#$%^&*AU2006201356B220120607.pdf#####ABSTRACT TEMPERATURE REGULATING PATIENT RETURN ELECTRODE AND RETURN ELECTRODE MONITORING SYSTEM 5 A temperature regulating patient return electrode (50) and return electrode monitoring system for use in monopolar surgery, includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed on its surface. The PTC material responds to local increases in temperature by increasing local resistance. This quality decreases the 10 probability of a patient (20) burn as a result of monopolar surgery. The return electrode monitoring system includes a generator (14) for generating current an active electrode coupled to the generator for supplying the current to a patient and a return electrode coupled to the generator with a surface for receiving the current from the patient and returning the current to the generator. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is is disposed on the return electrode for regulating the temperature over the surface of the return electrode.117 10 -16 12-\ 20 5 GENERATOR 14 1-----------
