Importance

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Abstract

A biomedical return electrode for electrosurgery or radiofrequency (RF), a biomedical electrode pad (100), a system (300), and a method of treating tissue using a biomedical return electrode are disclosed. The biomedical return electrode comprises an electrode conductor (114) for receiving electrical energy from tissue via a return path, and a thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) layer (116) coupled to the conductor (114). The TLC layer (116) changes color at one or more sites dependent upon the conductor temperature at each site. The TLC layer (116) changes color in a predetermined range of temperatures from about 40.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C. to alert an operator about the risk of a burn occurring. The biomedical electrode pad (100) comprises at least one such biomedical return electrode and a conductive body (112) to form a contact with tissue. The system (300) comprises an apparatus for delivering electrical energy to tissue and such a biomedical electrode pad (100). The system (300) may optionally comprise a color sensor (340) for viewing the pad (100) and monitoring equipment for remotely observing the pad (100).

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First Claim