within the esophagus near the left atrium, or placed at other locations sufficiently close to the ablation site to image tissues to be protected from excessively high (or low) thermal energy during ablation. The ultrasound probe reflected signal gathered by a sensor thereof is analyzed. Using one or more algorithms, this signal analysis identifies changes in speed of sound of transmitted and received sound waves and correlates the speed of sound changes to changes in temperature of the associated tissues and the result is displayed. Such ultrasound thermometry is used to monitor temperature of tissues surrounding the ablation site to minimize potential for thermal damage thereto. The method also evaluates motion occurring near the ablation site, correcting for such motion.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including maintaining plasma proximate to an active electrode in a first energy range, and a second energy range. During periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include controlling flow of fluid drawn into an aperture of an electrosurgical wand, and in some situations increasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue, and in other cases decreasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue. Further, during periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include providing output energy at a default energy setpoint, and then providing output energy at a second energy setpoint.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes at least one sensor to measure at least one parameter associated with the instrument, at least one processor, and a memory operatively associated with the processor. The memory includes machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor the at least one sensor over a predetermined time period and determine a rate of change of the measured parameter.

Abstract: In electrically stimulating neural tissue it is important to prevent over stimulation and unbalanced stimulation, which would cause damage to the neural tissue, the electrode, or both. It is critical that neural tissue is not subjected to any direct current or alternating current above a safe threshold. Further, it is important to identify defective electrodes, as continued use may result in neural damage and further electrode damage. The present invention presents system and stimulator control mechanisms to prevent damage to neural tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system monitors and visually indicates a degree of contact between a return electrode and a patient's skin. The system includes an electrosurgical generator and a return pad. The return pad includes a return electrode, a lighting element, and a cable electrically and mechanically coupling the return electrode to the generator. The lighting element is configured to emit light based on the degree of contact between the return electrode and the patient's tissue (e.g., skin).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical systems and methods for controlling electrical treatment energy in connection with electrical arcs. A method in accordance with the present disclosure includes providing electrical treatment energy to an instrument based on an indicated electrical energy level, accessing voltage signal values over time relating to voltage of the electrical treatment energy and/or current signal values over time relating to current of the electrical treatment energy, determining whether an arc generated by the instrument is an arc to be maintained or an arc to be extinguished based on a threshold value and at least one of the voltage signal values or the current signal values, and controlling the electrical treatment energy based on determining that the arc is an arc to be extinguished.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with a protection device for protecting electronic circuitry, devices, and/or other components from induced currents and voltages generated during a cardiac ablation procedure. A system can include an ablation device near cardiac tissue of a heart. The system can further include a signal generator configured to generate a pulse waveform, where the signal generator coupled to the ablation device and configured to repeatedly deliver the pulse waveform to the ablation device in synchrony with a set of cardiac cycles of the heart. The system can further include a protection device configured to suppress induced current and voltage in an electronic device coupled to the protection device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for neuromonitoring, particularly neuromonitoring to reduce the risks of contacting or damaging nerves or causing patient discomfort during and after surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries. The neuromonitoring procedures include monitoring for the presence of or damage to sensory nerves, and optionally includes additional monitoring for motor nerves. In some systems, including systems that monitor for both sensory and motor nerves, components of the monitoring systems (e.g., stimulating electrodes and response sensors), may be combined with one or more surgical instruments. The systems, devices, and methods provide for pre-surgical assessment of neural anatomy and surgical planning, intraoperative monitoring of nerve condition, and post-operative assessment of nerve position and health.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes at least one sensor to measure at least one parameter associated with the instrument, at least one processor, and a memory operatively associated with the processor. The memory includes machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor the at least one sensor over a predetermined time period and determine a rate of change of the measured parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for return electrode monitoring are provided. The system includes an isolation circuit, a first controller, a second controller, and a detection circuit. The isolation circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first controller is coupled to the primary winding. The second controller and the detection circuit are coupled to the secondary winding. The detection circuit includes an interrogation signal circuit, a resonant tank filter, and a current-to-voltage converter. The interrogation signal circuit provides an interrogation signal to at least one electrode pad. The resonant tank filter filters a response signal received from the electrode pad. The current-to-voltage converter generates a voltage signal based on a current value of the response signal. The second controller generates a digital impedance value based on the voltage signal, and provides the digital impedance value to the first controller by way of the isolation circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomedical engineering and medical treatment of diseases and disorders. Methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders are provided. In embodiments, the methods comprise the delivery of high-frequency bursts of bipolar pulses to achieve the desired modality of cell death. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a device and method for destroying aberrant cells, including tumor tissues, using high-frequency, bipolar electrical pulses having a burst width on the order of microseconds and duration of single polarity on the microsecond to nanosecond scale. In embodiments, the methods rely on conventional electroporation with adjuvant drugs or irreversible electroporation to cause cell death in treated tumors. The invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors.

