Patent ID: 7766905

Claim:
A continuity test circuit assembly for testing electrical continuity between an electrosurgical generator generating electrosurgical energy and an electrode of at least one electrode of an electrosurgical instrument for receiving the electrosurgical energy and delivering the electrosurgical energy to tissue, the continuity test circuit assembly comprising: a first conductor coupling the electrode to the electrosurgical generator; at least one second conductor in electrical communication with a test power source and with the electrode for forming a test path, said test power source configured to selectively provide electrical test energy; energy detection circuitry positioned along the test path for detecting a flow of the test energy through the test path for determining continuity status; switching circuitry positioned along the test path for selectively closing or opening the test path for enabling the flow of the test energy through the test path; a control module configured to activate the switching circuitry to control the flow of the test energy through the test path; and a detector which detects at least one predetermined condition, and wherein the control module generates a signal to automatically activate the switching circuitry upon detection of the at least one predetermined condition by the detector such that the switching circuitry opens or closes the test path upon activation by the signal generated by the control module.