Importance

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Abstract

An active electrode switches from a monopolar mode extending from a handpiece and a patient return to a bipolar mode with the active and return electrodes extending. An active lead selectively connects the active output and the active electrode. A return lead selectively connects the return electrode and the return output in the monopolar mode or the return terminal when in the bipolar mode. Terminals connect with wiring to the electrodes to complete the circuit for the bipolar mode. One terminal is on the generator and one is in the handpiece to connect to the electrodes and complete the circuit for bipolar. The electrode has a control on the handpiece for the surgeon to change circuitry and to position the electrode for each mode. The return electrode in the monopolar mode is in the handpiece disconnected from its terminal. The return electrode connects to its terminal when extended from the handpiece but for monopolar a pair of patient pads connected to a monitoring circuit test continuity. A method of use has steps of switching the electrode from the monopolar to bipolar, providing the generator with outputs to the electrodes, having terminals for the electrodes when used for bipolar, including an active lead selectively in circuit between the active output and electrode and including a return lead selectively in circuit between the return electrode and output when monopolar or the terminal when bipolar.

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First Claim