Abstract: In a plasma treatment system, a temperature detection section detecting a temperature of a perfusion layer of an electrically conductive solution is fixed to a treatment portion, and is located at a position to be immersed in the perfusion layer when a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion are immersed in the perfusion layer. In the plasma treatment system, a control section controls an adjustment of a temperature in a temperature adjustment unit and controls a supply volume and a suction volume of the electrically conductive solution on the basis of a detection result in the temperature detection section so that the temperature of the perfusion layer is within a target temperature range.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a current sensor configured to measure an AC current of a first conductor includes an outer coil having a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first and second portions are disposed about the first conductor passing through a center of the outer coil. The current sensor further includes an inner conductor disposed within the first and second portions of the outer coil and connected to each of the first and second portions of the outer coil.

Abstract: A high frequency electrosurgical power generator configured to produce electrical power at a frequency of about 1 to about 14 MHz and preferably having an essentially sinusoidal waveform with a voltage level up to 1,000 Vrms, and a current level up to 5 Amps. The output of the high frequency electrosurgical power generator is connected to an electrosurgical tool configured to receive the voltage and current produced by the electrosurgical power generator and deliver the voltage and current to an electrosurgical site. The output of the electrosurgical generator preferably is an essentially sinusoid waveform with a frequency between about 3 MHz and about 8 MHz, up to about 700 volts rms, up to about 2 amps, with a total power of up to 1,000 watts.

Abstract: A method of potential equalization monitoring includes connecting a plurality of electrical devices to a patient, electrically connecting each of the plurality of electrical devices to a common equipotential grounding hub, the equipotential grounding hub defining a ground, monitoring a flow of current to the ground from at least one of the plurality of electrical devices, detecting a change in the balance of electrical charge between the plurality of devices, and identifying a source of the change in the balance of electrical charge.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator configured to output radio frequency (RF) energy having a current-source type behavior is provided. The generator has a buck converter having a voltage source, at least one switch and an inductor. The generator also has an RF stage configured to output the RF energy. A sensor circuit configured to measure at least one parameter of the RF energy and a controller configured to receive the measured parameter from the sensor circuit and control the output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured parameter may also be provided in the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A control system for use with an electrosurgical generator which delivers electrosurgical energy to tissue has a control module. The module includes a processor executing an algorithm. The algorithm has the steps of determining a sensed voltage value corresponding to a sensed voltage signal output by the electrosurgical generator and determining a sensed current value corresponding to a sensed current signal output by the electrosurgical generator. The algorithm has the steps of determining phase information corresponding to a phase shift between the voltage signal and the current signal and determining a characteristic related to the electrosurgical energy delivered to the tissue using the phase information, the sensed voltage value and the sensed current value.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors are disclosed having angled tissue-contacting surfaces. The end effectors may have a first jaw member that is movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member may have a first positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. The second jaw member may have a second positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the jaw members may have at least one active electrode configured to deliver RF energy to tissue located between the first jaw member and the second jaw member when in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for determining a temperature and/or a temperature change at a neutral electrode having a contacting agent layer. The method comprises determining at least one impedance value of the contacting agent layer and calculating a temperature change and/or a temperature at the neutral electrode, at least on the basis of the impedance value. The contacting agent layers may be made from hydrogel and the method uses a correlation that exists between the temperature change and the impedance change.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the generation and control of energy delivery in a dosage to elicit a therapeutic response in diseased tissue. A balloon catheter can have electrodes attached to a power generator and controller such that the balloon and electrodes contact tissue during energy treatment. Energy selectively may be applied to tissue based on measured impedance to achieve gentle heating. Calibration of the apparatus and identification of attached accessories by computing the circuit impedance prior to energy dosage facilitate regulation of power delivery about a set point. Energy delivery can be controlled to achieve substantially uniform bulk tissue temperature distribution. Energy delivery may beneficially affect nerve activity.

Abstract: An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user.

