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Electrosurgery The use of high frequency electrical current through
tissue to create a desired clinical effect (cutting or
coagulating).
Electrosurgical Circuit A closed path through which an electric current is
caused to flow by application of a voltage between
the active and return terminals of an electrosurgical
generator.
Impedance The opposition to the flow of electric current
through conductors, resistors, capacitors or
inductors, measured in ohms. An ohm is the
voltage differential across a circuit segment which
results from the passage of one ampere of current.
Insulation Failure The condition that occurs when the insulation
barrier around an electrical conductor is breached.
As a result, current may travel outside the intended
circuit.
Isolated Output The output of an electrosurgical generator that is
not referenced to earth (ground).
Monopolar Electrosurgery A surgical procedure that directs current from the
surgical site through the patient’s body and back to
the generator with the use of a patient return
electrode.
Patient Return Electrode A plate or pad that recovers the therapeutic current
from the patient in a low density format and safely
returns it to the electrosurgical generator. Also
known as dispersive electrode, neutral electrode,
grounding pad, split plate electrode, monitoring
electrode, and gel pad.
Resistance The opposition to the flow of electric current
through a conductor or resistor, measured in ohms.
Resistance is a special case of impedance.
Return Electrode Contact A system that actively monitors tissue impedance
Quality Monitoring (RECQM) between the patient’s body and the patient return
electrode and interrupts the power if the quality of
the contact is compromised.
Voltage The force that pushes electric current through an
impedance; electromotive force or potential
difference expressed in volts. One volt is the force
necessary to push one ampere through an
impedance of one ohm. It is also the potential
difference created by the passage on one ampere
through an impedance of one ohm.
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