Pressure sore pad having self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode properties and optional heating/cooling capabilities
US6544258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/908
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-limiting electrosurgical electrode for use with electrosurgery and various other surgical procedures. The electrode can include a pad and a conductive element that collectively has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the electrode arises from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof of both the pad and the conductive element. 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. Additionally, the selection of materials and electrode geometries can prevent the creation of pressure sore or decubitus ulcers on a patient resting upon the electrode. Further, alternate configurations of the electrosurgical electrode can heat and/or cool a patient during the performance of a surgical procedure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.