#$%^&*AU2013206385A120130711.pdf#####5 ABSTRACT An electrosurgical return electrode (6) is disclosed. The return electrode includes a return electrode pad (30) having a patient-contacting surface (32) configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a material layer (76) disposed on the return electrode pad (30), the material layer (76) 0 including at least one switching element (78) having at least one switch component (e.g., 77, 79) formed from a shape memory material that transitions from an austensitic state to a martenistic state upon a change in temperature to actuate the at least one switch component (e.g., 77, 79) of the at least one switching element (78).
