Patent ID: 7938825
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for adaptive impedance monitoring of at least two patient return pads configured for contacting a patient and transmitting electrosurgical energy back to an electrosurgical generator, the method comprising the steps of: generating operating currents for the at least two patient return pads; tuning first and second resonant circuits in operative communication with the electrosurgical generator to respective first and second frequencies, the first and second resonant circuits responsive to the operating currents for producing a signal as a function of an instantaneous impedance between the at least two patient return pads; selecting a desired impedance range having a lower limit and an upper limit; recording the instantaneous impedance value; determining whether the instantaneous impedance is within the impedance range; updating the upper limit as a function of the instantaneous impedance value according to the determination of the determining step; and monitoring the impedance of the at least one patient return pad to determine if the impedance is between the lower limit and the updated upper limit.