An intelligent electrode device for monitoring use of an electrosurgical electrode. An example intelligent electrode includes an electrosurgical electrode (monopolar or bipolar), and a tracking element to communicate electrode parameters to an RF generator or other controller and track the use of the electrosurgical electrode. A shroud houses the electrosurgical electrode and the tracking element. A mechanical interconnect attaches the shroud to a pen. An electrical connector provides electrical power from the pen to the electrosurgical electrode.
