Method and apparatus for monitoring the surface contact of a neutral electrode of a HF-surgical apparatus
US4754757A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/908
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The HF-current generator of an electrosurgical apparatus has one terminal connected to an active electrode and an additional terminal connected to a neutral electrode. The neutral electrode consists of at least two partial electrodes which are individually connected via connecting leads to respective current meters for measuing the partial currents in the respective connecting leads. The output side of the current meters are connected to a logic element that is provided for combining the partial currents and which provides a logic signal that is a function of their combination. A ratio generator is preferably provided as the logic element to develop a logic signal that is a function of the ratio of the partial currents. A comparator for comparing the logic signal with pre-set limit value is associated with the logic element. The output signal of the comparator is used as an alarm signal to actuate an alarm or a protective means for a patient in contact with the neutral electrode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.