An electrosurgical system includes a generator, a delivery device, a returndevice, anda return electrode monitor (REM). The delivery device is in electricalcommunication withthe generator and has a delivery electrode configured to deliverelectrosurgical energy totissue. The return device has a first jaw member including a first returnelectrode and asecond jaw member including a second return electrode. The first and secondjaw membersare configured to capture tissue between the first and second returnelectrodes. The REM isdisposed within the generator and is in electrical communication with thefirst and secondreturn electrodes to return electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue to thegenerator. TheREM is configured to determine a size of a return contact area of the firstand second returnelectrodes with tissue to prevent delivery of electrosurgical energy from thegenerator totissue when the size of the return contact are is below a threshold size.