Abstract: Supply units for providing a high-frequency RF voltage and an RF current to electrosurgical instruments so that they can be used for cutting and/or coagulating tissue, while providing regulation of the RF current and the RF voltage and providing a corresponding feedback for the treating physician. A supply unit includes an RF generator unit for generating the RF output voltage, a measuring unit for determining an electrical load while an RF output current is being applied, a signal unit for outputting a haptically perceivable (e.g., tactile) signal and a control unit that is in communicative connection at least with the measuring unit and the signal unit to activate the signal unit as a function of the electrical load.

Abstract: Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.

Abstract: A control unit controls delivery of RF energy generated by an RF generator to a medical device configured to perform a medical procedure. The control unit may be separate from the RF generator, and may have an input that may be attached to an output of the RF generator. The control unit includes switching circuitry that is closed while an amount of RF energy is transmitted through the control unit to the medical device. The switching circuitry opens when the amount of RF energy reaches a threshold level.

Abstract: A capsulorhexis apparatus includes a capsulorhexis probe configured for insertion into an eye through an incision and a pulse generator configured to deliver at least one radio-frequency (RF) pulse to the capsulorhexis probe. The delivered RF pulse has a pre-determined attenuation profile such that the power level of the delivered RF pulse is substantially attenuated over the RF pulse's duration. In some embodiments, the pulse generator is configured to deliver a series of two or more RF pulses to the eye, such that the energy of each of the second and subsequent pulses of the series is substantially attenuated relative to the energy of the immediately preceding pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure calibrate impedance loss model parameters associated with an electrosurgical system having no external cabling or having external cabling with a fixed or known reactance, and obtain accurate electrical measurements of a tissue site by compensating for impedance losses associated with the transmission line of an electrosurgical device using the calibrated impedance loss model parameters. A computer system stores voltage and current sensor data for a range of different test loads and calculates sensed impedance values for each test load. The computer system then predicts a phase value for each load using each respective load impedance value. The computer system back calculates impedance loss model parameters including a source impedance parameter and a leakage impedance parameter based upon the voltage and current sensor data, the predicted phase values, and the impedance values of the test loads.

Abstract: A microwave apparatus comprises a microwave source for providing a microwave signal, connectable to a load; control means configured in operation to vary over a frequency range a frequency of the microwave signal provided by the source; a microwave detector for performing microwave measurements, arranged to receive reflections from and/or transmissions to the load in operation and to perform a plurality of measurements, each measurement corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of different frequencies of the frequency range; and means for determining from the plurality of measurements a measure of reflection and/or a measure of transmission.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a planar electrode which includes two equally sized electrode surfaces. The equally sized electrode surfaces are electrically separated along a linear insulation zone and adjoin directly along an inner edge portion. The two equally sized electrode surfaces include, respectively, a band-shaped extension section, which encloses the other electrode surface along its outer edge portion and thereby is separated by the extended insulation zone from the respectively enclosed electrode surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spacer, configured to position microwave energy delivery devices, including a housing, with a housing body and a compression body, and at least one compression mechanism. The housing body forms a housing body cavity and a plurality of housing device apertures. The compression body forms a plurality of compression body apertures that each correspond to a housing device aperture. The compression body slideably engages the housing body cavity and at least a portion of the compression body is positioned within the compression body cavity. A compression mechanism is positioned between the housing body and the compression body and configured to provide a biasing force between the housing body and the compression body. In a first position the housing device apertures are misaligned with the compression body apertures and in the second position the housing apertures are aligned with the compression body apertures forming a plurality of aligned apertures.

Abstract: A surgical introducer including a body portion, a shaft and a sensor is disclosed. The body portion includes a reference indicator. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and is positionable adjacent the body portion. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the body portion and includes a longitudinal indicator and a circumferential indicator. The sensor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the shaft and is adapted to provide physiological data pertaining to a surgical worksite. At least a portion of the sensor is substantially aligned with the circumferential indicator. Rotation of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the circumferential indicator and the reference indicator. Longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the longitudinal indicator and the reference indicator.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.

Abstract: The systems and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide optimal tissue effect during an electrosurgical procedure. A system and method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is provided including sensing an impedance of target tissue; generating electrosurgical energy in a first phase at a first power level until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a first threshold impedance; generating a plurality of pulses of electrosurgical energy in a second phase at a second power level, each pulse being generated until the sensed impedance of the target tissue is greater than a second threshold impedance set for that pulse; and generating at least one high-voltage pulse in a third phase at a third power level for a predetermined duration to divide the target tissue.

