Patent ID: 8226640
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An electrosurgical apparatus for use with an electrosurgical generator comprising: a housing including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the shaft configured to be releasably engageable with the housing; an active electrode having a tip and being adapted for coupling to said electrosurgical generator and extending through the shaft for effecting at the tip thereof an electrosurgical procedure; a first sensor disposed within the distal end of the shaft and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at a distal end of the active electrode; a second sensor disposed within the proximal end of the shaft and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at a proximal end of the active electrode; and a differential device coupled to the first and second sensors for receiving the first and second signals and determining a difference value of the first and second signal, the difference value being indicative of leakage of current within the shaft.