A relatively new type of electrosurgical return electrode has become available. It uses capacitive coupling to return electrosurgical energy used for cutting and coagulating of tissue to an electrosurgical unit from the surgical site on a patient. The return electrode is designed to disperse the electrosurgical current over its large surface area and to eliminate high-current densities in the electrosurgical current return path, which can cause a patient burn. This electrode is unique because of its large size (almost 2 feet by 3 feet) and is designed to be reused many times. The electrode consists of a large sheet of conductive fabric that is covered by a urethane insulating material. Because this device is reusable, it likely will be exposed many times to sharp objects and other abuse in the operating room over its expected useful life. If penetrated by sharp objects or otherwise damaged, the conductive fabric could be directly exposed to the patient's skin, at which point electrosurgical current could concentrate and cause serious burns. This product, therefore must be resistant to tearing and other damage that might occur during normal use in the operating room (ECRI, 2000a).
Jinhua Huacheng Medical Appliance Co.,Ltd.
Manufactuer of disposable medical products: Electrosurgical pencil,grounding plate,skin stapler and ECG electrode
