A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgical procedures is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive element and pads disposed on opposing sides of the conductive element. The conductive element, optionally in combination with the pads, is configured to limit the density of electrical current that passes from a patient to the return electrode. The conductive element and the pads can cooperate to define two separate working surfaces on opposing sides of the return electrode. The return electrode can also be safely used with patients of substantially any size and without requiring adjustments to the power settings of an electrosurgical generator.本發明係揭露一種可應用於電手術程序之自限制電手術之迴路電極。該迴路電極係包含一導電元件及設於該導電元件之相對側之複數墊片。該導電元件(視需要與該墊片組合)係用以限制自該病患至該迴路電極所通過之電流密度。該導電元件及墊片可共同定義位於該迴路電極之相對側之兩個分開的工作表面。該迴路電極可安全地應用於實質上任何尺寸之病患，且毋須調整電手術發電機之電源設定。
