In the ESU, which component delivers the electrical current to tissue?

In the ESU, which component delivers the electrical current to tissue?

• A. Active Electrode
• B. Generator
• C. Foot Pad
• D. Patient Return Electrode

Answer: (A)

The active electrode is the part that delivers energy to tissue. It is the surgical instrument tip that actually contacts the tissue, causing heating for cutting or coagulation when energy flows through it. The energy originates in the generator, but it only reaches the tissue through the active electrode. The patient return electrode (dispersive pad) completes the circuit by carrying current back to the generator, ensuring safe distribution of current, and the foot pedal simply activates energy delivery rather than delivering it itself.

The active electrode is the part that delivers energy to tissue. It is the surgical instrument tip that actually contacts the tissue, causing heating for cutting or coagulation when energy flows through it. The energy originates in the generator, but it only reaches the tissue through the active electrode. The patient return electrode (dispersive pad) completes the circuit by carrying current back to the generator, ensuring safe distribution of current, and the foot pedal simply activates energy delivery rather than delivering it itself.