Auxiliary reference electrode and potential referencing technique for

Abstract

Non-insulated surgical instruments are referenced to the electrical potential of a patient during minimally invasive electrosurgery to prevent unintentional patient burns, should the surgical instruments become accidentally energized during the electrosurgical procedure. An auxiliary safety electrode separate from the primary return electrode is attached to the patient at a location separate from the attachment point of the primary return electrode. Each non-insulated surgical instrument is preferably attached to the auxiliary electrode by a separate electrical conductor. The electrical conductor transfers to the auxiliary electrode any electrical energy which is accidentally applied to the instrument during the course of the electrosurgical procedure. The size of the auxiliary electrode is sufficient to safely disperse the electrical charge without burning the patient. When used with conductive cannulas, the electrical conductor is attached between the metal cannula and the auxiliary electrode to dissipate any electrical energy unintentionally transferred to the metal cannula. The auxiliary electrode does not interfere with the operation of a split return electrode or any contact quality monitoring system which monitors the integrity of the contact between the primary return electrode and the patient.