The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 23, 2003
Filed:
Sep. 09, 2002
Richard P. Fleenor, Englewood, CO (US);
David B. Kieda, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
James D. Isaacson, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
Megadyne Medical Products, Inc., Draper, UT (US);
Abstract
A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgery. Through selection of impedance characteristics for the materials of the principal body of the electrode, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise to prevent patient trauma. The return electrode includes a sheet of material having an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000&OHgr;.cm and one or more connectors for making electrical connection to the sheet. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. Configuration of the return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery. Through employment of washable surface areas, the electrode is made readily cleanable, disinfectable, sterilizable, and reusable. An optional sleeve is provided for cooperative use with the electrode.