Abstract: Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.

Abstract: A system for determining probability of tissue damage includes a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to an electrosurgical generator configured to generate an electrosurgical current. The system also includes a current monitor and a switching component connected in series with each of the plurality of the return electrodes. The current monitor is configured to measure the electrosurgical current passing therethrough. The system further includes a processor coupled to each of the current monitors and the switching components. The processor is configured to determine the balance of a current load among the plurality of the return electrodes and configured to control each of the switching components to adjust the current passing through each of the return electrodes to balance the current load.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical electrode for use with electrosurgery and various other surgical procedures is disclosed. The electrode includes a heating element for generating heat to warm a patient resting upon the electrode. The electrode can also include one or more pads to prevent the creation of pressure sores or decubitus ulcers on a patient resting upon the electrode. The electrode has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm, which arises from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. Through the selection of the impedance characteristics for the electrode materials, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma.

Abstract: The invention concerns an HF-surgery device for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue and a method for same, which in operation monitors the patient skin contact of a connected neutral electrode having at least two separate contact surfaces. The HF-surgery device includes at least one parallel resonant circuit arranged in a patient circuit, at least one measurement energy source arranged in a measurement circuit galvanically separated from the patient circuit for producing a measurement voltage/current acting between the contact surfaces of the neutral electrode, and at least one measuring and computing unit which in operation determines by means of the measurement voltage/current a tissue impedance which is representative of the patient skin contact and which acts between the contact surfaces. An HF-current flows in the patient circuit which is closed in the cutting or coagulation operation and the measurement voltage which is independent of the HF-current can be produced in the measurement circuit.

Abstract: An internal indifferent electrode device including a flexible shaft, an energy transmission device adapted to be inserted into the body supported on the shaft, and a connector adapted to mate with the power return connector of a power supply apparatus.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a multimode electrosurgical system having an electrosurgical instrument with a first electrode configuration that operates in a bipolar mode and second electrode configuration that operates in a monopolar mode. In other embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to an instrument and system that provide multiple modes of surgical and/or therapeutic treatments, at least one being an electrosurgical mode of treatment, the instrument including at least one active electrode on a working portion, and the working portion including or supporting at least one non-electrosurgical functional element, the instrument including at least one operational return electrode configuration of selectively variable surface area.

Abstract: In a multi-electrode ablation system, method, and controller, the controller is configured to measure a first current through a common return path when a first voltage is applied by a power supply to a first electrode of a plurality of electrodes, measure a second current through the common return path when a second voltage is applied by the power supply to a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes, measure a third current through the common return path when a third voltage is applied by the power supply concurrently to the first electrode and the second electrode, and determine a common path impedance based at least in part on the first voltage and the first current, the second voltage and the second current, and the third voltage and the third current.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring electrosurgical systems are disclosed. In one variation, an electrosurgical monitoring apparatus includes at least two monitoring channels. Each of the monitoring channels in this embodiment are configured to monitor fault current between at least two separate conductive components of an electrosurgical system, and the at least two monitoring channels are each configured to send a control signal so as to control an application of power to an electrosurgical device responsive to the fault currents.

Abstract: A temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system for use in monopolar surgery, includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed on its surface. The PTC material responds to local increases in temperature by increasing local resistance. This quality decreases the probability of a patient burn as a result of monopolar surgery. The return electrode monitoring system includes a generator for generating current; an active electrode coupled to the generator for supplying the current to a patient; and a return electrode coupled to the generator with a surface for receiving the current from the patient and returning the current to the generator. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is disposed on the return electrode for regulating the temperature over the surface of the return electrode.

Abstract: A system for determining probability of tissue damage is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to an electrosurgical generator configured to generate an electrosurgical current. The system also includes a current monitor and a switching component connected in series with each of the plurality of the return electrodes. The current monitor being configured to measure the electrosurgical current passing therethrough. The system further includes a processor coupled to each of the current monitors and the switching components. The processor is configured to determine the balance of a current load among the plurality of the return electrodes and configured to control each of the switching components to adjust the current passing through each of the return electrodes to balance the current load.

Abstract: A coded neutral electrode including at least two electrodes electrically insulated from each other and having active surfaces for application to a skin segment of a patient, and a cover film, having a known electrical resistance, removably attached to the active surfaces in such a way that the active surfaces are electrically connected to each other by means of the cover film, and an electrosurgical apparatus for use with the coded neutral electrode and methods of production and use of the coded neutral electrode.